ERASMUS+ Sociology
International Affairs at the Faculty of Sociology
Welcome to the ERASMUS+ page of the Faculty of Sociology!
Are you thinking about studying abroad for a semester?
Do you work in teaching and would like to gain teaching experience abroad? Or are you a staff member in administration and service and interested in further education and training programmes abroad?
We currently offer you the opportunity to study, teach or further your education at more than 40 universities in Europe and beyond.
As the ERASMUS+ team of the Faculty of Sociology, we are mainly responsible for students and teaching staff of the faculty and are pleased to provide you with all the important information about ERASMUS+ below!
The International Office provides all interested parties with general information on Erasmus+ and other international mobility opportunities, such as study, research or internship stays abroad, as well as advice and services for planning and implementation.
Incoming
Are you studying at one of our partner universities [link] and would like to study abroad at the Faculty of Sociology? Then we are pleased to provide you with some initial information below.
- General information
Semester periods
In Germany, the winter semester always runs from October to March and the summer semester from April to September. However, the start and end of lectures vary. Here you can find the semester and lecture periods at Bielefeld University.
Erasmus+ code of the Faculty of Sociology
Sociology: 0314
Political Sciences: 0312
German courses
Bielefeld University offers free German language courses for those interested. If you are interested and need information, please visit the PunktUm website.
Online Learning Agreement (OLA)
A Learning Agreement is an agreement between you, your home university and the Faculty of Sociology at Bielefeld University in which the recognition options for courses are clarified. This procedure offers students the opportunity to have the courses they attend at the Faculty of Sociology recognised for courses/modules at their home university.
Bielefeld University uses the OLA (Online Learning Agreement).
Please only send us a "classic" Learning Agreement (as a scan or PDF) in exceptional cases.
It is only possible to conclude a meaningful Learning Agreement for the following semester after the publication of the course programme (for the winter semester from July/ for the summer semester from March) at Bielefeld University.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your Learning Agreement, please contact the responsible country coordinator at your home university.
You can find the country coordinator at the Faculty of Sociology under Office Hours + Contact. You must enter him/her as the responsible person in your OLA under "Recieving Institution".
- Study system and study organisation
Courses offered in English
The Faculty of Sociology only offers a limited number of English-language courses in the Bachelor's degree programmes, for which a language level of English B2 is required.
To take part in other courses in German, you must have at least B1 level German.
In the master courses, you will find an extensive range of English-language courses, especially for the Master's in Sociology. Further information can be found here.
Create a timetable
You can find an explanation of how to create your timetable here.
- Degree programmes at the Faculty of Sociology
Depending on your subject specialisation, the Faculty of Sociology offers you an extensive range of courses.
The courses on offer are aimed at both Bachelor's and Master's students as well as doctoral candidates.
The range of courses varies from semester to semester.
Below you will find information on the respective degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Sociology.
Bachelor's degree programmes:
You can find the course programme here.
B.A. Integrated Studies for Primary Education ("Sachunterricht")You can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
Doctoral students:
As a cooperative graduate school for sociology and history, the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology) offers a structured and diverse doctoral programme.
You can find the course programme here.
Master courses:
You can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
M.A. / M.Sc. Interdisciplinary Media StudiesYou can find the course programme here.
You can find the course programme here.
M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies of ScienceYou can find the course programme here.
- After the stay abroad
Your stay abroad at Bielefeld University is coming to an end? In order to successfully complete your studies at the Faculty of Sociology, please follow the steps below:
- Submit the latest and updated version of the OLA to the responsible country representative.
- Make sure that all achievements (coursework and examinations) have been entered no later than six weeks after the end of the course.
- If necessary, contact the lecturers of your seminars and ask them to book the achievements.
The Transcipt of Records is applied for via the examination office, where you will also receive the Transcript Supplement, which enables your university to convert the grades. If all of your coursework has already been recorded by the lecturers, please submit an application to the examination office.
With the Transcipt of Records, the Transcript Supplement and the OLA, you can now apply for credit transfer at your university. To do this, please contact the relevant examination office at your university.
- Support offered by the International Office
The International Office offers incoming students a wide range of counselling and support services.
