Heidelberg University
Please find useful information below about Heidelberg University as an exchange destination. Learn more about the location, the campus, courses and student life!
About
Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany's oldest university. Located in the city of Heidelberg, the university is known for its strong focus on research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine.
The university has a notable history of academic excellence, with numerous Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty. Heidelberg University is equipped with modern facilities and advanced research centres that foster cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Heidelberg University emphasizes internationalization, maintaining a wide network of global partnerships and exchange programs. This commitment allows students and faculty to engage in international collaboration and study abroad opportunities. The combination of Heidelberg's historic setting and the university's academic rigor creates a rich environment for education and research.
Consult Heidelberg University on QS World Rankings to learn more about their current world ranking and academic reputation in different subject areas.
Location
Heidelberg, located in southwestern Germany, has a population of around 160,000 residents. The city is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the city from Königstuhl hill, offering views of the Neckar River and the surrounding valley. The Altstadt (Old Town) is characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets, baroque buildings, and traditional pubs.
Situated along the Neckar River, Heidelberg offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating. The city boasts a range of cultural attractions, including the Palatinate Museum, the Heidelberg Theatre, and the Heidelberg University Library. Heidelberg also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Heidelberg Spring Music Festival and the Heidelberg Castle Illuminations, which draw visitors from around the world.
The city of Heidelberg is popularly known as the ‘cradle of romanticism’, its expansive castle and beautiful, Baroque ‘old town’ being some of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. University sites are spread throughout the city; maps can be found on this webpage.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students studying a Modern Language in the School of the Arts.
For competitiveness level, please enquire with the STA Year Abroad team.
Language of Instruction
A number of English-instructed courses are available, although the majority of courses are taught in German. This course list can be filtered by language of instruction.
Academic Calendar
Winter Semester (WiSe) (semester 1): October – March (lectures taking place through February).
Sommer Semester (SoSe) (semester 2): April – September (lectures taking place through July).
Key dates at Heidelberg can be found on this webpage.
Courses
Students can take both classes generally at the university as well at classes for German language proficiency at the university’s international study centre.
Credits
Students must enrol on a full courseload: 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for the full academic year (equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 Queen Mary credits for the full academic year).
Find out more about credit transfer and grade conversion.
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk, an independent organisation providing various services to the student population. Although the number of available rooms is limited (only 15% of all Heidelberg students can be housed in student residences), the International Relations Office cooperates with the Studierendenwerk to secure rooms in student residences for international exchange students coming to Heidelberg. Students usually stay in single rooms with a shared kitchen or bathroom between 2-4 students, or in dormitories with kitchens and bathrooms on each floor. Residences are located close to local shops and on public transport networks.
Private accommodation: Queen Mary students who intend to look for private accommodation are advised to follow the partner’s guidance as soon as possible to begin their accommodation search safely.
Cost of living
Heidelberg University's finance webpage provides thorough and useful guidance to banking and budgeting in Heidelberg. Finance webpage.
Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
Support services
The International Relations Office is the hub for all incoming international students. They provide support and advise on administrative, financial and academic matters. They also organise day trips and cultural excursions as a chance to see Germany and meet other students.
Further, the office has a great series of videos online on every aspect of the international student experience – these can be found on this webpage.
Each semester Heidelberg runs an Orientation Session for incoming international students. This includes campus and city tours, a presentation on the university, small-group discussion with tutors regarding your goals for your time at Heidelberg and your class schedule, and access to a wide variety of resources.
Heidelberg’s buddy programme partners new international students with higher-semester peers to help them integrate into university life. Related to this is the Homestay programme, which allows students to stay with a German host family over the holidays.
Workshops and tutorials are offered on a variety of topics related to Heidelberg university life. The majority of these are offered in German, with some exceptional courses in English.
In the city of Heidelberg itself, the International Welcome Centre offers advice and resources for incoming international residents.
Health Insurance
Students must obtain a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for the duration of their study. Students from the UK must contact the National Health Service (NHS) who will issue a valid card (GHIC) for you.
Student life
Heidelberg University offers many different organisations and events for students to partake in.
Heidelberg collates opportunities for voluntary work – find out more on this webpage.
IDeFIX is the Heidelberg theatre company, collaborating closely with the International Relations Office. More information can be found on this webpage.