• During your studies: You can apply for a semester or year abroad starting in your 2nd semester. Most programs have a lead time of approximately one year and often start in the winter semester. Therefore, we recommend that you apply in the 3rd semester in order to be able to study abroad in the 5th semester. But of course, applications are also possible for a later semester.
• After graduation: As a graduate, you have the opportunity to gain experience abroad with a postgraduate, supplementary, or advanced degree program.

No matter the language of instruction at the foreign host university: For most applications, you will need to provide proof of language proficiency. Before applying, please check with us during office hours to find out which language tests are accepted at your host university.

General information on international language tests and language course offers at the University of Potsdam is available on the website of the Center for Languages and Key Competences.

Would you like to brush up your language skills while still here in Germany? Completely free of charge and compatible with your class schedule? Then why not sign up for the Buddy Program or the Language Tandem Program?

• If you go abroad on a structured exchange program, the recognition of your credits is contractually regulated and therefore usually not a problem.
• If you submit an individual application to a university of your choice, you may sometimes encounter difficulties in receiving credits for your achievements.

To be safe in both cases, you should talk to your departmental advisor or Erasmus coordinator about your Learning Agreement – a list of the courses you would like to take at the foreign university – before starting your studies abroad. The Examining Board of your subject(s) is responsible for the subsequent recognition of your credits.

You can find the application for credit recognition here.

Would you like to complete a full degree program abroad or earn a foreign degree?

Then you should definitely inquire in advance at the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (Central Office for Foreign Education) in Bonn whether the foreign academic title is recognized in Germany. The Ministries of Education and Research can provide you with information on the foreign titles you are allowed to bear in your name in the respective federal state.