As a central service centre, the International Office advises international students on issues such as financing their studies or finding accommodation.
At the beginning of the semester, the International Office also offers an orientation programme for international students. This includes, for example, accompanying students to official institutions or helping them to set up a German bank account.
You can find contact details for the International Office staffhere.
Outgoing
Would you like to study abroad? On this page, interested students (BA, MA and PhD) will find the necessary information about the partner universities, the application procedure, the documents after a nomination and recognition after the stay.
- Preliminary considerations
When to spend a semester abroad
For Bachelor's students, the 5th or 6th semester is usually suitable for a semester abroad. You must apply for this at the beginning of the 3rd semester (if you start your course in the winter semester). In general, however, applications can also be submitted after the 1st semester.
Master's students usually study abroad in the 3rd semester.
Please bear in mind the lead time required to organise the semester abroad!
Finding a suitable partner university abroad
When looking for a suitable partner university, you will certainly also need to consider whether the courses on offer match your current degree programme. In order to research this in advance, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the courses offered by our partner universities at an early stage.
In addition to applying for one of the partner universities listed below, it is possible to organize a spot at your preferred university within the Erasmus+ network independently as a so-called “freemover.” This process requires significantly more initiative on your part, but at the same time offers the opportunity for a more individualized approach. The International Office provides advice and further information.
Semester times at the partner universities
The semester times abroad are usually different from ours and there may be semester overlaps with Bielefeld University. Please bear this in mind when making your plans. However, you must be at the partner university at the beginning of the semester abroad.
You can find an overview of the European university periods here.
Costs during the semester abroad
We would like you to be aware that a stay abroad can be associated with increased costs. Depending on which country you go to, the cost of living can differ greatly from the German standard.
Even if you are exempt from tuition fees at all of our partner universities, accommodation costs and living expenses must be paid by the students themselves.- Partner universities
The Faculty of Sociology currently maintains ERASMUS+ cooperation programmes with more than 40 universities in Europe and abroad.
A detailed overview of the partner universities can be found here.
- Application
Application details: winter term 2026/27 & summer term 2027
Information provided at our information event in November: presentation.
Application deadlines
The Erasmus+ application procedure runs via the International Office's Mobility Online database.
The application deadline for the following academic year is 31 January.
Application procedure
You submit your application (with the exception of Switzerland and Georgia) via the Mobility Online portal.
The portal usually opens in the first or second week of January. Applications can only be submitted within a period of approximately three weeks.
Please proceed as follows when applying:
1. complete the application form. Indicate your preferred host universities in the form in order of priority. You can select up to three universities (preferred university 1, 2 and 3).
2. to complete your application, you must now upload your
application documents one after the other in Mobility Online:
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form
- Letter of motivation
- Transcript of Records
- Official proof of language proficiencyFurther information on the application documents can be found here:
Overview Erasmus+ Application Documents
Overview Erasmus+ Application Documents
Selection process
After the application deadline, your documents will be forwarded to the responsible country representatives at the Faculty of Sociology.
After a formal review, the selection and allocation process takes place, in which you will either:
- Receive an acceptance letter by e-mail to one of your three universities of choice. You then confirm or reject the place in Mobility Online.
- Receive a rejection by e-mail.
- Receive an alternative proposal by e-mail, which you confirm or reject by e-mail and then have to confirm again in Mobility Online.- Financing
Erasmus+ partial scholarship
The Erasmus+ scholarship is a partial scholarship.
You can receive an Erasmus+ scholarship for up to twelve months (=360 days) per study cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, doctorate). Your stay abroad at the partner university must last at least two months (60 days).
Scholarship rates by partner country
The amount of your Erasmus grant depends on the exact duration and destination country of the internship. The monthly funding rates can vary from year to year.
You can find an up-to-date overview of the funding rates for mobility and the travel allowance on the DAAD website. Please make sure to select your status group.
The scholarship is paid out in two instalments:
1st instalment: 75%, before the start of the stay abroad.
2nd instalment: 25%, after completion of the stay abroad, after you have submitted all the necessary documents.Additional scholarship benefits
Students who travel at least 50% of the journey to and from their destination by sustainable means of transport (Green Travel) receive additional financial support. Further information can be found here.
