University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden

University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden

Schmalkalden, Germany

Important Information

Semester Dates
Language
  • German, a few courses in English
Website

For further information, visit the International Centre Office (SU060) or email outgoing@uleth.ca

Hochschule Schmalkalden - international studieren

About

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 in the heart of Germany, in the beautiful province of Thuringia, lies the small city of Schmalkalden. Schmalkalden is a charming town with an 1125-year history and a population of about 20,000 situated on the southern edge of the Thuringian Forest. The town lies 70 km south-west of Erfurt and 180 km north-east of Frankfurt am Main, in the central German state of Thuringia (Thüringen).

Schmalkalden is famous for its medieval town centre, with its half-timbered houses, stone boudoirs, the St. Georg church with its characteristic towers, and the Wilhelmsburg Castle high above the town itself. Cozy cafes and pubs entice the traveler to spend time in the winding alleyways of the historic Old Town. Schmalkalden and Thuringia in general have much to offer to lovers of nature and culture alike. The surrounding scenic beauty invites hiking and cross-country skiing in the hilly and forested landscape. Nearby towns and cities, such as Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, feature museums, picturesque medieval houses, and splendid Gothic churches.

Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences lies in the city of Schmalkalden in central Germany. The campus is about a 15-minute walk from the town centre.

In the early part of the twentieth century, Fachhochschule Schmalkalden was founded as a vocational college and trained skilled labourers for the local iron and steel industries. In 1937, it became an engineering school, and in 1991 it was expanded to become a university.

HS has been among the youngest and most progressive educational establishments in Germany, and has an important focus on its international programs. Its student population is around 2.500. The school receives about 40 international students each semester and over 50 for its summer program.

Program Information

Courses in English

For courses offered in English, view the course catalogue for exchange students. The number of courses offered in English increases annually, but the Spring semester always offers more English courses than the Fall. In many classes that are taught in German, international exchange students can write the exam or course work in English to receive credit for the course.

Language Courses

German language classes at various levels are offered to exchange students. These courses include working with German partner students. Other foreign languages taught include French, Spanish, and Russian. For more information, view the course catalogue.

Other Programs

German Culture and Language Program

Cost: €500 (free for spring exchange students)

The two-week-long program introduces students to the German language and culture, both through classroom instruction and field trips. The program generally runs from the beginning to the middle of July. Exchange students who have participated in a full-semester spring exchange in Schmalkalden are welcome to participate in this program free of charge.

International Summer School

Cost: €1,790 (2023) - includes accommodation, trips, and tours of the surrounding area

ISSS is a popular three-week-long summer school program held every June. It is designed to bring international students from all of Schmalkalden's partner universities together for a fun, international learning experience. Courses are taught by both international and German instructors from partner universities. The courses have international and cross-cultural topics and are all taught in English. In addition to classes, the program offers a series of organized field trips for participants.

A maximum of 2 U of L courses (6 credits) can be earned for during the Schmalkalden Summer School. The three-week program includes an array of seminar courses focused on a different theme each year. 

For more information about the ISSS program, please see our short-term exchange page.

HS has five faculties:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Business and Economics
  • Business Law

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.

Requirements

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 Foreigners Office after arrival. There is an application fee of €100 (2023) to obtain a residence permit. The Foreigners Authority offers consultation hours for exchange students at the Schmalkalden outpost of the District Office.

For further information, visit the Germany Federal Government website.


Landratsamt Schmalkalden (Foreigners Office)
Sandgasse 2
98574 Schmalkalden
Phone: +49 3683 682 414

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

Expenses

The university has student housing available for international students. The student residence has a total of 603 placements available. Just a 5-minute walk from the main campus, there are three student residences available that offer one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom apartments. Most of the apartments come with a kitchen and bathroom. There are also single and double rooms available, with shared kitchen and bathroom. Prices vary between C$240–320 depending on room type.

Arrival Information

It is recommended that students arrive by plane in Frankfurt. From there, they will take a series of three trains to Schmalkalden. It is important to check the schedule and know whether or not you have to go to a different level of the train station to get on the right train. Pay attention to track numbers. Once in Schmalkalden, students will be met at the train station by a university representative or 'buddy' student.

In Schmalkalden

Transportation is relatively cheap in Schmalkalden. A single bus fare for adults is about CAD $1. A monthly bus pass for the Thuringia area is included in the Social Benefit fee.

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 to obtain sufficient health insurance to enrol at the university and apply for a residence permit. You can choose to opt into the German statutory fund or obtain private insurance.

Schmalkalden University strongly advises you to students take out short-time travel insurance prior to arrival in Germany. During the orientation week, representatives of three German public health insurance companies will be on campus so it is easy obtain proper insurance coverage. The contribution amounts to around € 110/month.

For more information, view Schmalkalden's info sheet on health insurance.

Summary of Approximate Expenses

Airfare CAD 1,500-2,000 return
uLethbridge Tuition CAD 2,300 per three course semester
Rent

Dormitory :

€200

per month
Food €150-250

per month

Social Benefit Fee €93 per semester (includes a transit pass for the semester)
Laundray Card CAD 16  
Textbooks  CAD 100 per semester
Visa CAD 60  
3-week ISSS €1100 Includes tuition, accommodation and various tours of the surrounding area