Ruhr West is committed to promoting student mobility through university partnerships worldwide. Students of our partner universities abroad are welcome to spend one or more semesters studying at Ruhr West and benefit from a simplified admissions procedure. Likewise, international students from other foreign universities are welcome to come to Ruhr West as non-degree exchange students.
Important COVID information for winter semester 2022 / 23:
We are happy that in-classroom teaching will be resumed in the upcoming winter semester, after two years of online or hybrid teaching and learning. Should a new virus mutation appear to affect society heavily, hyprid teaching might again be required, but currently all classes are scheduled on campus.
How to apply
Erasmus and other exchange students have to submit their application through the international office of their home university. Hence the first step in the process is contacting your international office to find out whether your university has an agreement with Ruhr West. We have signed agreements with a number of universities all over the world. Click here for a list of our current partner universities.
The application form for exchange students is available here. ERASMUS students are encouraged to use the ERASMUS+ app:
Should you be in need of assistance regarding your application, please contact Ruhr West University's International Office. Due to the Coronavirus situation, office hours are available only by appointment, but we can be reached easily by e-mail, phone and video chat. Please check our website for further information: https://en.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/study/student-service/international-office/
Language of instruction
The regular language of instruction at Ruhr West is German. Good German skills are an essential prerequisite for studying at HRW. However, international exchange students may take a semester programme of courses entirely in English, if available in their field of study. The courses in English at HRW are part of the regular curriculum and are open to domestic and international students alike. Although we recommend that international students speak some German or take a German language course while they are at HRW, a specific level of German skills is not required. The level of English should be B2 (intermediate), B1 at minimum.
Tuition/fees
As a public German university, Ruhr West does not charge tuition. However, all students are required to pay a semester fee (currently € 333,06 per semester).
Courses in English in the summer semester 2022:
Business Administration:
Computer Science (M.Sc.):
Electrical Engineering:
Languages:
Courses in English in the winter semester 2022/2023:
The following courses will be offered in the winter semester 2022/23.
Engineering:
Business Administration:
Languages:
Click on the course titles to retrieve detailed module descriptions. Each completed course is worth 6 ECTS credit points, unless otherwise noted. Most modules are taken from the fifth semester of undergraduate study.
The IES programme is open to all students, thus giving international and domestic students the opportunity to take the same courses together. All IES courses are based at the Mülheim campus unless otherwise noted.
Requirements
International Exchange Students should check the requirements for the modules they want to attend, as they may require basic knowledge in the particular field of study. In addition, good English language skills (at least B1 level, depending on the faculty and course) are required. Knowledge of German is helpful but not mandatory for courses taught in English.
Registration
Registration for courses begins during the application process for the exchange semester. Erasmus students use the Learning Agreement for their course choice. Exchange students from outside the EU will receive a similar form from the International Office at HRW, unless their home university provides their own document.
If possible, the International Office team at HRW will register you for your courses even before you arrive. Changes are possible within the first two weeks of the lecture period. Sometimes courses might not be available, for example if the number of participants is too low or because of time table discrepancies, if you choose courses from several faculties.
Summer Semester 2023 | |
---|---|
Official Start of Semester | 01.03.2023 |
Arrival Week for Incoming Students | 06.03. – 10.03.2023 |
Welcome Week for International Students | 13.03. – 17.03.2023 |
Start of Lectures | 20.03.2023 |
End of Lectures | 30.06.2023 |
Exam Period | 03.07. - 21.07.2023 |
Winter Semester 2023 / 2024 | |
---|---|
Official Start of Semester | 01.09.2023 |
Arrival Week for Incoming Students | 11.09. – 15.09.2023 |
Welcome Week for Incoming Students | 18.09. – 22.09.2023 |
Start of Lectures | 25.09.2023 |
End of Lectures | 19.01.2024 |
Exam Period | 22.01. – 09.02.2024 |
For nominated exchange students from partner universities, the International Office at HRW provides assistance with registration for a room in a dormitory in Muelheim, Essen or Duisburg (two neighboring cities). Please note that the dormitories are managed by Studierendenwerk Essen-Duisburg, an independent student services organisation that also operates the university’s dining halls and cafeterias. HRW does not have any influence on the application process or the rental contracts.
For more information click here
Grade | Result |
---|---|
1 | Excellent |
2 | Good |
3 | Satisfactory |
4 | Sufficient |
5 | Failed |
be | Participated and Passed |
nbe | Participated and Failed |
ECTS Credits | 30 Credits/ Semester 60 Credits/ Academic Year |
More detailed information on grades by percentage is available here
Whether or not you need a visa to enter Germany and study here depends on your country of origin. Special regulations apply to citizens of the following countries:
All other students require a German student visa (issued by a German Embassy) before entering Germany. Please note that even if you come from a country (other than those mentioned above) whose citizens can enter Germany with a simple tourist visa, you must possess a German student visa in order to apply for the residence permit. Tourist visas cannot be converted into residence permits under any circumstances. So if you don’t have a student visa at the Citizens’ Office, you will be required to return to your home country. This regulation applies both to holders of a residence permit from another EU country and to persons who entered Germany with a tourist visa. There is absolutely no exception to this regulation and Ruhr West will not be able to assist you.
Applying for a student visa
Apply for your student visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, and do so well in advance, as processing may take several weeks. Your visa will be valid for up to 90 days. You will normally be required to submit the documents listed below. The Embassy, however, can ask for additional documents or further clarifications. The information provided by them takes priority.
For further questions, please refer to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Addresses are available at the website of the Federal Foreign Office, which also provides further information on the visa process and the appropriate application forms.
Non-EU students in Germany are required to submit evidence of sufficient funds to finance their studies in Germany. In most cases, this proof of financial resources (German: Finanzierungsnachweis) must be included with the visa application. Expected living expenses are estimated by the Foreigners Office based on BAföG, a German funding programme for living expenses. At present, you must prove you have at least € 861 per month or € 10,332 per academic year at your disposal.
Proof of financial resources can be provided in various ways. The following forms are generally accepted:
Please contact the German Embassy or Consulate in your country to find out which form of financial proof is required.
Please note: Although international students are allowed to work in Germany under certain conditions, you should not expect to work to cover the cost of your education at Ruhr West.