Application Process



Before the Application
When should I start planning my stay? How much does a semester abroad actually cost? Where can I go abroad? Many questions arise when deciding to spend a semester abroad. Here are some questions that arise before the application process.
Take a look at our possibilites webpage to get an insight into the options for a stay abroad with LUH.
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When should I start planning my stay abroad?
That depends largely on when you need to apply. Different regions have different application deadlines, which you should take into account when planning. In general, you should start preparing your application at least six months in advance; we even recommend a whole year. This is because you will need to gather a lot of documents and may have to apply for or submit various certificates. That's why it's better to start a little earlier.
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When can I go abroad?
In general, students at Leibniz 九色视频 can apply from the first semester onwards. However, you must have studied at LUH for two semesters before your stay abroad. This is because you should first get to know the university here and because, when you go abroad, you will act as a kind of 鈥渁mbassador鈥 for LUH.
So if you want to go abroad in your third semester, you have to apply in your first semester. It is always helpful to consult with your program coordinator, as there are often recommendations regarding the time period or even specific semesters that are intended for a stay abroad.
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Can I only go abroad if I want to study there?
No. You can also do an internship abroad (or combine it with studying abroad, for example with ISEP), or you can do a research stay or write your thesis abroad. So there are many different options available here.
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How do I know which university is right for me?
There are two answers to this question. First, it depends on whether the subjects you want to study are even offered at the university of your choice.
Then it's always a question of preference: Do you like the university? Do you like how the university presents itself on its website? Do you like how the university looks? Do you like the area where the university is located? Can you imagine living there for an extended period of time?
You should answer these questions for yourself to find out whether a university is right for you. -
Aren't stays abroad really expensive?
Studying abroad costs money, that much is clear. However, we make every effort to design our programs and partnerships in such a way that all students have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. There are various support options available, which we are happy to tell you more about here.
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Do I even have time for a semester abroad?
At LUH, the general rule is that you take a leave of absence for the duration of your stay abroad. This means that your studies are paused for the time you are abroad and you simply continue afterwards. So, for example, if you go abroad in your fifth semester, you are on leave for that semester. When you return, you will continue your studies in the fifth semester in the following semester. This means you will not lose any time.
However, you should also talk to the program coordinator of your degree program to determine when the best time for you to study abroad is.
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Where can I go abroad?
The university offers various programs that allow you to study abroad. There is the ERASMUS+ program, which is a collaboration between all countries in the European Union, but also includes some member countries that are not in the EU. You can obtain information about this from your faculty.
There are also five other regions you can go to: Asia, India, North America and Oceania, Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America. You can find information about this on the HI website.
The faculties also have their own partnerships abroad. So you have many different options for going abroad. -
Do I have to go abroad with a university program?
No. You are, of course, free to organize and carry out your stay abroad yourself. However, the university's programs offer you a number of advantages, such as help with organization, reduced or no tuition fees, full support while you are abroad, and more.
We can, of course, also help you with some things, such as visas, if you organize your stay yourself.
During the Application Process
Here we try to answer all questions about the application process. Further information can be found on the general application page.
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What costs can I expect when I apply?
The costs for a stay at a partner university or an ISEP university in North America and Oceania are roughly the same and, depending on the location, can be estimated at between 鈧8,000 and 鈧15,000 per semester (flight, accommodation, meals, books, etc.).
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Can I apply to both partner universities and ISEP at the same time?
Yes, this is possible without any problems and is even recommended by the International Office. There are no disadvantages to applying to our partner universities and ISEP at the same time.
However, it should be noted that some partner universities are also part of the ISEP program. You cannot apply to ISEP for these universities.
IMPORTANT: Please note that you should only apply on the ISEP portal after you have been successfully nominated by us.
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Are the application procedures for ISEP and for the partner universities separate or combined (since many of the required documents are identical)?
In the internal phase, they run together, but once we have selected you for ISEP or a university partnership, they run separately. We ask that you first fill out the application at MoveOn and indicate whether you would like to complete your semester abroad with our university partnership, ISEP, or both options. After the application and selection interviews, you will be nominated for a partner university/ISEP. Once you have been nominated for ISEP, you can start your application on the ISEP portal.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ISEP portal in advance and take a look at the universities on offer so that you know exactly which universities are suitable for you and your degree program. -
Can letters of reference be written by any lecturer?
The letters of reference should be issued by lecturers or professors who teach at Leibniz 九色视频. If you have transferred to Hanover from another university, the letters of reference can also be issued by professors or lecturers at your previous university. If you do not wish to approach the professors or lecturers directly, you can also ask your international coordinator whether there are specific professors at the institute/seminar who are available to provide such references or who would be the best people to contact in this regard.
