Interested in spending some time abroad during your studies?

Studying abroad for one or two semesters improves your subject knowledge and language skills and gives you the opportunity to gain intercultural experience. In addition, you will acquire specific professional competences for the global job market.

Before going abroad for one or two semesters, you should start studying in Germany. We recommend that you only go abroad once you have gained an overview of your subject area, for example after you have completed the orientation phase. It is also possible to continue your studies or do a postgraduate course abroad after graduating from a German university.

You should think about what countries are of interest to you personally and in terms of your degree subject. You should also have the necessary language skills to be able to take part in the classes. You might need to attend a refresher language course in order to pass the required language tests.

Your choice of destination also depends on the type of higher education institution and structure of the degree programs. Also look into whether your German higher education entrance qualifications will be accepted abroad and whether the courses and examinations you take there can be recognized in Germany.

It is important to prepare your studies abroad carefully and far enough in advance. Start planning your stay abroad at least a year beforehand!

It can be very expensive to study abroad. In addition to living and travel expenses, you often also have to allow for paying tuition fees and taking out extra health insurance.

There are various scholarships and exchange programs that enable you to go abroad without huge expense. The International Office is happy to advise you on funding opportunities!

After you have requested the application forms from your chosen university, please make sure to submit everything in the required form and within the deadline.

At the same time, you need to arrange financing for your studies abroad. This means that you must have read up on the higher education system of the host country, its degree programs and admissions procedures. The DAAD's website detailing specific country information is very helpful.

There is a variety of organizations that will arrange a place for you at a university abroad if your scholarship application is successful. This is the case with some DAAD programs and also, for example, with the Fulbright Commission (USA scholarships). However, most scholarship programs require you to prepare your stay abroad yourself.

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt awards scholarships to students wishing to spend part of their studies abroad. Funding is provided by the PROMOS program run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The following are eligible for funding:

• semester scholarships for studying at partner universities worldwide (except ERASMUS partner universities)
• study trips abroad for groups of students (in this case, the application is made by lecturers of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt)
• travel allowances for work placements outside Europe

Applications:

• application form and recommendation from one of your professors
• letter of motivation describing your plans for your stay abroad (approx. 1 page A4)
• CV (also mentioning extra-curricular activities)
• grade transcript including total grade average
• proof of language skills required in the country of destination
• confirmation from the partner university or host organization for your work placement abroad (can also be submitted at a later date) 

All application documents have to be submitted in writing to the International Office.

Application deadlines: 

• t.b.a. for Summer Semester 2025
• t.b.a. for Winter Semester 2025/26

Regardless of whether you want to do a work placement or study abroad, the European Union promotes the academic mobility of students and teachers to other European countries and neighbouring countries. ERASMUS+ gives students the opportunity to study in another country inside or outside the EU. Funding is available for students at any stage of their studies (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) for a period of study of between two and twelve months.

Prerequisites:

• regular enrolment at FH Erfurt
• period of study at a partner university with which FH Erfurt has concluded an ERASMUS cooperation agreement

Leistungen:

• mobility grant towards the additional costs incurred abroad
• exemption from tuition fees at the host university
• assistance in preparing for your stay abroad
• academic recognition of the courses and exams taken abroad
• extra grants for students with special needs and for sustainable travel

We will be happy to advise you on funding opportunities and support you with your application. You can find detailed information on ERASMUS+ online.

Studying abroad with a child

Students who have children can apply for an additional monthly flat-rate allowance. For more details, see here.

Studying abroad with a disability or chronic illness

Students who have a disability or chronic illness and are funded through ERASMUS+ can apply for extra grants. Click here for more information.

Studying abroad for student who are employed

Students who are already working and cannot continue to work during their ERASMUS+ stay abroad can apply for a special grant. All further information can be found here.

The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt awards scholarships to students wishing to spend part of their studies abroad. Funding is provided by the PROMOS program run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The following are eligible for funding:

• semester scholarships for studying at partner universities worldwide (except ERASMUS partner universities)
• study trips abroad for groups of students (in this case, the application is made by lecturers of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt)
• travel allowances for work placements outside Europe

Applications:

• application form and recommendation from one of your professors
• letter of motivation describing your plans for your stay abroad (approx. 1 page A4)
• CV (also mentioning extra-curricular activities)
• grade transcript including total grade average
• proof of language skills required in the country of destination
• confirmation from the partner university or host organization for your work placement abroad (can also be submitted at a later date) 

All application documents have to be submitted in writing to the International Office.

Application deadlines: 

• 31 January 2023 for Summer Semester 2023
• 26 June 2023 for Winter Semester 2023/24

ERASMUS+ offers funding for compulsory placements and study-related voluntary internships in companies, social institutions, etc. in the participating EU countries for students in all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs.

The work placement must last at least two complete months, and funding can be provided for a maximum of 12 months. Graduates can also receive funding if they apply during their final year of study.

Students at the University of Applied Sciences can apply for ERASMUS+ funding through the "EU-Praktikum Thüringen" office. 

You will receive further support from the International Office at FH Erfurt.

ASA is a global exchange program for developmental learning aimed at students and young professionals between 21 and 30. ASA offers scholarships for 3-month periods of work or study in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Southeast Europe.

You can obtain the application forms from us or at www.asa-programm.de.

IAESTE runs an international internship exchange for students of engineering and natural sciences, agriculture and forestry around the world. IAESTE helps students to find suitable placements abroad. The duration of the placement is usually between 2 and 3 onths. Participating students must have completed the orientation phase of their degree course.

Funding is available for work placements undertaken as part of a university degree program.

For more information, see:

BAföG im Ausland (Deutsches Studentenwerk)
BAföG Informationen beim Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
www.auslandsbafoeg.de