Studying abroad Studying abroad

HAW Hamburg students who will be in at least the fourth semester of their Bachelor's studies or the second semester of their Master's studies at the time of the exchange are eligible to apply.

You need to have good grades at the time you apply (and afterwards):
- Average grade of at least 2.3
- Average grade of at least 2.7 for engineering students

Where possible, you should study during the standard study period. If you still need to complete one or two exams, this is not necessarily a problem. Explain the reasons in your application. You also need to have very strong English skills.

A high degree of personal engagement at HAW Hamburg is also desirable – for example, in the WeBuddy programme, or as a tutor during an orientation unit.

HAW Down Under information sheet (in German only)

A study semester in Australia always takes place in summer semester (mid-February–mid-June). Exception UNSW: It has a trimester system. You have the option of taking either Term 1 + Term 2 (February-end August; four courses: 30 ECTS) or Term 1 (February-mid May; three courses: 22.5 ECTS). Please indicate which option you would like to choose when applying).

The exchanges with the partner universities are reciprocal, which means that student exchanges take place on a one-to-one basis. The decision about how many places will be offered and which departments will be included in the next round is made in early May. An overview of the places available will be provided on this page.

The application deadline is 15 June. Personal interviews take place shortly afterwards.

We recommend that you speak with the student exchange coordinator (SEC) in your faculty to prepare for this application.

The paperless application process takes place via the Mobility Online application portal.

Yes. You must have successfully completed at least one semester at HAW Hamburg by the time of the exchange.

Applicants for Australia must have very good English skills. Please use the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) language certificate as proof of your language skills for the internal application process. You should have a rating of at least *** in each area. English native speakers do not have to submit a language certificate (just a letter explaining the situation). It is possible that the partner university will request a language certificate as part of the registration process.

Who can complete the DAAD language certificate:

You can complete a language test at the Hamburg School of English in Eppendorf. The test costs approximately €40 and can be completed at short notice (tel.: 040 480 2116). The language school then completes the DAAD certificate.

If you are selected, you will need to submit the results of a TOEFL or IELTS test at almost all of the universities. The following scores are required:

- Curtin (TOEFL min. 90 points OR 6.5 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in each area)
- Deakin (TOEFL min. 70 points* with min. of 21 in writing OR 6.5 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in each area)
- Griffith (TOEFL min. 71 points* OR 6.0 on the IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in each area)
- Murdoch University. A level B2 language certificate from DAAD is sufficient.
- UNSW (TOEFL min. 90 points OR 6.5 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in each area)
- Sydney (TOEFL min. 90 points OR 6.5 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.0 in each area)

* Please note that you should have at least 85 points if you do not want to have language difficulties during your stay.

The exchanges with the partner universities are reciprocal, which means that student exchanges take place on a one-to-one basis. This is because the Australian tuition fees need to be covered. In order for a German student not to have to pay tuition fees in Australia, an Australian student needs to do so. What this means is that an Australian student has to study in Hamburg and leave his or her place in Australia free for a semester, while still paying for it, so that the credits he or she completes in Hamburg can be recognised.

Because the partnerships are relatively new and Australian students are not as mobile as European students due to the high (tuition) costs, the spaces are limited (for the time being).

But for later job applications, there will also only be one job and many applicants. So, write an excellent application and try your luck!

Even though the most expensive element – Australian tuition fees – doesn't need to be paid, a stay in Australia is not cheap. Rent and living expenses are often (much) more expensive than in Hamburg, and sometimes you will also need to plan to have a car. Please read the reports of students who have already completed stays there. These will provide you with an overview of the costs you can expect. Please plan your finances accordingly.

Unfortunately not. The places are in high demand, and we want to give as many students as possible the chance to participate in the programme.

You can apply for a HAW.International semester scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The application deadline is 30 June. You can apply before you have been offered a place by us. You can contact the International Office for advice. Contact person: Marina Leß