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Exchange program overview
The easiest way to attend the Hochschule Konstanz (HTWG) for a semester or academic year is through one of our institutional exchange programs. Incoming exchange students are allowed to attend any courses offered by our university here in Konstanz, as long as language and certain basic academic prerequisites have been met. To students who have partial or no German language skills, HTWG offers special programs and practical experience.
Incoming undergraduate or graduate exchange students may study for a semester or one academic year at the HTWG. The fall semester at the HTWG is from October through February and the Spring semester is from mid-March through July. Exchange students are ensured an easy enrolment process. The HTWG’s International Office will be available to assist with bureaucratic formalities, choosing classes, and reserving accommodations.
There are also no additional tuition/program fees at the HTWG. Exchange students are responsible only for their tuition fees to their home university, their own room, board, health insurance, flight, and spending money here in Konstanz. Some possibilities also exist for students to obtain a scholarship from the HTWG.
During their first week(s) in Konstanz, all students have the option to participate in an intensive German language course based on their individual skill level. This course also serves as an orientation and helps students better situate their classes or supervised projects at the university in Konstanz.
Study Options for Exchange Students
For students who have had previous experience with the German language and wish to further their knowledge of the language as well as their specific field of study, the HTWG has much to offer. These students are free to take any classes they choose. All incoming exchange students are invited to take elective subjects taught in English such as
Moreover, incoming students can choose from our general education subjects for non-native English speakers such as Business Writing, Business Reading, Business Negotiations, Business Presentations, Job Applications & Interviews and Business English Classes.
Students also have the option to take German language classes during the semester. These language courses range from beginner, intermediate to more advanced classes. Business German / Technical German courses are offered as well.
For business-oriented students who have had no previous experience with the German language, there are some business courses offered in English that they can use towards their specific field of study.
Engineering or Computer Science majors who also have had no previous experience with the German language, can choose from a combination of staff supervised projects (Practical work experience) and beginner German language and/or business courses as well as some mechanical engineering courses in English if needed. The HTWG works closely with the industry in research and development. Students may choose to participate in one of several (inhouse) projects under the joint supervision of academic staff members and an industry partner.
Architecture and Design students, who also have had no previous experience with the German language, are invited to perform (urban) design studio work here in Constance supervised in English. They also can choose from various elective courses in studio drawing and computing as well as a German language class.
The combined Academic / Project and Internship semester Program allow the student to study German, as well as gain industrial experience in the student's field of study before graduation. Upon completion of an academic or supervised project semester at the HTWG, students may choose to remain in Germany and complete a paid internship with a German company, such as Daimler Chrysler, Siemens, Bosch ect.
This option gives students the opportunity to gain international practical experience in a professional setting before graduation. Compensation for the internship is generally between € 600 and € 750 a month. The companies may or may not be in Konstanz, and students can select to work in a larger city, if so desired. The International Office at HTWG will assist all students in getting the internship and in obtaining a work permit in Germany.
A student who wishes to do work for their thesis/graduate work may do so with the help of HTWG’s facilities and staff. With HTWG’s wide range of research libraries, computer labs, and information centres, it is not difficult to research any thesis/dissertation topic.
Application Process
Each year, approximately 120 exchange students come to Hochschule Konstanz to study for one or two semesters. The advantage of these programs is the procedure of admission is simplified, the courses and exams taken at HTWG are acknowledged by the home University, and reserved dorm rooms in Konstanz are readily available for incoming exchange students.
If you are a student at one of our international partner universities and are interested in an exchange program in Konstanz, please consult the the International Office / Study Abroad Office at your home University.
In order to apply to HTWG as an exchange student you must submit the following forms and required attachments to the International Office of your home university:
- HTWG’s International Exchange Student Registration form
- Financial Documents (e.g. letter of proof of financial support) for the whole academic semester at HTWG (minimum: € 650 per month) which can either be
- bank statement and / or Parental Statement (depending on the visa requirements)
- or statement of full grant from the sponsor of your academic program in Konstanz (will be issued by our International Office if HTWG is the sponsor of your studies in Konstanz)
- Academic transcript and list of current coursework
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / resume
- Letter of interest
- German language certificate (indicating the student’s German language level) if necessary for the study abroad period
- Student residence hall application
- 6 passport pictures
Application deadlines in Konstanz:
15 June for fall semester (September/October – February)
15 December for spring semester (March – July)
Upon acceptance by your university the Study Abroad / International office will forward applications on to our International Office at HTWG
Now That You Have Decided to Study in Konstanz…
Here is some additional helpful information for once you have been accepted to study at the HTWG.