You do not need to know the lecturers or professors personally. Many will arrange a personal meeting beforehand anyway in order to be able to write a recommendation. The letter of reference has nothing to do with how well a professor or lecturer knows you; it is simply an assessment of your academic abilities in order to determine whether a stay abroad is suitable for you and your academic career.
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Should I submit the reference letter together with my application?
Yes, the letter of reference should be submitted to MoveOn along with the rest of the application documents.
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In which language should my CV be written?
Your CV should be written in English and in tabular form.
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Can I convert my average grades to the US GPA system in my CV?
Yes, this is possible, but not mandatory. The grade conversion table (PDF) can be used as a guide. However, you must still submit a translated copy of your transcript.
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Where can I have my transcript translated?
For a certified English version of your LUH transcript of records, please contact the Examination Office.
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Can I apply to ISEP within the 10 selected universities for different regions (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)?
Yes, but only for the regions USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, we strongly advise against applying only to universities in Australia, New Zealand, and California, as the chances of getting a place there are slim.
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Do I have to list 5 universities on the ISEP priority list, or can I select fewer universities?
When applying to ISEP, students at Leibniz 九色视频 must always list five and preferably ten target universities. Applications based on an incomplete list may not be considered.
If there are not ten universities available for a specific degree program, please list all those that are available and add a note stating that no more are available.
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If my ISEP application is successful, will I spend my semester abroad at one of the ten universities I have selected?
ISEP tries to place students at one of their ten preferred universities. However, there is no guarantee of placement at one of the preferred universities. ISEP reserves the right to suggest other universities to students if placement at one of their preferred universities is not possible.
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Where can I obtain the language certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)?
The TOEFL test is organized and offered by the non-profit organization ETS. The test is offered throughout the year and must be taken at one of the ETS test centers. You can search for ETS test centers and dates . The 九色视频 of Hanover is also a test center. However, it may happen that there are no more places available for the TOEFL test at LUH or that a date is not offered, so it is worth looking for alternative test centers, e.g., in the rest of Lower Saxony, where you can easily get there for free with your semester ticket.
The IELTS test follows a similar principle to the TOEFL test. You can find all the information you need .
Information about the Duolingo English Test can be found . The Duolingo test is accepted by many, but not all, universities.
You can find more information on our Language Skills page.
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Does the language proficiency test cost anything?
Yes. The TOEFL test currently costs 鈧265. The IELTS test costs at least 鈧255. Duolingo costs USD 59.
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Should I take the TOEFL test, IELTS test, or Duolingo test as proof of language proficiency?
The primary difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that TOEFL tests American English, while IELTS tests British English. Although there are some universities in the US that accept the IELTS test or Duolingo test as proof of language proficiency, ISEP recommends taking the TOEFL test as proof of language proficiency. The majority of universities in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require this test as proof of language proficiency, and it carries more weight at universities. However, you should check the universities' websites and the corresponding pages on the ISEP website to see which language proficiency tests are accepted in each individual case.
Many universities now accept the Duolingo test. If we select you for a partner university that does not accept the Duolingo test, you will need to submit another test (e.g., TOEFL). -
How long must the language certificate be valid?
It is usually sufficient if the language certificate is current at the time of application and placement by ISEP. In exceptional cases, however, the host university may also require a valid test for the duration of the semester abroad. Please check with your potential host universities before applying.
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How many points do I need to achieve on the TOEFL test?
A minimum score of 80 (at least 20 points in each section) is required for a successful application to HI. However, the minimum score required by individual universities may vary. You can check the individual university pages on the ISEP website and the respective university websites to see how many points each university requires.
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How long does it take to receive the results of the TOEFL test?
The electronic results should be available after about 10 days. The printed version, which is sent by mail, usually takes around 3 weeks. You should therefore make sure that your TOEFL test appointment is made at least ten days before the deadline. It would be better to allow a little more time.
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As a student of English/American Studies, do I also have to take a language test?
Yes, this is absolutely necessary. Since the TOEFL is only valid for two years, it is likely that you will have to retake the test.
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Should I apply as a graduate student or an undergraduate student if I am already enrolled in a master's program?
Applying for master's courses is only possible in individual cases, so students who are already enrolled in a master's program should continue to apply as undergraduate students. If you are applying to ISEP and would like to take master's courses, please make sure that this is possible when making your selection. You can find this information on the profile pages of the respective universities on the ISEP website.
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Do I need to find out which courses I can get credit for before I apply? Or is it enough to take care of this after I have been accepted?
You can take care of this after you have been accepted, but a preliminary course list for your first three preferred universities must be submitted with your application. It is advisable to discuss your plans to study abroad with your faculty's exchange coordinator before applying to determine what types of courses (e.g., elective modules, compulsory modules, project work) are suitable for you and to what extent they can be credited here. However, the learning agreement only needs to be drawn up after acceptance.



