Leipzig University
Leipzig University
The University of Leipzig was founded in 1409, making it the second oldest university in Germany, behind Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg. The University has engaged in teaching and research for more than 600 years without interruption.
Academic Highlights
The University comprises 14 faculties including theology, chemistry and mineralogy, and economics and management science, as well as a broad number of research institutes. Notable alumni include writers and philosophers Goethe and Friedrich Nietzsche, composers Richard Wagner and Robert Schumann, and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Location
Leipzig is the largest city in the German state of Saxony, with a population of approximately 600,000. Around 90 minutes’ drive from Berlin, it’s often dubbed “the new Berlin” for its vibrant social and cultural scene thanks to an influx of young professionals fleeing the capital’s prohibitive prices. The University is spread out across Leipzig but its main buildings are located on the Augustusplatz, a square at the east end of the city centre.
Did you know?
Leipzig University celebrated its 600-year anniversary in 2009 with the opening of a new campus in the heart of the city.
Language of Instruction | English (limited in some areas), German | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | |||||
| Minimum Result Required | 60% WAM | |||||
| Previous round cut-off (WAM (%) or GPA) | 60% WAM | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 2, 2027 | 5 places | |||||
Green | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia | |||||
Agreement Scope | Science | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
Leipzig's Course Directory, click on the relevant semester on the left hand side of the screen and follow the links to the relevant faculties and disciplines. As well as the programs listed below, there are some units offered in English in Education. Informatics and the Humanities at undergraduate level.
Note that third year undergraduate students may be able to take graduate courses within an exchange period provided they have met the pre-requisites for the unit(s).
English-Taught Programs
- Chemistry (master's level): Chemistry and Biotechnology (currently suspended); Structural Chemistry and Spectroscopy; Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry; Chemistry (partly in English).
- International Physics Study Program (IPSP) (master's level); Covers all important areas of modern experimental and theoretical physics and a sound mathematical education. You acquire knowledge of physical measurement processes in experiments that you carry out in laboratories.
- Meteorology (master's level).
While this agreement is for Science, students wanting to do electives or units for a second degree can also consider:
- American Studies; An interdisciplinary study program with emphasis on history, society, politics, literature, regionally focused on North America, but dealing with global processes and approaches as well.
- British Studies; Classical British Studies program with emphasis on culture and literature, but including history and politics of the British Islands as well. See the courses taught in English, however the information given only in German.
There are also some units in English in Education, Informatics, and the Humanities at undergraduate level. At graduate level there are units taught in English in African Studies, Anthropology, Chinese Studies, Early Childhood Research, Economics, European Studies and Linguistics.
Language Requirements
Most study programs at Leipzig University are taught in German. You are required to have a level of B1 CEFR to study German units, although B2 is strongly recommended.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
22.5 ECTS* | 30 ECTS |
ECTS - European Credit Transfer System
*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
45 ECTS | 60 ECTS |
Academic Calendar
Leipzig Summer Semester (Monash Semester 1): early April - late July
Leipzig Winter Semester (Monash Semester 2): early October - mid February
Leipzig's Academic Calendar
You may be required to take intermission for a semester after your exchange program.
Biochemistry | Biology | Biotechnology | Earth Sciences |
Geography | Mathematics | Materials Science | Mineralogy |
Physics | Sport Science |
Note
- The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
- Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.
Accommodation
The University of Leipzig does not have on-campus accommodation. It can, however, provide advice on finding student accommodation such as halls of residence through the Studentenwerk Leipzig (Leipzig Student Services). Leipzig has advice on accommodation.
Visas
As a general rule, Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany but after entering will have to apply for a residence permit at the local Auslaenderbehörde (Immigration Office) if staying for more than three months. Leipzig University will assist you with this. Students from other countries may be required to apply for a visa for study purposes at the German Consulate-General in Melbourne.
The University provides guidance on obtaining a visa.
Health and insurance
By law, all students must have sufficient health cover for their stay in Germany to become registered as a student at a German university and/or to apply for a student visa. Thus, non-EU-students should be careful in selecting a health insurance plan as it has to satisfy the very strict requirements of the university and the immigration office. Leipzig University provides further information on obtaining health insurance.
When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. This will provide cover to and from your exchange.
Orientation and extra-curricular
Leipzig provides a welcome week for new exchange students which includes information on immigration, student registration and academic induction. The University also has a vibrant student life , with opportunities to participate in events and excursions, a buddy program, sport and the arts.
The Language Centre at the University offers a wide range of courses in various languages, including subject specific courses. Please be aware that additional fees may apply. Other services for international student are available through Leipzig’s Student Network.
Cost of living
Leipzig offers advice on the cost of living.
Funding
Water Mangold Trust Fund Scholarship
Students taking German language courses may be eligible for the Walter Mangold Study Abroad Scholarship.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD offers various scholarships to Australian students, even as exchange students.
For information about other funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
Have you been to Leipzig University and want to share your experience? If you'd be willing to write a testimonial, email us at monashabroad.enquiries@monash.edu.