First degree students, working students, students with child(ren), disability(ies) or chronic illness(es) also have the opportunity to apply for a top-up amount. Further information on the Social Top-Up can be found here.
The application for the Social Top-Up must always be submitted before the stay abroad (before the Grant Agreement is issued), as it is generally not possible to apply for it at a later date.
A declaration on honour is currently sufficient as proof of the social top-up. However, it must be possible to submit supporting documents on request (depending on the additional funding, e.g. medical certificate, disability certificate, proof of parental allowance/travel documents, parental declaration, payslips or similar).
BAföG abroad
You can apply for BAföG abroad for the period of your stay abroad. The application is submitted to the central international office responsible for the destination country. You can find the international office responsible for you here.
The Erasmus+ scholarship is not offset against your BAföG up to an amount of €300. When calculating your BAföG abroad, make sure that no offsetting takes place here.
- (Online) Learning Agreement
Once you have been accepted for an exchange place, the preparations for your stay abroad really begin. There are numerous technical, organisational and financial matters to consider.
At this point, we would like to provide you with important information on creating the (Online) Learning Agreement.
Online Learning Agreement (OLA)
A Learning Agreement is an agreement between you, the partner university and the Faculty of Sociology in which the recognition options for courses are clarified.
This procedure offers students the opportunity to have courses from their semester abroad recognised for courses/modules at their home university.
Bielefeld University uses the OLA (Online Learning Agreement). Please only send us a "classic" Learning Agreement (as a scan or PDF) in exceptional cases. This applies to co-operations with Switzerland and Georgia. You will receive the Learning Agreement from the respective country representative.
Please contact your country coordinator in good time to clarify the Learning Agreement.
Please note that the respective coordinator does not draw up your Learning Agreement, but merely advises you. It is your responsibility to first get an overview of the courses at the partner university abroad and to present possible equivalences to the course content at the Faculty of Sociology
You can find important information and instructions for creating your Learning Agreement here.
Please read it carefully to avoid mistakes and problems with the subsequent recognition of credits!
The Learning Agreement is a mandatory component and prerequisite for the stay abroad!
Course changes during the stay abroad
If there are any changes with regard to attending courses at the partner university abroad, these must be agreed with the coordinator immediately.
The Online Learning Agreement must be adjusted in the portal. An explanation can be found here.
Linking
Please note that changes are only possible in the first four weeks after the start of the courses abroad!
- Recognition
Have you successfully completed your semester abroad at one of our partner universities and would now like to have your credits recognised at Bielefeld University?
Then please proceed as follows:
- Gather your documents
Make sure that you have the updated and final version of the Online Learning Agreement and a transcript of records from the partner university.
- Submit an application for recognition
Complete the regular application for recognition after your stay. You can go directly to the application form here.
Please note the respective credit points awarded by the Faculty of Sociology (study and examination credits).
- Submit proof of recognition
The completed and printed application must be submitted to the examination office together with the certificates of achievement and the Online Learning Agreement.
Marie-Sophie Borchelt Camêlo will make the decision on recognition in all cases.
Please note that the recognition of your achievements is a prerequisite for receiving the last 25% of your Erasmus+ scholarship instalment.
Partner universities
- Belgium
Erasmus+ partner: Département des sciences sociales et des sciences du travail
Language of instruction: French. Some courses are offered in English. The required language level for French is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte
Courses offered and specialisations:
- BA Sociology and Anthropology
- BA Human and Social Sciences
- MA Sociology
- MA Anthropology
- MA Population Studies and Development
- MA Human Resources Management
- MA Labour Studies
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends at the end of January/beginning of February. The summer semester usually begins in February and ends at the end of June. Examinations take place in the last month of the semester.
University of Ghent - Ghent University
Erasmus+ Partner: Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
Language of instruction: The Faculty of Political Social Sciences offers a comprehensive study programme in English. The required language level for Dutch or English is at least B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Open to: Master's and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte
Courses offered and specialisations:
- MSc Gender and Diversity
- MSc Communication Studies
- MSc EU Studies
- MSc Political Science
- MSc Sociology
- One-year MSc Conflict and Development (mainly in Dutch)
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid/end September and ends at the beginning of February. The summer semester usually begins at the beginning of February and ends at the end of June. Examinations take place in January for the winter semester and in June for the summer semester.
