Exchange Students

You would like to spend one or two semesters as an exchange student in Germany? Then pack your bags and come to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA)! As an exchange student, you’ll study at THA, gain new perspectives, and explore Augsburg. On this page, you’ll find all the important information you need for your stay, from applying to arriving.

Your time at THA begins with the Welcome and Orientation Week. For the winter semester, you’ll arrive in Augsburg between September 15 and 30; for the summer semester, between March 1 and 14. During this time, you’ll get to know the university, your campus, and your faculty. You’ll receive important information to help you get started with your studies, set up your THA user account, and take care of some initial administrative tasks. You’ll also get to know Augsburg right away: a guided city tour will give you a first impression of your new home. You can also take part in a German Survival Crash Course and start making connections with other international students.

After that, your exchange semester will really get underway. The winter semester runs from October 1 to March 14, and the summer semester from March 15 to September 30. You’ll attend the courses you’ve chosen, earn ECTS, and study alongside students from Germany and around the world. Of course, there will still be time outside of your studies to explore Augsburg and the surrounding region. The city combines over 2,000 years of history with a vibrant student life, culture, sports, and plenty of nature. Whether it’s cafés, concerts, university sports, festivals, swimming lakes, or day trips to the surrounding area—you won’t get bored here anytime soon.

At the end of your stay, it’s time for your exams. In the winter semester, the exam period usually runs from January 15 to February 14. In the summer semester, you’ll typically take your exams from July 15 to July 31.

During your stay, you’ll be part of an international community. You’ll meet people from many different countries, take part in events and activities, and can make Augsburg your home away from home. And eventually, it’s time to say goodbye. Then you’ll head back home, with many new experiences, international connections, and hopefully plenty of great memories to take with you.

For your exchange semester, you’ll put together your Learning Agreement (see section 3 in “How to apply for your exchange”) from the courses offered. We recommend taking 15 to 30 ECTS per semester.

You can usually find the courses offered by your faculty on their website. An overview of most courses offered in English is available here. It’s possible that not all courses listed on our website will be offered during your exchange semester. Therefore, check with your faculty or your International Faculty Coordinator (IFC) if you’re unsure.

In general, you can also choose courses from other departments. However, they should be relevant to your degree program at your home university. Final admission is granted by the respective faculty or IFC. Please also note that certain courses require specific prerequisites.

Not sure which courses are right for you? Then contact your faculty’s IFC. He or she will be happy to help you choose your courses. You can also adjust your Learning Agreement during Welcome and Orientation Week if needed. Since the detailed semester schedule won’t be finalized until later, the courses you can choose may still change before the semester begins.

There are various options for financing your exchange semester. It’s best to research scholarships and funding programs before you arrive. A good place to start is the DAAD’s scholarship database, which offers numerous funding opportunities for international students.

In general, you may also take on part-time work during your stay in Germany. Please note, however, that different regulations apply depending on your nationality and visa status. Therefore, be sure to find out well in advance which regulations apply to you.

Whether you need a visa for your exchange semester at THA depends on your nationality. Are you studying at a partner university outside of Europe and do not hold European citizenship? If so, you must apply for your visa well in advance at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Find out about the requirements well in advance and submit your application as soon as possible. Processing can take several weeks or even months.

You can find more information about visas on our visa page. If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Immigration Office.

Finding a place to live in Augsburg can take some time. That’s why we recommend that you start your search early. The THA does not have its own dormitories, but we’re happy to help you find suitable housing. You’ll find all the important information and helpful tips on our page about housing.

Whether before you arrive or during your exchange semester, we’re here for you. If you have any questions about the application process, your studies, or your stay, the exchange program coordinator, Katharina Leuthmetzer, will be happy to help.

Would you like some first-hand tips or to meet someone who knows their way around THA? Then get in touch with your Buddy from our SWOP team. Our Buddies will help you settle in, explore Augsburg with you, and help you quickly find your feet at THA.

Before you head home, there are a few organizational matters to take care of. 

• Deregister your current address at the city office.
• If necessary, close your German bank account and cancel your insurance policies. 
• Check to make sure all your exam results are entered in HIS Online. 
• Once all your grades are available, you can download your official Transcript of Records. 

You can find a detailed checklist and all further information on our page about the end of your stay. 

Best of luck with your future endeavors, and hopefully we’ll see you again soon in Augsburg!