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Study internationally

It doesn't always have to be a year abroad!

 

Going abroad with FH SWF

New language skills, international friendships and exciting experiences - going abroad broadens your horizon and offers great opportunities for personal development. Nowadays, stays abroad and foreign language skills are practically a must on your CV. The chances of a successful career increase significantly if you can demonstrate this to a potential employer. This fact alone shows how valuable international experience can be to your studies.

We support your plans

There is a lot to organise before going abroad. For many people, this can be daunting. You are also going to a foreign country where you may not speak the language, and you may not have family or friends there. Stepping into an uncertain future is a big challenge for many people, with understandable worries and fears. However, you can organise a lot in advance and gradually build a new life in your future home. In our regular online events, we will show you how to do this.

Why should I go abroad?

Living abroad for a longer period of time changes your perspective on foreign cultures, countries and people. You will not only benefit from learning a foreign language, but you will also discover new ways of living, become more independent and confident, and make new friends. It is not only beneficial for your personal development, but also for your job prospects. For most companies, a stay abroad and foreign language skills are a plus.

International Studieren

Where can I go?

Generally speaking, you can travel to almost any country. Please note that some funding programmes, such as ERASMUS+, only support studies abroad in certain target regions. Summer schools are mainly offered in English-speaking countries such as the US or England. Now, countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico or Thailand are also in demand as potential study destinations. List of our partner universities

How much does a stay abroad cost?

It is often thought that a stay abroad is too expensive. This is generally not true. There are many funding opportunities and scholarships that enable you to study abroad without high costs. You can also find out more about this in our online events.

Deal with formalities as early as possible

It is important that you do not underestimate the administrative part. Especially the question of financing should be answered early on. Besides the standard costs of living, which are much higher in some countries than in Germany, you also need to think about insurance, accommodation, potential trips home and many other things in advance. Of course, there is a wide range of support available. These include, for example, study abroad grants, scholarships or special loans. Each university has people who are familiar with this. Student advisors, lecturers who coordinate contacts abroad and fellow students who have already been abroad. You should start organizing your stay abroad at least one year before you actually leave. We provide important tips on how to do this in our regular online presentations.

What opportunities do I have to study abroad during my course of studies?

South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences will help you to find the right programme for you to study abroad. Not everyone prefers to study abroad, but would rather spend a practical semester or internship in the country of their choice. We offer exchange programmes, internships, double degrees and English-language degree courses: You have many choices for your ideal path abroad.

Semester abroad

You have two options if you would like to study at a university abroad for one or two semesters: either you look for a university yourself in a country where you would like to study, or you take advantage of the opportunity to study at one of our partner universities. If you choose a university yourself, you will be responsible for most of the organisation of your stay there. However, there are also institutions that will help you with your search and application. This applies in particular to popular destinations such as the US, Australia, New Zealand or Great Britain. Links to these institutions can be found on the right. If you would like to study at a partner university, we at the International Office will support you with many aspects of the organisation. Regardless of which option you choose; you can always apply for a scholarship to financially support your stay.

Practical semester or internship abroad

If you decide to complete a practical semester or internship abroad, you will have to find a suitable position yourself. There are various internet portals that can help you with your search. You should also address your faculty's contact point, where internship offers are often posted on the notice board or talk to the staff there. You can also ask lecturers about company contacts abroad or ask older fellow students. The International Office's information events are also a good opportunity to find out about scholarship programmes for which you can apply to receive financial support for your stay.

Summer and Winter Schools

Summer/winter schools are a good option for those who don't want to spend a whole semester abroad. They offer you the chance to gain international experience and make international contacts in a short and intensive period of time. In general, summer/winter schools are designed as intensive programmes lasting one or more weeks (max. six weeks).

For subject-specific programmes, it is possible to earn credits while attending the summer/winter school. Our partner universities also offer summer or winter schools:

Tecnológico de Monterrey: Winter School mdhk, Tec de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro (Mexico)

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences: Xamk Summer School of Gaming

Université de Bordeaux: Summer Schools

Here you can find further offers for such programmes: Database Summer & Winter Schools

Field trips

Field trips offer cultural insights and impart subject-related knowledge. Moreover, they connect students and scientists from all over the world. Funding for field trips (up to 12 days) is provided in the form of flat-rate subsistence allowances for students of South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences and a maximum of one accompanying person (lecturer/professor).

The application for the field trips is carried out by the lecturers. The application must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the start of the trip. Please contact the International Office for further information.

