Partner Universities and Exchange Programs

A partner university is right for you, if...

• it is listed for your major subject.
• you have advanced knowledge of the language of instruction and can provide the respective proof of language proficiency.
• you are able to find courses there that can be recognized.
• you fulfill the possible special requirements for this partner university. Check the details for the respective university to see if there are any special requirements.
• International students also have to pay attention to any possible special requirements regarding proof of language proficiency.
• Of course, you should also want to study in this country 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 yourself be inspired by the reports written by other students that can be found in the database for each university.

The University of Mannheim has entered into exchange agreements with many universities worldwide. Through the agreement, these universities become partner universities of the University of Mannheim. The agreement states that a certain number of students from the one university can study abroad at the other university and vice versa. Oftentimes, these exchanges are limited to certain programs of study, since not all international universities offer courses in subject areas that match the departments of the University of Mannheim exactly.

Usually, each agreement entails two to four study places. That means that per year and exchange program, two to four students of the University of Mannheim can study at the host university and the same number of students from the host university can study here.

The big advantage of these agreements is the exemption from tuition fees abroad that exist nearly everywhere: A semester in the USA for example is usually several thousand dollars in tuition fees for regular students. However, if you study at such a partner university through an exchange agreement, you do not have to pay tuition fees! In addition, the University of Mannheim is there to help you during every stage of your stay abroad and can mediate between you and the host university in any matters.

On top of being exempt from paying tuition fees, there are also a additional funding options for studying abroad at a partner university: In Europe, all exchange students who have been placed at a partner university usually receive the Erasmus scholarship. For all other regions, you can apply for a number of scholarship programs such as the PROMOS scholarship and the Baden-Württemberg-Stipendium.

State-to-state programs are special exchange programs, that are only offered for the USA, Canada and Mexico. Just like for partner universities, there are exchange agreements and an exemption from tuition fees. The difference is that the partnership is not between two universities, but between two states, namely between the Land Baden-Württemberg and for example North Carolina or California in the US. The universities participating in the state-to-state 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.

Another advantage of the state-to-state programs is the two-day information event with coordinators, program alumni as well as students from the respective region who are in Baden-Württemberg during this time. These events provide a great opportunity to prepare and network.

Please note: For all programs that require the TOEFL, the TOEFL score report has to be submitted by the application deadline. That means that, unlike for other application processes, you cannot submit a Language Certificate at first and hand in the TOEFL at a later point in time.

The application entails two steps:

1. General application for the state-to-state program and acceptance

First, you apply for admission into the state-to-state program in general at the University of Mannheim. Just like for the partner universities, the application is submitted by the regular application deadlines for studying abroad of the University of Mannheim.

In each application for studying abroad, you can indicate multiple preferred destinations out of the regions that are listed for this application deadline. You can indicate both partner universities and state-to-state exchange programs in one application. Some universities are both partners of the University of Mannheim as well as participants in a state-to-state program. In this case you can list the respective university once as a partner university and once as a state-to-state program university, if you like. More information can be found in the application instructions.
 

2. Admission within the state-to-state program

After you receive confirmation of your participation in the state-to-state program, the second step is your admission to one of the participating universities. You will be able to name your preferred universities. A program commission and the universities abroad will decide on the admission. The commission will try to place you at one of your preferred universities. If this is not possible, you will still be placed at a university that is compatible with your program of study, so that your participation in the state-to-state program remains unaffected.

Tip: Since some interested students are deterred by the two-step application process, the chances to be admitted into the program are higher than average!

At the moment the following state-to-state programs are available, depending on your program and level of study:

• State-to-state program Connecticut (USA)
• State-to-state program California (USA)
• State-to-state program Massachusetts (USA)
• State-to-state program North Carolina (USA)
• State-to-state program Oregon (USA)
• State-to-state program Ontario (Canada)
• State-to-state program Mexico (ITESM)

The programs and the deadlines are listed in the database of partner universities under the respective country. Please also read the “further information” section for each program.

The International Office is happy to assist you during all phases of planning, preparation and realization of your stay abroad. Read about the basics and attend one of the information events.

Different deadlines and requirements apply to your application, depending on your program of study and the country you are applying for.

For each partner university, you will find the information on which language test you need for your application in the database below. The most accessible language test is the so called Language Certificate of the University of Mannheim, which can be obtained in all languages. But some partner universities require special tests like TOEFL or IELTS. If you already possess a valid TOEFL or similar test, you can use it instead of the Language Certificate! For all tests, make sure to get an appointment early on!

We compiled all information on the required language levels, tests and alternatives in one website for you.

Good to know: If in the database you find two languages mentioned for a partner university, you need to check whether enough courses are offered in your preferred language. Then you only need one proof of language. If you would like to take classes in both languages, you need to provide proof of your proficiency in each language.

If you have any questions regarding your stay abroad, here you can find the respective competent contact person at your school. They will advise you on any study-related aspects of your stay abroad, including the question of when a stay abroad can be best integrated in your degree program.