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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B1 German required
Agreement Scope Chemistry department exchange, for MChem students in fourth year of study
School of Physics, Engineering and Technology - Physics department exchange
Exchange Places
2 full year places for Chemistry students for 2026/27
3 full year places for Physics students for 2026/27
Overview
Overview
About:
Founded in 1386, the Heidelberg University is the oldest university in today's Germany and one of Europe’s leading research institutions.
Highlights:
Heidelberg is a college town in southwest Germany, reputed for its universities and romantic cityscape. Alongside its historical landmarks, Heidelberg is a lively place, thanks to its university students that make up a quarter of its population. Shops and restaurants, as well as late-night bars, can be found throughout the town centre.
Location:
Heidelburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
Heidelberg University offers a wide variety of courses, some of which are taught in English. Information about the courses offered can be found on their webpage.
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Heidelburg uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
MChem students in their fourth year take the majority of credits as a Research Project - you should discuss this with your departmental coordinator in York in the first instance. You may be able to take some taught courses at the host university to complete your credit load. Please be aware that host organisations may class students taking a research project as being on a traineeship, rather than a study placement. Please contact the host organisation with any queries and note that if you are completing a traineeship, you may not be considered a registered exchange student.
Teaching Periods:
Teaching takes place over two semesters. Winter semester tends to begin at the start of October, ending late March and Summer semester tends to begin at the start of April, ending late September.
Language:
German language level of at least B1 is required, although some of the modules offered by the University of Heidelberg are taught in English
Exchange students who wish to improve their command of the German language have the opportunity to take part in an intensive preparatory German language course before the start of the semester.
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
The University of Heidelberg offers a range of different rooms within their university student residences. There is also the option to live in private accommodation or alternatively, to homestay with a German family. The Exchange students guide provides more information on accommodation.
Student services:
The Auslandsamt offers a tandem service where international students have the opportunity to practice German with native speakers in a social setting.
Orientation week:
The University of Heidelberg offers orientation days to help you settle into life as a Heidelberg student.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in Germany. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Gov.uk Travel Advice page for Germany and its Living in Germany guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
If you’d like to study in Germany, you have to have health insurance. You will need to present proof of health insurance when you enrol at university and apply for a residence permit. Make sure to take care of your health insurance status before you come to Germany. Heidelberg University provide additional information on health insurance requirements.
Student experiences
Student experiences
Jasper, Heidelberg University
"My time in Heidelberg was a fantastic experience overall! An excellent standard of teaching combined with the beautiful old city - and very friendly locals and students alike - made the exchange superb."
Learn more about Jasper's experience in Heidelberg by visiting this link.
Thomas, Heidelberg University
"One thing I have gained from my time abroad is a steely determination to fight and keep going. Language skills is certainly the biggest gain out of the entire experience of this trip and I have without a doubt made some of the best friends of my life."
Learn more about Thomas' experience in Heidelberg by visiting this link.
Chloe, Heidelberg University
"My advice would be just go. Many people worry about the things they would lose by leaving York. In reality, you lose very little, all whilst gaining a wealth of experience, reasons to be inspired and excited and meet so many lovely people who are having an equally great time. It's special."
Learn more about Chloe's experience in Heidelberg by visiting this link.
Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website.
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Please note: these tips have been provided by the University of Heidelberg or by former exchange students- Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monthly budget: the estimated cost of living per month for a student in Heidelberg is around € 860, including rent.
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.
Staying Connected:
Make plans: Going to International events is a good way to meet people, especially the trips the international desk organise early in the term A great way to connect with people is also by joining clubs, groups and societies.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.
Food:
Food shopping: Prices for groceries are relatively moderate in Germany and supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 and 20:00.
Local food markets: You can also buy good quality fresh fruit and vegetables at very reasonable prices at your local market. In Germany, all shops are closed on Sundays. Petrol station shops and the shops near the train station are the only places that remain open during the night as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
University catering: The Studentenwerk operates four canteens and nine cafeterias in Heidelberg, two of which are located in Heidelberg's old town. For information about eating at the university visit this link.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host insition are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
What I wished I'd known...:
Office hours: Make sure you know the office hours (Sprechstunden) as these tend to only be a couple of hours a day or week.
Making the most of your experience: That I wouldn't be spending as long as I hoped there - you never know what'll happen. So go all out all the time, because it could end when you least expect it!
Useful links
Useful links
The University of Heidelberg social media links:
Facebook: @uniheidelberg https://www.facebook.com/uniheidelberg/
Instagram: @uniheidelberg https://www.instagram.com/uniheidelberg/?hl=en
Twitter: @UniHeidelberg https://twitter.com/UniHeidelberg
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Tuesdays-Thursdays 11-1pm
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter :@GoGlobalUOY
Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors here, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.
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