Why Mannheim?
Every year about 560 exchange students from our partner universities take the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at the University of Mannheim. There are many reasons for their decision to come to Mannheim:
Success Because of a Distinct Profile
The trademark of the University of Mannheim is its distinct profile. This profile is characterized by renowned programmes in Business Administration, Economics, and Social Sciences that are closely intertwined with the Humanities, Law, Mathematics, and Informatics. The University of Mannheim is recognized as one of the leading academic institutions in Germany and Europe and has received numerous rankings and awards for its quality of research and academics.
The Business School is the first institution in Germany to be accredited by the three most important organizations AMBA (London/UK), AACSB International (Tampa/USA) and EQUIS (Brussels/Belgium).
Internationality
- International Academic Calendar: The University of Mannheim is the only German University to have adopted an international, more common academic calendar: the fall semester starts in September and ends in December (with all examinations finished by Christmas), whereas the spring semester starts in February and ends in June (including spring-break). This makes life much easier for exchange students in comparison to other German universities.
- The University of Mannheim currently maintains approximately 300 partnerships with universities all over the world, more than 200 of them in Europe.
Special Offers for International Exchange Students
- Preparatory Intensive Language Course "Winter/Summer Academy"
For an easier start, the University's four-week International Summer or Winter Academy for German Language and Culture provides international exchange students with or without previous knowledge of German the opportunity to learn the language before the semester starts. There are cultural programmes including concerts, excursions and sports that accompany the language classes. - Language Courses during the semester
The International Office offers special courses for exchange students throughout the semester, e.g. language and cultural courses. Some of the cultural courses are also taught in English. - Numerous Courses taught in English
- All Schools of the University of Mannheim offer numerous lectures and seminars conducted in English. Thus, in most schools it is even possible for exchange students to obtain the complete number of credit points required for their home university from classes offered in English. For further information on the English Course Catalogue please click here.
Buddy-Programme and Personal Support
- The Buddy Programme is organised by the student organization VISUM and pairs an exchange student who registers for the buddy service (online application) with a German student. The German Buddy will help foreign students to adjust to German life, the university, and anything else. He or she can answer questions, help with problems, may offer a pick-up service from the train station, or accompany the exchange student to various special VISUM Buddy Events throughout the semester - a lot of fun included!
Beautiful and Centrally Located Campus
The University of Mannheim is considered one of the most beautiful universities in Germany. The university is mainly located in Mannheim's palace - the largest baroque palace in Germany and the second-largest in the world. Through the project "Renaissance of the Baroque Palace," many lecture halls and libraries have been redecorated and provided with modern technical equipment. The University of Mannheim's campus is very centrally located and the city centre is within walking distance.
Thanks to its central location and extensive transportation system, the city of Mannheim is a perfect starting point to explore Germany and the rest of Europe. Heidelberg castle is just a 15-minute train ride away and the Black Forest can be reached within 90 minutes by train. Other popular destinations for weekend trips are the Swiss Alps, Austria, and the Alsace wine region in France. Frankfurt International Airport is just a 30-minute train ride away.
Various Leisure Activities
The University of Mannheim offers various leisure activities - the sport teams are some of the most successful teams in Germany.
