No, many programs are offered in English. However, a basic understanding of the local language is always beneficial.. You will find the language requirements with the respective program sites:

• Worldwide
• Erasmus+
• Faculty programs

Our advice: Take care of the required language certificate in time.

This can vary, from a summer course to an academic year. KU students usually study at a host university for one semester. Free movers can also study abroad for longer periods of time.

Requirements vary depending on the desired program, but often include a certain grade point average as well as a certain number of ECTS credits achieved and language proficiency. You can find all information on the respective program sites:

• Worldwide
• Erasmus+
• Faculty programs

No, the KU does not impose age restrictions for participation in its exchange programs. Please note, however, that some scholarship providers or even the “Auslands-BAföG” may set age limits.

Many host universities offer assistance in finding housing and in some cases even reserve special dorm spaces for exchange students. While some universities reserve a fixed place in the dormitory for you, others give you free choice. In certain regions, such as Latin America, it is also common to stay with host families. Regardless of your choice of accommodation, you should always be careful and beware of fraud. Refer to the host university's information and recommendations to be on the safe side. Here again, it is also helpful to read the testimonials of former exchange students.

This depends on the visa requirements of the host country. Please make sure you inform yourself in advance!

The costs of studying abroad can vary greatly. While Erasmus+ programs offer guaranteed funding, worldwide and faculty-led programs offer scholarships but funding through these is not guaranteed. In addition, the costs of living in the respective host country plays an important role in financial planning. We therefore recommend that you prepare a detailed financial plan at an early stage and to research other financing options on your own responsibility.

For further information look at the website on Funding.

There are numerous scholarships available, both from our University and from external organizations.

For further information look at the website on Funding.

Usually yes, but it is important to clarify this before your stay abroad.

For further information look at the website on Academic Recognition

This depends on your citizenship as well as the host country. Requirements may vary. Please make sure you inform yourself in good time.

In the event of an illness or emergency, it is important to be well prepared. Therefore, we recommend that you take out comprehensive travel health insurance before you leave. In addition, the International Office of the host university usually provides emergency numbers that you can contact in case of need.

The application process for a semester abroad typically starts with careful planning and research. First of all, consider which country and which type of university - large or small - is right for you. Use the extensive information available on our website as an initial guide.

In addition, we recommend attending our information events that will provide you with a comprehensive overview of all relevant topics.

A personal counseling session at the International Office can provide further guidance and clarify any questions you may have.
Be sure to keep in mind the application deadlines for each exchange program to make the most of all opportunities.

You can find all information on the respective program sites:

• Worldwide
• Erasmus
• Faculty programs

It depends on your degree program. We recommend a semester abroad in the 5th semester for Bachelor’s students and in the 3rd semester for Master’s students. However, there are other time slots that may be appropriate depending on your course of study and personal preferences. Please make sure to neatly integrate your stay abroad in your study plan and program structure and check the possibilities for accreditation of the achievements gained abroad.

Of course, Master's students can also benefit from our exchange programs. However, it is important to note that some of our partner universities have a different academic system. In such cases, you may need to take undergraduate courses from the 5th and 6th years of study to fulfill your Master's program requirements. Therefore, please inform yourself in advance in detail about the course structures at the host university and discuss your course selection with the program coordinator.

We cooperate with universities in countries that are classified as safe. Nevertheless, it is your own responsibility to additionally inform yourself about the current security situation. We strongly recommend to consult the travel and security advice of the German Foreign Office and to register in the ELEFAND list so that the German Embassy can reach you in case of emergency.

Both is possible. We have partner universities for our exchange programs, but you can also go abroad as a free mover.

Some universities offer special support for student parents. There is also a social top up in the Erasmus+ program for students who take their child(ren) abroad.

During our exchange programs, it is unfortunately not possible to work exclusively on your final thesis, as a minimum number of credits must be achieved through course enrollment. However, there are alternative ways to organize research stays abroad that focus specifically on your final thesis. We will be happy to advise you about such possibilities.

This varies from country to country. A medical check before departure is recommended

In such a case, please contact the International Office as soon as possible to coordinate the next steps.