Erasmus+ and Other Cooperation Programmes
Students in Cooperation Programmes
Would you like to study at Bielefeld University within the framework of a cooperation programme such as Erasmus+ or another university partnership worldwide? Then you will find important information on these pages and in the factsheet (see download area).
Admission for a Cooperation Programme
A simplified admission procedure is provided for cooperation students. Partner universities nominate students within a cooperation programme. If you are not sure whether Bielefeld University is a partner of your home university or if you already know that a cooperation programme exists and you would like to apply for a place, please contact the International Office of your home university. If you are offered a place at Bielefeld University, you will be officially nominated as a participant by your home university.
After the end of the nomination period, you will receive an email from the International Office Bielefeld (IO) asking you to register in the Mobility Online Portal of Bielefeld University. The online portal will describe the further procedure and you can register for the accommodation service and the intensive German course.
Accommodation in Bielefeld
- Information about the Accommodation Service
Bielefeld University has reserved a number of rooms in student residences for international students enrolled on cooperation programmes. Depending on availability, you will receive a one-time room offer. The landlord is the Studierendenwerk Bielefeld.
Who qualifies as a cooperation student?
Students (BA, MA, PhD) from partner universities who come to Bielefeld University for one or two semesters for study or internship purposes.Requirements for renting a room:
- Enrolment at Bielefeld University
- Payment of the semester fee
- Advance transfer of the reservation fee to the Studierendenwerk
Location:
The halls of residence are located in various districts of Bielefeld and are well connected to the university.Single Apartments:
Availability is limited – no guarantee can be given.Pets:
Pets are not allowed in the halls of residence.Accessibility:
Not all halls offer accessible rooms. Please contact us early if required.In rare cases, no rooms may be available. If so, you must find accommodation on the private housing market. Information and support are available on our website.
- Room Search and Room Allocation
How do I apply for a room offer?
Your home university must nominate you by email to Bielefeld University. You will then receive a registration link for the Mobility Online portal, where you can apply for the housing service. After admission, you will receive a room offer by email.When will I know if I have been offered a room?
You will receive the room offer by email:- by 15 January (for the summer semester)
- by 15 July (for the winter semester)
You then have 7 days to accept the offer.
How do I accept the room offer?
- Transfer the reservation fee of €300.
- Register with the landlord (Studierendenwerk), providing your personal details and VO number.
What is the reservation fee for?
The €300 fee secures your room for your month of arrival. After arrival and signing the contract, it will be converted into a deposit. The deposit covers possible damage or necessary cleaning.Can I live with a friend?
Room allocation is automated. Due to the limited number of shared apartments, living together with a friend is unfortunately not possible.Are accessible rooms available?
Not all halls of residence offer accessible rooms. Please contact us early so that we can consider this during room allocation.What happens if I am unable to travel?
Please inform us immediately.Can I cancel my tenancy agreement?
The tenancy agreement is binding for the agreed period. Cancellation or subletting is not permitted.Can I extend my tenancy agreement?
Rooms are rented semester by semester to newly arriving students. Extensions are generally not possible.- Costs and Facilities
How long can I rent the room and what are the costs?
Rooms are rented on a semester basis:- March–July (5 months): €1600
- September–February (6 months): €1920
- September–August (12 months): €3840
(plus a one-off €300 reservation fee/deposit)
What costs are included in the rent?
- Basic rent
- Heating, electricity, water
- Internet (cable and/or WLAN)
- Caretaker service (consultation hours and 24-hour emergency number)
- Waste disposal
What facilities and services are included?
- Use of common rooms
- Furniture: bed, mattress, desk, chair, wardrobe, shelf
- Kitchen with cooking facilities and fridge (some with cutlery)
- Laundry room with washing machines (small usage fee may apply)
- Bedding and pillow
Is there internet in the residence?
Yes. Connection via LAN cable or WLAN.Is there a washing machine?
Yes, each hall has washing machines (small usage fee may apply).What additional costs may arise?
- Monthly broadcasting fee (per flat or apartment)
- Replacement costs in case of key loss
- Costs due to gross negligence or damage
- Cleaning costs if the room is not properly cleaned on departure
Can my family or friends stay with me?
The rooms are intended for one person. Visitors are allowed for approximately six weeks. In shared flats, please coordinate this with your flatmates.Do I need liability insurance?
Liability insurance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. It covers damage caused to third parties (e.g., flatmates, landlord).- Arrival
When and where do I receive my key and rental contract?
You will receive your key and contract during the arrival days of the orientation programme:- Location: Student Service Centre – InfoPunkt International (Room A0-307)
If you arrive outside the orientation programme, you can collect your key during opening hours (Monday–Friday: 11:00–13:00).
how to arrive at Bielefeld University
What if I arrive late in the evening or at the weekend?
Please book temporary accommodation (hotel/hostel) and come to the Info Point International on the next working day.When is the first rent collected?
After your arrival and signing of the contract, you must submit your direct debit authorisation to the Studierendenwerk. Rent will then be collected at the beginning of each month.- Stay
What should I do if there are damages or missing equipment in my room?
