Studying abroad: Erasmus+
A stay abroad enriches your studies by offering new academic perspectives and valuable international experience. Students not only expand their academic skills, but also develop intercultural abilities and personal strength. Erasmus+ opens doors, creates lifelong networks and makes studying a unique, formative experience.
Within the meteorology and geophysics degree programmes offered by the Institute of Geosciences, there are mobility windows for semesters abroad with financial support from the European Erasmus+ programme.
#study-mug #erasmus-mug!
Opportunities and prospects for mobility abroad
The University of Bonn has been participating in the Erasmus+ programme for higher education with great success since 1987. The faculties maintain partnerships with almost 300 universities within and outside Europe. Nearly 600 Bonn students and doctoral candidates, 40 lecturers and a growing number of staff participate in the Erasmus+ programme each year. Approximately 260 foreign Erasmus students come to the University of Bonn each year. In addition, the University of Bonn participates in Erasmus Mundus Master's programmes and cooperation projects in Key Action KA2.
- Study for one or two semesters in another European country at a partner university in the respective subject area
- Short stays of 5 to 30 days and Erasmus internships are possible.
- Waiver of tuition fees at the partner university plus financial support
- Promotion of inclusion and equal opportunities through additional support
- Support for ‘green’ travel
- Recognition of academic achievements and examinations completed abroad
- Support from the University of Bonn and the host university
- Integration into the ‘Erasmus community’ and opportunities for civic engagement
Experience shows that teachers who have had experience abroad themselves act as multipliers for international exchange, thereby also increasing the motivation of students in Bonn.
- Offer short-term teaching at the partner university of the respective department
- 8 to 14 days Teaching abroad for 8-16 hours
- Flat-rate funding for travel expenses, accommodation and additional funding for inclusion/equal opportunities and ‘green’ travel
- Deepening cooperation with the partner university
- Better insight into the local curriculum and the quality of the courses offered
- Establishing research contacts
In return, foreign guest lecturers can contribute to the internationalisation of studies within the framework of the Erasmus programme, for example by offering foreign-language courses and/or other theoretical and methodological traditions.
Studying abroad with Erasmus+
Students enrolled in our B.Sc. Meteorology and Geophysics and M.Sc. Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere programmes have the opportunity to receive funding for up to two semesters of study abroad through the European Erasmus+ programme. To this end, bilateral agreements have been established with partner universities in Europe that offer programmes in meteorology, geophysics or atmospheric physics.
Our partner universities
Reliable partnerships form the basis for excellent support before, during and after Erasmus+ mobility. Our partner universities:
- Greece, Ioannina, Panepistimio Ioanninon
- Italien, Padova, Università degli Studi di Padova
- Italy, Bologna, Università di Bologna
- Austria, Vienna, Technische Universität Wien
- Turkey, Istanbul, Istanbul Technical University
- Sweden, Uppsala, Uppsala Universitet (via Physics programme)
- Finland, Helsinki, University of Helsinki (via Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
Application and selection criteria
An application requires consultation with the programme coordinator (Dr. Anna Zoporowski). Please take advantage of the open consultation hours or arrange an individual appointment by emailing erasmus-mug@uni-bonn.de.
The application deadline for studying abroad with Erasmus+ in the 2026/27 academic year is 15 February 2026. Students are generally eligible, depending on the number of places available, if the following selection criteria are met:
- their academic performance to date is good to very good,
- they can demonstrate language skills for the destination country (or English), and
- their letter of motivation clearly explains how the programme will enrich their studies (including a study programme of at least 20 ECTS).
Applications to study abroad for 1-2 semesters with Erasmus+ are submitted via the University of Bonn's Mobility-Online exchange programme portal (you will receive the link after a consultation). You must also submit all required documents and evidence there by the above-mentioned application deadline:
- latest transcript of records from your home institution,
- language certificates for the destination country or for English,
- letter of motivation for studying abroad,
- list of modules at the partner university with at least 20 ECTS credits that are to be completed and recognised.
Be sure to read the detailed instructions for preparing your application on the Erasmus pages of the International Office at the University of Bonn.
Achievements, scope, grades, recognition
Upon your return, credits earned abroad will be recognised by the Examination Board on the basis of your foreign transcript and the previously concluded Learning Agreement.
In the Online Learning Agreement, or OLA for short, credits amounting to at least 20 ECTS must be agreed upon. This must be done before your mobility period and can be adjusted once after your arrival at the partner university.
Shortly after your return, send the transcript of records from the partner university by email to the Examination Office: meteorologie-geophysik@uni-bonn.de. The credits will be automatically recognised as agreed in the OLA.
Studying in Bonn with Erasmus+
Within the framework of Erasmus+, international students can study with us in the B.Sc. Meteorology and Geophysics (German-speaking, first cycle) and M.Sc. Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere (English-speaking, second cycle) programmes. In Bonn, you can expect a large support group of students, staff and professors and an international environment with many opportunities.
Study at the University of Bonn and experience Bonn
The University of Excellence in Bonn is one of the best universities in the world, nestled in a pleasant living environment. The advantages of the university and the city of Bonn:
- A good location in central Europe, close to the Netherlands and Belgium, with excellent train and flight connections, including to Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna and Prague
- The semester fee includes the Deutschlandticket, which entitles you to use public transport throughout Germany
- Home to Haribo and the United Nations, it was once the capital with a rich history, now with many museums and a wide range of cultural activities
Beethoven's birthplace with one of the best orchestras in Germany, the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn - Beethoven's birthplace with one of the best orchestras in Germany, the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn
Application and requirements
Students from our partner universities can enrol in our degree programmes for one or two semesters through Erasmus+ and study alongside our students. Students from other degree programmes or partners may also attend selected courses. The requirements are:
- You must be enrolled at one of the University of Bonn's partner universities in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland or Turkey.