- Bulgaria
Sofijski universitet "Sv. Kliment Ohridski"/Sofia University of St. Kliment Ohridski (Sofia)
Erasmus+ partner: ФИЛОСОФСКИ ФАКУЛТЕТ (Faculty of Philosophy)
Language of instruction: English and Bulgarian. Many courses are offered in English. The required language level for English or Bulgarian is at least B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There is also a German and French MA programme.
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis (From March 31, 2026, Dr. Wayne Palmer will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA study programmes at a glance
MA study programmes at a glance
A detailed description of the degree programmes and an overview of the courses offered in English can be found on the homepage.
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The summer semester usually begins at the end of February and ends in mid-June.
- Denmark
Århus Universitet/Aarhus University (Aarhus)
Erasmus+ Partner: Institut for Statskundskab
Language of instruction: Danish and English. Many courses are offered in English. The required language level for English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of August and ends in mid-January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in early June. Examinations take place at the end of the courses rather than at the end of the semester.
- Estonia
Tallinna Ülikool/Tallinn University
Erasmus+ Partner: School of Humanities
Language of instruction: English
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of August and ends in January. The summer semester usually begins at the end of January and ends in June. Examinations take place in January for the winter semester and in June for the summer semester.
- Finland
Helsingin Yliopisto/University of Helsinki
Erasmus+ Partner: Faculty of Social Science
Language of instruction: English, Finnish and Swedish (B2). However, Bachelor programmes are mainly offered in Finnish.
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ coordination: Dr Wayne Palmer
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Global Politics and Communication
MA European and Nordic Studies
A detailed description of all degree programmes and further information about the university can be found on the website.
Study period: The autumn semester begins in August and ends in December. The spring semester begins in January and ends in July.
- France
Université de Rouen/University of Rouen
Erasmus+ Partner: Département de Sociologie
Language of instruction: French. No courses are offered in English, therefore a good knowledge of French is required. The desired language level for French is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Sociology, Innovations and Societies
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in June. Examinations take place in January for the winter semester and in June for the summer semester.
Erasmus+ partner: The agreement is not concluded with a specific department, but relates to the subject of Political Science.
Language of instruction: French. However, courses are also offered in English. The required language level for French and English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Political Science
MA Political Science
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in June. Examinations take place in January and May.
École des hautes etudes des Sciences Sociales/EHESS (Paris)
Erasmus+ Partner: Centre d'analyse et d'intervention sociologiques - CADIS
Language of instruction: French. The required language level for French is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER). The EHESS Paris requires a language certificate specifying the language level upon enrolment. No courses are offered in English.
Open to: Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis (From March 31, 2026, Mascha Nolte will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Social Sciences
MA Analysis and Economic Politics
MA Political Studies
MA Public Policy and Development
MA Health, Populations, Policy and Social Interventions
MA Economic and Social Sciences
MA Sciences of Religion and Society
MA Cognitive Sciences
MA Sociology and Statistics
Specialisations: a one-year study programme on graduate level that is concentrated on a certain topic or area of study such as Ethnology and Social Anthropology; Comparative Studies of Development ; Gender, Politics and Sexuality; General Sociology; Territory, Space and Society.
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of October and ends in February/March. The summer semester usually begins at the end of February/March and ends at the end of May/June.
Université Paris Ouest Nanterre/Paris West University La Défense
Language of instruction: French. A few courses are offered in English. The desired level for French or English is at least B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Extensive knowledge of French beyond this level is also recommended.
Erasmus+ partner: UFR Droit et Science Politique
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered:
Licence Droit, Economie, Gestion
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of September and ends in January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in June. Examinations take place in January and May.
- Italy
Università di Bologna/University of Bologna
Erasmus+ Partner: Scuola di Scienze Politiche
Language of instruction: Italian. Courses are also offered in English. Some study programmes are offered entirely in English. The required language level for Italian is at least level A2 and for English level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER). Experience has shown that advanced knowledge of Italian is of great support, as the English-language programmes are limited.
