Se­mes­ters abroad in North Amer­i­ca

To apply for a semester abroad, students should meet the following requirements:

• You are currently enrolled.
• You have completed at least two semesters.
• You apply at the level of study (Bachelor or Master) for which you are currently enrolled at Humboldt-Universität.
• You have sufficient knowledge of the language in which you want to study abroad.
• Your subject is offered at the partner university and is open to exchange students.

Please note:

• Medical students should contact their faculty directly.
• Students of medicine, law and business administration: Unfortunately, we cannot nominate students for the “Professional Schools” (Medical School, Law School, Business School).
• Students of the School of Business and Economics should contact our team for advice on the options available.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

The academic year in Canada and the USA is usually divided into two semesters (Fall and Winter/Spring Semester) or three/four quarters (Fall, Winter Spring and Summer Quarter). Summer sessions/quarters are not available in our exchange programme.

Semesters

• Fall Semester: late August / early September – mid-December
• Winter/Spring Semester: early/mid-January – late April / mid-May

Quarters

• Fall Quarter: Mid-September – Mid-December
• Winter Quarter: Early January – Mid-March
• Spring Quarter: Late March – Mid-June

You must submit proof of language proficiency for the language in which you would like to study. The following applies to English: the TOEFL and IELTS certificates are accepted by all partner universities of the Regional Office for North America. The original result of the TOEFL - test must be sent to HU (CODE: 8167) via the ETS. For French, you can submit a DAAD language certificate (level B2) or a DELF/DALF/TELC certificate. High school and Abitur certificates are not sufficient as proof of language proficiency. Proof of language proficiency must be submitted by the application deadline.

Exception: If you have completed a first degree (Bachelor) in an English-speaking country, you can use your Bachelor's certificate as proof of language skills.

We are delighted that you're interested in a semester abroad. The application process for all regions begins with the timely submission of your application via Humboldt-Universität application portal by the specified application deadline.

You have the option of applying to three partner universities in North America at the same time – if you do, please indicate your preference.

After your application has been received, we will review it carefully. In some cases, a selection interview may be part of the process, for example if we receive a large number of applications for individual universities.

Following successful screening, the nomination is made by the Humboldt-Universität. We will then forward your application to the partner university, where it will go through the approval process. If you are successfully admitted, you will receive all relevant information for your upcoming semester abroad.

The recognition of credits earned abroad is carried out in consultation with your faculty. So please consult with them before submitting your documents for the final application deadline for an exchange place. The HU grade converter also offers initial guidance regarding the conversion of foreign university grades into the German grading system. The calculated results are non-binding. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the HU Examination Service.

Concordia University, located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, is one of the largest universities in Canada with around 40,000 students. Concordia University's campus spans two locations: Sir George Williams Campus in downtown Montreal and Loyola Campus in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce district. Students can take a wide range of English-language courses at one of four faculties: The John Molson School of Business, the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Fine Arts, and the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Study level

Bachelor/ Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Concordia University publishes a list of “restricted courses” every year.

Semester times

September – December (Fall Term)

January – Late April / Early May (Winter Term)

Programme duration

1 - 2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100 / IELTS 6.5) and/or French B2 (DAAD language certificate)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Bachelor course offer | Master course offer |

Founded in 1821, McGill University is a public English-language university in Montreal, Quebec. The university has two campuses: the City Campus in Montreal and the MacDonald Campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, approximately 30 kilometres away. McGill is made up of eleven faculties, including the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Management and Faculty of Science.

Study level

Bachelor/Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Please see the McGill University Fact Sheet for information on restricted subjects.

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Term)

Early January – Late May (Winter Term)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, with three campuses in the Greater Vancouver Region: Burnaby (main campus), Surrey and Vancouver. Most courses are held at the main campus in Burnaby, which is approximately 15 kilometres away from downtown Vancouver. From Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, Indigenous Studies or Resource and Environmental Management to traditional disciplines such as Computer Science, Economics or Psychology, the university offers a wide range of degree programmes.

Study level

Bachelor/ Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Please refer to the “Restrictions and Considerations” section on the SFU website for information about course enrolment restrictions.

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Term)

Early January – Mid-April (Spring Term) Early May – Mid-August (Summer Term)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Brochure | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

The University of British Columbia was founded in 1908 and has two main campuses: the Point Gray Campus, approximately 10km south of Vancouver, and the Okanagan Campus in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Point Gray Campus is the larger and more established of the two campuses and offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. UBC places great value on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The campus is known for numerous environmentally friendly initiatives, and the university promotes environmental research and practices.

Study level

Bachelor / Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

There are restrictions on course enrolment in several subjects (including business administration, psychology, computer science, etc.) – please read the information on “Faculty-specific restrictions” on the UBC website. It is not possible to take courses at master's level in the subjects of business administration, economics and psychology.

