Information for Incoming Exchange Students
Pforzheim University welcomes 200 to 300 incoming exchange students every year. Be part of the international community and profit from our broad offer of English taught courses in the area of Design, Business & Law, and Engineering!
On the following pages you can find information on the application procedure, language requirements and scholarship opportunities as well as practical information on insurances, visa, and housing. (Here is a presentation with an overview.)
For further information, please feel free to contact us or to check our fact sheet and FAQs.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Pforzheim!
All exchange students from partner universities who come to Pforzheim for a limited period of time are nominated directly to us by their university. The rest of the application process takes place via email or our exchange platform Mobility Online.
You can find our fact sheet with all the important information at a glance here (de) or here (en).
Please note: The School of Design has different nomination and application deadlines. Further information here.
Step 1: Nomination
Exchange students must first be nominated by their home university.
Summer nomination deadline: October 1st
Winter nomination deadline: May 1st
Step 2: Application
Once you have been nominated by your home university, you will be given access to Mobility Online where you can upload your application documents.
- Completed application form in Mobility Online (our exchange platform)
- 1 passport photo (preferably digital: jpg/150dpi)
- 1 copy of passport (or ID for EU citizens)
- Current transcript of records/certificate
- Language certificate (English and/or German, min. B2)
- Learning Agreement
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form
Please note
The Learning Agreement must be signed in advance by the home university.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Please provide an e-mail address that you check regularly. We will mainly contact you by e-mail.
Application deadline for the summer semester: October 15
Application deadline for the winter semester: May 15
Course selection:
Here you can find the Bachelor courses of the Business School.
Here you can find the Master courses of the Business School.
Step 3: Admission
After all applications have been checked by the International Office, the admission letters will be sent out.
You will then be informed about the next steps via the applicant portal.
Step 4: Preparation for arrival
Once you have been admitted, you will need to make some preparations for your semester abroad.
Accommodation:
International students at Pforzheim University must find their own accommodation for the duration of their stay in Pforzheim. There are various options for this, which are presented on the following website. The application for a room in a hall of residence does not go through the International Office, but is made by the student directly to the relevant hall of residence administration.
Health insurance:
Upon enrolment, all students must provide proof that they have taken out health insurance for the duration of their studies in Germany, which reimburses treatment costs in Germany. Health insurance contributions may vary according to age, gender and country of origin. More detailed information and recommendations on health insurance companies can be found here.
Visas:
The entry requirements for Germany vary depending on your country of origin. All exchange students are responsible for applying for a visa themselves. You can find more detailed information on applying for a visa here.
The new Visa Navigator of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany provides quick answers to visa questions.
- Students from countries requiring a visa must apply for a visa for study purposes in their country of origin or country of their home university, i.e. before entering Germany.
- EU citizens and nationals of EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) do not require a visa for study purposes. They must register at the Residents' Registration Office after enrolment.
- Citizens of a few exceptional countries also do not require a visa for study purposes; they apply for a residence permit at the responsible immigration office in Germany.
VisaFlow is a free platform that provides support with the visa application and preparation of the move to Germany until arrival.
The application can be started smoothly with the HSPFORZHEIM25 login at platform.visaflow.app.
Important note: When it comes to the visa, your nationality and not the country of your home university is decisive. If you are studying in a country other than your country of origin and have a residence permit for this country, you must still apply for a visa for Germany for study purposes. Please find out in good time whether you need a visa.
Step 5: Arrival
Students must be present at the beginning of the orientation sessions. Orientation events are offered to new exchange students every semester before the start of regular courses. During these introductory days, you will get to know your fellow students, the university and the city of Pforzheim.
German-language courses (exchange student)
Adequate German language skills must be demonstrated in order to study in German-language study programs. For all Bachelor's programs, proof of German language proficiency at level C1 is required. This language level corresponds to the language diploma (level II) of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, the DSH examination (DSH 2), TestDaF (> 17) and the Goethe Zertifikat C1 (new intermediate level examination) of the Goethe Institute.
English language courses (exchange student)
For the English-language study programs, sufficient language skills must be demonstrated before the start of studies. Adequate English language skills are usually demonstrated by a test certificate or a confirmation of language level B2 from the home institution. A test result of at least 85 points (235 computer version and 570 institutional version/ITP) is required for the course. Test results from TOEIC, IELTS, CAEL, CPE and CAE are also recognized and can be converted here if necessary. In addition, the Duolingo English Test (DET) with a minimum score of 110 is also accepted.
Sufficient language skills in both languages of instruction must be demonstrated for study programs that are offered partly in German and partly in English.
Exchange students at Bachelor's level
- The International Study Program (ISP) offers over 60 courses taught in English. German-language courses are also offered.
