Germany Graduate Direct Exchange
The Graduate Direct Exchange programs were established at the University of Kansas after World War II to provide students with opportunities to pursue non-degree graduate-level studies in their fields. Under the terms of each reciprocal agreement, an enrolled graduate student of KU may study at one of our German partner universities during the academic year, while a German graduate student attends the University of Kansas. Direct Exchange Scholars receive tuition and modest monthly stipends from the partner institutions for room, board and incidental expenses. Students will generally need to supplement their stipends with their own funds or student loans to ensure enough money to travel and to participate in extracurricular activities. All partner institutions also require the payment of modest campus privilege fees (for library usage, technology access, etc.) by GDX participants. Travel and other incidental expenses must be covered by personal funds.
Rheinische-Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nurnberg
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Considerations for Germany
Germany has laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the differently abled, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany and most large city governments officially encourage and host LGBTQIA+ pride events.
Germany’s cities and public transportation are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities. Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces. Germany offers services for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.
Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
To be eligible to participate in the Graduate Direct Exchange Program, applicants must be KU students with graduate standing at the time their program begins. Students must maintain KU graduate status during the year of the scholarship. To do this, all GDX participants formally enroll in at least one GDX credit hour at KU for the fall and spring semesters (at their own expense). This process is managed through the Office of Study Abroad. Enrollment at KU while participating in the GDX program ensures maintenance of graduate student standing at KU, and facilitates the process of transferring graduate credit from our partner institutions to KU upon the completion of the academic year abroad. In addition, enrollment as a GDX participant ensures eligibility for federal student loans for students with degree-seeking status.
In the application review process, preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled or will be enrolled in KU graduate programs as degree seeking students. However, students who will hold formal graduate non-degree status at the time of participation may apply; if you are interested in this option, please make an advising appointment. GDX scholarships are available to graduating KU seniors who are also applying for graduate programs of study at KU and to enrolled KU graduate students only. Applicants must have the requisite language and academic background appropriate for the program and institution of choice.
Contact Study Abroad & Global Engagement at 785-864-3742 to make an appointment with the GDX advisor.