Semester times

Early September – December (Term 1)

Early January – Early April (Term 2)

Programme duration

1 semester

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQaM) is a French-speaking public university in Montreal. Founded in 1969, UQaM is known for its strong focus on the arts, humanities, social sciences, business and communication. Its central locations are in downtown Montreal, giving students direct access to the city's cultural attractions. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and is known for its cultural diversity, arts scene and lively atmosphere. The language of instruction is French.

Study level

Bachelor / Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Semester)

Early January – mid-May (Winter Semester)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

French B2 (DAAD language certificate, DELF, DALF, TELC)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

The University of Toronto (UoT) is the largest university in Canada. The university is spread across three campus locations in the city: the St. George Campus in central Toronto, the greener Scarborough Campus in the eastern part of Toronto, and the Mississauga Campus in the west of the city. The locations are connected by a shuttle bus service. The exchange programme is open to master's students and allows courses to be taken at the School of Graduate Studies on the St. George Campus. If you are interested, you can also be admitted to one of the other two locations.

Study level

Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Enrolment at the School of Graduate Studies – please note that some master's programmes are not open to exchange students (e.g. English, Business Administration, etc.). A list of restrictions can be found on the UoT website under “Restrictions”.

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Term)

Early January – Late May (Winter Term)

Programme duration

1 semester

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

Founded in 1959, York University (York U) is located in Toronto, Ontario, and offers a broad and innovative range of programmes in the fields of social sciences, business, arts and humanities, engineering, computer science and health sciences. The campus extends north of the city centre and boasts modern architecture, extensive green spaces and contemporary facilities.

Study level

Bachelor/ Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Please note that some degree programmes are not open to exchange students (e.g. Master’s in Psychology, Master’s in Biology, Master’s in Political Science, etc.). A complete list of restricted programmes can be found on the York U website under “Areas of study for exchange students.”

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Term)

Early January – Late May (Winter Term)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

Bard College is a small university with approximately 2,500 students and offers a wide range of academic programmes in the arts, languages, natural sciences and social sciences. Located in the small hamlet of Annandale-on-Hudson, approximately 145 kilometres north of New York City, the campus spans three historic properties with dramatic scenery overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskills Mountains. Exchange students receive a place in one of over 40 student residences and can actively participate in the diverse campus life, from yoga courses to a selection of over 150 student clubs.

Study level

Bachelor

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Late August – December (Fall Term)

Mid-January – Late May (Spring Term) Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Flyer | Course offer

The Bard Globalization and International Affairs (BGIA) programme is organised by Bard College and is held at the small satellite campus in Manhattan, New York City. The BGIA programme includes taking up to four courses in the areas of political science, social sciences and international relations. The programme emphasises the connection between theory and practice by giving students the opportunity to complete part-time internships in well-known organisations and companies in areas such as international law and relations, political economy, journalism and human rights. Participants also agree to stay in the Bard halls of residence in Brooklyn.

Study level

Bachelor / (Master)

The courses are classified as bachelor's courses from the third or fourth year of study, but can also be credited at master's level after consultation with the Examination Office of your own department (e.g. as Interdisciplinary Electives). Applications from master's students are therefore also welcome.

Field / restrictions

Relevant subjects, e.g. international relations, political science, social science, etc.

Semester times

Late August – December (Fall Term)

Mid-January – Late May (Spring Term)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Course offer

Unfortunately, there are no exchange places available at Brown University for the 2024/25 academic year.

Brown University was founded in 1764 and is located in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. It is one of the eight Ivy League universities in the United States. With around 10,000 students, Brown is a classic campus university and significantly smaller than Humboldt-Universität – this allows for a good student-teacher ratio with small course sizes and several research opportunities. Brown University's campus boasts a charming mix of historic architecture and modern facilities. College Hill, the neighbourhood where the campus is based, is known for its cobbled streets and ornate buildings. The exchange programme is only open to master's students.

Study level

Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Late August – December (Fall Term)

Mid-January – Late May (Spring Term

Programme duration

1 semester

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Course offer

New York University (NYU) is the largest private university in the United States. The NYU main campus is located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York. NYU also has a number of institutes in Brooklyn. Bachelor's students can apply for the exchange programme at NYU twice a year. The master’s exchange places are only awarded once a year. As a rule, enrolment takes place at the College of Arts and Sciences (Bachelor) or at the Graduate School of Arts and Science (Master). Following consultation, it is also possible to request admission to the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, the Silver School of Social Work, the Tish School of the Arts or the Gallatin School of Individualized Study (BA only).