Exchange students at Master's level
- The International Master Exchange Program (IMEP) comprises English-language courses at Master's level and is offered every winter semester.
Double degree students
- Courses must be selected from the curriculum and examination schedule of the corresponding degree program.
Exchange students at Bachelor's level
- In cooperation with the Business School, the Industrial Engineering degree program offers English-language courses within the International Study Program (ISP).
- A course overview of the English-language courses offered by the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology/Electrical Engineering is available on request.
- German-language courses can be selected from the module catalogs of the respective degree programs.
A course overview is available on request. Please contact exchange.design(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de for this.
One of the goals of a successful stay abroad is to acquire sufficient language skills in the language of the country or language of instruction. The Language Center at Pforzheim University therefore offers German courses for international exchange students every semester.
Pre-courses
As a rule, an intensive course for beginners is offered before the start of the semester: the course starts approx. 3-4 weeks before the start of the semester.
Courses offered during the semester
German courses are offered at almost all levels during the semester. At the beginning of the semester, a placement test takes place to determine the language level of the respective student. This level is used to decide which language course the student can take part in during the semester.
Please note: Students who took part in the A1 intensive course before the start of the semester can only attend the course at the next higher level during the semester. There is no placement test and no possibility to skip a level!
Registration
Registration for the preliminary courses takes place by email. Only those who register by the application deadline are entitled to a place! An entry in the Learning Agreement does not count as registration!
Students in exchange programs
The relatively largest proportion of funding and scholarships is provided for students from foreign partner universities. Exchange students from EU countries are generally funded by the EU's Erasmus+ program in the Erasmus program section.
For exchange students from outside the EU, the university offers the following funding program:
- the Baden-Württemberg-Stiftung. Potential students will be contacted directly by our coordinator.
- Stibet I contact scholarship. Funded by the DAAD with funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA). Informal application with letter of motivation. Approximately 1 page.
Scholarship amount: around 800€ (as of WS24/25)
Requirements Stibet I:
- Exchange students from an HSPF partner university
- Exchange students studying outside Europe
- Participation in international events of the HSPF during the stay (Business & Technology students especially Explore Day every semester in May or November)
ATTENTION: It is not possible to receive Stibet I and scholarships from German or European funds such as Erasmus or Baden-Württemberg Scholarship at the same time.
Please note: Scholarships cannot be transferred to online accounts such as Revolut or Wise. A German bank account is required.
Erasmus+
The EU's Erasmus+ program promotes student mobility in Europe. Pforzheim University has Erasmus agreements with a large number of European universities in the EU's Erasmus+ program. Students from European partner universities can receive Erasmus funding from their home university.
Energy reporters
The scholarship is aimed at students who would like to report on their experiences abroad in the fields of climate protection and the energy industry. Applicants can apply for the summer semester 2025 by submitting an application video.
As an energy reporter, participants receive financial support of €1,000 as well as valuable contacts in the international climate protection and energy industry. They will also receive support in the form of a certificate of participation.
Application deadlines:
for the winter semester: April 1 to September 15
for the summer semester: October 1 to March 15
Requirements:
- 6 contributions on the topics of energy generation, energy efficiency, renewable energy or climate protection
- 4 video contributions and 2 text contributions
Further information can be found on the website of the Energy & Climate Protection Foundation.
International Office
Contact: incoming(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de
Postal address: International Office, Tiefenbronner Straße 65, 75175 Pforzheim
Visiting address: Tiefenbronner Straße 65, W.1.2.12, 75175 Pforzheim
Erasmus Institutional Coordinator: Andrea Held
Incoming Coordinators: Meike Schwarz & Christina Gottfried
Erasmus Code: D PFORZHE01
Coordinators at faculty level
Business School
Jochen Ebert, isp(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de
School of Engineering
Henriette Schürger, henriette.schuerger(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de
School of Design
Barbara Dofek, exchange.design(at)hs-pforzheim(dot)de
After you have been nominated by your university and created an account, you can log into your personal workflow to complete your application.
Residence regulations for entry
International students require a residence permit to study in Germany. The residence permit must be applied for before entering Germany in the form of a residence permit for study purposes at the responsible German diplomatic mission, German embassy or consulate in the home country.
Information from the Federal Foreign Office on applying for a student visa
In order to obtain an entry visa, you must submit a letter of admission from Pforzheim University (or a certificate of application to Pforzheim University) to the German diplomatic mission in your home country. Proof of funding for study and living costs in Germany must also be submitted (see below). If you have specific questions about applying for an entry visa, please contact the German diplomatic mission abroad (German embassy, German consulate) in your home country directly. All information on the missions abroad can be found at http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de.
