Spending a semester abroad –
An experience of a lifetime.
We aim to make your time abroad with us a unique experience, both academically and personally. WHU has two different campuses: Düsseldorf and Vallendar. Your study program will determine the campus you will study at during your exchange semester. As an exchange student, you will take courses in accordance with your academic background and the program studied at your home university. We welcome about 150 exchange students per semester from more than 220 partner universities worldwide.
Global Partner Universities
Please note that only a selection of partner universities can be offered each semester. This depends on a variety of factors, including the number of students we receive from abroad. Due to the current situation, all partnerships with Russian universities are suspended.
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| Bachelor | Master | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master single degree | Master double degree | |||
| MiM/MiE/MiB | MiF | MiM/MiE/MiB | MiF | |
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| Bachelor | Master single degree | Master double degree | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MiM/MiE/MiB | MiF | MiM/MiE/MiB | MiF | |
| ~~~2~~~ | ~~~sd|99~409~~~ | ~~~sd|407~~~ | ~~~dd|99~409~~~ | ~~~dd|407~~~ |
WHU is proud to welcome many international Bachelor and Master exchange students to Vallendar each year.
Vallendar is located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a 65km stretch of the 1,230km Rhine River. With its castles, historic towns, towering vineyards, and steep slopes, this section of the river has been awarded UNESCO world heritage site status. Major cities are dotted along the banks, and Koblenz marks the meeting of the rivers Rhine and Moselle. Perfectly placed, Vallendar and its surrounding area offer plenty to see and do.
| Semester | September 1 to December 21, 2023 (*including exams) | |
| Quarter I | September 1 to October 28, 2023* | |
| Quarter II | October 30 to December 21, 2023* | |
| Mandatory orientation | August 24 and 25, 2023* | |
| *Please note: Dates might still be subject to change. |
| Semester | January 08 to April 26, 2024 (*including exams) | |
| Quarter III | January 08 to March 01, 2024* | |
| Quarter IV | March 04 to April 26, 2024* | |
| Mandatory orientation | January 04 and 05, 2024* | |
| *Please note: Dates might still be subject to change. |
Courses and workload at WHU
Each semester at WHU is divided into two quarters, with most courses spanning over just one. Additionally, WHU offers compact courses with a duration of just two or three full days. There are different methods of assessment including exams, papers, and presentations, for example.
100% of courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English, with 20% of the undergraduate courses also taught in German. We consider the regular workload for exchange students as 5 to 7 courses per semester. However, you should always discuss your choice of courses with your home university to make sure that your semester abroad will be validated!
Generally, an undergraduate course has a total of 24 contact hours, whilst a graduate course comprises 30 contact hours. WHU awards ECTS credits, with 1 ECTS credit equal to 25-30 hours of overall workload, including lectures, group work, case studies, and exam preparation.
You can find some information regarding previoulsy offered courses in the online course guide.
Final course selection and course registration can only be made once the term has started at WHU. During the mandatory orientation days, there will be a separate information session dedicated to this topic. You will have access to a detailed schedule of classes and exams upon arrival at WHU, which will be available in our intranet. You will receive your login data during orientation.
WHU applies grading on a curve system whilst assessing the exams for each class. That means that grades are distributed based on the performance of the class as a whole. Grades at WHU are based on the following scale:
1.0 to 1.5 - VERY GOOD
1.6 to 2.5 - GOOD
2.6 to 3.5 - SATISFACTORY
3.6 to 4.0 - SUFFICIENT
5.0 - FAIL
Apply for admission as an exchange student
If you are interested in studying for up to two semesters at WHU and your home university is a WHU partner university, you may apply for admission as an exchange student after being selected and officially nominated by your university. Please contact the international office at your home university for details on your exchange program with WHU.
Once we have received your official nomination, our exchange coordinators will provide you with further information about our online application system. After submitting a complete application, you will receive an information package and your letter of acceptance, allowing you to start making your travel plans.
