Partner Universities and Exchange Programs

A partner university is a good fit for you if:

• the university offers courses in your major,
• you have an advanced command of the language of Instruction and can provide the appropriate language certificate,
• you can find courses relevant to your studies that can be recognized, and
• you meet any additional requirements specific to that partner university. Any special requirements for a partner university can be found in the database under the details for each university.

International students also have to pay attention to potential special requirements regarding proof of language proficiency.

Of course, you should also want to study in this country and at this partner university. Keep in mind that the regions that you know absolutely nothing about might be the most exciting and beautiful destinations for your stay abroad. Let the student reports in the partner university database inspire you.

The University of Mannheim has established exchange agreements with many universities around the world. These institutions are considered Mannheim’s partner universities. An exchange agreement formally stipulates that a certain number of students from one university may study abroad at the other university, and vice versa. Often, these exchange opportunities are limited to specific degree programs, as not every university abroad offers courses in subject areas that fit those of the departments of the University of Mannheim, and vice versa.

Typically, each exchange agreement provides two to four study places per year. This means that two to four Mannheim students can spend a semester or more at the partner university, while the same number of incoming students can study at the University of Mannheim for one or two semesters.

A major advantage of these partnerships is the exemption from paying tuition fees abroad, which are common worldwide. For example, the tuition fees for a single semester in the USA usually amount to several thousand dollars. If you participate in an exchange via one of these agreements, however, your stay abroad at the partner university is completely tuition-free. The University of Mannheim also supports you throughout all stages of your stay abroad and acts as your liaison with the partner university in all matters.

In addition to waiving tuition fees, there are sometimes further financial support options available for studying at a partner university: In Europe, all exchange students who secure a place at a partner university generally receive an Erasmus grant. For other destinations, you can apply for various scholarship programs such as the PROMOS scholarship and the Baden-Württemberg Stipendium.

State exchange programs are special exchange programs offered exclusively for the USA and Canada. As with partner universities, these programs also involve exchange agreements and an exemption from paying tuition fees. The difference is that the partnership is not between two universities, but between two states, namely between Baden-Württemberg and for example North Carolina or California in the USA. The universities participating in the state exchange programs are among the very best. Students are given the unique opportunity to study at universities that do not have a direct exchange partnership with the University of Mannheim.

Please check the requirements and guidelines before applying for participation in a state exchange program.

The International Office is happy to assist you with planning, preparing, and completing your study abroad experience. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the basics and attend an information event.

Depending on your degree program and destination country, application deadlines and requirements vary.

Each partner university specifies which language certificate is required. The easiest option is the so-called Language Certificate from the University of Mannheim, which is available for all languages. However, some universities, especially for English, may require standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. If you already have a TOEFL or equivalent, you can submit it instead of the Mannheim Language Certificate. Be sure to schedule any language tests well in advance.

We have compiled all the necessary information regarding language requirements, accepted tests, and alternatives for you.

Good to know: If a partner university lists two languages of instruction, you should check whether there are enough courses offered in your preferred language. In that case, you only need to provide proof of language proficiency for that one language. If you plan to take courses in both languages, you must be able to provide corresponding proof of language proficiency for each.