Final thesis

Many students at our university have already written their Bachelor's or Master's thesis during a semester or internship abroad. You should first discuss such a project with the supervising person.

Internationalisation at Home

The South Westphalia International Substainability Week takes place at campus Soest in May 2025. We cordially invite all interested students and lecturers to participate.For more information, please check the International Substainability Week webpage.

Funding opportunities at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

Please select a programme

We support you with the organisation of your stay abroad

Please select a programme to see the relevant information. Once you have gathered some initial ideas, we recommend attending one of our Info events

Other funding opportunities not supported by South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences can be found below this paragraph.

ERASMUS +

Erasmus+ 2021-2027 is the EU's programme for education, training, youth and sport. More than four million young people and 125,000 institutions and organisations will benefit from €26.2 billion until 2027. Funding is available for study visits to partner universities and/or placements lasting at least two months (60 days).

Students can receive an Erasmus+ grant for up to 12 months per study stage (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate). The Erasmus+ grant is a partial grant, the amount of which depends on the country of destination. A distinction is made between programme countries and partner countries.

Member States of the European Union (EU)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Programme countries outside the EU
Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey

Up to €300 per month, the Erasmus+ grant will not be deducted from your BAföG abroad. Students can also apply for additional additional funding.

ERASMUS+ study

Amount of the funding

Group 1 (600 euros per month):
Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden

Group 2 (540 euros per month):
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain

Group 3 (540 euros per month):
Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary

Application for an exchange place

When applying for an exchange place at a partner university, you automatically apply for the associated grant. The exchange places are published once a year and you can then apply for such a place including the grant by January 31st of each year.
If there are still exchange places available after the first round of applications, a second round of applications will be opened.
You can apply via the online portal Mobility Online of the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences.

What other advantages do I have as an Erasmus+ student?

The Erasmus+ programme offers a number of advantages:

  • You will be exempt from tuition fees at the partner university.
  • You will receive a monthly grant during your stay abroad.
  • South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, the partner university and the European Student Network will support you before, during and after your mobility.
  • With the help of the Learning Agreement, your academic achievements abroad will be academically recognised for your studies here at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences.
  • Your rights are defined in the Erasmus+ Student Charter.
  • Subsidy for the use of sustainable transport, if applicable,
  • additional funding for participants with fewer opportunities, if applicable.

What are my obligations as an Erasmus+ student?

As an Erasmus+ student, you are required to prepare and submit certain documents and records before, during and after your mobility.

Before mobility

  • Learning agreement with FH-SWF and the host university
  • Grant agreement with FH SWF

During mobility

  • Possible update of learning agreement
  • Confirmation of Stay/Confirmation of Arrival

After mobility

  • Confirmation of Stay
  • Transcript of Records
  • EU Survey

ERASMUS+ Internship

Amount of the funding rate

Group 1 (750 euros per month): Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden.

Group 2 (690 euros per month): Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus.

Group 3 (640 euros per month): Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary.

Eligibility requirements

You must fulfil the following requirements in order to apply for an Erasmus+ grant for an internship abroad:

  • You must be enrolled as a student at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences or be a graduate of South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences for the entire duration of the internship. In the latter case, the internship abroad can be funded within one year (12 months) after graduation if the funding was applied for in the final year of the respective study phase.
  • Both mandatory and voluntary internships are eligible for funding.
  • The internship must last at least two months (= 60 days). Within the Erasmus+ programme, one month is exactly 30 days (unless February is the last month of the placement, in which case it counts as 28 days).
  • It must be a full-time internship (>32 hours/week) done in person at the company. Remote internships cannot be funded.
  • The internship must be related to the content of your course.
  • We must receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the internship. Applications may be accepted at short notice, but will not be accepted after the start of the internship.
  • The internship must be carried out at an eligible institution.

Institutions eligible for funding

Students are generally responsible for finding a suitable internship themselves. The International Office does not offer direct placement services for internships.

Eligible institutions for an internship

  • Public and private small, medium or large enterprises (including public service enterprises)
  • Local, regional or national public authorities
  • Social partners or other representatives of the labour market (including chambers of commerce, craft or professional associations and trade unions)
  • Research institutions
  • Foundations
  • Schools/institutes/educational centres (from pre-school to upper secondary level, including institutions, vocational and adult education)
  • Non-profit organisations, associations, non-governmental organisations
  • Career services and information centres

Non-fundable EU institutions for an internship

  • Institutions managing EU programmes (EU institutions, bodies and agencies)
  • Diplomatic national representations of the home country / country of origin of the beneficiaries (e.g. German embassies)

Application documents

Please send the the applications documents to: lange.christine@fh-swf.de

What are my obligations as an Erasmus+ student?

