Study as a free mover without a partner university

Most of the time, you apply via an online form that allows you to upload the rest of your application documents. If you send documents by e-mail, we recommend saving all files in PDF format and always filling out documents on the computer instead of handwriting them.

CVs are usually submitted in tabular form, with all relevant information presented in bullet points. If CVs are to be submitted as continuous text, this is usually clearly stated on the website of the host university.

In addition to the facts in the CV, also write what sets you apart from other applicants. This includes extracurricular activities such as social, political, social, cultural or sporting involvement. This allows you to draw conclusions about your social skills, time management and other soft skills.

Also make sure that your application is appealing, has a consistent language style and is complete.

Universities abroad usually require one or even more letters of recommendation from university teachers.

In such a letter of recommendation, the lecturer should discuss your achievements, your academic plans and your social skills, and state what distinguishes you from your fellow students.

The reviewer should therefore know you well enough to be able to make such statements. Therefore, ask for a personal interview in which you briefly explain why you need the reference letter, what contents would be particularly important for you and what formal requirements there are on the part of the foreign university. Bring your CV, your letter of motivation and a list of the courses you have attended with your evaluator to this interview.

Such an expert opinion should usually be written in English. Often, you can also submit the same report for scholarship applications.

Reviewers do not always have time to meet your application deadlines. Therefore, please allow at least four to eight weeks for your review!

The Transcript of Records lists the courses and modules you have attended, including grades and ECTS credits. The host university can use this document to get an overview of your course of study and achievements.

Unfortunately, the Transcript of Records cannot be automatically generated in English at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. This means that it is up to you to translate the German-language transcript of records from MyCampus and have it confirmed. Contact the International Office for further information.

All foreign universities require proof of your language skills in the language of instruction. Your chosen university will be able to tell you which language certificates you need to provide and what language requirements they have for you.

In most cases, these are results of standardised tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, DELF/ DALF for French and DELE for Spanish-speaking universities.

Some universities also accept DAAD language certificates, which you can obtain at the Zessko of the University of Potsdam for a fee.