Bauhaus Universität- Weimar
Weimar, Germany
Designed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bauhaus Universität Weimar (BuW) is located between Frankfurt and Berlin and is the birthplace of the world-famous Bauhaus style of architecture. Undergraduate students in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (USP) can spend a quarter or more at one of the largest faculties for urbanism and architecture in Germany!
Our exchange with BuW was one of the first Global Exchanges and continues to be one of our most successful programs because of the strong connections between our two universities.
Links and Resources:
Important Information for 2025-26
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Global Exchange Program applications open October 1 in
TritonsAbroad
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Please note that Global Exchange Programs have two applications: one for UC San Diego (TritonsAbroad) and the other for the partner university. After applying in Tritons Abroad, UC San Diego will review and approve your nomination and you will be provided instructions for submitting a second application to the partner university.
Visit the
How to Apply section for more information on the application process and the
Pre-Departure Requirements section for important steps and considerations leading up to your time abroad.
Exchange Details:
- Academic Level: Undergraduate
- Eligible Major(s): Department of Urban Studies and Planning (USP). Please note the USP department nominates for this program each winter. Contact the USP Department for more information.
Academic Calendar:
- Winter Semester: October to February
- Summer Semester: April to July
Students should arrive in Bauhaus in early September for the Winter Semester to participate in registration and
welcome events and in March for Summer Semester.
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Full Time Enrollment: Thirty (30) ECTS per semester (approximately 22 semester hours per week).
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Courses: Department of Urban Studies and Planning and BuW have already identified courses that students can take at BuW that would count towards degree requirements at UC San Diego. For more information, consult a Study Abroad Advisor or review
BuW's Course Catalog.
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Language of Instruction: English.
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Courses in German: If you want to study courses taught in German, you must demonstrate that you have the proficiency in German to succeed in the class. Programs differ in their requirements but it is typically at A1 to B1 level. The University’s Language Centre offers various foreign language courses and regular semester courses in German as a Foreign Language during the semester as well. Beginner courses in German (A1/A2 level) are also available free of charge for exchange students, but spaces are limited.
- German Intensive Course: The University’s Language Centre offers a three-week online German intensive course in September and March under the prerequisite that a placement test needs to be taken. The first German language course is free of charge for exchange students from our partner universities. The course is offered the month prior to the start of the Winter and Summer Semesters.
Housing is not pre-arranged/ guaranteed for exchange students. Here is some information to support students to find accommodation:
- On-Campus Housing:The International Office offers support in finding accommodation. However, the Studierendenwerk Thüringen (student service) is in charge for the allocation. It offers approximately 1100 places in single or shared apartments. The university does not have its own accommodation. The overall rent varies from about 220€ to 350€ per month including electricity, heating and water. Students must apply to be considered for housing- please pay attention to housing deadlines that may differ from academic deadlines.
- Off-Campus Housing: Many students in Weimar live in shared flats and houses rented from private landlords. Depending on room size and comfort the prices range between 250€ and 450€ per month. You may find a
room via different search portals such as www.wg-gesucht.de
Cost of Living: For housing, meals, books, health insurance and other incidentals, the cost of living is approximately 900 Euros/ month.
Additional Fees: Exchange students pay a semester fee. This enables you to pay reduced prices in the cafeteria (mensa) and you can use public transport in Weimar, Erfurt, Jena and Gera free of charge, including the regional trains between the towns. The student ID ("thoska”) also costs a one-off issue fee of 20 Euros.
U.S. citizens can enter Germany and then apply for a student residence permit as part of the matriculation process. Nevertheless, any student should consult the website of the German Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information.
For other citizenships, visit the website of the German Embassy in your country of citizenship for visa requirements and processes.
Links:
- German Health Insurance:
In Germany health insurance is mandatory while you study at a German university. Student health insurance is possible until the age of 30. It costs approximately 90 Euros per month and is valid throughout the EU.
Upon matriculation you either need to prove that you are insured or provide evidence of an exemption. One exemption is that your current insurance provider or plan provides adequate health overseas health coverage that would be sufficient for Germany.