Germany

Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg

Otto-von-Guericke University

Courses: Visit the International Centre for Students for details on courses that you may study. A selection of courses are offered in English as well as German.

Magdeburg University: The Otto-von-Guericke-University — founded in 1993 — is situated just in the city centre of Magdeburg — the capital of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. It has successfully set up programs of integrated international studies cooperating with a series of partner universities all over the world. About 12 000 students are enrolled at the Magdeburg University.

Accommodations: The International Office of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg will assist you with finding suitable accommodation. 25% of the places in the residencies managed by Studentenwerk Magdeburg are generally reserved for foreign students who make up 12% of the student body at the university.

Magdeburg: The city on the banks of the river Elbe is recognized for its beneficial location in Germany's centre. Via the highways, several of the most famous cities in Germany can be reached within a few hours. Or if you prefer, you can go by train. The capital Berlin is only 1 ½ hours away. Magdeburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, almost 1,200 years old. Today Magdeburg is a
modern city investing in its future, with 230 000 inhabitants.

Location

The Otto-von-Guericke-University, founded in 1993, is situated just in the city centre of Magdeburg — the capital of the federal state of Saxony- Anhalt. It has successfully set up programs of integrated international studies cooperating with a series of partner universities all over the world. About 12 000 students are enrolled at the Magdeburg University.

The city on the banks of the river Elbe is recognised for its beneficial location in Germany's centre. Via the highways, several of the most famous cities in Germany can be reached within a few hours. Or if you prefer, you can go by train. The capital Berlin is only 1 ½ hours away.

Magdeburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, almost 1,200 years old. In 805, Emperor Otto the First commissioned the first imperial palace. In 968, the city became the seat of an arch-bishop. At the time of the Lutheran Reformation, Magdeburg was a center of the protestant movement.

Today Magdeburg is a modern city investing in its future, with 230 000 inhabitants. After the German reunification much new construction has been going on as well as the reconstruction of historical buildings. Changes are visible and rapid. The city is decorated with large, open parks, such as Rotehorn Park on an island in the middle of the river Elbe, Herrenkrug Park with its horse racing track and its golf course.

About the University

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is one of the youngest German universities. Founded in 1993 in a merger of the existing Technical University, Teacher Training College and Medical School it has since been transformed and expanded significantly. As a humanist and scientist, Otto von Guericke gave his name to the Magdeburg University. True to his tradition, it offers courses in the humanities as well as in the traditional scientific courses of studies.

In 63 courses of studies Magdeburg University offers optional education in different subjects and fields of specialisation. With nine faculties (Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Computer Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Process and Systems Engineering and Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology) and about 12 000 students The university is gaining in importance as a centre of teaching and research.

In order to study successfully, students may take advantage of the student advisory service. This service is available from professors, lecturers or assistants from the departments or institutes, advisers from various exam offices and the international office of the university.

Language of Instruction

University of Lethbridge students who study at Magdeburg University must not be competent in the German language if they want to take part in a program taught in English. But there is an offer of German language courses of 6 to 8 hours per week that complement their studies.

Courses available

This exchange program is open to all students who are enrolled at the University of Lethbridge. It is possible for students in undergraduate and graduate programs to take a semester in all programs, offered at Magdeburg University taught in English or in German.

Academic Calendar

The German academic system is rather liberal, providing the student with freedom and flexibility to pursue his or her own academic interests. At the same time, students are expected to show initiative and to actively participate in the programme.

In Germany, the academic year usually commences in October and is divided into two semesters.

The length of an academic hour is of 45 minutes; usually lectures exercises and seminars consist of two academic hours. At the end of every semester the student is required to take written or oral exams.

As an exchange student you may commence in either October or April. In the beginning of your program you can participate in orientation activities, particularly the orientation program for foreign students.

Final date for receipt of applications at Lethbridge University is June 30 for Programs in October and November 30 for an April start the next year. You should apply on the standard Exchange Program Application form available at the International Centre for Students. Any vacancies after the formal selection process will be filled on a first-come basis for eligible students, and / or by invitation.

Estimated Budget

Tuition fee at the Magdeburg University is waived.

Before enrolling (before the start of the semester), all students are required to pay their semester fees in amount of 54,50 Euros for a semester tram ticket and social services . The Magdeburg University suggests that the cost of living is about € 585 (minimum) per month (you have to prove this money in the "Ausländerbehörde).

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Accommodation

The International Office of the Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg will assist you with finding suitable accommodation. 25% of the places in the residencies managed by Studentenwerk Magdeburg are generally reserved for foreign students who make up 12% of the student body at our university. German and foreign students studying at the Magdeburg University can apply through this service. Normally for students who study between 6 months and a year on an exchange program, it is possible to get a residence place without any problems, because the Studentenwerk (http://www.uni-magdeburg.de/org/swmd/) sets aside a number of places for exchange students every year. For further information please contact Akademisches Auslandsamt at willms@verwaltung.uni-magdeburg.de (foreign students' office) of Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg.

Further Information: For further information, visit the International Centre for Students at the University of Lethbridge in SU047 or email us at international@uleth.ca