As an Erasmus+ student, you are required to prepare and submit certain documents and records before, during and after your mobility.

Before mobility

  • Learning Agreement with the company/institution
  • Grant Agreement

After mobility

  • Qualified Traineeship Certificate
  • EU-Funding Report/Participant Survey

PROMOS

Short-term study visits for final theses, specific courses such as summer or winter schools, participation in excursions, longer study visits and internships can generally be funded from the 4th semester for Bachelor's students and from the 1st semester for Master's students. Funding for study visits to ERASMUS countries is possible in exceptional cases, but must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Starting in 2024, PhD students will also have the opportunity to receive funding for subject-specific courses in Europe and abroad.

A selection committee of the University decides on the award of the scholarships on the basis of the documents submitted. The selection criteria are academic performance (a minimum GPA of 2.5), the purpose of the planned stay for further study, relevant language skills, the social significance of the project and the submission of the application in due form and time at least 8 weeks before the stay abroad.

For students with diversity characteristics such as a family migration history and/or family educational background (first-time academics), health impairments (disabilities or chronic illnesses), care obligations (single-parent students and academically active people) or if they are dependent on employment during their studies, if there is only a slight deviation from the Criterion academic performance (2.5) these criteria are given greater weight if there is appropriate commitment, a convincing application and/or a special recommendation from the assessor.

As the PROMOS Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship, the budget is limited. If all requirements are met, a decision will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. (The date of application is decisive)

The following activities are eligible for PROMOS funding

  • For study and internship stays abroad of at least 1 to a maximum of 6 months, a partial scholarship in the form of a lump sum is paid for the stay. These monthly flat rates are country-specific and are set by the DAAD. Mobility and course fee lump sums are not funded. (students)
  • For subject-related courses (Summer/Winter Schools) with a maximum duration of 6 weeks, a flat-rate course fee of 500 euros will be paid in addition to the partial grant for the stay. (undergraduate and PhD students)
  • Lecturers can apply for excursions until 31 March each year. Late applications cannot be considered due to the annual budget planning. The following also applies
    • ECTS points must be awarded
    • Only one grant per faculty is possible
    • A maximum of 10 people can be funded for 7 days
    • One accompanying person can usually be funded through ERASMUS Staff Mobility
    • From 2024, the flat rate for stays will be 45 euros for all countries

Application documents

Students / PhD students:

Excursions:

Information:

Contact PROMOS

Christoph Köchling (Dept. 4)
Phone: 02371 - 566 (1180)
Email: koechling.christoph@fh-swf.de

Further opportunities

Please select a programme

Additional funding programmes with direct application

The funding opportunities you can select here are not administered by South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, but may still be a good way to finance a stay abroad. Please note that the International Office at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences cannot offer advice on these programmes.

BAföG for abroad

If you receive BAföG in Germany, you are generally also entitled to BAföG abroad. Under certain circumstances, an application for BAföG abroad can be successful even if you do not receive BAföG in Germany, as the assessment thresholds are different.

In addition to worldwide study visits - whether to a partner university or to a university of your choice - worldwide internships abroad are also funded, provided that the internship is a compulsory part of the degree programme.

Sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction and the national language of the host country is required, although knowledge of the national language, if different from the language of instruction, may be limited to language courses at the university, adult education centre or similar.

As a rule, applications must be submitted to the relevant BAföG office abroad 6 months before the start of the period of study abroad, but no later than the date of departure.

Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Offices for Educational Support

DAAD scholarship database

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is an independent, publicly funded institution of German higher education. Its mission is to promote international academic relations.

Suitable scholarships can be found in the DAAD scholarship database.

Special mention should be made of the HAW.international scholarship for students from universities of applied sciences!

Fulbright-Stipendium

Named after the American senator J. William Fulbright, the exchange programme promotes academic and cultural dialogue with the USA. The Fulbright programme is highly regarded throughout the world. The Fulbright Commission helps applicants to apply for a place at an accredited American university that has been selected for their subject. Integration into the international network of Fulbrighters enables scholars to make contacts and friends all over the world.

In addition to semester stays, students from universities of applied sciences are offered summer schools at US universities, including the corresponding financial support.

German-American Fulbright Commission

GOstralia!-GOmerica!