Open to: Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte (Sociology) (From March 31, 2026, Marie-Sophie Borchelt will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA International relations and diplomatic affairs (Eng.)
MA International cooperation on human rights and intercultural heritage (Eng.)
MA Politics Administration and Organisation
BA Sociology
MA Interdisciplinary research and studies on Eastern Europe (Eng.)
MA International relations (Eng.)
Bielefeld University and Bologna University also offer a double Master's programme in Sociology. All information about the study programme and application modalities can be found here.
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in mid-February. The summer semester usually begins at the end of February and ends at the end of July. Examinations take place in January to February or June to July.
Università degli studi di Sassari/University of Sassari
Erasmus+ Partner: Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche, Scienze della Comunicazione e Ingegneria dell'informazione LINKING
Language of instruction: Italian. However, courses are also offered in English. The required language level for Italian and English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A good knowledge of Italian is advantageous, as many courses are offered in Italian and the English-language programme is limited.
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations: Our Erasmus+ partner in Sassari, the Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche, Scienze della Comunicazione e Ingegneria dell'informazione at the University of Sassari, offers the following BA study programmes:
BA Scienze della politica e dell'amministrazione
BA Scienze della comunicazione
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The summer semester usually begins at the beginning of March and ends in mid-June. Examinations take place in February and from July to September. Intensive language courses usually take place shortly before the start of the semester.
- Netherlands
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen/University of Groningen
Erasmus+ Partner: Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen (Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences)
Language of instruction: Dutch and English. About 10% of the courses are offered in English. The required language level for English or Dutch is at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Dr Wayne Palmer
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Academische opleiding leraar basisonderwijs
Study period: The academic year in Groningen is divided into two halves of 9-14 weeks each and includes seminars, lectures, tutorials and examination periods.
- Austria
Universität Wien/University of Vienna
Erasmus+ Partner: Faculty of Social Sciences
Language of instruction: German, but some courses are also offered in English. The required language level for both German and English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Dr Wayne Palmer (From March 31, 2026, Mascha Nolte will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Science - Technology - Society (Eng.)
Study period: The lecture period in the winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The lecture period in the summer semester usually begins at the beginning of March and ends at the end of June. Examinations take place in January for the winter semester and in June for the summer semester.
University of Salzburg/University of Salzburg
Erasmus+ Partner: Department of Political Science and Sociology
Language of instruction: German. Courses are also offered in English, but the main language of instruction is German. The required language level for German or English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination:
Lena Wittenfeld (Political Science)
Mascha Nolte (Sociology)
Courses offered and specialisations:
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The summer semester begins at the beginning of March and ends at the end of June.
- Poland
Uniwersytet Warszawski/University of Warsaw (Warsaw)
Erasmus+ partner: Wydział filosofii I Socjologii (Faculties of Sociology and Philosophy)
Language of instruction: Polish, a few courses are offered in English. A good knowledge of Polish is required. The required language level for Polish and English is at least B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Dr Wayne Palmer (From March 31, 2026, Madita Michaelis will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Sociology
MA Sociology
MA Language and Society: interdisciplinary studies of discourse
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends in mid-February. The summer semester begins in mid-February and ends in early July. Examinations take place at the end of each semester in early February and mid-June.
Erasmus+ partner: Wydział Humanistyczny (Faculty of Humanities)
Language of instruction: English. However, courses are mainly offered in Polish. Courses are offered in English and occasionally in other languages (German, French, Russian). The required level for English is at least B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
BSc Sociology
BSc Cultural Studies
BSc Social informatics
MSc Sociology with a special emphasis of multimedia and social communication, economy, technology and society, or innovations and social interventions
MSc Cultural studies with a special emphasis of protection of cultural and natural heritage, audiovisual culture and graphic design, or new media culture and graphic design
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The summer semester usually begins at the end of February and ends in June. Examinations take place in February and June/July.
Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie/Jagellonian University (Krakow)
Erasmus+ Partner: Faculty of International and Political Studies
Language of instruction: Polish and English. The required language level for English is at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA in Global and Development Studies (GLAD)
BA in International Relations and Area Studies
BA in European Studies: Politics and Society in a Global Context (Centre for European Studies)
MA in International Security and Development (ISAD)
MA International Joint Master's Degree in International Relations: Europe in the Visegrad Perspective
MA in Euroculture: Europe in the Wider World (Erasmus Mundus)
MA in Governance, Leadership and Democracy Studies (Jagiellonian University and the Universidade Católica Portuguesa)
MA International Masters in Economy, State and Society
MA International Master in Central and East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (Erasmus Mundus)
MA Double Degree Master's Programme in Law & Politics (Kobe University)& European Studies (Jagiellonian University)
MA European Studies Double Degree Masters Programme (Jagiellonian University and University of Strasbourg)
MA European Studies Double Degree Masters Programme (Jagiellonian University and University of Padova)
Study period: The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the end of January. The summer semester usually begins at the end of February and ends in June. Examinations take place in February and June/July.
- Portugal
ISCTE Instituto Universitario de Lisboa/University of Lisbon (Lisbon)
Erasmus+ Partner: Escola de Sociologia e Políticas Públicas
Language of instruction: Portuguese. A few courses are offered in English. The required language level for Portuguese and English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF), but a deeper knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.
Open to: Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte
Courses offered and specialisations: can be viewed on the website
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of September and ends at the beginning of February. The summer semester usually begins at the beginning of February and ends in July. Examinations take place in January and June.
- Spain
Universidad de Deusto/University of Deusto (Bilbao)
Erasmus+ Partner: Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas
Language of instruction: Spanish, English and Basque. The required language level for all languages is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Study period: The winter semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in mid-December. Examinations are written from the end of December to mid-January. The re-writing exams take place from mid-January to the beginning of February. The summer semester begins at the beginning of February and ends at the end of May. Examinations are written at the beginning of June. The re-writing exams are written from mid to end June.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid/Complutense University of Madrid
Erasmus+ Partner: Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología
Language of instruction: Spanish. A few courses are offered in English. The desired language level for Spanish is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Knowledge of Spanish beyond this level is helpful.
Open to: Bachelor's and Master's students
Erasmus+ Coordination:
Lena Wittenfeld (Political Science)
Madita Michaelis (Sociology)
Courses offered and specialisations: Can be viewed on the website
Study period: The winter semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in mid-December. Examinations are written at the beginning of January. The summer semester begins at the end of January and ends, including examinations, at the end of May. Make-up examinations for both semesters take place between June and July.
- Sweden
Umeå universitet/University of Umea
Erasmus+ partner: Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
Language of instruction: The official languages of instruction are Swedish and English. Many courses are offered in English. The required language level for English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Crisis Management and Peacebuilding
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of August and ends in mid-January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in early June. Examinations take place at the end of the course rather than at the end of the semester.
Göteborgs Universitet/University of Gothenburg
Erasmus+ Partner: Institutionen för sociologi och arbetsvetenskap (Department of Sociology and Work Science)
Language of instruction: English. The required language level is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Mascha Nolte
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Strategic Human Resource Management (Eng.)
Study period: The winter semester starts at the beginning of September and ends in mid-January. The summer semester begins in mid-January and ends in June.
Lunds Universitet/University of Lund
Erasmus+ Partner: Statsvetenskapliga institutionen (Department of Political Sciences)
Language of instruction: English. The required language level for English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
MA Welfare Policies and Management (Eng.)
There is a separate, English-language course programme offered by the faculties for exchange students, which is very extensive. The university provides a course guide organised by subject area.
Study period: The winter semester usually begins at the end of August and ends in January. The summer semester usually begins in mid-January and ends in June. Examinations take place at the end of the semester. Arrival Day and intensive language courses take place before the start of the semester in mid-August and early January.
- Switzerland
Universität Luzern/University of Lucerne
Erasmus+ Partner: Department of Political Science and Sociological Seminar of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Language of instruction: German. Courses are also offered in English. Seminar papers can normally be written in either German or English, regardless of the language of the course. The required language level for German and English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination:
Lena Wittenfeld (Political Science)
Mascha Nolte (Sociology) (From March 31, 2026, Leonie Schulz will be responsible for this cooperation).