The nomination deadline for the fall semester is June 1, and the nomination deadline for the spring semester is October 1.
You do not need to prove your English proficiency, but we strongly recommend having an internet-based TOEFL score of at least 95 points or equivalent.
Freemover
If you are interested in studying at WHU for 1-2 semesters, but your home university is not one of our partner universities, you could benefit from a slot as a fee-paying guest student (freemover).
To apply for admission as a freemover at WHU, please send your application including your CV, motivation letter, and transcripts to our exchange coordinators. Freemover students must pay full tuition fees at WHU.
Housing options in Vallendar
Our WHU Housing Office will assist you in finding accommodation during your stay. WHU offers several housing options in Vallendar, ranging from studios and one-bedroom apartments to bigger apartments and rooms in shared flats. The monthly rent will be between €425 and €650, depending on the housing option. You can apply for housing with your exchange application - just fill in the form "accommodation for exchange students" and send it to the Housing Office. Please visit the website of our WHU Housing Office for more information on housing for international students.
Housing will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis – hence, applying early will pay off! The Housing Office will contact you shortly after you submit your application. Before arrival at WHU, you will receive a detailed map and description of the apartment. After having accepted the proposed accommodation, you will receive a preliminary rental contract. This is a binding document, and you will rent the apartment for the entirety of your stay. This contract cannot be revoked.
WHU is proud to welcome many international MBA exchange students to Düsseldorf each year.
Düsseldorf has about 600,000 inhabitants and is located in North Rhine-Westphalia. As a good-sized city, it benefits from very good infrastructure, including especially efficient public transport. Düsseldorf's cityscape is characterized by various cultures, with Düsseldorf even being home to the largest Japanese community in Germany. Internationality, its state capital status, and a strong economy are what make Düsseldorf unique. Moreover, there is a wide range of sports and cultural activities available, especially for our students.
Academic Calendar for Fall 2023
| Flexible Semester Dates | September, 01 - December, 21, 2023* | |
| Orientation | Will be arranged individually |
Academic Calendar for Spring 2024
| Flexible Semester Dates | January, 05 - August, 31, 2024* | |
| Orientation | Will be arranged individually |
*Please note: Dates might still be subject to change.
Courses and workload at WHU
The MBA Exchange Program offers a selection of courses from our WHU Full-Time and Part-Time MBA Programs, covering topics such as Marketing & Sales, Advanced Finance & Accounting, Operations, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Strategy & Organization. The classroom lectures are very interactive, often including guest speakers, company visits, and real-life case studies. Small class sizes allow the renowned professors to provide a high level of top-quality mentoring.
The course offer is normally available 2-3 months before the start of the semester and is sent to you via email. Registration takes place approximately 2 months before the start of the semester, also via email. Each Full-Time and Part-Time MBA course is worth 3 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). 1 ECTS credit equals 8 contact hours or generally 25-30 hours of overall workload, including lectures, group work, cases, lectures and exam preparation, for example.
A normal workload at WHU is 5-7 courses per semester. However, you should always talk to your home university advisers so that you can fulfill your home university requirements.
Career Services:
In addition to our regular course offers, exchange students are welcome to use the excellent services offered by our Career Center:
- Networking events, including company presentations
- Recruiting Days on our Vallendar Campus
- Customized Career Center Newsletter, including a job and internship database
Visit the website of our outstanding Career Service Center to get more information, including active companies and placement statistics.
Apply for admission as an exchange student
After your home university has emailed your nomination to the MBA exchange coordinator at WHU, you will receive instructions for the online application procedure via email. Shortly after the application deadline, we will process the complete online applications and send the letter of acceptance electronically to the international office at your home university.
The nomination deadline for the fall semester is June 1, and the nomination deadline for the spring semester is October 1.
MSc and MBA exchange students may apply for our MBA Exchange Program if they fulfill the following admission requirements:
- Minimum Age: 24 years
- Fulfill one language requirement below:
- English as mother tongue
- Completed or currently studying in a university degree program taught and examined entirely in English
- Minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 100 points
- Minimum 7.0 in IELTS
- Additionally, MSc students wishing to enroll in our MBA Exchange Program need to prove two years of full-time work experience (full-time job or full-time internships).
