Guidance and support

International students enrolled at Ulm University can benefit from many support services offered by our departments and the International Office, such as:

  • Personal guidance
  • Buddy program 
  • "ASSIST" support
  • Housing service 
  • Financial issues

Personal guidance

The University of Ulm provides a supportive learning environment for international students. In particular the Department of Physics offers an excellent interaction between students and academic staff at all levels.

Buddy program

The Buddy Programme is designed to help international students find their way at the university, and to facilitate the settling in Ulm. The cross-cultural encounter between German and international students plays a crucial role especially during the first and second semester. The exchange of cultures, languages and experience abroad will be encouraged and new friendships will develop.

For more information, please visit the Buddy program website. 

"ASSIST" support

ASSIST is an organization of experienced elderly Germans which supports international students during their stay in Germany.

The ASSIST "senior consultants" are happy to help international students with, for example:

  • Banking and money transfers
  • Shopping hints
  • Travel information
  • Dealing with authorities (municipality, police)
  • Finding best cell phone providers
  • Borrowing books and videos
  • German language coaching
  • Phone calls and mailing

Additionally, the ASSIST senior consultants organize excursions and get-togethers for the exchange of cultural and intergenerational experiences.

For more information, please visit the ASSIST website (and Click on the English Flag).

Housing Service

It is very difficult for international students to find furnished rooms or appartments in Ulm, students are therefore strongly advised to use the housing reservation service offered by the International Office.

Students admitted to the program will have the option of renting a room in one of the student residences maintained by Studentenwerk Ulm (Student Housing Authority). Room prices vary between 200 € to 350 €. The residence halls are located either within walking distance from the university campus or they are located downtown (20 min bus ride to the campus). Dormitory rooms are single, furnished rooms. Depending on the dormitory the kitchen (with all cooking facilities) and the bathrooms are shared by 2 to 18 students. There are no dormitories exclusively for men or women.
Prospective students interested in renting a dormitory room will be asked to make a 500 € deposit payment immediately after accepting the admission.

For more information, please visit the Housing service page.

Financial issues

University fees

There is no tuition fee at Ulm University, the students will be asked to pay only administrative fees. Fees for the following winter term have to be paid immediately after the acceptance of the admission.

Living expenses

A student at Ulm University will roughly face the following living expenses (2013):

  1. University/students union administrative fee: 158,50 € each semester
  2. Health insurance: 80 € each month
  3. Rent: approximally 300 € each month
  4. Public transportation (semester ticket): 114 € each semester
  5. General cost of living (depending on the lifestyle): approximally 300 € each month

Expenses per year: approximately 8600 €
Expenses for the regular program duration (2 years): approximately 17 200 €

Financial Assistance

Information on scholarship programs can be found at the German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD). Typically, students will have to apply for a DAAD scholarship one year ahead of time.
Ulm University does not offer any additional bursaries or scholarships for incoming students.

Proof of financial resources

Proof of financial resources of at least 670 € per month may be required to obtain a student visa. Many German embassies require students to prove that they dispose of a specific amount of money (approx. 8000 €) on a German bank account before a visa will be issued. Please inquire at the German embassy in your country for specific requirements.