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Cultural Studies with Major in Political Science
BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics
BA Social and Communication Sciences
Integrated study programme: "World Society and World Politics"
MA Cultural Studies with Major in Political Science
MA Social and Communication Sciences
MA World Society and World Politics
MA Public Opinion and Survey Methodology
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in mid-December. The summer semester usually begins in mid-February and ends at the end of May.
University of Bern/University of Bern
Erasmus+ Partner: Department of Social Sciences of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Humanities
Language of instruction: German. However, courses are also offered in English. The required language level for German and English is at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in mid-December. The summer semester begins in mid-February and ends in mid-June. Examinations take place during the year in three examination periods at the end of January, beginning of June and in September.
Universität Basel/University of Basel
Erasmus+ Partner: Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies
Language of instruction: German.
Open for: Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Leonie Schulz
Courses offered and specialisations:
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends in mid-December. The summer semester begins in mid-February and ends in mid-June.
- Turkey
Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi/Middle East Technical University METU (Ankara)
Erasmus+ Partner: Department of Sociology
Language of instruction: English. Courses are also offered in Turkish. The required language level for English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor, Master, PhD students.
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
Study period: The winter semester begins at the end of September and the summer semester starts at the beginning of February. Orientation days and language courses for international students usually take place two weeks before the start of the semester.
Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi/Yidiz Technical University (Istanbul)
Erasmus+ Partner: Siyaset Bilimi ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Bölümü (Department of Political Science and International Relations)
Language of instruction: Turkish and English. About 30% of the courses are offered in English. The required language level for English is at least level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CER).
Open to: Bachelor and Master students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Lena Wittenfeld
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Political Science and International Relations
MA Political Science and International Relations
Study period: Courses in the winter semester start regularly from mid-September and end at the end of December. Courses in the summer semester begin in mid-February and end in mid-June. Examinations take place in January in the winter semester and in June in the summer semester.
Altinbas Üniversitesi/Altinbas University (Istanbul)
Erasmus+ Partner: İktisadi , İdari ve Sosyal Bilimler Fakültesi (School of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences)
Language of instruction: English. The required language level for English is at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA International Relations
BA Political Science and Public Administration
BA International Logistic Management
BA Social Service
Study period: The winter semester begins at the end of September and the summer semester begins at the beginning of February.
İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi/Istanbul Bilgi University
Erasmus+ Partner: Uluslararası İlişkiler Bölümü (Department of International Relations)
Language of instruction: English. Courses are also offered in Turkish. The required language level for English is at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open for: Bachelor, Master and PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Madita Michaelis
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA International Relations (Eng.)
Study period: The winter semester usually begins in mid-September and ends at the end of December. The summer semester usually begins in mid-February and ends at the end of May. Examinations take place at the end of December to the beginning of January and at the beginning of June.
- Hungary
Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem/Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest)
Erasmus+ partner: Társadalomtudományi Kar (Faculty of Social Sciences)
Language of instruction: Hungarian, but many courses are offered in English and some courses in German. The required language level for English is at least B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: Bachelor students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Dr Wayne Palmer
Courses offered and specialisations:
BA Social Work
BA Social Science
Study period: The winter semester begins in mid-September and ends in mid-December. The summer semester begins in mid-February and ends in mid-May. Examinations take place after the lecture period from December to January and May to July. It is recommended to complete an exchange programme over two semesters, starting in the winter semester.
- Partner universities outside Europe
საქართველოს უნივერსიტეტი/University of Georgia (Tbilisi)
Erasmus+ Partner: Nutsa Vepkhvadze, n.vepkhvadze@ug.edu.ge
Language of instruction: Georgian, but many courses are offered in English. The required language level for English is at least B1/2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Open to: PhD students
Erasmus+ Coordination: Marie-Sophie Borchelt Camêlo
Courses offered and focus: Our Erasmus+ partner institution, the School of Social Science in Georgia, University of Georgia, offers an English-language Master of Security Studies programme. The programme therefore focuses on Security Studies and Global Governance.
Study period: The winter semester begins at the end of September/beginning of October and ends at the end of February. The summer semester begins at the beginning of March and ends at the end of July.
Staff mobility
The ERASMUS+ programme enables you as a teaching staff or employee of the Faculty of Sociology to complete various forms of a stay at one of our ERASMUS+ partner universities.