- You must be officially nominated for the Erasmus programme by your home university. The application deadlines are standardised:
Winter semester: 1 May, summer semester: 1 November. - The relevant language requirements must be met: German for the Bachelor's programme and English for the Master's programme.
Courses and support at MuG and PEA
In principle, all Erasmus students are permitted to attend courses in our degree programmes. However, as the Bachelor's programme in Meteorology and Geophysics (MuG) is taught in German, German language skills are required. In some modules (including ‘Physics of the Solid Earth’ and ‘Physical Climatology’), students without German language skills can be offered materials and examinations in English. In the English-language Master's programme in Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere (PEA), all modules offered in Bonn can be taken. Modules offered by our cooperation partner, the University of Cologne, may not be taken.
All modules, including module descriptions, can be found on Basis under ‘Meteorology and Geophysics / Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere’. Before completing the Online Learning Agreement (OLA), please contact the Erasmus subject coordinator to find out which modules are suitable for the Bachelor's or Master's programme: erasmus-mug@uni-bonn.de.
You are also well mentored! An international environment with many opportunities awaits you in Bonn:
- English-language bachelor's courses at the International Classroom Bonn
- Support services in the department and the central Study Buddy Program for Erasmus incoming students
- Intercultural training, information on housing, German language courses, support, and organizational assistance from the International Office and Welcome Days for a smooth start!
Internship abroad with Erasmus+
Are you studying MuG or PEA and want to do an internship or a short stay in another European country? The University of Bonn supports study-related internships lasting 2 to 12 months in over 30 European countries as part of Erasmus+. To apply for an internship abroad, students must first consult with the programme coordinator (Dr Anna Zoporowski). Take advantage of the open consultation hours or make an individual appointment by emailing erasmus-mug@uni-bonn.de.
Internships are not available within our Department of Meteorology and Geophysics. The respective companies or organisations are your points of contact for internships outside the University of Bonn. They are also responsible for supervision and support. Your home university will provide you with information about application requirements, formalities and financial support.
Requirements for Erasmus internships abroad
During your studies, you must be regularly enrolled at the University of Bonn at the time of application and throughout your stay abroad. Your nationality is irrelevant.
After completing your studies, you can receive internship funding within the following 12 months. You must still be enrolled at the time of application, but you must be deregistered during the internship.
Short stays (5 to 30 days) are also possible. A virtual component is mandatory for students. Short stays by students can only be approved if there is a reason why longer-term mobility cannot be undertaken. This does not apply to mobility by doctoral students and BIP participants.
General conditions for internships
The explanatory video shows how the Erasmus internship works. Key facts:
- These are study-related full-time internships with a minimum of 35 hours per week in another European country.
- You must find the internship yourself; we do not arrange internships.
- Possible duration: 2 to 12 months, minimum duration: 60 days.
- Short stays of 5 to 30 days in combination with a virtual component (up to one year after graduation) are possible.
- Financial support is included, with additional support available for greater equality of opportunity and for ‘green’ travel.
- Academic recognition of internships completed abroad with 6 ECTS credits is automatic, provided that the examination (protocol) is completed.
Erasmus counselling Meteorology and Geophysics
Dr. Anna Zoporowski
2.010
Meckenheimer Allee 176
53115 Bonn
Università degli Studi di Padova
During the introductory week, there was a welcome event at the university for all Erasmus students, an introductory event at the School of Science with lots of useful information, as well as a city tour and lots of parties organised by the European Student Network. (...) In terms of subject matter, I found the level of the lectures to be about the same as in Bonn (...) At the weekend, I preferred to go on city trips with a friend I met during the introductory week. There are many beautiful churches, buildings and museums in the area around Padua and in Padua itself. I also find the cityscape of Italian cities wonderful! For example, I visited Verona, Ferrara, Venice, the Venetian islands, Lake Garda, Ravenna and spent three nights in Rome. (...) Overall, I thought my Erasmus semester was great, everything went smoothly, I would do it again in a heartbeat and can highly recommend Padua as a university.
Uppsala Universitet
I really enjoyed studying at Uppsala University! The whole structure is much less hierarchical, there is a closer relationship with the lecturers and the atmosphere is much more relaxed overall. I particularly liked the much greater diversity in the course structure. (...) Another thing I really appreciated at Uppsala University was the many study rooms and libraries scattered throughout the city. From Carolina to the Darkroom to the Nation study areas and the Blåsenhus Library, it's really fun to explore them all. (...) At the university, I found it particularly enriching to hear about new topics and see how teaching can be structured and designed. The Nations give you the opportunity to get to know people quickly, create an infinitely lively student life and were the absolute highlight for me!
Istanbul Technical University
The ITÜ campus is huge, like a small town. The library and the institutes are modernly equipped
and create a good learning atmosphere. (...) Istanbul is an exciting and thrilling city that has a lot to offer! I really enjoyed my time here and would recommend everyone to spend a longer period of time there. Provided, of course, that you like big cities and lots of people. My favourite thing to do was to take the ferry from the European to the Asian side and back. Turkish cuisine is excellent and much more varied than I had previously thought. (...) As an Erasmus student, you get a museum card that gives you free admission to almost all museums in Istanbul and Turkey. I took full advantage of this opportunity and learned a lot about the history of Turkey and modern art.