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 scholarship holder as comfortable and successful as possible. Sorted by various topics, the following pages will provide you 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 (biometric)
Additionally, every Erasmus student will receive the form for the welcome week.
Status of international scholarship holders at the University of Siegen
International scholarship holders can be registered in two ways depending on the regulations of the scholarship they have. The scholarship holders who stay in Siegen for a period of two years will be registered as regular, degree-seeking international students. They have the same rights and obligations as every other regular student.
The second group of scholarship holders will be registered as “Zeitstudenten” (non-degree, temporary students). These students have equal 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). Scholarship holders do not have to take the German proficiency exam at the University of Siegen in order to be admitted.
The majority of courses at the University is 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.
Scholarship holders are actually not charged any tuition fees, but all students have to pay a semester fee of app. € 180 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 scholarship holders
- 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
- co-ordinates 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