Contact the caretaker personally during consultation hours or leave a note in the caretaker's mailbox (include your name, room number and request).Who is responsible for cleaning?
You are responsible for cleaning your own room. In shared flats, all flatmates clean the kitchen together.Is catering provided in the residences?
No. You can cook for yourself or eat in the university canteens/cafeterias.Where do I dispose of my rubbish?
Each hall has nearby rubbish containers. Caretakers or neighbours will be happy to assist you if needed.Can I have visitors?
Short-term visitors are allowed. In shared flats, please coordinate with your flatmates.Can I smoke in my room?
No. All rooms are non-smoking.Can I change my room if I have conflicts with flatmates?
Room changes are not possible due to the housing situation. Please try to resolve conflicts through dialogue.What if I forget or lose my key?
Contact the caretaker. If the key is lost during the night, call the emergency number. Please note that additional charges apply for door opening and key replacement.Can I have a party?
Yes, but please inform your flatmates and neighbours in advance. From 10 p.m., you must keep noise to a minimum. The police may intervene in case of noise complaints.What to do in case of emergency (e.g., fire, water damage)?
- Fire brigade/ambulance: 112
- Police: 110
- Departure
Do I need to cancel my rental contract before departure?
No. The contract and the SEPA mandate end automatically on the last day of the rental period.When do I need to move out?
By 24:00 (midnight) on the last day of your rental period.How does the room handover work?
Arrange an appointment with the caretaker during your final week.- Clean the room, empty the fridge, dispose of rubbish, and take personal belongings.
- Sweep and mop the room; hang cleaning materials to dry.
- Hand over the key and deposit form to the caretaker or place them in the mailbox.
When and how do I get my deposit back?
If the room is clean and undamaged, the Studierendenwerk will refund the deposit approximately two months after the end of the tenancy.Conditions for refund:
- Room cleaned (including empty fridge and rubbish bin)
- Key handed over to the caretaker
- Bank account details provided to the Studierendenwerk
Upon Arrival
- Enrolment
The enrolment takes place at the beginning of the orientation programme offered for Erasmus+/cooperation students every term. For enrolment students need to present a valid health insurance.
About a week after registration you will receive a datasheet, the socalled "Leporello" with certificates of admission ("Immatrikulationsbescheinigungen") and your personal email-password. With an "Immatrikulationsbescheinigung" you can apply for your matriculation card ("Studentenausweis") at the "Zentrale Leihstelle". The Studentenausweis is also for use of the library and the "Semesterticket" for public transport. You will also need it to obtain an International Students Identity Card (ISIC), and apart from this, it is also valid for a number of reductions f.ex. for cinema and theatre tickets.
Please note: Exchange/Cooperation students who decide to prolong their stay and take the final exams at Bielefeld University are obliged to re-apply as degree students and then have to provide TestDaF or pass the DSH.
- Orientation Programme
A new country, a new city, a new university and hardly any familiar faces... The International Office organises an orientation programme to make it easier to start living and studying in Bielefeld, accompanying the intensive German language course before the start of lectures. Events are also offered in the first weeks of the lecture period. The orientation programme is designed to help newly arrived students settle in and offers the opportunity to get to know other students.
A new country, a new city, a new university, and hardly any familiar faces... Going abroad can be a challenge. In order to facilitate the beginning of your study stay we have organized an orientation programme with an intensive German language course. It takes part before the lecture period begins, helps to settle in more easily, and gives opportunity to get to know fellow international students. This is - amongst other events - part of the programme:
- Enrolment at Bielefeld University
- Intensive German language course
- Information on the university, the library, and the study system
- A guided city tour and various trips to places in and outside of Bielefeld
- Get-togethers and meetings with international students and student mentors
It is possible to receive 4 - 5 credit points for the intensive language course, if students take part regularly and sit the final exam.
Please note:
It is very much recommended that you take part in the orientation programme with intensive German language course as it is the best start for your study period in Bielefeld and offers ample opportunity to get to know fellow students. It also guarantees an early and speedy issuing of your student card, including the combined access to the internet and electronic information system of Bielefeld University and of the Semester-Ticket for free public transport in Bielefeld and the surroundings.- Health Insurance
It is mandatory to have a health insurance policy in order to be enrolled at Bielefeld University and you should check whether the health insurance in your home country is sufficient.
- Students from EU countries (EEC] + EEA)
If you have a statutory health insurance in your home country, you only need to present your European Health Insurance Card at a German health insurance agency. A form will be issued which confirms that your insurance is sufficient to be enrolled.
- Students from countries who have entered a social security agreement with Germany (e.g. Switzerland, Turkey)
If you have a statutory health insurance in your home country, please inquire at your health insurance provider to get form E-111, AT 11, ATN11 or BH6. This form can be presented at a German health insurance agency and a form will be issued which confirms that your insurance is sufficient to be enrolled.