The VisaFlow platform provides support from visa application to arrival in Germany. We offer free access to VisaFlow, which supports you in planning your move to Germany and applying for a visa and/or residence permit. With the login HSPFORZHEIM25 on platform.visaflow.app the application can be started smoothly.
Citizens of the following countries can enter Germany without a visa:
- All countries of the European Union and all EFTA countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).
- Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Israel, Honduras, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, San Marino, Switzerland, South Korea, the UK and the USA can initially enter Germany without a residence permit. However, students from these countries must apply for a residence permit (student visa) at the local immigration office after their arrival in Pforzheim.
In some countries (e.g. China), additional APS pre-check procedures are required to verify the authenticity of the documents before a visa can be issued.
Use the Visa Navigator of the Federal Foreign Office to get a quick answer to your visa question.
When applying for a student visa at the German embassy/consulate, you must prove that you are able to finance your studies in Germany. The proof of financial means should prove that you have sufficient funds available for the duration of your studies in Germany (especially the first year of study) and that you will not have to claim any social benefits from the host country during your stay. Students and applicants from third countries must prove that they have at least 992 euros per month, i.e. 11,904 euros per year, at their disposal. If proof is provided that the rent and ancillary costs are less than 224 euros (amount according to § 13 paragraph 2 number 2 BAföG), the amount to be proven is reduced accordingly. Some immigration authorities may also demand a higher amount. (Subject to change)
Proof of funding can be provided by:
a) Declaration of commitment by the parents:
This is a written declaration by the parents of financial support for their children of 992 euros per month for at least one year or longer. The income and financial circumstances must be presented to the embassy, i.e. corresponding evidence of the parents' income and/or financial circumstances (e.g. salary statements for the last 3 months, current bank statement, etc.) must be submitted and certified by the German embassy/consulate in your home country.
b) Declaration of commitment from a third party:
A declaration of commitment from a third party who is not directly related to the applicant to the immigration authority or the diplomatic mission abroad that someone will cover the living costs. The declaration of commitment must be presented when applying for a visa in your home country and when entering the country. After successful entry, the declaration of commitment must be submitted to the immigration authority.
c) Blocked account:
Proof of funds is often provided by paying a certain amount of money into a savings book/blocked account. The original or a certified copy of the passbook/blocked account must be submitted when applying for a visa. The money must be transferred to a savings book/account at a German bank after entering the country. The savings book is often marked with a note limiting the amount that can be withdrawn from the account.
c) Scholarship:
If you receive a scholarship from German public funds, a funding organization recognized in Germany, a scholarship from the public funds of your country of origin or if the Federal Foreign Office, the German Academic Exchange Service or another German scholarship-awarding organization has taken over the placement at a German university, you must submit a scholarship certificate stating the amount and duration of the scholarship.
Please note that not all of the funding options just mentioned are accepted in all countries.
For a step-by-step guide to the visa process and information on blocked accounts, etc., students can use VisaFlow. The platform offers helpful resources to ease the transition to Germany. Access is free of charge and is possible with the login data and the code "HSPFORZHEIM25" at plattform.visaflow.app
An (international) student may work a maximum of 20 hours per week. An increase is possible during lecture-free periods. For work on a self-employed basis (e.g. as a tutor or entrepreneur), a permit must be applied for from the relevant immigration authority.
In principle, the employment performed must not interfere with the purpose of the residence permit (e.g. studies, German course, preparatory college) or extend the period of residence. You must present a tax ID to your employer so that they can pay taxes and social security contributions! The tax ID can be applied for at the local tax office.
Change of subject
For students who hold a residence permit for study purposes, the purpose of their stay is generally determined by the field of study (course of study and, if applicable, subjects) (§ 28.5.2.4 of the General Administrative Regulation on the Foreign Nationals Act).
A change of field of study (= change of subject) generally and always constitutes a change of purpose of residence.
A change of course of study or subject within the first 18 months after the start of the course of study is permitted, although there is a change in the purpose of residence.
A change of course of study or subject at a later date must be approved by the immigration authority. The immigration authority will only grant approval if the previous academic achievements can be credited to the new degree program and the total duration of studies is not extended by more than 18 months. A certificate from the university is required for this.
The approval of the immigration authority is also a prerequisite if the change is made between different types of university in the same degree program - e.g. change from a university of applied sciences to a university.
Staying in Germany BEFORE starting your studies
Prospective students can obtain a visa to learn the German language and/or to prepare for their studies. The status of this visa is called "student applicant" and can be granted for a maximum of one year. In order to obtain a visa as a student applicant, similar requirements must be met as for a student visa. Study applicants are not entitled to pursue gainful employment. The possibility of working 120 days a year is also not included in this visa.
