Application procedure

An application is complete when it contains the following documents:

1. Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• in German and the teaching language at the partner university (e.g., English)
• FAQs
2. Tabular CV (1–2 pages)
• in German and the teaching language at the partner university (e.g., Spanish)
• Indicate any extracurricular activities, e.g., student representative committee, volunteer work, etc.
3. Transcript of records
• in German and English (South America: German and Spanish or Portuguese; applicants may prepare own translation)
• Master’s students in their first semester should submit their current StiNE course overview.
• Your academic office or examinations office will issue the transcript of records.
• FAQs
4. Bachelor’s certificate with grade (master’s students only)
• in German and English
5. Evaluations (use this form only)
   The evaluations must be submitted no later than 10 June (May application round) or 10 December (November application round).
   • 2 evaluations in English
   • issued by a professor or other postdoctoral teacher at Universität Hamburg
   • The evaluation must be signed and sent directly from the issuing lecturer or their secretary to our email address(zentralaustausch"AT"uni-hamburg.de).
   • FAQs
6. Language test
   Read the information from the partner universities about proof of language proficiency very carefully and submit the required proof. Be sure to arrange a test well before the deadline.
• Request proof of language proficiency from the University Language Center (placement test is NOT sufficient).
  As the Language Centre will be temporarily closed, alternatives to taking the placement test will be provided (see University Language Centre website). In order to take the additional oral test, please contact Mr. Feddersen(benjamin.feddersen"AT"uni-hamburg.de) (for English language proof) or Ms Guijas Gento (veronica.guijas.gento"AT"uni-hamburg.de)(for Spanish language proof) by e-mail to arrange a telephone appointment (after the successful placement test). If you need a Portuguese certificate for your host university, please contact Benjamin Lißner(benjamin.lissner"AT"uni-hamburg.de). If you are studying a language as your major or minor, you may also request proof of language proficiency from your language tutor.
• Many partner universities require a TOEFL or IELTS certificate (see partner universities). You can take the TOEFL test at the University Language Center (fee:  approx. USD 250). Information on the IELTS test: British Council. 
  Attention: TOEFL test taking has been temporarly suspended at the Language Center. In the meantime, please visit the official ETS website.
• Proof of language proficiency may be no more than 2 years old at the start of the study abroad period at the partner university.
• An Abitur certificate is not sufficient proof.
• FAQs
7. Learning Agreement (use this form only)
   • The applicant and the responsible coordinator, academic office, or examinations office must sign the Learning Agreement.
   • FAQs
8. If applicable, proof of up to 2 social commitments or extracurricular qualifications
9. If you have special individual circumstances that should be considered to ensure equal opportunities, you may provide a 1 page description. For more information, see our FAQs.

For further important information on applying, see the FAQs.

At Universität Hamburg, a committee comprising teachers and students from Universität Hamburg decides on the awarding of exchange places. To participate in the selection procedure, you must submit a complete application by the application deadline. The following criteria are taken into account during selection:

• academic performance
• project coherence and preparation
• proficiency in the teaching and working language(s)
• additional qualifications and commitments (e.g., volunteer work; involvement in political, social, cultural, or sporting activities) as well as indication of factors justifying compensation for fewer opportunities
• formal criteria (e.g., spelling)

The selection committee meets 4–6 weeks after the application deadline. Applicants are generally informed of selection decisions within 2 weeks of the meeting. NB: The final decision on admission is reached by the partner universities alone. It can take up to 4 months to receive approval from partner universities.

To guarantee your safety when you are abroad, you should inform yourself thoroughly about your host country and observe certain rules while you are abroad. See the Hinweise zur allgemeinen Sicherheitsvorsorge published by the DAAD for a summary of safety precautions.

• Evaluation (PDF, accessible)
• Learning Agreement (PDF, accessible)
• DAAD language certificate
• Testimonial (information and templates)