University of Regensburg
- Study at a research-oriented comprehensive university with a modern campus and excellent facilities.
- Live in a medieval German city with more than 2,000 years of history.
- Coursework available in German and English.
- Collins Scholarship available. See Further Reading section below for more information.
Universität Regensburg (University of Regensburg or UR) is a public research university located in the medieval city of Regensburg. Founded in 1962, it is a medium-sized university with a student population of approximately 20,000 including 1,400 international students from 90 countries. The university offers a broad variety of academic disciplines and more than 100 degree programs, a good student-teacher ratio, and excellent facilities.
Unlike most other universities in Germany, the University of Regensburg has a centralized campus with all university buildings and facilities within walking distance of each other. The campus is situated on the edge of Regensburg's historic old town. Courses are available in the full range of humanities, social sciences, business and economics, and natural sciences. The university has a strong tradition of international cooperation and offers a broad selection of courses taught in German and English.
Regensburg is a historic city dating back to the Roman Ages. Its well-preserved old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes walls of a Roman fortress built in 179 AD, an 11th century stone bridge, and a 13th century Gothic cathedral. Today the city has a population of approximately 150,000. While the city has a rich historic feel, it also has a lively, modern vibe in part due to its large population of students. Regensburg is situated along the Danube River and offers a host of activities for nature lovers and history buffs alike. It is located in Bavaria, a region in southeast Germany known for its Oktoberfest celebrations, fairytale castles, and the Alps. The city is close to Munich and Nuremberg as well as other European cities such as Vienna and Prague.
The University of Regensburg has 11 faculties (schools) offering degree programs at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD level. KU exchange students may take courses in any of the following faculties:
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Management Information Systems
- Faculty of Catholic Theology
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Faculty of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Mathematics
- Faculty of Medicine (no courses available to exchange students)
- Faculty of Philosophy, Art History, History and Humanities
- Faculty of Physics
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sport Science
Courses in English are available in the following departments:
American Studies, Biology, British Studies, Business and Economics, Chemistry, Education Science, English, English Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Political Science.
All exchange students are required to participate in a pre-semester orientation program. Students can also take an intensive German language course before the start of the semester. German language courses at all levels are also available during the semester. A minimum of four semesters (2 years) of college-level German (level B2) proficiency is required to enroll in courses taught in German.
Course Information
Students typically earn 12 to 18 KU credit hours during one semester abroad. You are encouraged to use the following resources to research available courses and to determine if these courses will meet your academic requirements at KU:
Regensburg Course Catalog: Search for courses available in all departments at the University of Regensburg. Instructions for using the Course Catalog can be found on the Course Selection Website.
Regensburg Courses in English: See curated departmental lists of courses taught in English on the Course Selection Website. Select the 'Courses in English' dropdown.
KU Course Equivalency Database: This is a list of courses currently pre-approved for KU credit (approved equivalency) and courses that students have had approved for KU credit in the past (possible equivalencies). Use 'Regensburg' in the search field.
German Language Courses: Learn more about the options for studying German. Courses are offered at all levels and credit is awarded for German language study.
Credit Approval Process
Visit the Credit Approval Process page for detailed information on the procedure for obtaining KU course equivalency approval for courses you plan to take abroad. All courses taken and grades earned while abroad must be posted as KU equivalents on a student’s KU transcript and grades will figure into a student’s KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit, and their application toward graduation.
Student dormitories are located througout Regensburg and are shared by international and German students. The dorms have good bus connections to campus and a bus ticket is included in the cost of the program. Most rooms are single rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe, bookshelf, and bed linens. All exchange students are guaranteed a room in a student dorm provided they submit their housing application by the deadline.
Meals are not provided, but there are shared kitchens where students can prepare meals on their own. Student cafeterias on campus also provide a wide selection of inexpensive meal options.
The program includes a four-week language course and orientation after arrival in Regensburg. The Orientation and Intensive Language Course (ILC) is taken for credit and is obligatory for every student participating in the program. The purpose is to prepare students for academic life in Germany.
The UR language center offers both a pre-semester preparatory course and German language courses throughout the semester. Students with less than enough German required to take regular courses on campus will be required to take German language courses until they achieve sufficient proficiency. Students attending Regensburg for an academic year may take language courses in the fall and, if qualified, take regular university courses in the spring.
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. Most German universities have student groups and community organizations to support LGBTQIA+ students.
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.
This program is open to KU students with sophomore status or higher and a 2.8 cumulative GPA who have completed 2-4 semesters of college-level German or the equivalent by the beginning of the program. Students may be accepted with less language on a case by case basis.
Scholarships
Drs. Dean T. and Elisabeth Collins Scholarship
The Drs. Dean T. and Elisabeth Collins Scholarship is a fund created by an estate gift from the late Dean and Elisabeth Collins for semester study abroad in Germany. Awards up to $10,000 per semester or $20,000 for year-long programs to Germany. Open to all majors but preference for students studying music and particularly opera. Additional preference given to students studying German language and culture. Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. Apply online at Drs. Dean T. and Elisabeth Collins Scholarship.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
A wide range of scholarships are also available through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Please contact Study Abroad & Global Engagement for more information.