Alternatively, it is also possible to apply for a stay abroad via an Erasmus+ partner university of Bielefeld University.
In the course of a staff mobility, you can choose between classic teaching stays (Teaching Mobility) or training stays (Training Mobility).
General information on the respective forms of mobility can be found below.
- Forms of mobility
Teaching Mobility // Teaching Stays (STA)
The Erasmus+ programme offers teaching staff from the Faculty of Sociology the opportunity to complete a teaching mobility (teaching stay) at one of our partner universities.
The programme is aimed at the following university staff:
- Professors and lecturers
- academic co-workers
Teaching activities at one of the partner universities amount to 8 hours per stay/per week.
The duration of the programme is usually at least 2 days, max. 14 days.
Training Mobility // Further Education Stays (STT)
The ERASMUS+ programme offers the target group of staff in technology and administration as well as science and research the opportunity to gain experience in an international context.
Employees can take part in further education and training programmes at our partner universities as well as training visits to European (partner) universities.
In addition to stays at partner universities of the Faculty of Sociology and Bielefeld University, staff weeks at other institutions can also be selected. You can find an overview on IMOTION - Erasmus Staff Training.
The duration of the mobilities can usually be between 2 and 14 days.
- Partner universities
You can find an overview of the Faculty of Sociology's partner universities at which a Staff Mobility is possible here.
On the university's website you will also find a selection of all partner universities that are eligible for a Staff Mobility.
- Application
Application deadlines
Please note that applications can only be submitted via Mobility Online on two dates per year:
- 01.03.-31.03.
- 01.09.-30.09.
Applications are reviewed in April and October.
For applications for an Erasmus+ stay outside the European Higher Education Area, please contact the respective country representative.
Application procedure
Please submit your application exclusively via Mobility Online. All information on Mobility Online and the application process can be found via the International Office.
Before the mobility
- If necessary, contact the partner university.
- Clarify the period and activity with both the home university and the partner university
Please clarify the following points: Overall objectives of the mobility, added value of the mobility (in the context of the modernisation and internationalisation strategies of the participating departments); Content of the teaching programme; Expected outcomes and impact (e.g. on the professional development of teaching staff and on the competences of students at both institutions).
- Submit the application via Mobility Online by entering the personal and residence-related data and upload the declaration of consent signed by the dean/supervisor.
- The data will be checked by the International Office.
- You can then generate a Mobility Agreement. The content and scope of the agreement will be agreed in writing with the partner university.
- Applying for a business trip.
After the mobility- Please upload the Confirmation of Participation form, which you will receive from the IO together with the letter of approval, to Mobility Online. The Confirmation contains information on the exact duration of the mobility and is signed and stamped by the host university.
The procedure described is aimed at mobilities that take place within the European Higher Education Area. For Erasmus+ co-operations outside the higher education area, a paper application is required. Please get in touch with the contact person for the co-operation.
- Financing
Erasmus+ pays a lump sum for travel and accommodation costs (as "unit costs"). The business trip is therefore not settled with expense receipts.
Funding is provided as part of the Erasmus+ lump sums for travel and subsistence costs, which vary depending on the host country.
Here you will find an overview of the daily and travel allowances for KA 131 mobilities, taking into account your mobility.
Here you will find an overview of the daily and travel allowance for KA 171 mobilities, taking into account your mobility.
Green Travel
If you decide to travel by low-emission means of transport, you can indicate this in your application. You will then receive a supplement for the travel allowance. Further information can be found here.
- Formalities
Contact + office hours
The ERASMUS+ Team of the Faculty of Sociology
- Erasmus+ overall coordination
For general questions about ERASMUS+ at the Faculty of Sociology, please send an e-mail to erasmus.soc@uni-bielefeld.de.
We also offer a counselling session on Tuesdays from 2 - 3 pm. Please register for this.
Marie Sophie Borchelt Camêlo
Referentin für Internationalisierung
- Telephone
- +49 521 106-3667
- Room
- Gebäude X C2-239
- Country Representative for Political Science
- Country Representative for Sociology
Leonie Schulz
Research assistant in the field of sociology of gender (Prof. König)
Leonie.schulz@uni-bielefeld.de
