IO - Incoming Students

Incoming Students at KLU
Planning your semester at KLU?
Here you will find everything you need to prepare for your exchange in Hamburg – from course selection and learning agreements to arrival and orientation.
The KLU International Office supports you throughout the process and helps make your semester abroad a smooth and rewarding experience.
General Information
Everything you need to know before planning your semester at KLU.

Fact Sheet 2026
Semester Dates
Application & Nomination Deadlines
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Application Requirements
Accepted certificates:
- TOEFL (iBT: 90)*
- TOEFL "MyBest Scores" (iBT: 90)
- TOEFL “Special Home Edition” (iBT: 90)
- IELTS Academic (band 6.5)*
- IELTS Online Academic Test (band 6.5)*
- CAE (grade C) / CPE (180 points)*
- FCE Cambridge English (grade A)*
- Pearson PTE Academic (also online version) (score 61)*
- ERASMUS language proficiency form (level B2)
- Students studying in English and native speakers: Formal Letter from Home University stating language of instruction / native language
All certificates must not be older than 2 years.
All students need to provide a copy of their university transcript (by semester) listing the subjects and grades; this document must contain an explanation of the grading system (maximum grade, minimum passing grade).
Graduate students: A copy of your first degree certificate including your grade point average, usually in the field of business or economics from a recognized university or college
Freemover Students
If your university is not part of the KLU partner network, you may still spend a semester with us as a Freemover student.
Freemovers organize their exchange independently and apply directly through the KLU International Office.
If you are interested in studying at KLU as a Freemover, simply contact us by email and we will guide you through the next steps of the application process.
To apply as a Freemover student, you must:
- be enrolled at a home university
- have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies
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meet the English language requirements
Freemover students can choose from the courses offered in the respective semester at KLU.
- The maximum workload is 30 ECTS per semester
- There is no minimum number of ECTS required
Course lists and descriptions will be provided so that you can discuss credit recognition with your home university in advance.
You can find the current fee amount and payment details on this page.
💡 Tip: Check the fees early so you can plan your budget for your semester at KLU.
If you are a freemover student and want to spend a semester at KLU, just send us an email at the International Office. We will guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.
💡 Tip: It’s never too early to get in touch – the sooner we hear from you, the better we can support your plans!
Programs, Courses & Workload
Course Choice
Workload and ECTS
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Your Exchange Journey at KLU
Follow the steps that guide you from application to the end of your exchange.
Nomination by Home University
Application via Mobility Online
Acceptance & Course Selection
Welcome to KLU! ♥️
Final Documents & Wrap-Up
Before the Mobility
Students applying for an exchange semester at KLU must upload the following documents to our online platform.
(The link will be shared after your home university has successfully nominated you.)
Required Documents:
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Enrollment package
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Transcript of Records
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Proof of language proficiency
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Photo in business attire
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Bachelor diploma (graduate students only)
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Passport copy (for non-EU citizens, including student visa page)
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Health insurance proof
💡 Tip: Mobility Online will guide you through the upload process step by step and provide detailed instructions for each document.
Once you have completed all required information and uploaded your documents, your Letter of Acceptance will be issued via mail.
This official letter confirms your place at KLU and allows you to proceed with course selection and semester preparation.
Course selection is done through Mobility Online.
Before you start, the International Office will provide you with an information package and a digital information session and guide you through the rules and restrictions for course selection, ensuring your choices fit your program and semester.
💡 Tip: Check the official course list carefully and reach out to the International Office if you have any questions – we’re here to help you plan your semester smoothly.
Please note: selecting courses in Mobility Online does not replace your Learning Agreement.
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Erasmus+ students: KLU accepts Digital Learning Agreements through the EWP network.
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Students from other universities: you can upload your Learning Agreement directly on Mobility Online.
💡 Tip: Make sure your Learning Agreement is completed and signed before the semester starts to ensure smooth credit recognition at your home university.
If you already hold a residence title for study purposes issued by another EU Member State, you do not need a separate German residence title. Your existing residence title allows you to come to Germany and study at KLU, and it must be valid for your entire stay.
KLU and the International Office will notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees about your intention to study in Germany. In some cases, you may be asked to provide additional documents.
💡 Tip: Make sure your residence title is up to date before arrival to avoid any issues and inform the International Office about changes.
KLU is committed to supporting students with all types of disabilities – whether visible or invisible, physical or mental.
During the application process in Mobility Online, let us know about your needs. We will inform our colleagues to arrange support services accordingly and get in touch with you.
💡 Tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here to ensure you have everything you need for a successful semester at KLU.
Our colleagues from Student Services will assist you with all matters regarding health insurance.
For detailed information and guidance, please visit the Health insurance information page.
💡 Tip: Make sure your health insurance is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
KLU currently has no dormitories.
But our colleagues from Student Services have prepared extensive information about this topic. You can find them here.
During the Mobility
The International Office organizes a Welcome Day in January to warmly welcome Spring incoming students and help them kick-start their semester at KLU.
The day includes:
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a campus tour,
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guidance on administrative processes, and
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opportunities to meet fellow students and staff.
Welcome Day is designed to ensure a smooth transition and create a supportive environment where new students can thrive both academically and socially.
💡 Tip: Attend the Welcome Day to get all essential information, make connections, and start your semester with confidence.
Before your official start at KLU, Student Services organizes Welcome Week for both exchange and new KLU students.
During the week, you can take part in:
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Workshops and information sessions about campus resources and academic expectations
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Social events to meet fellow students, faculty, and staff
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Activities introducing extracurricular opportunities
Welcome Week is designed to help you settle in smoothly, build connections, and start your semester with confidence and fun.
💡 Tip: Take full advantage of Welcome Week – it’s the perfect way to get oriented, make friends, and begin your KLU journey on the right foot.
Within one week of your arrival at KLU, all incoming students will automatically receive their Certificate of Arrival.
💡 Tip: Keep this document for your records, as it may be required by your home university or funding program.
Once the semester has started, you may need to make adjustments to your course selection.
The International Office can guide you through how and when course changes are possible. Please note that changes may be limited by timetable conflicts or course availability.
Note: If you make any changes, your Learning Agreement must also be updated.
💡 Tip: Contact the International Office early if you need to adjust your schedule – we’re here to help you make the most of your semester.
The International Office hosts farewell events for incoming students at the end of their stay, before the exams begin.
These gatherings offer a warm and celebratory send-off, giving students a chance to reflect on their semester, share memories, and connect with peers.
💡 Tip: Join the farewell event to celebrate your achievements and say goodbye to the friends and experiences that made your semester at KLU unforgettable.
After the Mobility
Transcripts are usually ready one month after the exam period.
Students can download their Transcript of Records from their CAS profile.
If your home university requires a signed copy, you can upload a request in Mobility Online, and we will send the official signed transcript directly from KLU.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to download your Transcript from CAS in time for your records.
Students can download their Confirmation of Stay in Mobility Online at the end of their semester.
The Date of Stay is considered the last day of the exam period.
💡 Tip: Make sure to download your Confirmation of Stay in time for your home university or any funding requirements.
Who to Contact at KLU
Need help? Here’s who to reach out to.
International Office
Student Services
Program Management
Registrars Office

