Universität Jena - Science Only
One of the 20 oldest universities in Germany, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (est. 1548) lies in the heart of Jena in central Germany, between Frankfurt and Dresden.
Surrounded by mountains and cut by the Saale River, the university city of Jena has become one of the top economic centres of Eastern Germany. The university itself has a population of about 19,000 students, which makes up nearly 20% of the total population of the city. Universität Jena currently sits in the top 2% of universities worldwide (ranked #326 by QS World Rankings 2019), demonstrating its growth as a burgeoning centre of learning and innovation.
Key information
Application information
Program details
Students at Uni Jena typically take 30 ECTS credits per semester. 6 ECTS credits = 3 UCalgary units (1 half course equivalent)
Course information can be found online. You can search for English courses on the Study Programme page.
Programs Offered:
Uni Jena offers a wide variety of science programs, including the following science programs: Biology, Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics, Mathematics and Nanoscience. They do offer a selection of courses in English, primarily in the field of Nanoscience and Cellular/Molecular/Microbial Biology.
The exchange agreement with Jena falls under TASSEP. TASSEP is the Trans-Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program, a consortium designed specifically with the curricular needs of science students in mind. Canadian science students have access to a variety of European Partners in the consortium.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. The "Winter" Semester runs from early October to late February/early March and the "Summer" Semester runs from early April to late July/early August.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider. Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
This is a helpful link for the cost of living on the Living in Jena page
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.Internal and External Funding opportunities for study abroad in Germany, including DAAD awards, the AGEC award, etc. are available on the funding page.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
The Studentenerk Thuringen administers 21 student dorms in Jena, usually in apartment style with single rooms and shared kitchen and bathroom. Prices are set for 6 month periods so even if your stay is shorter, it means your monthly cost will be higher. Rooms are not guaranteed so it is best to apply early. There is also a service package available that includes room, student fees, student activities and lunch on weekdays. Details on housing can be found on the housing page.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in the Faculty of Science, who have completed at least 2 full years (4 semesters) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).
TASSEP is the Trans-Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program, a consortium designed specifically with the curricular needs of science students in mind. Canadian students have access to European Partners in the consortium.
Courses at Jena are primarily 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 most courses, applicants should 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 may be required. Students do have the opportunity to take German language courses during their stay.
What's so special about Jena?
A unique feature of Jena is that it actually encompasses 2 city centres - the former town of Lobeda was taken over by the booming city in 1946 and has created an interesting second old town square within city limits as a result. Jena also offers great hikes, affordable living costs, and a great student community and cafe culture.
Do I need to speak German?
For studies in German it is required. In daily life 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 housing or filling out forms.
What supports or services are available at Jena?
Jena offers a variety of supports for LGBTQ+ students and staff, as well as for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
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.
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Tara Jorgensen
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.