Study abroad. Discover Germany.

• Exchange students who wish to attend German-taught courses at Hochschule Offenburg should be able to prove at least B1-level German language skills (CEFR) at the time of application.

• Exchange students who wish to attend English-taught lectures should be able to provide proof of English language skills at level B2 (CEFR). 

We accept all recognized certificates (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, OLS, Goethe, ÖSD, TestDaF, etc.). Native English speakers may upload a short self-written declaration, a school degree from a country, in which English is the official language or a statement from their institution.

If you are unsure whether your certificate is accepted, feel free to contact us at incoming@hs-offenburg.de — we will clarify it for you.

We support your transition to Offenburg through several offers: 

• A four-week intensive German course every September. If possible, participation in this course is highly recommended.

• Orientation days in October/an orientation week in March for new arrivals

• German language courses (A1-C1) and a seminar on German Culture & Society during the semester.

These programmes help you settle in, build skills, and meet new friends before the semester begins.

A list with the English-taught courses for exchange students is available and updated regularly under this link (PDF).

Bachelor-level students can choose electives from the Master's degree programs and core subjects on request.

In the winter semester, our Master's degree programs of the Graduate School CME, ENITS, RED, MPE and MBT are taught completely in English. In the summer semester, only CME and ENITS offer courses in English. MPE and MBT do not offer any classes during the summer semester.

Attendance of subjects of the MBA program IBC is not possible.

You can join any German degree program if you meet the academic prerequisites. Module handbooks and study regulations are available on the respective program pages.

Once you have been nominated by your home institution, please read our data protection (PDF) document and then apply to Hochschule Offenburg through our Online Application system.

For the 2026/27 winter semester, applications will be accepted from April 1st, 2026 on. The deadline is May 1st, 2026.

For the 2027 summer semester, applications will be accepted from October 1st, 2026. The deadline is November 1st, 2026.

Please have the following documents at the ready:

• Application photo

• Motivation letter

• Transcript of records

• CV

• Learning Agreement (or Erasmus+ OLA)

• Language certificate (German B1; English B2; For details on the recognized certificates, see the section Language and Preparation)

• Copy of passport

• Online Learning Agreements ERASMUS+: Use the software offered by your home institution.

• Learning Agreement Non-ERASMUS+ (PDF)

Print out the application pdf (created at the end of the process) and the accommodation request, sign the forms and upload the signed documents (must be done one step at a time). If you experience technical difficulties, please contact incoming@hs-offenburg.de

Once everything is processed, please allow approximately four weeks for us to get back to you with further information on your acceptance.

We would like to point out that you will need health and liability insurance for the time of your stay in Germany. You can apply for liability insurance from your home country or after your arrival in Germany.

We are looking forward to receiving your application! 

Internship at a company

If you are planning to stay for a second semester to carry out an internship in a company, please contact the International Office in order to submit the internship registration form.

Further important documents:

List of internship supervisor (Praktikantenamtsleiter) (PDF)

Certificate of Enrolment (filled out by home institution) (PDF)

Internships at a lab at the university 

Students from our partner universities can apply for an unpaid internship in one of the university's laboratories. We cannot guarantee a place, as this depends on the projects and capacities of the supervising professors.

Please send the following documents to incoming@hs-offenburg.de and do not forget to mention the starting date and duration of the internship you are looking for:

• Letter of motivation

• CV

• Transcript of Records

The more precisely you describe your areas of interest and personal skills, the easier it will be to find an internship according to your needs.

The International Center (INT) actively supports all new international students in finding accommodation in Offenburg and Gengenbach before arrival. Our goal is to help every student find a suitable place to live.

Depending on availability, we arrange places in dormitories (in Offenburg only) or private accommodation (in Offenburg and Gengenbach).

The furnished dormitory rooms (approx. €290–€370) are located close to the Offenburg campus. The private accommodation options (approx. €350–€480), which are also fully furnished, offer a great opportunity to experience German culture. (Please note: There are no dormitories at the Gengenbach campus.)

Important Note: Our placement service for private accommodation is exclusively for students in international Master's programs and for exchange students.

As part of participating in a language course, students are eligible to participate in intercultural competence training. Staff members may also take part if places are available. After successfully completing a language course, participants can apply for a certificate that documents the achieved language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In addition, students can count the language course toward the Certificate of Intercultural Competence, certifying not only their language skills, but also their ability to navigate international contexts confidently.

To ensure you have a smooth start, the International Center hosts several orientation events at the beginning of the semester. These are a perfect opportunity to get to know the campus, your professors, and fellow students, and to ask any questions you might have.

All new students are invited to an Introduction Day with a welcome address by the Rector. New Master's degree students also get to join a special retreat (often in the Black Forest or at Lake Constance) for several days of orientation.

Don't worry about the details for now—you will be notified about all relevant dates and locations well before your arrival (after you have been admitted).

Hochschule Offenburg encourages international students to immerse themselves in German daily life and culture. The International Center offers a diverse and exciting cultural program, which includes excursions to local sights as well as trips to neighboring Switzerland and France.

The Buddy Program pairs new international students with senior students to help them settle in and navigate campus life. It ensures students feel at home from day one while fostering friendships across cultures.

Before the winter semester really gets underway, we'll get you ready for everyday life on campus! In our 4-week intensive course "German as a Foreign Language" in September, you'll learn the language and make your first contacts through a colorful leisure program.