University of St Andrews

At a glance

Heidelberg University (or Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg), is a public research university situated in the Southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg. As Germany’s oldest Higher Education institution, it is steeped in fascinating history; it was founded by Pope Urban VI as only the third university to be created in the Holy Roman Empire, and as a result it is one of the oldest universities in the world. As well as the university’s rich historical backdrop, Heidelberg is consistently ranked as one of the top institutions in the world, with alumni including several German and international Heads of State and the university being affiliated to some 56 Nobel Prize winners. Outwith the academic side of Heidelberg University, the town is one of Germany’s quntessential student hubs, with river-side views and Baroque architecture setting a peaceful scene for exchange students in Germany.
Established : 1386
Student Population : 30000

Website and links

Website : Heidelberg homepage

Study abroad page : Heidelberg Study Abroad Page

Study abroad guide : Heidelberg Study Abroad Guide

Who can go

Students on degree programmes in the following subject areas may apply to study abroad during their Junior Honours year at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (University of Heidelberg):

This exchange is open to students studying Ancient History only. It may also be possible to take other Classical Studies modules. Please discuss your options with your Study Abroad Coordinator.

• Classics

Semesters Available

• Second Semester

Note: Joint Honours students may only apply for a full year abroad if BOTH subjects are listed above. Joint Honours students applying for one semester must seek permission from both Schools.

Study abroad coordinator

Each School has a designated Study Abroad Coordinator.

Semester dates

Semester dates are as follows

2021/2
Semester 1 Oct 2021 to Feb 2022
Semester 2 Apr 2022 to Aug 2022
2022/3
Semester 1 Oct 2022 to Feb 2023
Semester 2 Apr 2023 to Aug 2023

Your studies abroad

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

St Andrews academic requirements

• Minimum Credit in Academic year : 48
• Minimum Credit in Semester : 24
• Maximum Credit in Academic year : 60
• Maximum Credit in Semester: 30
• Module Weighting : 3,5,8

Partner Course Catalogue : Please note that modules are taught in German.

Course catalogue

See our Credits and Modules Abroad webpage for information on the number of credits we expect students to take at our partner institutions. St Andrews expects students to attend all classes as part of their programme abroad. Assessment methods may vary across partners and could include class participation, continuous assessment in the form of homework and final exams. All courses must be agreed with your Study Abroad Coordinator. See our academic information webpage for further details, as well as information about credit and grade conversion.

Application and selection

This is a School Abroad programme.

Places available

Places available : 1 full year place or 2 semester places

Places available may vary from year to year depending on the exchange balance. Numbers for the following academic year will be confirmed at the information meeting.

Getting there and getting around

Students can fly to the nearby cities of Frankfurt or Stuttgart, where there are numerous taxi, bus, and shuttle links to Heidelberg. The Lufthansa Shuttle Link is available from Frankfurt Airport for travel to Heidelberg.

Heidelberg’s Hauptbahnhof (central station) is in the town centre, and can be reached by S-Bahn trains from both Frankfurt and Stuttgart. The train journey from Stuttgart, for example, is approximately one hour.

For more information, check out Heidelberg's website.

Accommodation

Student Residences at Heidelberg University are administered by the Studierendenwerk, an independent organization providing various services to the student population. Although the number of available rooms is quite limited (only 15 per cent of all Heidelberg students can be housed in student residences), the Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Office) can cooperate with the Studierendenwerk to secure rooms in student residences for international exchange students coming to Heidelberg. Students who wish to live in private accommodation can request more information on different housing options from the Akademisches Auslandsamt. It is worth noting that rent prices in Heidelberg are relatively higher than those in other German towns and cities.

For more information, please visit the Heidelberg University webpage.

Please note that St Andrews is unable to guarantee housing at any of our partner institutions. Guidance on finding accommodation abroad is available on the Global Office webpage.

Student services and orientation

Heidelberg’s International Office organises several programmes for newly-arrived exchange students, including Orientation Days, a Buddy Programme, tutorials and workshops to familiarise students with academic life in Heidelberg, and excursions around Germany. You can visit the International Office webpage for more information.

In Heidelberg, the Studierendenwerk is involved with issues of student wellbeing. They can be contacted on a number of issues including grants and loans, accommodation questions, student groups and organisations, counselling services, banking and finance, and employment. You can find out more information on the Studierendenwerk webpage.

Please be aware that student support services will be different across all of our partner universities.