International Programs Office

Universität Konstanz

Konstanz, Germany

A public University in the Southwest of Germany, Universität Konstanz opened its doors in 1972 and is now a prestegious research university in Europe. With a small campus population compared to other public universities, it has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. The university is located in Konstanz, a mid size city on Lake Constance, with plenty of public transport and bike infrastructure as well as historic German charm.

Students have the option of participating in a 4-week orientation program, including a German language intensive class. To learn more about the program, visit the GO-Konstanz website.

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: English

Language Prerequisite: Students have the option of taking direct enrollment courses in English (with a German mandatory language class) or studying in German. Exchange students must have at least a language level of B2 (European Framework of Reference for Languages) in German OR English.

  • Credit Transfer System
    • Units recorded in: ECTS
    • Conversion to Reed units: 6 ECTS = 1 Reed unit
  • Course Catalog

Application

Application Deadline: Our Spring / Their Summer Term: Nov. 15th | AY: May 15th
Fact Sheet
Program Application
Program website

Housing: Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment
Through the Konstanz student housing provider Seezeit Student Services, students can find single or double apartment-style dorms, or shared apartments. Housing is tight, so applying early is important.

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 Konstanz for a residence permit within the first three months. During orientation, students will recieve assistance applying for residence permits. For more information, visit the visa section of the university website.

Past Student Testimonials

Photos taken by Director Alberto del Río Malo.Square in Konstanz, with a fountain in the center.

A blue square building on the university's campus

Hallway within the university. Bright, with white floors and bookshelves, and a glass wall to the right.

Areas of Study