GOstralia!-GOmerica! is the official representative of various Australian and New Zealand universities in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland and has been responsible for the transfer of knowledge, advising students and handling the application process at Australian partner universities since 2000.

GOstralia!-GOmerica! offers students a comprehensive range of information eventsand services. The organisation assists students in choosing the right study destination in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the USA, and continues to support students once they arrive at their host university. The service is free to students.

There are also regular calls for applications for scholarships..

Institut Ranke-Heinemann

The Institute represents all Australian and New Zealand universities as well as Australian schools and vocational academies in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.

As the central student secretariat for all Australian and New Zealand universities, the Ranke-Heinemann Institute is responsible for your advice, application/enrolment and support. The cost of these services is covered by the tuition fees you pay to the Australian or New Zealand institution. This means that a fixed amount is included for your support. In return, the institution guarantees a comprehensive package of pre- and post-study support services.

In some cases, the Institute may also award scholarships. For more information, please visit Institute Ranke-Heinemann.

College Contact

College Contact's role is to advise prospective students from German-speaking countries on behalf of its partner universities about the possibilities of studying abroad and to accompany applicants on their way abroad. As the partner universities finance this service, it is free of charge for students.

On the College Contact website you will find detailed profiles of the partner universities with pictures and videos, study guides, testimonials, a comprehensive guide to studying abroad, an international forum and much more.

College Contact also offers scholarships for semesters abroad.

Asiaexchange

For students of business, economics, management and international studies, Asia Exchange destinations have a lot to offer. Find your field of study or try something new while studying abroad! A paradise setting, world-class universities offering you a quality academic experience and credit transfer back home.

How convenient is that?

Asiaexchange

Good reasons to go abroad

Anne Hufelschulte, South Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Xamk – Finland

"Studying abroad was the best decision I made. During this time, I learned a lot, met new people from different countries and cultures, and visited new countries and cities. I can highly recommend everyone to have such an experience."

Amer Warak, Polytechnic Institute of Setubal (IPS) – Portugal

"My semester abroad in Setúbal, Portugal, was a truly transformative experience that enriched my life and perspective in many ways. During this time, I was able to form valuable friendships with international classmates that strengthened my intercultural skills. Exploring the coast of Portugal, from picturesque beaches to historic cities, made my stay unforgettable. This experience has had a lasting impact on my academic and personal development."

Hung Trinh, Munster Technological University (MTU) – Cork, Ireland

"3.5 months of living abroad was an amazing experience for me. I had not only the opportunity to experience the local culture on the first day at the partner institution, but also get to know Irish people through joining various local sport clubs. Through these activities, I have made a lot of great friends as well as learning a lot of useful knowledge through my classes at MTU. Ultimately, the ERASMUS+ program is a super interesting program which I got supported along my journey."

Nafis Bin Alam, Comenius University – Bratislava, Slovakia

"My semester abroad took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. I met a lot of new people there from different countries and from different cultures. I experienced so much and saw so much of the beauty of Human interaction during that period. I did not know what to expect before going there but after my semester I guess I could not have even imagined such a beautiful experience. Everyone welcomed each other and everyone also said goodbyes to each other with a heavy heart as we do not know when life will allow us to meet again and relive those memories. I also happened to travel a lot with the friends made there as a bonus. I totally would recommend people to try and go for a semester abroad, it is in my opinion an experience of a lifetime."

Markus Peifer-Weihs about his internship at the African Conservation Tillage Network – Kenia

"My internship in Kenya at the African Conservation Tillage Network gave me some unforgettable impressions for my life. It is an exciting experience to take the step into a foreign country and get to know all kinds of people and their cultures. For me, it was a true enrichment, and my perspective and appreciation for many things here in Germany have changed as a result."

Giovanni Cicero about his internship at Martinrea Honsel – Madrid, Spanien

"During my internship at Martinrea Honsel in Spain, I had the exciting opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and improve my language skills. By working with the great team, I was able to gain valuable experiences for my future career. Exploring the city of Madrid in my free time was an unforgettable part of my internship abroad."

ERASMUS+ 2021-2027 at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences

Further questions? Contact us!

Open consultation hours

Theresa Westhoff (Dezern. 4)

Phone:
02371 - 566 (1032)
Email:
Address

Frauenstuhlweg 31
58644 Iserlohn
Room: H.118

Kerstin Sobkowiak (SG 2.5)

Phone:
0291 - 9910 (4572)
Email:
Address

Lindenstr. 53
59872 Meschede
Room: 2.3.7