About the Stay
Before the Stay



What do I need to consider before my stay? What visa do I need, and do I actually have to take leave from work? You can find answers to these and other questions here! Please also take a look at our preparation page for further information!
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When do I need to arrive at my host university?
The host universities will send you all the necessary information in advance, including when you should arrive. Please note that many host universities offer 鈥渙rientation days,鈥 which take place a few days before the start of the semester. You should adjust your arrival date accordingly.
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Do I need to have my return flight booked already?
Strictly speaking, this is not necessary, but it is recommended that you have your return flight booked. On the one hand, this allows you to prove that you will not overstay your visa (border patrol officers in Canada are particularly strict about this), and on the other hand, it is often significantly cheaper to book your outbound and return flights together.
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I would like to apply for AuslandsBAF枚G. Who should I contact and by when?
The individual student services organizations each have a department that handles AuslandsBAF枚G for a specific region. Further information can be found .
The BAF枚G office usually requests the application six months in advance. However, as it may be the case that placements are not finalized until four or three months before the stay, please ask in advance whether you should submit an incomplete application by the deadline or the complete application as soon as all documents are ready.
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Do I have to take a leave of absence?
That depends on various factors. On the one hand, your faculty may require you to take a leave of absence. However, if you still want to take exams in the semester in which you go abroad, you should definitely discuss this with your faculty beforehand, because if you take a leave of absence, you will not be entitled to take exams at LUH. On the other hand, it is a financial question, as you do not have to pay the full semester fees during a leave of absence, but only an administrative fee. However, you will not have a semester ticket until the start of the next semester.
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When can I take a leave of absence from LUH?
If you decide to take a leave of absence for your semester abroad, you can do so at the Enrollment Office as soon as you know that you are going abroad. However, the leave of absence should be completed by the re-registration period for the next semester at the latest.
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Do I need a visa?
That depends on where you are going and for what purpose. For the USA, you must apply for a visa that specifies that you are going to study at a host university there. For Canada, you need a so-called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). In Australia and New Zealand, you need a student visa.
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Where can I obtain my visa?
You must apply for a visa for the USA at the American Consulate in Hamburg or at the Embassy in Frankfurt. You will need to make an appointment, which you can do .
You can apply for the ETA () and the Student Visa (/) online. -
How long is my visa valid for?
Normally, a single-entry visa, as required here, is valid for six months. Entry and exit are possible up to 30 days before and after. However, when planning your flights, you should take into account that unforeseen events may occur that delay your departure or entry. Therefore, you should definitely allow for a buffer of two or more days.
During the Stay
We try to answer all questions relating to your stay here!
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Are there any differences in the support provided by the ISEP program compared to the partner program?
No. All international offices, both at partner universities and ISEP universities, take great care of their students. They are always available to answer questions and help with problems, and you can contact them at any time.
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Do I have to get from the airport to the university on my own?
The International Office at your host university will let you know how to get from the airport to the university; often a shuttle or pick-up service is organized.
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I need to see a doctor - where do I go?
Health insurance is part of the agreement with the host universities in the partnership and ISEP programs. In most cases, the host universities also have some form of medical care on campus, which you can visit without hesitation if necessary.
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My courses have been changed. How does this affect my learning agreement?
If your courses change at short notice, you decide to discontinue a course, or you want to take a different course, please inform the international office at the partner university and your coordinator at LUH immediately.
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I want to rent a car - is my (German) driver's license valid?
As long as you have an EU card driver's license, there should be no problems renting a car. However, you may be required to have an international driver's license. You should apply for this at a local government office before your stay here and then carry it with you.
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I would like to travel during my stay - do I need an extra visa for this?
That depends on where you want to travel. Travel within the country is of course covered by the visa you received for your stay. However, you should make sure that you carry your passport with you on all trips, whether domestic or abroad.
If you want to travel abroad鈥攆or example, from the US to Canada or vice versa鈥攜ou should find out about any regulations and applications in advance.



After the Stay



What is important to note after your stay? All information can be found here.
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Do I have to let anyone know that I'm back?
Strictly speaking, you don't have to let anyone know, but you should make sure that you re-register for the following semester by the deadline. And we at HI would of course be delighted if you let us know that you're back and how it went.
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How does credit transfer work?
Once we have received your transcript, you can pick it up here at Mr. Sechrist's office (room 232). You can then take the transcript to the international coordination office or the program coordination office at your faculty, where they will convert your credits or GPA hours into grades and credit points and issue you with a form that you can submit to the examination office.
Further information can also be found on the recognition page. -
Is there anything else I need to do for follow-up?
Yes, you need to write a report about your experience. We collect your reports and post them (with your consent) on the HI website so that other students can get an idea of what to expect when planning their own trips.
The experience report can take various forms; we currently accept written reports or video reports. You can find sample reports here.
Otherwise, we are always happy if you agree to tell the new outgoing students about your experiences in person so that they can better prepare for their stay.