Academic Calendar
The spring semester in Konstanz begins in mid-March and ends in June/July and the fall semester runs from October through February. During March and September the HTWG offers orientation programs for their incoming exchange students.
Student Visa
US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese citizens need not worry about obtaining this visa! In order to enter the Federal Republic of Germany as an international exchange student from outside the EU, you are required to have a visa for study purposes (not a tourist visa, which cannot be converted into a “student visa”). These visas are issued by the diplomatic or consular representation of the Federal Republic of Germany in your country and are stamped directly into your passport. The Visa allows you to enter Germany and is valid for three months. After you arrive in Konstanz it will be changed into a (student) residence permit. Please check with your nearest German Consulate about the necessary documents to be submitted to this office.
Please be advised that you must provide a financial proof for your entire period of studies here in Konstanz (minimum € 650 per month) such as your scholarship award, a fixed deposit statement or a recent bank statement and / or a Parental Statement supported by an official sponsorship letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) which must be signed personally by your parent at the German Consulate (depending on the visa requirements).
Our International Office provides you with the following supporting documents to aid in the process:
• Official invitation from our institution
• Statement of full grant (if HTWG is the sponsor of your studies in Konstanz)
• Certificate of admission to HTWG
• A statement exempting you from the prerequisite German language certificate, if necessary, in order to carry out project work at our institution.
Please note:
Visa processing requires 6 - 8 weeks after complete documentation has been submitted to a consular representation of the Federal Republic of Germany, please plan accordingly !!
Arrival
The closest international airport is Zurich in Switzerland, which is about 60 kilometres from Konstanz. Please check with your travel agency to make sure if you will need a Swiss “transfer visa” to enter Germany.
The SBB (Swiss Train Station) is found directly in the bottom level of the Zurich Airport. There are direct trains running from the airport to Konstanz every hour. A second class one-way ticket will cost about 30 Swiss Francs.
If you fly into Stuttgart, Germany, from the Stuttgart airport, you will need to take the S-Bahn (underground subway) to Böblingen, where you will find the train station. A train leaves every two hours towards Konstanz and you will have to change trains in Singen. The train ride is about two hours and thirty minutes and tickets cost around € 45. Please click here to check the departure times. Please choose Konstanz from the available destination list.
From the Frankfurt (Germany) airport, you can catch a train at the bottom level of the airport leaving every two hours towards Konstanz. The train ride is about five to six hours and tickets cost around € 80. Please click here to check the departure times.
Always ask if there are any special student rates or offers for train prices when purchasing your ticket.
Health Insurance
The Federal Republic of Germany has a well-developed and socially supported health service. Medically, it is one of the best provided countries in the world.
It is obligatory to have adequate health insurance coverage for yourself. This is compulsory for all international and German students through their 14th full semester of higher education and up to the age of 30. The premiums are about € 360 per semester (6 months). Students older than 30 are advised to insure themselves through a private company.
Students from countries which have concluded social agreements with Germany, including an insurance clause, can continue to be insured in their own countries. In order to do this, a certificate confirming adequate insurance cover and an application form you must present to the (German) local insurance company (AOK). Please check with your home insurance to see if they offer international health insurance coverage for study abroad. Sometimes private health insurance companies will offer lower tariffs that you have to pay in Germany. A disadvantage of using your health insurance from home, however, is that payment for medical treatment has to be made in advance and then you will be reimbursed.
Please note:
If you plan to travel before you arrive in Konstanz please be sure you have travellers or international health insurance that will cover you until you register at HTWG.
On no account should you spend time in Germany without health insurance coverage as doctor fees and medical costs are extremely high !!
