University of Stuttgart - Schulich Only

Stuttgart offers a wide variety of programs for engineering students, including the following areas: Aerospace, Transport and Automotive, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Energy, Geomatics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Process, Software, and Renewable/Sustainability-related Engineering. 

Browse the course catalogue online. (Note: courses at Stuttgart are called "modules". The word "course" means a degree program.) For more guidance to use the catalogue, see Stuttgart's FAQ page.

As English courses are limited, undergraduate exchange students who do not speak German need to either be extremely flexible in their course selection, or consider doing the exchange in your 4th year (which will allow you to access Masters level English courses). 

Stuttgart also offers a pre-semester German intensive language course, highly recommended for exchange students to help with your adjustment to life in Germany, at an additional cost of €250.

For questions regarding courses, especially in civil engineering, you can contact David Forster from Uni Stuttgart.

Students at Stuttgart typically take 18-30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits per semester (3-5 half courses). 6 ECTS = 3 units at UCalgary (1 half course equivalent).  

Enhanced Summer Semester Program (ESSP)

This unique program is designed to boost your German skills! Students participate in the Stuttgart Winter University (Jan-Feb), which offers a German language course and an English-taught subject course, followed by an Intensive German Course (Mar-Apr). This happens prior to your regular exchange semester during the German summer semester (Apr-July), where you can then take a mix of courses in German and English.

The academic year is divided into two semesters.

• The "Winter" Semester runs from mid-October to early February, with final exams held until the end of March. If taking the pre-semester German intensive language course, students must arrive in early September.
• The "Summer" Semester runs from mid-April to late July, with final exams held until the end of August. Students may be able to arrange for early exams if it overlaps with the next UCalgary fall semester. If taking the pre-semester German intensive language course, students must arrive in early March, or in January if taking the Enhanced Summer Semester Program (described in the Academic section above).

There is also a summer program open to Schulich students and students of other majors. For more information, check out the Stuttgart Summer page.

Stuttgart guarantees housing for all exchange students in their student dorms. Note that as part of this guarantee, exchange students are not able to choose a specific dorm/room, as it depends entirely on what is available each semester. You can expect to receive a private bedroom (including a bed, desk, closet and other furniture) which will be in a corridor or apartment, sharing the bathroom & kitchen/dining area with other students. The dorms usually have a mix of German and international students. 

The dorms in Stuttgart are very conveniently located 20 min from the city centre, and come equipped with a table, bed, chair, and closet. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared across the floor. Bed linen can be purchased on arrival, typically around 45 euro. All rooms have internet access, and access to washing machines, dryers, bike storage, and cable TV. All rent is inclusive of utilities except internet (very affordable). For more info, view the housing page.

Exchange students can opt-out and search for a private rental instead if they want. However, as there can be significant challenges in the private housing market, living in student residences is strongly recommended. 

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in the Schulich School of Engineering, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-).

If studying in German, exchange students are required to show proof of German proficiency - at least B2 (upper intermediate) level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Students who have B1 or lower are required to take the pre-semester German intensive language course.

If studying in English, students do not need to prove any knowledge of German. However, due to limited English course availability, flexibility is key. We recommend that English-speaking students plan to do this exchange in the 4th year or higher of your undergraduate degree, in order to access a wider range of English courses at the masters level. It is also strongly recommended to attend the pre-semester German intensive language course.

In order to participate in the Enhanced Summer Semester Program (see academic section for details), students need a minimum German language level of A2. 

What's special about Stuttgart?

For more information about living in Stuttgart, visa applications, insurance, and other important information, please visit their "Practical Information" page. 

Do I need to speak German?

For studies in German it is required, however for classes in English it is recommended that you have an intermediate understanding of German (German 205 or equivalent). In daily life English speakers are able to function fairly well in German society with a basic knowledge of the language for shopping and eating out, etc. but it can be more difficult in terms of navigating housing, websites, or filling out forms.

Is there a pre-semester German language program?

Yes. Before every semester students have the opportunity to participate in a pre-semester German language course. Students should have at least a basic knowledge of German (A1-A2) before the course begins (a minimum of 200 hours of instruction), but are matched to various levels based on ability. The course costs approximately €250. For more details on application deadline and requirements, please see the link above.

In order to take courses in German, students may be required to provide a certificate proving at least an B1 level of German knowledge according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

Is there an Orientation program?

Yes. It includes group sessions explaining some of the formalities of your exchange, the German university system, and tips for living and studying in Stuttgart. This is offered to students that don't participate in the German intensive course to get the information necessary to have a successful program. Typically this takes place a week before lectures begin and more details can be found on their Orientation program page. 

What supports or services are available at Stuttgart? 

Stuttgart offers support for students with permanent or temporary disabilities. For information on accessibility of campuses across Europe, ESN has created "Inclusive Mobility EU" which allows you to check the accessibility of universities and cities across Europe. For city-specific services and places in Europe, the Jaccede interactive platform (website and/or smartphone app - both Android and iOS) also provides a searchable user-built database to identify important accessibility information of public places and locations.