Freemover:
If your home university is not a WHU partner university, you may, under certain conditions, apply to WHU as a freemover. For more information about our freemover program and our current tuition fees, please contact our MBA exchange coordinator.
Free travel pass for the NRW state
Unfortunately, WHU cannot offer exchange students university-sponsored housing in Düsseldorf. After the application deadline, you will be provided with additional information and resources, which you can use to find housing. It is each student's responsibility to secure accommodation, but we are happy to help and give you advice during the process.
The Düsseldorf campus is located in Flingern Süd, close to the city center and "student" districts such as Pempelfort, Friedrichstadt, Unterbilk, Düsseltal, and the trendy district of Flingern Nord. Our exchange students will receive a free travel pass for the NRW state, allowing for free travel to cities within the state (e.g., Cologne) and within Düsseldorf.
Private apartments vary in price and are between €400 and €600 depending on the equipment, size, and district. Electricity, heating, water, etc. are usually not included in the monthly rent and are paid separately. Please keep in mind that a deposit of up to three months rent may be required.
Pre-departure and arrival –
Confident from day one.
We would like to share basic information about visa regulations and residence permit, health insurance, banking, living expenses, and scholarships to prepare you for your stay. Once you arrive, our welcome meetings, information sessions, and regional tours will provide you with further information about living in Germany and studying at WHU.
In their own words –
Testimonials from our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Looking for the most relevant information from someone who has first-hand experience? Our Study Abroad Ambassadors spent a semester or year abroad at WHU and can answer all your questions and give you advice. Please find below statements from previous students who studied in Düsseldorf or Vallendar.
To get in touch just send them an email.
"Being an exchange student at WHU has brought me great joy and happiness. The WHU community has been incredibly supportive, and the positive energy and camaraderie on campus have made me feel like a part of the family. Through this experience, I have gained a better understanding of my values and beliefs, as well as those of others. I feel truly lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful community, and I am grateful for the memories and lessons learned during my time here."
"I had a great experience with my time at WHU. The campus is very tight knit and is located within a wonderful region of Germany. I loved getting to know all of my fellow students and having the opportunity to go to lectures in a foreign country. WHU did a great job integrating me within the campus and with my fellow exchange students, some of whom became very good friends. The flexible schedule of campus life also gave me time to explore Europe and travel to many new countries and cities. I would recommend WHU to anyone passionate about Business that wants to spend time in a place that may be outside their comfort zone."
"Being on exchange at WHU Germany has been an amazing experience. Being on an Erasmus exchange in my bachelors opened up so many opportunities to immerse myself in Germany’s rich culture as well as the WHU community. I have met many passionate students who are excited about their careers and have an amazing college spirit unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
From the parties to the amazing networking events, and organised trips, there is so much to see and learn. The students and staff are all incredibly helpful and considerate, and the college spares no expense in helping you integrate and feel more at home during your time here.The wide range of classes have a focus on practical teaching that leave you with a chance for skill development as well as subject matter knowledge. One of the highlights of my exchange experience was the incredible boat party, which was an opportunity to meet and socialise with many students from different backgrounds.
Overall, this exchange program has been a great opportunity for personal growth, learning, and cultural immersion. I am grateful for the support from both Trinity College Dublin and WHU that made this opportunity possible. I have gained a greater appreciation for different cultures and a better understanding of the global community, and I would highly recommend an exchange experience to any student looking to broaden their horizons."
"When I decided to spend my fall semester abroad at WHU, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, I was eager to embrace all the new experiences that awaited me, and my time in Vallendar exceeded all my expectations. The first few weeks were so incredible that I decided to apply to stay for the winter semester too. Over both semesters, I had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, immerse myself in German culture, and visit over 13 countries.
