At the Schlossfest, which takes place every year in September, the new students are welcomed. Photo credit: Kathrin Holstein

Exchange Students

Living and studying on a campus surrounding the Schloss Mannheim right at the heart of Europe. This is what students who opt for a semester at the University of Mannheim can expect. The campus really deserves to be called international – one in five students comes to Mannheim from abroad. Numerous rankings confirm that the University of Mannheim is one of the most renowned universities in Germany. Most importantly, the students confirm that a semester abroad in Mannheim always is the right choice.

According to the 2017 QS World University Ranking by Subject, the University of Mannheim is the best German university in Social Sciences (including Business Administration and Economics), and has been ranked number 65 worldwide. The Mannheim Business School was number one in the German-speaking regions in the 2017 Financial Times Global MBA ranking and ranked number 54 among the top 100 business schools worldwide.

You are considered an exchange student if you study at the University of Mannheim for one or two semesters and if your home institution has concluded a bilateral agreement with the University of Mannheim. Afterwards, you will return to your home institution. Please note that you will not receive a degree from the University of Mannheim.

I chose the University of Mannheim because its Law and Business departments enjoy a very good reputation in France. In Mannheim, it is possible to combine both subjects, which perfectly fits the curriculum in my home country. Many classes are held in English and therefore it is easier to follow. The university’s baroque palace building is beautiful and the city of Mannheim vibrant. There are a lot of cafés and restaurants where exchange students can meet other students.

Soriane Migny, exchange student in the master’s program in Law, Université Toulouse 1 Capitole (France) / Photo credit: Leonie Kopetzki

There are two things that I like about Mannheim: the first one is the fact that Mannheim’s street system is organized in blocks, the so-called Quadrate. I like strolling through the streets because for me it’s like a game. The second thing I like about Mannheim is the weather: even if it‘s cold or rainy, as soon as the sun comes out, it’s a beautiful day.

Martha N’Gandzi, exchange student in the bachelor’s program in Media and Communication Studies, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3, France) / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

There are many good reasons for studying one or two semester(s) abroad at the University of Mannheim. We are confident the following 5 reasons will convince you:

#1: International academic year

The University of Mannheim is the first public higher education institution in Germany to align its academic calendar with the international academic year with the semester starting in September and February, respectively. This way you are able to perfectly integrate your stay abroad into your studies without thinking the semester(s) spent abroad might set you back in your studies.
#2: Courses taught in English

Depending on the program they choose, the University of Mannheim enables exchange students to study completely in English. Please have a look at our broad range of courses.
#3: Buddy program

The VISUM Buddy program pairs up Mannheim-based students with exchange students. The student initiative also organizes a range of events and excursions.
#4: International Summer and Winter Academies

Exchange students at the University of Mannheim may attend preparatory intensive language courses as part of the International Summer Academy or the International Winter Academy. In addition to the intensive language course exchange students will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of seminars and participate in excursions.
#5: German language courses during the semester

Exchange students are offered the opportunity to take additional German language courses as well as courses on regional and cultural studies during the semester.

Brochure "Study Abroad at the University of Mannheim" ( PDF , 20 MB )

Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Applying

Learn what you have to keep in mind when applying for a semester abroad, an internship, or as a free mover.

Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen

Entry and Insurance

Is your home country visa-free? Do you need a private liability insurance in addition to your health insurance?

Photo credit: Martina Johann

Housing

Student housing, single room, or shared apartment? There are various housing options for exchange students in Mannheim.

Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Courses

Exchange students may not only attend their respective program’s courses taught in English and German, they are also offered additional courses on German language and culture.

Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Welcome Week

During the Welcome Week, the University of Mannheim organizes various orientation programs, receptions, and events in order to help international students settle in. Come to the orientation sessions to find out more and to meet your fellow exchange students.

Photo credit: Anna Logue

Things to Do Before You Leave

Disenrollment, transcript of records, and de-registration at the residents’ registration office - there are quite a lot of things to do before you leave.

#1: International academic year

#2: Courses taught in English

#3: Buddy program

#4: International Summer and Winter Academies

#5: German language courses during the semester

Applying

Entry and Insurance

Housing

Courses

Welcome Week

Things to Do Before You Leave