Welcome to Siegen!
We suppose that you have some detailed questions concerning your stay at the University of Siegen. Therefore the International Office (AAA) would like to help you make your stay as an international exchange student as comfortable and successful as possible. Sorted by various topics, the following pages will provide everything that is useful and worth knowing about the University of Siegen.
Academic Calendar
The academic year begins on October 1st and runs until September 30th. It is divided into two semesters. The dates of the semesters vary annually. Winter semester classes officially start in the first week of October and end in mid-February. The summer semester classes begin in the first week of April, usually one week after Easter, and last till mid-July.
Holiday period: Christmas usually December 23rd – January 6th
Exam period: There is no “official” exam period after the end of classes, exams are often scheduled during the semester breaks.
Please note: As a special service the AAA usually offers welcome weeks 
for students from our partner universities and other scholarship holders in the first weeks of October and April.
Application Requirements
Applications consist of the following forms:
- Application form for programme students
("Antrag auf Zulassung zum Studium für Programmstudenten") - 2 passport-sized photos (biometrical)
Addtionally, every Erasmus student will receive the form for the welcome week.
Status of programme students at the University of Siegen
Programme students (including free movers) will be registered as “Zeitstudenten” (non-degree, temporary students). They have the same rights and obligations as regular, degree-seeking international students, except that they may not take intermediate exams (e.g. for Bachelor or “Vordiplom”) or final degree exams (e.g. for “Diplom” or Master). Admission as a “Zeitstudent” is granted for a maximum period of one academic year (two semesters). International exchange students do not have to take the German proficiency exam in order to be admitted.
Most university courses are taught in German. Therefore, at least a medium level of German is necessary. For project work with some departments, a good command and knowledge of English is sufficient.
International exchange students are actually not charged any tuition fees, but all students have to pay a semester fee of app. € 190,- which includes the “Semesterticket” that guarantees free public transportation in Siegen and the surrounding region for six months.
Special Service for Incomings
The “Akademisches Auslandsamt” (AAA)
- handles all incoming applications
- contacts academic tutors/supervisors
- issues admission documents
- reserves housing for incoming international exchange students
- tries to offer arrival assistance (pick-up at train station, transfer to student residences)
- organizes the welcome week
- provides assistance with administrative procedures after arrival
- coordinates extra-curricular activities, often in cooperation with the ISIS (International Students in Siegen) and the sports department of the University
- holds regular office hours for international students
- assists with departure formalities
- issues transcript records