How to Apply

There are 3 steps to be completed in the following order to apply to the Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange:

  1. Contact the Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange staff so that we may assess your goals, preferences and needs to assure that you select a German university that best suits your needs.
  2. Follow the application procedures of the Study Abroad Office of your home university.
  3. Complete an online application with the UConn Experiential Global Learning office (click “More Info and To Apply” on the individual program brochure). Once we have received this completed application, we will guide you in applying to the German university of your choice.

Selecting a German University

An important factor in making your study abroad experience as rewarding as possible is ensuring that you spend it at a university which is the best fit for you. Our desire is to place you at a university of your choice. With this in mind we will work with you regarding your preferences, and advise you regarding your options. Together we will determine the most appropriate university for your time in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

The university that is right for you depends on several factors such as:

  • Level of German proficiency – Baden-Wuerttemberg’s universities eagerly welcome exchange students. Nevertheless, certain universities require a higher level of language competency than others.  Your year will be the most rewarding if you choose a university that is a good match to your level of German proficiency.
  • Program of Study – German universities offer a variety of academic programs. Depending on what you wish to study, certain universities may offer you more than others. If you wish to study business, then the University of Mannheim may be a great choice. If you wish to study engineering, then the University of Stuttgart may be best. We have the experience to help you select the university that will best fit your desired academic goals.
  • Personal preference – Some students have general preferences regarding the university they wish to attend. Perhaps you prefer to be in a metropolitan environment, or perhaps you prefer the historic feel of a medieval university town. There is a wide range of environments to suit your preference.

Applying to a German University

After submitting your completed Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange application, we will assist you in applying to your chosen university in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Most Baden-Wurttemberg universities require the completion of three forms: an application for admission, an application for housing, and an enrollment form for the preparatory language course. We will provide you with access to the appropriate forms, help you complete them, and then forward them to the German university you selected.

Acceptance to your German University

Once you are accepted by your German university, you will receive an official acceptance packet which will contain your official letter of acceptance (your Zulassungsbescheid), instructions about arriving and registering at your host university, orientation information, and other helpful hints.

Please note: It is very important that you carefully review the documents in your acceptance packet. Some German universities include forms which must be completed and returned to them.  If there are items you do not understand, we will be happy to review them with you.

Receiving Your Room Assignment

Before you leave the U.S., you will receive your housing assignment from your German university.

Most of the universities will send you a housing contract (Mietvertrag) that you must immediately sign and return. In addition, some universities require that you transfer a security deposit (Kaution). In these cases, payment arrangements should be made in consultation with our office.

One exception is for students going to Heidelberg; these students do not receive their housing contract until they arrive in Germany.

Please note: Some of the universities now send housing offers via e-mail – therefore, it is essential that you carefully monitor your e-mails during the months before your departure.

Program Costs and Financial Aid

Program Costs & Expenses

Tuition

The Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange is a reciprocal exchange program. You will pay your home university tuition and fees (as well as Study Abroad Fee if applicable) and then trade places with a student from Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Fees

There is a one time $650 Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange fee. Once you are accepted by the German host university, please go back into your UConn online application and pay the fee via PayPal.

When arriving in Germany, Connecticut students must pay a student registration fee which is approximately €75 per semester.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all student participants. The German health insurance costs between €60 and €80 per month. Prior to the start of the semester, you can choose from a number of public health insurance providers which offer similar benefits at a comparable monthly rate.

If you are over the age of 30, please look into this option: www.auslandsversicherung.de.  Public health insurances do NOT provide service for students over 30.

Note:  Your German health insurance will only go into effect at the start of the semester: October 1st for fall semester, or April 1st if you are participating during your spring semester. Until then, you will be covered by the American insurance that your home institution provides.

Room and Board

Each student assumes financial responsibility for his or her rent and personal expenses while studying abroad. As a  participant in the Baden-Wuerttemberg-Connecticut Exchange, you will live in a student dormitory. Your dorm room reservation will be made by the International Office of your host university. German dorms have only single occupancy rooms and are equipped with shared kitchen facilities which you will share with German and other international students. The cost of dorm rooms varies depending on size, age and location. The average cost of a dorm room ranges between
€275 and €350 per month.

There are no meal plans. Inexpensive meals are available at university cafeterias. Students tend to prepare their own meals in their dormitory kitchens as well as enjoy the local cuisine in a restaurant or café.

Most students report they can live quite well within a budget of €780 per month. This includes rent, health insurance, food, transportation, books and travel. Spending money varies from student to student and depends on personal spending habits.

Transportation

Most students purchase a Student Semester Ticket to commute throughout their city.  Some prefer to purchase a bicycle.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Unlike many study abroad programs, the Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange is affordable due to available financial aid and scholarships provided by the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts.

Most forms of financial aid for which you are eligible at your home university can be applied to this exchange. This means that if you already qualify for student loans or grants, or receive a scholarship, you can likely keep these awards for the year you spend at your German university. Check with your university’s financial aid office for specific details.

In addition, the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts in Stuttgart offers scholarships available for most Connecticut students. Please ask the coordinator of the Baden-Wuerttemberg - Connecticut Exchange at the University of Connecticut for details. The maximum scholarship is €400 per month for ten months. Scholarships range from €2,000 to €4,000 for participants who commit to a full year of study and half that amount for those going abroad for one semester.