Preparation & FAQ
Preparation for foreign stays
It is important to plan a semester abroad early and prepare well. In addition to the information listed here, you should inform yourself personally by...
- using the information provided by the internationalization officers in your department.
- Seeking advice from the internationalization officers in your department on partner universities and how to integrate them into your course of study.
- attend general information events organized by the International Office on the subject of studying abroad.
- use the (telephone) consultation hours of the International Office for counseling on funding opportunities and scholarships.
To get an overview, it is best to attend information events organized by the IO or the departments, e.g. during the IDW. You should start any language preparations at the beginning of your studies, e.g. in the form of language courses at the ZSIK. Bachelor students can go abroad from the 3rd semester onwards. When planning your stay abroad, please note the application deadlines for study abroad and scholarships.
Application deadline for Erasmus stays (study place + scholarship):
March 1st for the following academic year (it is possible to apply for "remaining places" after this deadline)
Application deadline for overseas programs:
01 January for the following academic year (it is possible to apply for "remaining places" after this deadline)
Application deadlines for the PROMOS scholarship:
01 March for the winter semester of the following academic year
01 September for the summer semester of the following year
The DAAD checklist for preparation is helpful here.
The Erasmus program offers special funding for students who are going abroad with child(ren).
Please note that the planning effort is naturally higher in this case (childcare, suitable accommodation, etc.). You can find helpful information with tips and experience reports at https://www.auslandsstudium-mit-kind.de/.
Of course! The DAAD and Erasmus offer additional funding for students with a disability. The application for additional funding must be received by the DAAD at least 2 months before the start of the foreign stays. Please contact us in good time.
When preparing for your semester abroad, please let us know your situation and estimate the additional costs you expect to incur during your Erasmus mobility or in the host country. General information can be found on the NA DAAD website.
The ZSIK offers the opportunity to take an English exam to obtain the DAAD language certificate. The approx. two-hour exam corresponds to language level C 1.2 and consists of the parts 'Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking'. Further information can be found at the bottom of this page. Registration for the test is required. Please contact the ZSIK for dates. Contact person: Steve Walsh.
If you would like to improve your language skills, read our tips here.
To prepare for your foreign stays, it is a good idea to get in touch with international students at your home university. This is made possible by the Local Erasmus Initiative (LEI) and the Buddy Program. You will get to know students from our partner universities and improve your language skills, among other things.
Since 2023, we have offered the opportunity to join the International Club. Membership of the International Club is free of charge and offers the opportunity to take part in many exciting events and meetings and to network with our international students and other people interested in studying abroad.
As a rule, German students and students from EU member states do not need a visa for a stay within Europe/the Erasmus area. Students who wish to study overseas must obtain their own visa in good time. Information on entry and residence regulations for German citizens can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (e.g. Visa US, China). Once you have successfully applied for a place at one of our partner universities, you will also receive further information from them on how to apply for a visa.
Students must have sufficient insurance cover for the host country during their studies abroad (health insurance compulsory, liability and accident insurance recommended). Travel health insurance for vacation trips is not sufficient!
Additional private international health insurance is strongly recommended, as national health insurance only offers basic insurance cover, especially if, for example, repatriation or special medical procedures are necessary. Supplementary private insurance is advisable for such cases. It is your responsibility to check your insurance cover for your stay in the host country and to take out additional insurance according to your specific needs. You can find more information in our information brochure on insurance abroad.
It is possible to take out DAAD group insurance at your own expense. Health/accident and liability insurance are included. Further information is available from the DAAD.
Please also find out about any necessary vaccinations.
You will generally have to arrange your own accommodation on site. There are often places in halls of residence for exchange students that you can apply for. You will receive tips and support from our partner universities and often also from local buddies when you are accepted to study abroad. Many of our partner universities provide information for "incomig students" or "exchange students" on their websites, where you can also find out more about housing/accomodation. You can also use the testimonials from our former outgoing students with tips on finding accommodation.
No, you must re-register at HAW Kiel for the duration of your foreign stays. During a semester abroad, you cannot take any examinations at HAW Kiel and no credits from abroad can be recognized.
However, it is possible to save a little money by having the part of the semester fee that relates to the semester ticket refunded. You can apply for a refund at the AStA of HAW Kiel: https://asta-haw-kiel.de/semesterticket/.
If you go abroad to study, you must remain enrolled at HAW Kiel and pay the semester fee. However, you can apply to the ASTA for a refund of the semester ticket fee. Please pay attention to the deadlines. Further information and the refund form can be found here.
If you are going abroad for two semesters, please remember to re-register for the 2nd semester: Re-registration at HAW Kiel