Outgoings - Exchange semesters for Reutlingen TEC students
A period of study abroad is an important element in your CV. Employers value graduates who, in addition to specialist knowledge, also have intercultural skills and experience in international teamwork. It offers the opportunity to improve language skills, acquire additional specialist knowledge and get to know a different learning culture on the campus of the partner university. A semester abroad is perhaps a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and way of life of a host country for several months and build up an international network of contacts.
Whether it's a practical or theoretical semester, students at the Faculty of Technology have numerous opportunities for a stay abroad at our partner universities.
YouTube: How to spend a semester abroad at the school of Engineering
Inform and decide
A semester abroad requires timely planning. It is therefore recommended that you start researching about 9 months before the start of your planned stay abroad. In certain cases (e.g. California State University and Valparaiso University/USA), you should even allow for a lead time of a good year.
Our regular information event will provide you with all the details. The information event for the summer semester usually takes place in May or June, and the event for the winter semester in November. We will send you the exact date by email in good time.
Theory semester (attending lectures, recognition of academic achievements)
Project work/practical semester
Final theses
For theory semesters at partner universities:
- Successful completion of basic studies
- No significant delay in the course of study to date. In individual cases, the programme will be consulted regarding the implementation of the semester abroad
For practical semesters at partner universities:
- Achievement of the number of ECTS credits required for admission to the practical semester
As a rule, there are no tuition fees for stays at partner universities. You only have to pay an administration fee to the partner university.
Exceptions: New Zealand and some parts of Australia
Apply
Application deadline at the Faculty of Technology for a stay abroad at a partner university in the summer semester 2027: 31 July 2026
Application deadline at the Faculty of Technology for a stay abroad at a partner university in the winter semester 2027/28: 31 January 2027
Please note: Application deadline for a stay at California State University in the winter semester 2027/28: 31 October 2026
OnlinE Application for a Semester abroad
Online application for a semester abroad
1. Submit your application via the TEC application portal by the deadline. Please note the application deadlines.
2. The Faculty of Technology will review your application and notify you of the selection decision.
3. Nomination at the partner university.
4. The partner university will contact you. Submit additional application documents to the partner university.
CV in English
Bachelor's students: Transcripts of previous semesters
Master's students: Bachelor's degree certificate + Master's transcripts
If required: Language certificate
Practical placements only: Work/internship certificates
Passport photo
Studying abroad usually means additional financial costs. Students planning to study abroad should therefore find out about scholarships and other funding opportunities as early as possible.
Grant for a semester abroad at partner universities for students of the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics
The School of Engineering supports high-achieving and motivated students in financing their stay abroad at a partner university with funds from the industry partners of the degree programmes.
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Before departure
Recognition Learning Agreement Faculty of Engineering
Mandatory for all students who plan to have their academic achievements from their stay abroad recognised:
- Before your stay, fill out the form and send it together with the course descriptions to the coordinator of ‘International Study Organisation’ at the Faculty of Engineering.
- If your course selection changes during your stay, the form must be updated.
- After your stay, submit the transcript of records from the partner university to the coordinator of ‘International Study Organisation’.
The Recognition Learning Agreement will be reviewed by the subject representatives and examination officers of the degree programmes.
Important: Without a Recognition Learning Agreement completed before your stay, it will not be possible to recognise your academic achievements after your stay.
Kontakt: Franziska Müller
Erasmus-Learning Agreement
Participants in the ERASMUS programme are required to complete an online learning agreement. Students nominated for a semester abroad will receive all relevant information.
Important: Apply for or renew your passport in good time. In some cases, a valid passport is required for nomination by the partner universities. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned duration of your stay abroad.
Once the application process is complete, the partner university will issue the official letter of invitation required for the visa application. You must use this letter to apply for a student visa at the relevant embassy/consulate. Exception: EU citizens do not need a visa for study visits to EU countries.
Student status at Reutlingen University must be maintained at all times during your stay abroad. This means that you must also re-register at HSRT for the semester abroad.
Important: Leave of absence semesters are possible, but during a leave of absence semester, you cannot take exams at HSRT, nor can credits earned abroad be recognised.
It is essential that you take out valid health insurance. Make sure that the insurance cover includes the costs of all types of medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation to your home country (unlimited cover if possible).
Liability insurance valid abroad should be taken out in any case.
For comprehensive insurance cover abroad, the DAAD and private insurers offer combined health, accident and personal liability insurance.
In most cases, the partner university will help you find accommodation, either in a student hall of residence or on the private housing market.
In some cases, e.g. Nelson Mandela University (South Africa) or Kettering (USA), you are required to rent accommodation arranged by the partner university for security reasons.
The partner universities provide information about location-specific risks.
We also recommend reading the security and travel advice issued by the Foreign Office.
After your return
If you have signed a learning agreement and would like to have the grades you achieved at the partner university credited, please submit your transcript of records (grade overview from the foreign university) and the learning agreement (with any changes) by email to the coordinator for international study organisation at the School of Engineering after your return.