One of the things that impressed me most about WHU was the engaging courses, seminars, and other events and parties that were always happening on campus. I never felt bored or uninspired during my time there. The whole experience left me feeling more confident, independent, and culturally aware.
Overall, I would highly recommend WHU to anyone looking for a truly life-changing study abroad experience. It's a place where you can grow both academically and personally, make new friends from all over the globe, and have unforgettable adventures along the way."
"Choosing to go on exchange to WHU was by far one of the best decisions I have made. It felt as though we were immediately welcomed into the community with open arms, with anything we needed already in place. I loved having the chance to meet amazing people from around the world, practice my language skills, immerse myself in German culture and benefit from engaging classes with passionate professors. I truly made memories to last a lifetime and count myself lucky having been able to spend an amazing semester at WHU surrounded by incredible people. I felt right at home at WHU and if I was offered the chance to do it all over again, I would choose WHU a thousand times over."
"The WHU spirit and pride is something hard to find anywhere else, and in Vallendar there is such a special community. I enjoyed every day spent here, and at the end of this experience I would like to not go back home. It was an amazing time; people are very friendly and always ready to help and include you in their parties! There are always lots of events and different things to do; my favorite was the Tauschie dinner and the Tauschie Tuesday, where I had the opportunity to feel like a full-time student. The quality of the lessons is very high and professors are very prepared and ready to answer any questions. There’s nothing I don’t like about WHU and about the time spent here. I really hope I can come back to Vallendar one day and visit all the amazing people I know here!"
"Studying abroad, ultimately, was the bridge between the familiar and the unknown. It was suspended by two starkly different phases – dependence and independence, and work and play. WHU provided a smooth gradient between these two periods. Coming from Indiana, I enjoyed the time spent with my peers. Although I savor these friendships, all our activities were shared: We attended the same classes, enjoyed the same local activities, and ate at the same restaurants. And there’s nothing wrong with that. However, going out of the country was the perfect opportunity to gain a cosmopolitan outlook through the people around me. It was a way to live out other upbringings through the experiences I would share with new friends.
The VIP and WHU buddy program stroke the perfect balance between my professional development and cultural immersion. These programs introduced me to events such as the New Year and Private Equity finance conferences while also organized outings such as the Tauschie dinner for social support. Furthermore, pairings with the upperclassmen who were familiar with the town for daily chop-ups were a great way to integrate and create new experiences with newly formed friends."
"I have spent 9 months at WHU as an exchange student from Japan. This exchange program gave me special memories with international friends from all over the world. I met new people here through the Tauschie and International events which helped me to expand my perspective. Also, I really liked the courses. There are many opportunities where we can output things that we learn, and during group work we can cooperate with other students who have different cultural backgrounds. Germany is far away from Japan, and I hadn't been to Europe, so most of the things that I saw here were new to me. I really enjoyed this adventure at WHU and I would like to recommend you to come here and enjoy a memorable time in the international environment."
"All of the courses of WHU are insightful and diverse. There are also many interesting seminars and events that are both academic and socially beneficial. I personally enjoy its finance courses, which are up-to-date and the professors are extremely experienced. WHU is definitely one of the best business schools and I feel really lucky to have this experience."
"Studying abroad is a common experience during undergraduate studies in the United States, however, I never had the opportunity to do so. Coming to WHU was an opportunity to finally have this experience. From the moment I came to campus, I felt very welcomed by the MBA program office as well as the other students. The school also provided ample resources to me and the other exchange students to make sure we were comfortable navigating WHU, Düsseldorf, and the surrounding areas. Finally, the classroom experience has been a unique change from my home school, which allowed me to see learning in a new context."
"I chose WHU because of its stellar ranking, entrepreneurial environment, and the central location of the Dusseldorf campus - and it really paid off! The school has excellent facilities, faculty, and the best and brightest students from across the world. Their curriculum integrates modern business principles and tools and the academic office makes every effort to help you build your customized academic plan to fit your exchange schedule.