- Students who habe a private health insurance
You need to provide a written confirmation of your health insurance provider (either in German or English) that- (a) you have a health insurance
- (b) it is valid in Germany
- (c) it provides you with sufficient insurance coverage.
- A common travel health insurance will not be accepted!
You have to take this written confirmation to one of the statutory health insurance providers in Germany. They will then issue a written exemption from compulsory insurance (called a "Befreiung") and you will need to show this to enroll at the university. If you have a private health insurance, you will have to pay for any necessary health treatment yourself and then claim the money back from the health insurance provider in your home country.
Please note that your health insurance might only reimburse the costs according to common treatment rates in your home country. In that case, if the treatment is more expensive in Germany, you will have to pay the difference yourself.
- For students who need an insurance in Germany
You can get a statutory or a private health insurance. If you are younger than 30 and/or if you have not studied for longer than 14 semesters (7 years), a statutory health insurance for students will cost around 80 ? at all health insurance companies. Private health insurance is usually more expensive and you have to pay costs in advance, which can be very expensive.
Please note: As soon as you have taken out private health insurance in Germany, you will not be allowed to change to a statutory health insurance. - For students who are 30 years or older, students who are beyond the 14th semester (7 years) and for PhD students
You are no longer entitled to a reduced student insurance rate from the statutory health insurance companies, so you should compare various companies and then decide which insurance company is best for you.
- Students from EU countries (EEC] + EEA)
- Registration at the Town Hall ("Rathaus")
Register at the city's registration office
- You have to register as a citizen of Bielefeld as soon as you have an address in Bielefeld. Registration takes place in the "Rathaus" and you need to bring your rental contract and your passport. Please find the address below.
- If you have a mentor, it might be a good idea to ask him/her whether they can accompany you to the "Rathaus".
Residence permit (only for students who require a visa)
- About 2 days after you have registered, you can apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners? Registration Office in the "Rathaus"
- Please take the following documents with you:
- The letter of admission from Bielefeld University
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
You need to prove that you will have an amount of around 659€ per month at your disposal. You can use a confirmation of your bank or a document in which your parents declare to finance your life in Germany. If somebody who lives in Germany will finance your studies, this person must prove that he/she has the means to do so.
- Evidence of the education in your home country (certificates)
- Your passport (and visa documents)
- Opening a Bank Account
Current bank account ("Girokonto")
A current account is the most convenient way of dealing with money transactions:
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Your salary or scholarship will be paid into it.
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You can set up a standing order ("Dauerauftrag") for regular payments with fixed sums (such as your rent), so that the money is paid automatically on specific dates.
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You can transfer money to other bank accounts by filling out a form ("Überweisungsformular").
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You can give somebody else a direct debit authorization ("Einzugsermächtigung") which will allow them to book sums of money from your current account. This procedure, which is called "Lastschriftverfahren," is useful if you have to make regular payments of varying sums to utility providers like a telephone or electricity company. You sign an "Einzugsermächtigung" allowing the company to bill you directly.
Although banks hardly differ in the services they provide, their fees vary considerably, so it is worthwhile comparing several banks before making your choice.
A list with a selection of banks can be obtained at the Welcome Centre.To open a bank account, you have to present your passport and your address. You will then receive a debit card ("EC-Karte") and a secret PIN number that you should memorize as you will need it when you use your card. The card can then be used to withdraw cash from your bank's cash dispensers. Please note that you will have to pay a fee if you withdraw money from cash dispensers of other banks.
Banks are generally open Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 to 16:00. Access to cash dispensers is usually 24 hours a day.
Online-Banking
Most banks offer so-called "Homebanking," "Online-Banking," or "Telebanking". These services can be very convenient if you work late hours because you can manage your accounts and transactions online or by telephone. Just ask your bank for more information.
Shopping with a debit card
Most shops and petrol stations accept debit and credit cards but amounts under 10 Euros are usually paid in cash.
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- Language courses
German courses for non-degree students
Every semester during the lecture period Bielefeld University offers German language courses for cooperation students. These courses are not suitable for absolute beginners. In addition, intensive German language courses combined with an orientation programme are offered before the semester starts in September/October resp. March.
Summer Courses
Bielefeld University offers German summer courses in August.
In addition, many German higher education institutions offer summer language courses. You can find them on the DAAD website.
Academic Recognition
- more
When the student has successfully completed the study programme previously agreed between the home and the host institutions and returns to the home institution, credit transfer will take place. Credit Points (ECTS/LP) were introduced to facilitate academic recognition. Credits are a value allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course requires in relation to the total quantity of work required to complete a full year of academic study. 60 credits represent the workload of a year of study, 30 credits for the workload of a semester. Erasmus+ & Cooperation students may take less ECTS/LP according to their German language ability and their arrangements with the home university.
The Transcript of Records lists all courses the student has attended and is the basis for credit transfer to the home university. Cooperation students usually receive the transcript through their academic (Erasmus+) coordinator in the department. So, it is important that students contact their academic coordinators before they leave Bielefeld University in order to clarify how and when the transcript will be issued.
