Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg
Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg
The Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany, playing an important part in shaping science and society and central to life in Heidelberg since 1386. It has 12 faculties and over 160 study programs, offering a spectrum of subject combinations that is among the best in Germany.
Academic Highlights
Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most research-intensive institutions. As a comprehensive University, Heidelberg University offers the full spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, law and the social sciences alongside the natural and life sciences. Heidelberg University delivers research-based teaching and structured doctoral training to educate the next generations of academics.
Location
University of Heidelberg’s three main campuses are all located In Heidelberg with humanities and social sciences being taught in the original campus in the ancient heart of the city. Heidelberg is the centre of the Rhine-Neckar region of Baden-Württenberg, a region of research intensive industry and scientific research institutions.
Did you know?
The Philosopher’s Walk, one of Heidelberg’s most famous attractions, is a path made famous by professors and philosophers from the university who have strolled along it for centuries, discussing ideas and enjoying the spectacular view 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) | 65% WAM | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 1, 2027 | 2-3 places | |||||
Green | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia, Monash Malaysia | |||||
Agreement Scope | All Faculties | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
Heidelberg's course catalogue (in German).
For more information on a specific course: browse the subject catalogue and choose a particular subject, then select bachelor or masters on the subject page, and then click the PDF on the right hand side titled 'Module Handbook' (in German).
Academic Restrictions
- As an exchange student, units in medicine and dentistry will not be available to you and access to courses in biosciences and law is limited.
Language Restrictions
- Some units are taught in English at The Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg, but most are taught in German. If you wish to study units taught in German, you are required to have a level B2 CEFR as a minimum.
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
Heidelberg Winter semester (Monash Semester 2): early October - early February
Heidelberg Summer semester (Monash Semester 1): early April - late September
Heidelberg's Key Dates and Deadlines
Accommodation
The University of Heidelberg provides some on-campus accommodation in single rooms, dormitories and single apartments.
The University of Heidelberg offers advice on arranging accommodation for your exchange.
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. Your host 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.
For more information on visas for a student exchange, please refer to the Consulate General of Germany here.
Heidelberg also provides some guidance on residence permits.
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.
Heidelberg provides further information on planning health coverage.
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
Exchange students are invited and advised to attend the orientation session organised by University of Heidelberg.
Heidelberg also provides further advice on settling into the community, including information on sports, music and the arts, excursions and food.
Students can complete a four-week intensive (80 hours of instruction) prepatory German language course in the month prior to their semester commencing. Tuition fees for this course are not covered by the exchange agreement and would need to be paid for by the student. Alternately, there are further opportunities to improve your German language skills during the semester.
Cost of living
Heidelberg offers some guidance on financial planning and the cost of living.
Funding
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD offers various scholarships to Australian students, there may be scholarships available to exchange students and are subject to change. Find out more here.
For information about 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 Rupert Charles University of Heidelberg and want to share your experience?
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!
James Hero
Bachelor of Commerce/Engineering and Diploma in Languages
Semester 2, 2016
Studied: Language units
Study Experience
As a German Studies student, studying at a German University was simply an invaluable experience. Heidelberg Universität offers a wide array of subjects for a range of german language abilities which meant I was able to continue German Language classes, as well as take classes in Grammar, Phonetics and Text Production with a mix of local and international students. In addition to the regular semester I also took advantage of the 4 week pre-semester language course which was free for students from Monash University. It was offered across a range levels (A1 - C1) and was a great way to meet other students.
Culture
Heidelberg is a university town so is always swarming with students and had a vibe completely unlike Melbourne. I was fortunate enough to live in the Altstadt (old town) which was very pedestrian focused and felt quite laid back. In spite of this, there was no shortage of cafes, restaurants, shops or bars to meet up with friends. In addition, less than a five minute walk away was forest perfect for hiking, mountain biking or road cycling.
Benefits of going on exchange
It's often said that spending time in a country is the best way to learn their language, but I couldn't have imagined just how good it would be. Every time you go to the supermarket, go for coffee or order a beer you're practising your language skills and picking up new things. Prior to going on exchange I had been studying German at Monash for 2.5 years, but by the end of my six month stay I couldn't believe how much more comfortable and confident I was speaking German.
Career Benefits
Deciding to apply for exchange to Heidelberg Universität was honestly the greatest decision I could ever have made. I came back more confident, independent and well rounded than I thought possible. Upon returning to Australia I had a interview for what turned out to be my dream job, and I got it! Without a doubt my exchange experience played a major part in me receiving the offer. After all, I spent almost half the interview talking about just how great it was.
Money and Budgeting
- Investigate whether your host university can organise accommodation. I had a room in a shared apartment in the centre of town for less than 200€ a month. On top of that it was all organised prior to my arrival and all I had to do was fill out a form!
- If you are eligible for Centrelink, apply before you go. I was eligible for 'living away from home' Youth Allowance which covered all of the essentials.
- Buy a bike. It's great for getting to class, going to the supermarket and heading to the main station for those sneaky weekend trips to Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam.
- Whatever it takes to make it work, just do it. Believe me, it's worth it!
Top tips
- If you're thinking about exchange, just apply. You won't regret it.
- Take every opportunity to meet new people
- Surround yourself with locals
- Come back and tell people just how good it was.