Study level

Bachelor / Master

Field / restrictions

Enrolling in the College of Arts and Sciences or the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Semester times

Early September – December (Fall Term)

Mid-January – Late May (Spring Late)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

Unfortunately, we do not have any exchange places available at Northwestern University for the 2024/25 academic year.

Northwestern University is a private university in the state of Illinois with a dual campus in Evanston and Chicago. The main campus in Evanston extends along the shores of Lake Michigan, while the Chicago campus is near the Magnificent Mile. Around 22,000 students study at Northwestern, which offers a wide range of subjects. These include outstanding programmes in the areas of journalism and media, computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as art history and other humanities and social sciences.

Study level

Bachelor / (Master)

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Mid-September – Mid-December (Fall Quarter)

Early January – Mid-March (Winter Quarter)

Late March – Mid-June (Spring Quarter)

Programme duration

1-2 semesters (1-3 quarters)

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Specifics

Please note that admission to Northwestern is only available to undergraduate students. Master's students can enrol at bachelor's level and, after consulting with teachers, take courses at master's level.

Website | Kursangebot

The University of California (UC) is a renowned higher education system in the state of California. The system includes ten campuses located throughout the state that operate as independent universities. The exchange programme with UC is organised by the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP). HU students first apply within Humboldt-Universität for an exchange place in the entire UC system. The UCEAP then allocates students to a specific campus. Students can specify up to three desired locations in their application to the UC system. The following locations are available: Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and San Diego. The exchange programme at UC is only open to bachelor's students.

Study level

Bachelor

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Please refer to the UCEAP website under “Explore UC Courses” to see whether your subject is offered at your desired campus and is open to exchange students.

Semester times

UC Berkeley and UC Merced

early September – mid-December (Fall Semester)

mid-January – late May (Spring Semester)

All other UC locations

Mid-September – Mid-December (Fall Quarter)

Early January – Early/Mid-March (Winter Quarter)

Early April – Mid-June (Spring Quarter)

Programme duration

1-2 semesters (1-3 quarters)

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Fact-Sheet

Course catalogue

You can find the course catalogues of the nine UC locations linked on the UCEAP website:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz
• UC San Diego

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a public research university in Chicago, Illinois. UIC is part of the University of Illinois system and is the largest university in the Chicago area, with over 33,000 enrolled students and 16 different colleges. The campus is located in the Near West Side Community Area and borders the Chicago Loop, Chicago's central business district. It is also possible to combine studying abroad with a teaching assistantship via the Germanic Studies Department at UIC. Students in relevant subjects (teacher training, German studies, English studies, American studies) gain teaching experience and teach three courses in the area of German as a foreign language.

Study level

Bachelor / Master

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Late August – mid-December (Fall Semester)

Mid-January – mid-May (Spring Semester)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Website | Info-Flyer des Teaching Assistantships | Course offer

Unfortunately, there are no exchange places available at the University of Virginia for the 2024/25 academic year.

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a prestigious public research university. Located approximately 193 kilometres from Washington, D.C., Charlottesville offers a charming small-town atmosphere. Charlottesville is home to approximately 47,000 residents, and the student-friendly neighbourhood known as “The Corner” is right next to campus and offers a variety of shops and restaurants. Exchange students can choose from a wide range of courses at the College of Arts & Sciences, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the School of Data Science or the School of Education and Human Development.

Study level

Bachelor / (Master)

Field / restrictions

All subjects

Semester times

Late August – mid-December (Fall Semester)

Mid-January – mid-May (Spring Semester)

Programme duration

1 -2 semesters

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Specifics

Please note that admission to UVa is only available to undergraduate student. Master's students can enrol at bachelor's level and, after consulting with teachers, take courses at master's level.

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer

Located in Seattle, Washington, the University of Washington (UW) is recognised as one of the pre-eminent public universities in the United States, often referred to as “Public Ivy Universities.” Located in the city's northeastern University District (U-District), the UW campus extends across long stretches of Union Bay, a branch of Lake Washington, providing a picturesque backdrop for study and student life. Seattle, also known as the “Emerald City,” is a major tech hub and home to companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Exchange students can take courses in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Study level

Bachelor / (Master)

Field / restrictions

All subjects

You can find information about course restrictions on the UW website under “Competitive and restricted departments.”

Semester times

Mid-September – Mid-December (Autumn Quarter)

Early January – Mid-March (Winter Quarter)

Late March – Mid-June (Spring Quarter)

Programme duration

1-2 semesters (1-3 quarters)

Language requirements

English (TOEFL 100/ IELTS 6.5)

Specifics

Please note that admission to the UW is only available to undergraduate student. Master's students can enrol at bachelor's level and, after consulting with teachers, take courses at master's level.

Website | Fact-Sheet | Course offer