Students from abroad/Incomings
The School of Cultural Studies and Social Sciences welcomes international students in several different contexts. Students have the following options to apply to Osnabrück University:
Degree Seeking Students
International Students can apply for a full bachelor's or master's degree at Osnabrück University. Please note that there are special application requirements and deadlines for international students.
Erasmus and Exchange Students from Partner Universities
The School of Cultural Studies and Social Sciences holds a wide range of international partnerships all over the world and in Europe in the context of the Erasmus program. Bachelor and master students from our partner universities can study at Osnabrück University for one or two semesters within our regular study programs and obtain ECTS points (no degrees will be awarded to exchange students).
Master Program Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding
The "Master in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding" is a four-semester study program that focuses on linking research and practice. It aims to provide students with a broad understanding of peace and conflict studies, while at the same time familiarizing them with the practical fields of peacebuilding and conflict management. The program is taught entirely in English. International students are invited to apply.
International Short-Term Programs, Summer Schools
Each July, Osnabrück University hosts students from all over the world for its International Summer Schools. With a mixture of well-established programs and innovative courses, they represent a unique opportunity to experience student life at a renowned German University. As a participant, you will get to enjoy challenging academic classes, a variety of cultural activities, introductory German lessons as well as an exciting buddy program.
Information for Refugees
Language development courses, occasional studies, leisure activities: students and teaching staff at Osnabrück University have developed a range of offers and initiatives in a bid to offer practical assistance and support to refugees in and around Osnabrück, giving them a warm welcome.
Applicants who are interested to study a full bachelor's or master's degree at Osnabrück University can find further information about the application requirements here.
Please note that the application procedure depends on the different groups of applicants:
With a German secondary school diploma
Applicants who have earned a secondary school diploma from a German school either in Germany or abroad must meet the same admissions requirements as German students. They are considered international students with German diplomas ("Bildungsinländer").
With foreign certificates
International students with foreign certificates applying to study in Osnabrück must meet certain conditions related to their subject and linguistic competence. Their educational background and country of origin also affect the admissions procedure. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Study program websites of the Institutes
Institute of Geography
Institute of Social Sciences
Department of History
Institute of Art/Art Education
Department of Textile Studies
Academic Calendar
- Spring Semester 2024
Start of the Semester: 1st April 2024
Welcome Week for International Students: 25th - 28th March 2024
Start of Lectures: 2nd April 2024
End of Lectures: 6th July 2024
End of the Semester: 30th September 2024
- Autumn Semester 2024/25
Start of the Semester: 1st October 2024
Welcome Week for International Students: 14th - 18th October 2024
Freshman Week for Degree Seeking Students: 21st - 26th October 2024
Start of Lectures: 28th October 2024
Christmas Holidays: 21st December 2024 - 4th January 2025
End of Lectures: 15th February 2025
End of the Semester: 31st March 2025
Language Requirements
- There is no need to include proof of German language proficiency in the nomination or application, but our partner universities are supposed to select students who meet the required level: German B1 for Courses in German/English B2 for courses in English.
- The main language of instruction at Osnabrück University is German, especially in bachelor programs. However, there are a number of courses in English offered each semester.
Courses
- General information: Exchange and Erasmus students must take the majority of courses at the institute/department where they are enrolled according to the partnership. Courses from other schools and institutes may be chosen upon agreement with the respective coordinator and needs to be confirmed via the Learning Agreement.
- Bachelor's students from their 5th semester/3rd year onwards can also take part in Master's courses, provided there are no specific prerequisites/restrictions for the course and places are available.
- Please note that we cannot award ECTS for final theses.
Search for courses from all degree programs and departments via Stud.IP (Login with your Osnabrück University account, choose "Veranstaltungen" for selection of subject areas)
Learning Agreement and Course Enrollment
- Students need to enroll in courses through our online course registration system (stud.ip) before the start of the lecture period. They will receive the access data with their enrollment documents.
- It is compulsory for incoming students to conclude a Learning Agreement before the start of the semester. Learning Agreements can be adjusted up to five weeks after the start of the semester if places are available.
- For all students in the framework of the ERASMUS program we would prefer to conclude the new Online Learning Agreement (OLA). Students can fill in all information through the webpage and have it signed digitally by all parties.
- If you are an exchange student outside ERASMUS or if your university doesn't participate in the OLA you can still use the paper-based version (LA ERASMUS/ LA Exchange Students) and send it via email.
- Responsible persons of the institutes for the signature of Learning Agreements
Exam Registration
- In addition to registering for the courses in Stud.IP, students must also register separately for the examinations and coursework of their courses in HisInOne at the end of each semester.
- Registration Period for Exams in HisinOneWinter semester 2024/25: tbd.
- If it is not possible to register via HisInOne, achievements can be confirmed by the lecturers via the ECTS-Certificate. In this case, students must register their exams and assignments by email with the lecturer during the official registration period and submit the ECTS-Certificate together with the examination/course work (e.g. term paper).
- Registration Period for Language Course Exams Winter Semester 2024/25: tbd.
- For information on registration formalities and deadlines for courses in other departments, please ask the lecturers of the courses.
- Issuing of the Transcript of Records: An overview of the completed courses and the ECTS-Certificates (if applicable) must be submitted to the International Office (to Sabine Jones, incoming@uos.de). The overview of achievements can be generated as a pdf document in HisInOne.
Language Courses
- Pre-sessional German language course (for international students and exchange students, fee-based)
- During each semester our language center offers a wide range of free German language courses on different levels. There will be a placement test at the beginning of the semester.
- For more information please visit the webpage of our Language Center.
Accommodation
- Exchange students from partner universities can apply for accommodation in the student dorms operated by Studentenwerk Osnabrück (Student Services) through the International Office.
Services for International Students
- Our servicewebpagesoffer information about visa and entry requirements and your arrival in Osnabrück. You can also find information about accommodation and insurance. And last but not least check out our tips for culture and leisure activities!
- Please visit our Welcome Hub for International Studentsfor all important organizational topics related to your study stay in Osnabrück!