What is an independently organized stay abroad?
The International Office at the University of Siegen provides various exchange and scholarship programs, such as Erasmus+ studies, Erasmus+ traineeships, or Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programms in Europe or the Global Exchange Program for studies abroad worldwide.
Outside these programs, however, independently organized stays abroad are also possible. You choose the type of stay and destination, apply independently to the respective institution abroad, and arrange your own funding.
If you wish to study abroad as freemover (also referred to as visiting student) for a semester or two, make sure to check tuition fees at your host institution!
Below you will find a brief overview of different types of stays and a collection of links to various funding programs.
Funding Options
Scholarship Search by the Federal Association of German Foundations
You can use the scholarship and financial aid search tool on the Federal Association of German Foundations’ website.
Scholarship Data Bank of the DAAD
The DAAD scholarship data bank provides information on scholarship programs offered both by the DAAD and third parties. DAAD programs are usually open to international students.
Scholarship Data Bank Mystipendium
Mystipendium includes information about over 3000 funding options.
Interest-free Daka Loan of the Studierendenwerke
The interest-free Daka loan can provide you with the financial foundation you need to focus on your studies without the burden of having to work to make ends meet, and to successfully complete your degree.
Federal Educational Loan
The Federal Educational Loan offers you a low-interest loan that can be tailored to your individual needs.
CHE Comparison of Student Loans
Many financial institutions offer affordable student loans to help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.
China
The China Scholarship Program of the German National Academic Foundation supports highly qualified students in all fields of study—with the exception of art and design—during a two-semester study period at a Chinese university. The program is also open to applicants who have had little or no prior exposure to China.
Japan
If you participate in the Global Exchange Program, you may be eligible for a scholarship from the Japan Student Services Organisation (JASSO) for your studies in Japan. You will receive more detailed information about the program from your Japanese partner university after you have been admitted.
Mexico
You can receive a scholarship from the Mexican government for study abroad programs at a university in Mexico. The scholarship is available for study abroad programs taking place between March and December. If you participate in the Global Exchange Program, you will also find some of our partner universities listed among the possible host institutions.
Eastern Europe
The scholarship program Metropolises in Eastern Europe provides funding for stays aborad of at least 7 months that include an intensive language course in a Central, Southeastern, and Eastern European country. Students who have a EU citizenship and are enrolled at a German university are eligible to apply.
USA
In 2025, the German-American Society of Siegerland-Wittgenstein (DAGSiWi) will award three scholarships of €750 each to high school students, college students, and young professionals who are planning to study or complete an internship in the United States as part of their educational or professional development (for “on-the-job training”).
The ZEIT Bucerius Foundation awards Arnold Heidsieck Scholarships for one- or two-semester study periods at American universities. The scholarships are intended for undergraduate students in the humanities who are enrolled at a German university and focus on German culture, language, history, music, or art.
AIESEC
The international exchange organization AIESEC arranges internships and volunteer projects abroad for young people.
Federal Foreign Office
Through the Federal Foreign Office’s international job pool, you can find job openings at international organizations and European institutions. Using the advanced search, you can filter results to focus on opportunities for entry-level professionals or interns.
DAAD Short-Term Scholarships
You can apply for a DAAD short-term scholarship if you are planning a self-organized internship at certain organizations and institutions, such as German diplomatic missions abroad, international organizations recognized under international law (including the EU, UN, NATO, World Bank, and their subsidiary organizations), German schools abroad (only for students not studying to become teachers), Goethe-Instituts, German Archaeological Institutes, or institutes of the Max Weber Foundation.
Metropolises in Eastern Europe
The scholarship program Metropolises in Eastern Europe provides funding for stays aborad of at least 7 months that include an intensive language course in a Central, Southeastern, and Eastern European country. Students who have a EU citizenship and are enrolled at a German university are eligible to apply.
Mercator Foundation
The Mercator Foundation supports projects within international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and companies.
Vulcanus in Japan
If you're interested in industry internships, the Vulcanus program, run by the EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation, is just what you're looking for.
Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs
Blended Intensive Programs (BIP) are a relatively new addition to the Erasmus program. The BIP takes place at one of the University of Siegen’s European partner universities, and funding is available through the International Office’s Erasmus program.
“GoEast” Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is offering “GoEast” scholarships for summer and winter schools to students participating in such programs at universities in Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe, as well as the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Santander: Summer/Winter School Grant of the University of Siegen
Starting in March 2026, the International Office at the University of Siegen will offer grants for summer or winter schools or university field trips abroad. The Santander scholarships grant consists of a one-time payment of €500 for programs in Europe or a one-time payment of €1,000 for programs outside Europe.
