Studies International Exchange
Through our exchange programme, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, improve their language skills in classes at the partner university, and get to know Japan and its history better through independently planned trips.
For many students, a year abroad is the first time they have been away from home for an extended period. Not only does it promote language and subject-specific skills, but time spent abroad is often perceived as a great personal experience that strengthens one's character and social skills.
Overview
Our institute maintains close cooperation with eleven Japanese partner universities and thus offers a wide range of opportunities. And regardless of whether students choose to go to Tōkyō, one of the largest metropolises in the world, to the more rural and nature-loving Mie Prefecture, or to the historic city of Kyōto with its lively cultural landscape, their stay abroad will be a valuable life experience in any case.
Students can choose between a half-year or full-year stay in Japan, and the academic credits earned abroad can be recognised in consultation with our academic advisors, both in terms of language and subject areas.
Each winter semester we also offer an information session, where interested students can obtain further information about the partner universities, available places and the application process.
Requirements
In the bachelor's programme, a stay abroad in Japan is recommended from the fifth or sixth semester onwards, after passing the language exams in the fourth semester. The internal application process at the institute primarily takes academic performance into account.
We want to fulfil our responsibility and send our students to Japan with sufficient language skills. Language is the key to friendships and community – and thus also to wonderful moments. Sufficient language skills are also important in case of emergency situations.
FINANCING
Thorough preparation is essential for a stay abroad in Japan, and financing in particular should be clarified in advance. In addition to financing from own resources, students can also apply for a DAAD scholarship with a research project or for BAföG funding for studying abroad. Other options include the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, the MEXT Scholarship from the Japanese government, or internal scholarships from partner universities.
For all funding options, it is important to note the respective application deadlines and requirements and to plan as early as possible (at least 6 months in advance).
For minor subject students
Students who are only studying Japanese Studies as their second major (50%) or minor (25%) are unfortunately not eligible to participate in the Institute's exchange programme. However, they do have the option of applying for a stay abroad in Japan through the Division of International Relations. Those interested should find out about the application process at the Division of International Relations in good time, as the Institute has no influence on the application procedure there.
Partner universities
*The number of places varies depending on the composition of full-year and half-year stays, as well as the conditions of the partner universities. More details will be announced at the institute's information sessions. (Last updated: 2025)