Staying in Germany AFTER completing your studies
After graduating, foreign graduates are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months (for example to find a job). During this orientation phase, it is possible to work indefinitely.
International students at Pforzheim University must find their own accommodation for the duration of their stay in Pforzheim. There are various options for this, which are presented below. The application for a room in a hall of residence does not go through the International Office, but is made by the student directly to the relevant hall of residence administration. The International Office is happy to support international students in their search, but cannot offer a room placement service.
Please do not forget to cancel your room in writing at least 3 months before moving out!
Here you can find information about housing fraud.
Halls of residence of the Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe
About theStudierendenwerk Karlsruheoffers around 500 places in halls of residence near the university.
The Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe runs the following halls of residence:
- Dormitory in theHagenschiessstr. 1
171 places - Hall of residence Hagenschiessstr. 3
48 places - DormitoryHagenschiessstr. 5
48 places - DormitorySt. Georgenstr. 15-17
129 places - Hall of residenceLion-Feuchtwanger-Allee
64 apartments
Here you'll find answers to questions about applications, moving in, living in the dormitory, and moving out: Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe | Housing | Housing FAQ
Halls of residence run by other organizations
TheStudentenwerk-FH e.V.runs a hall of residence in Pforzheim:
- Residence at Keplerstr. 75 198 places
- Holzgartenstr. 31 hall of residence
47 places - Campo Novo
Other options
Numerous rooms/halls of residence for students are also offered by private providers. Some options are listed below.
- Bernhardusheim
TheBernhardusheimis a Caritas facility and offers 23 single, 12 double and 2 triple rooms as well as a handicapped-accessible apartment for pupils, students and trainees. Catering can be booked on request. - The Kolping House is a central hall of residence for young students and trainees with 28 single and double rooms as well as 2 apartments.
Private accommodation or rooms in shared apartments (student flat-sharing communities) can be found on the university notice boards, but mainly via room/flat exchanges on the Internet. The best known arewww.wg-gesucht.deandwww.housinganywhere.com
Pforzheim University has many different student initiatives in which students get involved, implement their own projects and thus actively shape campus life.
They offer a great opportunity to get to know new people, gain practical experience and develop outside of your studies.
A list of the initiatives and their areas of responsibility can be found here: Student initiatives
1. visit the International Office for more information about your stay in Pforzheim.
2. attend the welcome event and collect your student ID card.
3. register your residence at the Bürgercentrum within two weeks of your arrival.
4. international students from outside the EU: contact the Foreigners' Registration Office and apply for your residence permit (if you did not have a visa on arrival).
5. enjoy your stay at Pforzheim University!
The Buddy Program is run by the student initiative ESN . International and German students are assigned to each other. The German buddy supports their international partner with their first steps in Germany and in Pforzheim University - be it with information about the university, picking them up from the train station, buying a SIM card and much more.
To participate in the program, a form is filled out and sent out by ESN before the start of the semester.
If you have opened a blocked account as a condition for obtaining your visa or residence permit, you can close it at the immigration authority. To do this, you must obtain permission to close the blocked account from the relevant immigration authority before you leave.
Students who have not opened a blocked account do not have to deregister with the Foreigners Registration Office. The responsible Residents' Registration Office will inform the Foreigners' Registration Office of your deregistration.
You must deregister as a resident of the city in which you lived in Germany. Most students do this at the Citizens' Center of the City of Pforzheim. You do not need an appointment to deregister.
Documents required:
- Identity card or passport
- the fully completed and signed form for deregistration
If you are a member of a German health insurance company, ask the Residents' Registration Office to confirm your deregistration. You must then submit this confirmation to your German health insurance company in order to cancel your membership.
You will need the Transcript of Records in order for the credits you have earned at our university to be recognized at your home university. The document contains the courses you have attended, the grades and the ECTS number of the courses attended.
A few weeks after your departure, as soon as your grades are available, we will issue a Transcript of Records.
Students who stay at Pforzheim University for longer than one semester must also re-register for the following semester in order to be enrolled.
This also applies to students from double degree programs or who are completing an internship. An extension requires the written consent of the home university (except for double degree programs).
The semester fee is approximately 120€ and must be transferred to the following account by 15.02 for the summer semester and by 31.07 for the winter semester.
Further information on the fees can be found here.
VISA/HEALTH INSURANCE
Students who need to extend their visa or health insurance can download the certificate of enrolment online. The semester fee must be transferred in advance. After the visa or health insurance has been extended, a certificate must be uploaded to Mobility Online.
PRAKTIKUM
The home university must confirm that the internship is a compulsory internship. This confirmation must be submitted to the International Office along with the internship contract. The internship contract must also be uploaded to Mobility Online.
