University of Saarland

Saarland University (German: Universität des Saarlandes) is a modern research university located in Saarbrücken, the capital of the German state of Saarland, and Homburg. It was founded in 1948 in Homburg in co-operation with France and is organized in eight faculties that cover all major fields of science. The university is particularly well known for research and education in computer science, computational linguistics and materials science, consistently ranking among the top in the country in those fields. In 2007, the university was recognized as an excellence center for computer science in Germany.

Thanks to bilingual German and French staff, the University has an international profile, which has been underlined by its proclamation as "European University" in 1950 and by establishment of Europa-Institut as its "crown and symbol" in 1951.

Nine academics have been honored with the highest German research prize, the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, while working at Saarland University.

Saarland University, the first to be established after World War II, was founded in November 1948 with the support of the French Government and under the auspices of the University of Nancy.

At the time the Saarland found itself in the special situation of being partly autonomous and linked to France by economic and monetary union. With its combination of the German and French educational traditions and the dual languages of instruction, the university had a European perspective right from the start. Prior to the foundation of the university, clinical training courses for medical students at the state hospital in Homburg, Saarland, had been introduced in January 1946 and the "Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Supérieures de Hombourg" established on 8 May 1947 under the patronage of the University of Nancy. Students in certain disciplines can obtain degree certificates from both universities.

The first president of the independent university in 1948 was Jean Barriol. In the same year the university introduced the first courses in law, philosophy and languages.

In the 1950s Saarland University joined the Association of West-German Universities and accepted a new, more centralized organizational structure. The Europa-Institut is established as a European politics and law think tank.

In 1990 the faculty of technology is established. The university steadily gains leading research status in information technology.

Language requirements: Certificate of proficiency in EnglishAccepted are a TOEFL test with a minimum score of 550 points (paper-based), 213 points (computer-based)- or 79 points (internet-based)- Cambridge Advanced English Test (min. grade B)- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency Test (min. grade B) or the IELTS (min. 6.0)Native speakers are exempt from this regulation.

Study abroad unit(s): None

Free-of-charge internet access

Pick-up service from railway station / airport

About the City:

The name Cottbus originated from the Wendish language: the name of the town is derived either from "kop sebuz", which means "to the passage place at the river", or from a Slavic personal name, "Chotibud". Monuments marking the ages and well worth a visit characterise life within the old walls. The reconstructed Altmarkt, the city's "parlour", is bursting with vitality all day long.Cottbus is a city of around 100,000 inhabitants. It is located approx. 130 km southeast of Berlin, the capital of Germany. Trains run to Berlin and Dresden, which is in Saxony, once an hour. Cottbus is quite green, with the River Spree running through it. It boasts a renowned 19th-century theatre offering modern productions, including opera and ballet. The beautiful Branitz Park, created by Furst Puckler in the 19th century, is another cultural highlight of the city. There are good tram and bus connections in town, and a lively nightlife for students on campus and in the city.Senftenberg is located about 40 km southwest of Cottbus and only 60 km north of Dresden. Situated within the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district, the town has a population of approx. 25,000 citizens. The University's Senftenberg campus is located here. Written records of the town go back to the 13th century. The castle fortifications in the centre of the town were important for a stable urban and economic development. Initially, this development was based on agriculture and craftsmanship. After the 19th century, the town experienced a rapid change in industrialisation and, similar to Cottbus, became a mining town specialised in brown coal. Today, Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatian lake district. Former excavation and mining pits are being flooded to become the largest artificial lake system in Europe. Thanks to this, Senftenberg has become a tourist attraction within the region.

Cost of living:

Studying abroad can differ significantly from studying in your home country. We recommend that students budget between 500 to 700 EUR per month for accommodation, health insurance, living expenses, books, etc.. Of course, this amount depends entirely on the individual lifestyle.Monthly costs:- rent (incl. utilities): 170-280 EUR- groceries: 150 EUR- health insurance, medical fees, medication: 80 EUR- miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 100-200 EURTotal: 500-700 EURYou will not need to pay for public transport in Berlin and Brandenburg. The semester ticket for buses and trains operated by VBB is already included in the semester fee.

Funding opportunities within the university:

The International Office of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is able to grant a limited number of scholarships for foreign students. These include exchange scholarships for students from partner universities, scholarships for completion of studies, and scholarships involving tutorial work.http://www.b-tu.de/internationales/incomings/im-studium/stipendien

Arrival support:

The university's International Office assists foreign students with registration and enrolment procedures at the university upon arrival. It also holds an information session at the beginning of each semester covering administrative procedures and cultural events that are offered throughout each semester. The BTU holds an orientation week each October prior to the beginning of classes. During this week, each faculty offers orientation sessions where new students are provided with detailed programme information as well as academic advice and have the opportunity to meet professors and other students. The student organisation, OTIWO, offers cultural events throughout this week. Attendance is highly recommended! The university's tutor group "BTU Buddies" and the student council are there to assist English-speaking students in the international programmes. For example, they will accompany the students when registering for health insurance and with municipal authorities.

Services and support for international students:

To ensure that international students feel comfortable on the BTU campuses and around the cities of Cottbus and Senftenberg, the Student Activities Office, run by the International Office, offers services such as cultural events, excursions, job compass, home stays with German families, and much more.For more information, please consult this website: http://www.b-tu.de/en > International > Incoming Students > During StudiesFurthermore, intensive guidance is provided by professors, lecturers, and programme officers within the study programmes.

Transcending boundaries is a hallmark of Saarland University – no matter whether these are geographical borders, cultural boundaries, barriers between academic disciplines, or outmoded divisions between academia and economic and cultural life. 

Combining top-quality research with excellence in teaching

Informatics, nanotechnology, biosciences and Europe are the key disciplines that are shaping the university's profile. The outstanding reputation of the Department of Informatics was underscored in the national academic excellence initiative, and the numerous internationally recognized, externally funded research projects across all fields of academic study highlight the quality of the academic work being performed at Saarland University. 

Combining academic study and business practice

Saarland University offers a comprehensive support package for students preparing to start their careers or aiming to set up their own businesses. Guided by the Contact Centre for Technology Transfer (KWT), students can develop their business ideas, formally register their business ventures and learn to take their first steps as independent entrepreneurs. The jUNIts training scheme for young entrepreneurs offers students the possibility to work on project assignments on behalf of local and regional companies.

An innovative force in the Saar-Lor-Lux region

The university has developed an outstanding profile in new technologies such as informatics, the biosciences or nanotechnologies – a fact that has led to the establishment of numerous spin-off companies now active on and around campus. These developments highlight the university's role as one of the largest employers in the region and its importance in promoting the transfer of technology and knowledge to the entire Saar-Lor-Lux region.