Semester Dates and Lecture Periods

At the University of Freiburg, each academic year is divided into two terms:

• Winter Semester: 01 October – 31 March
• Summer Semester: 01 April – 30 September

These term periods include all academic and administrative activities, such as registration, examinations, and breaks.

Within the term periods, the lecture period is the specific timeframe when formal teaching takes place, including lectures, seminars, and exercises. During this period, students attend scheduled classes and engage in course-related activities.

Please check the University’s academic calendar for the exact lecture periods in each year.

Lecture Times

In Germany, lecture start times are usually indicated using s.t. (sine tempore) or c.t. (cum tempore):

• s.t. (sine tempore) – “without delay”
  • The lecture starts exactly at the stated time.
  • Example: 10:00 s.t. → the lecture begins at 10:00 sharp.
• c.t. (cum tempore) – “with time”
  • The lecture starts 15 minutes after the stated time.
  • Example: 10:00 c.t. → the lecture begins at 10:15.

At most German universities, including Freiburg, lectures typically follow c.t., giving students a few minutes to arrive and get settled.

Always check whether the course uses s.t. or c.t., especially for early morning lectures, to avoid being late.

The state of Baden-Württemberg has introduced tuition fees for international students as well as for those pursuing a second degree.

International students from outside the EU/EEA are generally required to pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester in addition to the regular semester contribution (currently €190 per semester). Certain exemptions may apply. Detailed information about tuition fees, exceptions, and payment procedures can be found on the University of Freiburg’s official study fees page.

Students who are enrolled at the University of Freiburg must re-register for each new semester during the registration periods specified below. Re-registration takes place by transferring the semester (and tuition) fee. If you have not completed your registration by the end of a semester, you will be disenrolled out automatically. With the disenrollment, the status as a student ends.

• Winter Semester: 1 June – 15 August
• Summer Semester: 15 January – 15 February

Scholarships

The University of Freiburg offers a scholarship advising service that provides individual guidance on the many opportunities available to finance your studies.

Please note that the University of Freiburg does not offer fully funded scholarships like some universities in other countries (e.g., in the U.S.). However, thanks to the wide range of scholarships now offered by various organizations and foundations, the chances of receiving financial support have significantly increased in recent years.

The selection criteria for scholarships vary widely. While good academic performance is important, it is often not the only factor. Many organizations also consider criteria such as social engagement, field of study, religious affiliation, or regional background.

You can find more information here, including an online form to request a one-hour scholarship advising appointment. You can also use the University’s Scholarship Info Tool, which helps you identify scholarships based on your profile and eligibility.

Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of scholarships specifically for international students, that you can download here.

SWFR: Financial Aid

The Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR) provides a range of financial aid options to support students facing financial challenges. These include need-based grants that do not have to be repaid, as well as interest-free or low-interest loans for short-term financial difficulties. In urgent cases, emergency bridging funds are available to help students overcome sudden financial crises.

Although the SWFR does not award its own scholarships, it offers personalized scholarship advising to help students identify and apply for external scholarship opportunities.

For detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please visit the SWFR’s official Financial Aid page.

SWFR: Student Residence

Finding a place to live in Freiburg can be challenging, especially at the beginning of the semester. In addition to the private housing market, the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR) offers over 6,400 affordable student rooms in Freiburg and the surrounding areas, including Offenburg, Furtwangen, Kehl, and Villingen-Schwenningen. Find out detailed information here.

If you’re interested in living in a student residence, we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, as spots are limited. You can only apply online. Please note that you are eligible to apply even before receiving your official admission, as long as you intend to study at the University of Freiburg.

For further questions about the application system or the dormitories, please contact wohnen@swfr.de.

International Office: Housing for International Students

Students in international Master’s programs have access to a dedicated housing contingent. Please note that rooms reserved for international students are available for one semester only and are therefore intended as temporary accommodation during your initial stay in Freiburg. If you’re interested, please contact our M.A. program coordinator for application: ma-koordination@ethno.uni-freiburg.de.

For further questions about the International Office’s housing, please contact dunja.weber@io.uni-freiburg.de.