Registration at the Hochschule Konstanz
As an exchange program participant you will be enrolled as a HTWG student to get the benefits of student status and various discounts and student allowances. For registration at HTWG you need:
• confirmation of health insurance for Germany
• 4 photographs (passport size)
• 1 curriculum vitae / resume
• the € 50 contribution to the Studentenwerk (student services).
Registration with the City of Konstanz
While studying at HTWG you will need to be registered as a resident of Konstanz. To register, you will need:
• your full passport (must be valid for the whole period you will be here)
• HTWG registration document (will be issued by our International Office)
• 1 photograph
• registration fee of € 20
• original proof of sufficient finances for the whole duration of your stay here (minimum: € 600 per month), which can either be:
- bank statement and / or Parental Statement (depending on the visa requirements)
- or statement of full grant from the sponsor of your program in Konstanz (will be issued by our International Office if HTWG is the sponsor of your studies in Konstanz).
Student Housing
Our International Office will reserve a (single)room for you in one of the student residence halls in Konstanz. The rent will be between € 200 and € 260 per month for a single room. This includes all utilities, use of the kitchen, bedding and so on. Cutlery and plates are not provided by student housing, although students from previous years as well as roommates may already have a lot of utensils. Plese note that you will be required to pay up to € 300 as a security deposit, which is of course returnable when you leave, provided no damage has been done to the room. A registration fee of € 50 is also required upon arrival.
Banking
Because rent and other expenses like health insurance will be drawn directly from the bank, it is essential that you open a bank account here in Konstanz.
All banks in Germany, even private ones, are subject to state control. The major banks are the Commerzbank, the Deutsche Bank and the Dresdner Bank as well as the Sparkassen and the Postbank.
The terms and conditions of business in Germany vary from one bank to another. It is worthwhile comparing fees, services and other offers carefully. Our International office will help you choose which bank will work best with your needs.
Be aware that you will need about € 1,000 (including first month's rent and security deposit) in cash at the start of your stay in Konstanz.
Student Life
- Climate
Temperatures range from 0 - 7 degrees C (32 - 40 F) in the winter to 18 - 30 degrees C (60 - 90 F) in the summer. Although Konstanz enjoys some of the sunniest weather in Germany, rain is not an unusual occurance in Konstanz, so be sure to pack an umbrella!
- Accommodations
During the semester, exchange-students will live in dormitories. Kitchen facilities are available in the dorms so students can prepare their own meals. There is also a cafeteria on campus that offers lunch at reasonable prices.
- Sports and Recreation
Konstanz offers many opportunities to participate in sports. Lake Constance offers a wealth of opportunities for water sports and the city is also home to numerous indoor and outdoor pools. Other sports include basketball, cycling, rock climbing and of course, the most important sport in Germany, Fußball.
- Transportation
While many students in Konstanz opt to use bicycles as means of transportation, there is also a very effective bus system running throughout the city. Students may choose to purchase a “Studiticket” or student ticket for 35 Euros. This student ticket is then valid for the entire semester and gives the student unlimited access to the bus system as well as the ferry to Meersburg.
-Travel
Because of its international location, travelling can be accomplished rather easily from Konstanz. Germany has an efficient rail system and inexpensive flights may be purchased through Europe’s many cheap airline companies which offer fares to major European cities.
- Nightlife, Music and Festivals
As a university town, the night life in Konstanz is one of the best in the area. There are many nice bars, but students also pass their time at university sponsored parties. Parties are held in dormitory bars or on campus.
There are also many festivals and special activities sponsored by the city of Konstanz throughout the year. Seenachtsfest in August boasts the largest fireworks display in all of Europe and the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) is not to be missed.
HTWG’s International Office
As an incoming exchange student, you will be assisted during your stay by the HTWG's International Office in dealing with bureaucratic formalities, choosing classes, and finding accommodation. The International Office also offers counselling on academic inquiries and individual problems.
For more detailed information about studying at Hochschule Konstanz, visit the International Exchange Student Handbook.
Our contact person for international university exchange program students is:
Ms Petra Balance
Room F018
tel: [++49] (0) 7531/206-378
fax: : [++49] (0) 7531/206-253
e-mail: ballance@htwg-konstanz.de
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