Otto-Von-Guericke University

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country located in Central Europe. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong economy. Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and is famous for its technological advancements, automotive industry, and contributions to the fields of science, philosophy, and music. It is home to picturesque landscapes, historic cities like Berlin and Munich, and world-renowned attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle. Germany is also recognized for its commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The country plays an integral role in the European Union and NATO.

Located on the banks of the river Elbe, Magdeburg is recognized for its beneficial location in Germany's centre. Several of the most famous cities in Germany are within a few hours by car. The capital Berlin is only 1 ½ hours. As one of the oldest cities in Germany, Magdeburg forms a hub of Romanesque art and architecture, which is one of the state's main tourist attractions. Additionally, the City Park on Rotehorn Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Saxony-Anhalt.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University, founded in 1993, is situated just in the city centre of Magdeburg. It has successfully set up programs of integrated international studies with a series of partner universities all over the world. About 14 000 students are enrolled at OVGU. OVGU aims to deliver a very high standard of scientific education that is based on the latest research developments.

Arrival at OVGU

First Steps

Courses in English

For a list of courses offered in English, go to OVGU's exchange website and choose "English-taught courses."

Language Courses

• The Language Center offers courses in many other languages, such as ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
• OVGU offers an intensive  pre-semester 10-15-hour German language course for exchange students in the Welcome Week. Varying levels of German language courses may also be taken during the semester. These courses are free for exchange students during their first study semester and count as ECTS credits. There are also conversation and reading courses, grammar courses and courses for scientific writing.
• For more information about German language courses click here.

OVGU has nine faculties:

• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Economics and Management
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Natural Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering
• Process and Systems Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Medicine

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Canadian students do not need a visa to enter Germany. If you are staying for longer than 90 days. it is MANDATORY to apply for a study residence permit at the Magdeburg Foreigners Office after arrival.

For further information, visit the Germany Federal Government website.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Germany, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Campus Residences

• Furnished, single rooms with mostly  private bathrooms
• 25% of the places in the residences are generally reserved for foreign students.
• Students need to apply early due to the limited space. The online housing application can be completed directly after the application to study at OVGU has been sent. The prerequisite for a housing contract is admission to OVGU. The application is not a guarantee to get a room. Early applications have the best chances to be accepted.

Private Housing

• Due to the limited spaces on campus, students may need to arrange their own accommodations
• OVGU provides a list of housing associations on the IKUS website

Questions about accommodations in Magdeburg can be directed to wohnung@studentenwerk-magdeburg.de

A valid housing contract is required to register at the Foreigners Authority once you arrive in Magdeburg.

A semester bus pass for the city of Magdeburg is included in OVGU's school fees.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY for students to obtain health insurance valid in Germany for the entire period of stay. You can choose to opt into the statutory fund or obtain private insurance, but the statutory fund is recommended. Further information on health insurance in Germany can be found on the IKUS website as well as on the DAAD website.