ERASMUS Incoming
Heidelberg University has been working closely with other European universities since the inception of the Erasmus programme in 1987.
Every year about 500 students come to Heidelberg to study thanks to the Erasmus programme. In turn, at least the same number of students from Heidelberg goes abroad to study at other European universities. The exchange plays an important role in sustaining Heidelberg’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Studying at a German university
Degree Students
For most courses of study at Heidelberg University, Bachelor and Master Degrees have been introduced. The Bachelor/Master programmes are clearly structured, the consecutive modules comprise scientific and practical elements. For details relating to your specific course of study, please visit the homepages of the individual departments or ask your Departmental Coordinator.
Exchange Students
For Exchange students, there is no fixed system of courses, and students are expected to pick courses on their own initiative. Although they are required to obtain a certain number of certificates of achievement (Scheine) in order to take exams and to complete their studies, it is largely up to the students to choose their courses and to draw up their own timetable. If you have difficulties choosing your courses, please ask your Departmental Coordinator.
There are three main kinds of course offered at the university: Vorlesungen (Lectures), Seminare (Seminars) and Übungen (Tutorials). Note that in many departments students must sign up for the courses at the start of the semester, and that there might be a limitation to the number of participants accepted.
Orientation Days
The Dezernat Internationale Beziehungen organises Orientation Days every semester to introduce new international students to Heidelberg and to the German university system. During these days we offer a number of events and presentations covering various academic and social subjects. We strongly recommend you take part.
It takes place in the week before lectures start. During this time, incoming students are shown around the university's facilities (libraries, computer centres, cafés, sports facilities, etc.) by Heidelberg students. Orientation Days are an excellent opportunity to meet other students and to adapt to everyday life in Heidelberg.
A sign-up form for the Orientation Days will be sent with your letter of admission.
Programme
The programme for the Orientation Days is also posted shortly before the start of the semester at homepage of the Dezernat Internationale Beziehungen.