Stuttgart

University of Stuttgart - Schulich Only

Stuttgart has been described as "Das neue Herz Europas" (The new heart of Europe) epitomizing both its old-world charm as well as its growth as a hub of development and innovation at the centre of Europe.

The University of Stuttgart (founded in 1829) is one of the top 9 technical universities in Germany (TU9) with highly-regarded engineering programs, and is ranked in the top 16 universities in Germany (QS 2019). The "birthplace of the automobile", Stuttgart has a strong reputation in high-tech innovation and research and is home to many of the world's largest automotive companies. It also maintains its standing as one of the top 2 safest cities in the country, and is conveniently located an hour from the Black Forest (Schwarzwald). Stuttgart is currently ranked as one of the top 36 institutions for mechanical engineering and within the top 120 universities worldwide for other fields of engineering (QS 2019). 

Key information

Language

English, German

Semester

Fall, Winter

Program type

Exchange

Application information

Application status

Open

APPLY NOW!

2024-2025 applications

First come first considered for remaining spaces until

Winter 2025: August 15, 2024

University-specific additional requirements

No reference letter required; minimum GPA 2.7. See Eligibility section below for details.

2025-2026 applications

Open November 1, 2024

Stuttgart info session

Please note: this video has automatic closed captions

Program details

Stuttgart offers a wide variety of programs for engineering students including the following areas: Aerospace, Transport and Automotive, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Energy, Geomatics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Process, Software, and Renewable/Sustainability-related Engineering programs (and more). 

There are also a limited number of English courses available at the Masters level. For more information, please visit their page.

The course catalogue can be found here. You can filter by courses in English.

For questions regarding courses, especially in civid engineering, you can contact David Forster from Uni Stuttgart.

Students at Stuttgart typically take 18-30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits per semester (3-5 half courses). 6 ECTS = 3 units at UCalgary (1 half course equivalent).  

Enhanced Summer Semester Program (ESSP)

This unique program offers students the possibility of participating in the Winter University (Jan-Feb) followed by an Intensive German Course (Mar-Apr, min. of A2 level in German is prerequisite to participate), followed by a regular exchange semester during the German summer semester (Apr-July) taking a mix of courses in German and English (U Stuttgart will recommend a list of courses in German). For details and a graphic click here

 

The academic year is divided into two semesters.

The "Winter" Semester runs from mid-October (Early Sept for German Language Course) to early February and exams are being held from February until the end of March. The "Summer" Semester runs from mid-April (early March for German Language Course) to late July with an exam period after. Students may be able to arrange for early exams (see "Additional Information/FAQs" for pre-semester course details).

There is also the possibility of doing an Enhanced Summer Semester Program (Jan-July) including an intensive German course for 2 month (German A2 level or higher is required). For details see academic section.

There is a summer program available open to Engineering student and students of other majors. For more information, check out the Stuttgart Summer page.

  1. 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.

    Please check with your host university or the embassy/consulate (or their government website) regarding study visa/permit requirements.

    On average, the University of Stuttgart recommends that student budget at least €700 per month. 

    For a more detailed break-down of costs, visit their "Living Expenses" page or see below:

    Categories

    Costs per month 

    Rent: €280-330

    Food: €150

    Health Insurance: €80

    Other incidentals: €100

    Semester Transit Ticket: €200 (per semester)

    Administrative fees: €105 (per semester)

    TOTAL:

    €700 per month

  2. Funding

    The University of Stuttgart offers 3 UCalgary students funding in form of a monthly stipend of about 600-700 Eur per month for 4 months. 

    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.

    UCI administers the International Study Travel Grant for students travelling on approved UCalgary study programs that are credit bearing. The amount changes year to year as the money is split evenly between qualified applicants. Students may only receive the study travel grant once. Please see the exchange funding page for more information.

Stuttgart can offer accommodation for students in the privatized student dorms run by Studentenwerk Stuttgart. After students have submitted their applications to UCalgary as well as Stuttgart (when instructed by the exchange advisor), Stuttgart will be in contact regarding application deadlines for housing. For detailed information on the housing offer and types of housing, please visit their page HERE.

Generally because of the challenges of finding rooms on the private housing market, living in student residences is strongly recommended. 

The dorms in Stuttgart are very conveniently located 20 min from the city centre, and come equipped with a table, bed, chair, and closet. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared across the floor (dishes/utensils are not provided). Bed linen can be purchased on arrival for 45 euro. All rooms have internet access, and access to washing machines, dryers, bike storage, and cable TV. All rent is inclusive of utilities except internet (very affordable). Dorms are listed here.  

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in Schulich School of Engineering at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-) or permission of the exchange advisor.

Students must have completed at least two 300-level courses in German (4 semesters of German or equivalent language skills) for this exchange. A language level of at least B2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR), is also acceptable. Certification of language proficiency may be required. (see "Additional Information/FAQs" for pre-semester course details).

A German language level of A2 and mandatory participation in the intensive pre-semester German course is required for students who mostly plan to take courses in English.

In order to participate in the Enhanced Summer Semester Program (ESSP) (see academic section for details) students need a minimum German language level of A2

What's special about Stuttgart?

For more information about living in Stuttgart, visa applications, insurance, and other important information, please visit their "Practical Information" page. 

Do I need to speak German?

For studies in German it is required, however for classes in English it is recommended that you have an intermediate understanding of German (German 205 or equivalent). 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, websites, or filling out forms.

Is there a pre-semester German language program?

Yes. Before every semester students have the opportunity to participate in a pre-semester German language course. Students should have at least a basic knowledge of German (A1-A2) before the course begins (a minimum of 200 hours of instruction), but are matched to various levels based on ability. The course costs approximately €250. For more details on application deadline and requirements, please see the link above.

In order to take courses in German, students may be required to provide a certificate proving at least an B1 level of German knowledge according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Is there an Orientation program?

Yes. It includes group sessions explaining some of the formalities of your exchange, the German university system, and tips for living and studying in Stuttgart. This is offered to students that don't participate in the German intensive course to get the information necessary to have a successful program. Typically this takes place a week before lectures begin and more details can be found on their Orientation program page

What supports or services are available at Stuttgart? 

Stuttgart offers support for students with permanent or temporary disabilities. For information on accessibility of campuses across Europe, ESN has created "Inclusive Mobility EU" which allows you to check the accessibility of universities and cities across Europe. 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?

Global Learning 101

Please watch this short YouTube playlist before reaching out or booking an appointment. In these videos, you will learn much of the basics about Global Learning, which may answer your initial questions.

Watch Global Learning 101

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how this program might align with your degree (e.g. best time to go, what courses you need).

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/transfer credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions, please reach out to our office! We offer drop-in advising for general inquiries, and if you have questions about this specific program or any others, you can book an appointment with the responsible advisor.

Please use the link below to find the most up-to-date information about our current advising options.

View the Global Learning Advising page

The exchange advisor for this program is: Flavien Niederst

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.

Application guide

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.

APPLY NOW

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.