Eberhard Karls University Tübingen

Tübingen, Germany

Students are enrolled directly at the Universität Tübingen, working without a liaison university or private program. The university itself is decentralized, spread throughout Tübingen. There is a welcome-week orientation period for international students, but there is no intensive linguistic or methodological prepping as commonly found in other exchange programs.

This program, like most other direct university exchanges, requires independence and the capacity to succeed without the upkeep of a guiding liaison program. There are university dining halls, but no dormitory cafeterias, and all food must be bought on top of program expenses. The welcome-week is hosted by StudIT, a program that works to establish ties between international and local German students in order to expedite integration.

For direct exchange programs such as this one, students must be nominated by the IPO Director in order to apply. If interested, please make an appointment with the IPO Director to discuss. Upon nomination from the IPO, you must submit the home school application for consideration.

Program Information

Terms Available: year, semester

Type of Program: Exchange

Languages of Instruction: German

Language Prerequisite: Students are expected to have 2 years of college-level German experience or the equivalent in order to study at Tübingen, as while english courses are offered, the university and the exchange program are directed in German.

Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 4-5 courses / semester
- Units recorded in: ECTS credits
- Conversion to Reed units: 6 ECTS credits = 1 Reed unit
- Grading system: 1 to 6
GPA Requirement: 2.0
Credits: 24-30 ECTS
Other requirements: Exchange Institution. Reed students must be nominated by the International Programs Office (IPO). Sophomores and Juniors are eligible.
Course Catalog

Application

Application Deadline: Winter: May 31 | Summer: Nov 30
Program Application
Program website

Housing: Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment
Housing is provided by the university, but is operated by private and public student accommodation organizations. Must apply for housing separately, with more information on the program's website.

Financial, Immigration

Cost to attend:

Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.

Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.

Visa Deadlines and Requirements:

New EU Travel Requirements: Expected to start in 2026, US citizens and those of many other countries are required to get the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering 30 different European countries. This is a quick process that will stay valid for three years, or until the person's passport expires. Check the ETIAS website for up-to-date information.

Students with a United States passport can enter the country without a visa and apply in Tübingen for a residence permit. The university provides this FAQ and a "Next Steps" after arrival guide with instructions on how to apply for a residence title at the Foreigners' Office Tübignen.