SWFR: Service Package for International Students

The Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR) offers a special Service Package for international students who are new to Freiburg. It includes:

• Furnished accommodation in a student residence
• Student health insurance
• A semester ticket for public transport
• MensaCard with starting credit for SWFR cafeterias and dining halls
• Personal support from the International Club team (e.g. orientation, social events)

Price of the Service Package for one semester:

• starting at 3.178,00 € with health insurance
• starting at 2.453,00 € without health insurance

Free Housing Market

You can use the SWFR accomodation platform to scan for offers on the free housing market. Other popular platforms include

• https://www.wg-gesucht.de/
• https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/
• and various platforms on social media. You may contact ma-info@ethno.uni-freiburg.de for access to these platfoms.

Many students have jobs in their spare time. Some may work as research assistants in universities, research institutes or libraries, while others may work as waiters or babysitters. International students also have the opportunity to work in addition to studying.

• EU-Citizens: 20h per week during lecture period
• Non-EU-Citizens: 120 full working days per year

For more info on working as an international student, please click here.

Finding a Job

The Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR) offers free job placement services for students in the Freiburg University Region. Its role is to facilitate short-term or long-term employment opportunities, but it only provides the online platform for connecting students with employers – the Service Portal.

All employment contracts are directly between the student and the employer. The Studierendenwerk does not set or regulate remuneration, and it cannot require students to accept any specific pay. However, all work must comply with the statutory minimum wage.

Students can browse available job offers or post their own requests directly through the Service Portal.

German Language Courses at APIS

The University of Freiburg offers a variety of German language courses to support international students in developing their language skills. One key option is the APIS program, which allows non-EU international students to take one German course per semester free of charge. Please note that places in these courses are allocated by lottery. For detailed information about registration, eligibility, and deadlines, please visit the official APIS website.

German Language Courses at SLI

The Language Teaching Centre (SLI) of the University of Freiburg offers a wide range of German as a Foreign Language (DaF) courses for all levels – from absolute beginners to advanced learners. Please note that these courses are not free of charge. Fees vary depending on the course format and participant status (e.g. DAAD scholarship holders may receive reduced rates). Current prices and information on registration are listed on the SLI website.

Join the SCA Student Council

Each department has its own student council („Fachschaft“), where students can get involved in representing their peers, organizing events, or participating in university decision-making. It’s a great way to engage with academic life beyond the classroom and shape student affairs in university politics. Learn more about the SCA Student Council here.

Initiatives & Referates

At the University of Freiburg, „Referate“ are student-run offices within the university-wide Student Council („Studierendenrat„, short StuRa) that focus on specific political, social, or cultural topics. Each Referat advocates for student interests in areas such as LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental justice, anti-discrimination, feminism, accessibility, and more. They organize events, offer support, and work to make campus life more inclusive and socially engaged. All students are welcome to join or get involved. E.g.,

• Autonomous Department for International Students
• Umweltreferat: Referat for Sustainability and Environmental Justice
• Antidiskriminierungsreferat: Referat Against Racism
• BIPoC*-Department: Referat for BIPoC* Students
• Regenbogen Referat: Referat for LGBTQIA+ Rights and Visibility

Join the Institute’s Colloquium

Each semester, the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology hosts a colloquium featuring guest speakers who share their research, insights, and methods. These evening events offer a valuable opportunity to explore the diversity of anthropological work and discover the personal stories behind each project. The colloquium is typically followed by an informal get-together, providing space for open conversation and exchange. Keep an eye out for posters and e-mail invitations with the current schedule!

Join the International Club

Run by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR), the International Club is open to all students and offers intercultural activities, such as Café Multilingua (language exchange), cooking nights, handcrafting workshops, and weekend excursions. It’s a welcoming space to meet people from around the world.

StudiTours

StudiTours is an SWFR organized travel program, organizing, e.g., hikes through the Black Forest, the Kaiserstuhl, the Vosges or the Alps, city trips to Zurich, Basel, Strasbourg, Heidelberg or Baden-Baden, excursions to Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Constance, Alsace or the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart – or even multi-day trips to Paris or Florence. The low-cost tours are prepared and accompanied by teams of student tutors.