WHU's integration efforts like the Cologne cathedral and brewery tours and exploring the Dusseldorf Altstadt really helped me integrate into the multi-cultural Dusseldorf society. Overall, my experience has been 11/10 and I'd recommend an exchange term at WHU in a heartbeat!"
"As someone who worked in Operations and Supply chain, WHU was one of my top choices for an exchange program. The spirit and curriculum of WHU is unique and student friendly. I had a wonderful time while studying here and, in my interactions with my peers and the faculty. There are multiple events both cultural and academic. There is so much to do here, and the school's enthusiasm is profound. The exchange program gave me an opportunity to interact with students of at least 12 nationalities. The classes were fun and engaging. The eminent professors ensure to impart the best learning experiences. This program helped me develop better networking opportunities, provide a global outlook on business development and a fun filled term with lifelong friendships."
"WHU not only provided an amazing academic and cultural experience through it's fantastic professors and flexible scheduling that allow exploring, but also the opportunity to make lifelong friends and connections. I bonded with fellow exchange students more than expected. I feel that choosing my exchange to be at WHU is one of the best decisions I've made!"
"WHU has been a delightful experience. I came here for an exchange semester with the idea of making the most of the opportunity. WHU offers a wide range of core courses and electives. I took a total of 8 courses and each of them was holistic in terms of content. The focus on practical application, learning from case studies, and working in groups were highly enjoyable. My personal favorite was the Mid-term strategy challenge, where teams competed against each in a multiple-round business game simulation. It was indeed a hands-on learning experience in strategy formulation, execution, and decision-making. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed the enriching in-class discussions and coffee chats with students from a highly distinguished cohort."
"WHU Dusseldorf has been a fantastic experience with welcoming staff, friendly cohort, and amazing professors. There are even resident swans on campus! Dusseldorf, although relatively small, is a centrally located city on the river with plenty of great food and fun. The location also allows easy travel across Europe. I have been really enjoying my time here both academically and for leisure!"
"There are too many perks to being an exchange student here at WHU. WHU is home to many entrepreneurs and professionals. The flexibility here was one of its kind and gave students the freedom to take as many courses taught by outstanding professors that worked with anyone's schedule. My experiences were beyond expectation and incredible. Feel free to contact me if you need a confidence boost to start your next journey at WHU!"
"My experience at WHU has been phenomenal. In terms of academic aspects, I liked the dynamic approach of the professors. In one of the courses, we employed ChatGPT, which was released just a few weeks before the course. The administration and MBA office staff really are supportive, even helping me practice my German. The Exchange office organized Düsseldorf and Köln (Cologne) city tours, which are great onboarding experiences to know the local culture. Another thing to be appreciated about the campus is its central location in Western Europe. One can take a train anytime and you’re in a different country in a few hours."
"MBA Exchange is a great way to experience a new culture, meet new people, travel, and grow. I chose WHU because of its reputation and location in Europe. I had never been to Europe before, so living and studying in Düsseldorf (Germany) for 4 months during the Fall 2022 semester was amazing. Germany is the center of Europe and offers so much to explore. The constant support from the IR & MBA offices, the quality of professors & students, and the frequent career & social events made my experience even richer. I liked studying Private Equity, Entrepreneurial Finance, Negotiations, and Family Business courses. Additionally, I enjoyed learning German and traveling to nearby countries. Overall, I am pretty happy with my decision to come to WHU and recommend that future MBA students consider it."
Take a look at the video testimonials from our Study Abroad Ambassadors, and feel free to reach out to them to learn more about their experiences at WHU!
BSc/MSc Study Abroad Ambassador
Quynh Chau Nguyen, Foreign Trade University, Vietnam
Contact Quynh
BSc/MSc Study Abroad Ambassador
Julianna Totoni, Schulich School of Business, York University, Canada
Contact Julianna
MBA Study Abroad Ambassador
Brittney Wade, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, USA
Contact Brittney
MBA Study Abroad Ambassador
Ankit Ranjan, McMaster University, Canada
Contact Ankit
MBA Study Abroad Ambassador
Jocephine Chai, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Contact Jocephine
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on Facebook and Instagram!
