Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) offers a variety of degree programs including Art History, Archaeology, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Business, Chemistry, Communications & Media, Computer Science, Economics, German, History (Including Bavarian, Jewish, Medieval, and Ancient History), Law & Society, Linguistics, Mathematics, Middle Eastern Studies, Music, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Theatre Studies, and Religious Studies & Theology. Unique programs include Egyptology and Coptic Studies.

More information on courses available can be found here.  Part of the way down that page, you can download a list of courses available in English for the upcoming term. 

Note: Exchange students at LMU are expected to take 60% of their courses in their major/minor subject area, with the remaining courses from no more than 2 additional subject areas (e.g. 60% Political Science, 20% History, 20% Theatre). Students who are seeking to fulfill elective credits on exchange may be given an exception to take a wider range of courses. Please speak to the UCalgary exchange advisor if you have any questions about this.

Students typically take 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits per semester. 6 ECTS = 3 units at UCalgary (1 UCalgary half course equivalent).  

There is also an LMU Summer School with unique course offerings, which students can attend on its own or combined with an LMU semester exchange.

Like how Oktoberfest starts in September and ends in October, all semesters in Germany are named after the season they end in, rather than when they begin. Thus, LMU's academic calendar is divided into 2 semesters - Winter and Summer. 

The LMU Winter semester dates are from early October to the end of March (classes finish in late February and students can generally leave then, unless re-writing exams). This is equivalent to the UCalgary Fall semester. Note, if staying in residence, it will be required to arrive in early September. 

There is also a summer program available at LMU.

The LMU Summer semester dates are from early April to the end of September (classes finish in late July and students can generally leave then, unless re-writing exams). This is equivalent to the UCalgary Winter semester.

Because of the low unemployment rates and quality of living in Munich, vacancy rates are typically very low compared to the rest of Germany - also it can be particularly challenging to find housing in the months of September and October during Oktoberfest, so students are recommended to apply early. 

On-campus student housing is run by the Studentenwerk München, and exchange students are welcome to apply and are given preference if they apply before their deadline. For more information on the application and costs, visit the Incoming Exchange Student Accommodation page. If you are assigned residence, you are required to attend orientation a month before the standard semester start (and are welcome to attend the pre-semester german language courses).

For more information on accommodation tips and information, please visit their Accommodation page. 

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the U of C, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).

Most Courses at LMU are taught in German. If courses are all taken in English, we still recommended that applicants have completed a minimum of German 204 (or have an A2 level of German) before departing for this exchange. For German courses, applicants must have a command of German at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) at a minimum, or have completed at least two 300-level or above courses in German. Certification of language proficiency will be required. Students do however have the opportunity to take German language courses during their stay. 

Do I need to speak German?

If you take courses in German, a German proficiency at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) at a minimum is required or you must have completed at least two 300-level or above courses in German. If you take all courses in English, we still recommend to have a basic knowledge of German, you can use apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone (free through the Calgary library). Most native English speakers are able to function fairly well in German society with a basic knowledge of the language for shopping and eating out, etc. but it can be more difficult in terms of navigating academics, housing, visas, or filling out forms.

Is there a Pre-Semester German Language Program?

Yes! LMU offers a variety of pre-semester language programs (and an excursion program) at a variety of levels starting running for 3-4 weeks before semester start. There is a cost associated with the programs, but LMU offers a 50 euro subsidization to LMUexchange students, and with the permission of your UCalgary academic advisor, credit may be earned.

For more information, visit the page on Language Preparation and Orientation. If students are unable to attend, there is also an option of online courses as well. For specific info on the Study Prep Language program(s), visit the site here.

Is there a Buddy Program?

Yes - the LMU Buddy Program helps students adjust into life in Munich and navigating the campus and academic life as well as German culture. 

Does LMU offer accessibility supports or counselling support?

Yes! They recommend contacting your home and host exchange advisor as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made in advance for you. They welcome students with both visible and non-visible disabilities (from physical accessibility issues, to counselling needs, to those with chronic illnesses) and will do all they can to address any accessibility concerns. The Counseling centre has a list of useful information, contact information, and tips to help you facilitate an enjoyable experience at LMU. LMU also offers a number of great social groups aimed at peer support and connection for those with disabilities. 

For information on accessibility and support services of campuses across Europe, please check out Inclusive Mobility. For city-specific services and places in Europe, the Jaccede interactive platform (website and/or smartphone app - both Android and iOS) also provides a searchable user-built database to identify important accessibility information of public places and locations.

LMU's Studentenwerk offers counselling and therapy services free of charge for students, and also can assist with any problems you may be facing with your studies or private life. 

What's special about Munich?

Munich (founded in 1158) is the capital of Bavaria, Germany - the region is well known in Germany for its pride in cultural traditions. Bavarians often consider themselves culturally distinct from the rest of Germany - though it is often the part of Germany tourists imagine in a nostalgic light. Bavaria's traditional "Tracht" costumes which include Lederhosen and Dirndl, its annual Oktoberfest, and its traditional food and drink (try the Weißwurst!) make it a unique place to live and study. The 3rd largest city in Germany, Munich is also the economic powerhouse of the country and is a hotspot for German cinema and entertainment production.