MHC University of Leipzig Exchange

Universität Leipzig, Germany

Mount Holyoke students may apply to study on exchange at the University of Leipzig for a full academic year or for second semester. The number of exchange places is limited (generally two to four students per year), but typically we are able to nominate all qualified students. Application for the exchange is open to qualified students regardless of their financial aid status.

University of Leipzig

Founded in 1409, the second oldest university in Germany

Approximately 30,000 students (8% international students, from 130 countries)

Comprehensive university offering a wide range of courses in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences

City of Leipzig

• Located in the eastern part of Germany, in the Free State of Saxony

• Known for its rich tradition of music and culture

• Population about604,000

• Active network of MHC alums (primarily former Foreign Fellows) offers advice, support, and friendship to MHC exchange students

Academic Program

• Two semesters: Winter Semester runs from mid-October to mid-February, Summer Semester from mid- April to late July

• Exchange students may study at Leipzig for the full academic year or for the Summer Semester

• Students enroll directly into courses offered by Leipzig to its degree-seeking students; most courses are taught in German

• Students may register for courses in any combination of subjects

• All students are strongly encouraged to take the three-week preparatory language and orientation course (offered in September for full-year students, and in January for second semester only students)

Living Arrangements

• Students may apply to live in a private apartment, with German students; students enrolling for the full academic year may apply to live in a Leipzig student hall of residence

Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Must have completed sophomore year (or at least three semesters, for spring entrants) prior to enrolling at Leipzig

• Must have completed at least four semesters of German language study prior to enrolling at Leipzig

Financial Arrangements

• Exchange student pays a reduced tuition rate to MHC ($14,570 for the 22-23 academic year, or $7,285 for spring semester); no tuition is paid to Leipzig

• Exchange student pays directly for room fees, and is responsible for her own meals, as well as a nominal university fee, required health insurance, books, personal expenses, and travel to Leipzig

• At Leipzig's discretion, MHC may designate one exchange student to receive a stipend from the University to help cover living expenses (€3000 for the year)

• Exchange student is eligible for a Barrett Travel Award from the German Studies Department to cover travel expenses

• Students selected for the exchange who are eligible for need-based financial aid are guaranteed Laurel Fellowships; financial aid award will be based on total budget, including MHC tuition and administrative fee, University of Leipzig fees, cost of orientation program, and allowances toward room and board, books, personal expenses, and round-trip airfare

Application Procedures

• Submit Mount Holyoke’s Request to Study Abroad (including the Laurel Fellowship application, if applicable) in MyMountHolyoke, according to the instructions on the Deadlines page; applications are ordinarily due in late November for the full year, late March for spring

• Students will be notified by early February (for the full year) or early May (for spring) whether they have been selected for the exchange

• Exchange nominees will complete Leipzig’s on-line application for admission; students must also be accepted by Leipzig