Information for Guest Students
Welcome to Giessen - Information for International Students
Why Giessen?
Location – Central Germany, excellent train connections to Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and beyond.
University – JLU was founded in 1607 and today hosts ≈ 25 000 students, making it the second largest university in Hesse.
International vibe – Over 2 000 exchange students visit each semester; the campus is English friendly and offers plenty of support services.
More about the university:
German version: https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/internationales/infomaterial
English version: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages
https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/internationales/infomaterial/jluataglance (PDF)
The Department of Geography at a glance
Study programme
- Bachelor of Science in Geography: 6 semesters (180 ECTS, mainly taught in German)
- Master of Science Geosystems in Transition: 4 semester (120 ECTS, mainly taught in German)
- Master of Science Economic Geography and Spatial Development Policy: 4 semester (120 ECTS, mainly taught in German)
- The Master program Economic Geography and Spatial Development Policy is more focused on human geography, while Geosystems in Transition is more focused on physical geography.
BSc program structure
- Introductory phase (Semesters 1 – 2) – Core courses covering the fundamentals of physical geography and human geography.
- Project phase (Semesters 3 – 5) – Choose from a variety of application oriented electives (field work, GIS, climate modelling, spatial planning, etc.).
- Semester 6 – Internship and individual research project (thesis)
Language of instruction
- Most courses are taught in German.
- For more information about courses that are taught in English please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Hennemann.
Contact for questions
Prof. Dr. Stefan Hennemann
Phone: +49 641 99 36222
Email: stefan.hennemann
Who can apply?
Erasmus+ students (EU/EEA countries)
Freemovers (students from any university worldwide who arrange the exchange independently)
How to apply for a study period
If you are curious about studying at JLU, we recommend that you start by contacting the departmental ECTS coordinators at your university. They will be able to answer initial questions about studying abroad and may even be able to provide you with feedback from students who had previously studied in Giessen, or who are currently studying at Justus Liebig University.
Since the application process for international students varies depending on the student's country of origin, level of prior academic achievement, and degree course objective, please visit the International Office’s webpage on the application process to find detailed information on your particular.
Accommodation – what you need to know
Student dormitory (Wohnheim): Shared apartments, single rooms, fully furnished, internet included.
Application deadline: Winter semester: 15 May, Summer semester: 15 Nov
Cost (approx.): € 250–€ 350 per month
Private shared flat (WG): Find a flat share via online platforms (e.g. WG-gesucht) or local social media groups.
Application deadline: Ongoing
Cost (approx.): € 300–€ 500 per month
Private studio/apartment: Rental agencies or websites (e.g. Immowelt).
Application deadline: Ongoing
Cost (approx.): € 400–€ 650 per month
Useful Practical Information
Visa & residence permit: Citizens of EU/EEA countries need only a passport. Non EU citizens must apply for a Student Visa at the German embassy- The visa process can take several months.
Health insurance: EU students can use their EHIC card. Others must have German statutory health insurance (e.g. AOK, TK) – costs ≈ € 100 / month.
Public transport: Giessen is in the RMV network. Within this regional public transportation network students travel with their student ID (semester ticket).
Banking: Most banks open an account with just your passport and university enrolment certificate.
Language support: German as a Second Language (DaF) courses are offered by the International Office.
Emergency numbers: Police/Fire/Medical: 112. Campus security: +49 641 990 7410.
Image sources: Photo: "left": JLU / Michael Schepp; Photo: "center": JLU / Katrina Friese; Photo: "right": Till Arnold