Frequently Asked Questions –
Quick facts about WHU's Exchange Programs.
Please find below commonly asked questions about our WHU Exchange Programs, and the relevant answers. This set of Q&As covers various topics such as admissions, language requirements, course registration, and housing.
No, all our courses are taught in English. Our undergraduate program offers 20% of classes also in German should you wish to take a German business class. However, if you wish to learn German, WHU offers free intensive German courses throughout the semester. Exchange students can participate in one of the four levels offered, from beginners to advanced.
If you are interested in studying at WHU, please contact the international office at your home university as they must officially nominate you. We will then contact you directly with more information regarding the application process.
The nomination deadline is June 1 (for the fall term and full year) and October 1 (for the spring term).
As an exchange student from one of our partner universities, you do not have to pay tuition fees at WHU, but you usually continue paying tuition at your home university. Please check with your home university.
Freemovers (i.e., students whose home university is not a partner university of WHU), however, do need to pay tuition at WHU. For more information, please check the section on our freemover program.
BSc and MSc exchange students do not need to prove their proficiency in English as we trust the selection process of our partner universities. MBA students, however, do need to prove their English proficiency (please see the section about MBA requirements).
Please check our section on visa and residence permit.
Please contact your exchange coordinator at WHU to inform them about your late arrival. Remember to read all information on our website carefully, since you will miss the orientation days that take place two days before the semester start. More detailed information can be found here.
Upon arrival, students will get access to WHU's intranet where they can register for courses. Registering for courses before arriving at WHU is not possible. At the beginning of the semester, there will be a detailed information session on how to register for courses using the intranet.
Information about course content can be found in our online course guide.
No, unfortunately this is not possible. All exams must be taken at the scheduled time at WHU. Only re-exams may be taken at the home university.
WHU offers various furnished housing options in Vallendar, ranging from single rooms to apartments. Housing prices vary from €425 to €650 per month. The application for housing is done as part of the online application and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For housing options in Düsseldorf, please contact our MBA exchange coordinator Sophie Schulze.
Please click here for detailed directions to Vallendar.
Please click here for detailed directions to Düsseldorf.
Also, check out our video "Why study abroad at WHU," where we give you some reasons why you should consider studying at WHU!
Get in touch –
We're looking forward to hearing from you.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the programs, the courses, and general organization. For first-hand information from former exchange students, please contact our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Data Protection Notice
At WHU we care about your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise make available to third parties any personal information for marketing purposes. Detailed information can be found in our Privacy Policy.
Dipl.-Kulturwirtin Stefanie Schweins
Director International Relations Office
+49 (0)261 6509 160
stefanie.schweins(at)whu.edu
Andre Betz
Exchange Coordinator – Africa, Asia (except China and Singapore)
Scholarship Coordinator (Erasmus+)
MBA European Summer Program
+49 (0)261 6509 166
andre.betz(at)whu.edu
Punam Khokle
Exchange Coordinator – USA
+49 (0)261 6509 162
punam.khokle(at)whu.edu
Anna Schnittker
Double Degree Coordinator
Scholarship Coordinator
International Marketing Coordinator
+49 (0)261 6509 165
anna.schnittker(at)whu.edu
Sophie Schulze
Exchange Coordinator – CHN, SGP, AUS and NZL
Exchange MBA (inbound)
+49 (0)261 6509 164
sophie.schulze(at)whu.edu
Kristina Schwanitz
Exchange Coordinator – Europe
Bachelor European Summer Program
+49 (0)261 6509 163
kristina.schwanitz(at)whu.edu
Alex Wohlgemuth
Exchange Coordinator – Canada, Latin America, UK and Switzerland
+49 (0)261 6509 161
alex.wohlgemuth(at)whu.edu
Dörthe Barlach
Assistant International Relations
+49 (0)261 6509 456
doerthe.barlach(at)whu.edu