Studium Generale & Cultural Activities

The university offers public lectures across all disciplines, film screenings, concerts, and guided tours through its Studium Generale program. There are also choirs and orchestras, student-led theatre & musical groups, and film societies, such as the AKA Film Club.

University Sports

The university sports program („Hochschulsport“) offers a wide range of courses and activities, from yoga and dance to team sports like volleyball, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. It’s an easy and fun way to stay active and meet new people.

UniCross: uniOnline, uniTV & uniFM

Students interested in journalism, film, music, crossmedia storytelling, or broadcasting can get involved with UniCross, the University of Freiburg’s student-run media platform. Students can contribute as writers, photographers, filmmakers, or broadcasters – no prior experience required, just curiosity and engagement.

Mailing Lists

Communication between the Institute and enrolled students is primarily conducted via mailing lists. Being subscribed to these lists is essential for staying up to date with important announcements, deadlines, and events. We strongly recommend registering as early as possible after enrollment.

Please make sure you are subscribed to both:

• Institute Mailing List: To join, send an empty e-mail to student-on@ethno.uni-freiburg.de.
• M.A. Program Mailing List: To join, send an empty e-mail to master-on@ethno.uni-freiburg.de.

MyAccount and Eduroam

MyAccount is the central tool for managing your University of Freiburg user account (UniAccount). Through this portal, you can:

• Change your password
• Set up your university e-mail address
• Create an additional password for Wi-Fi access (eduroam)

UniAccount – Your Digital Identity at the University

Your UniAccount is your personal user ID and provides access to all central IT services, including:

• HISinOne – Campus management (course registration, transcripts, etc.)
• ILIAS – The University’s e-learning platform
• Eduroam – University-wide Wi-Fi access
• Library services – Book loans and research tools
• Other essential digital services used throughout your studies

Getting Started

After completing your enrollment (matriculation), you will receive your access data via email. This includes a temporary initial password. To activate your UniAccount, you must log in to MyAccount and change this password to one of your own choosing.

Additionally, to use the University’s Wi-Fi (eduroam), you must set a separate eduroam password in MyAccount.

For additional info and help, have a look at this short overview.

HisInOne

Study Administration

• Downloading study certificates
• Re-registration for upcoming semesters
• Updating personal contact information

Course & Event Management

• Viewing the course catalog
• Registering for courses
• Creating your personal timetable
• Planning modules across semesters

Examination Management

• Registering for exams and coursework
• Viewing transcripts and performance summaries

Access

Before enrollment:
Prospective students can log in to HISinOne using their applicant account.

After enrollment:
HisInOne become accessible using your university user account (UniAccount).

For more info and help, have a look at this short overview.

Ilias

ILIAS is the central platform for managing course materials and content throughout your studies. Courses organized via HISinOne are supplemented with resources on ILIAS. Please ensure that you can access all required ILIAS courses and check the platform regularly for updates and announcements.

For New Students:

During orientation, ILIAS hosts dedicated orientation week courses, which include:

• Helpful resources and tips
• Program-specific information
• A communication forum to connect with peers and instructors

Registration for orientation week courses is mandatory and happens automatically when you enroll in the corresponding HISinOne course. Starting October 1st, your ILIAS courses will appear on your ILIAS dashboard.

Important: During the orientation week and beyond, ILIAS serves as the main platform for coordination and communication. Please ensure that you have access to the required ILIAS courses.

Issues with access? Contact hiwi@ska.uni-freiburg.de.

For any general questions or concerns before, during, or after your studies — whether academic, personal, or organizational — the following services are available:

University of Freiburg – Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

The ZSB offers confidential support on topics such as study orientation, changing subjects, exam anxiety, time management, or doubts about your studies. Th ZSB also offers special support for international students.

Studierendenwerk Freiburg – Psychosocial and Social Counseling

Free and confidential counseling for personal difficulties, financial concerns, housing problems, or crisis situations.

• Studierendenwerk Counseling Services
• sozialberatung@swfr.de (social counseling)
• pbs@swfr.de (psychological counseling)
  

Counceling on Organizational Affairs