Study abroad as a free mover

As a free mover, you organise your studies abroad independently of the Ostfalia exchange programmes. This means that you apply directly to a university of your choice abroad.

The advantages:

• You have a free choice of university and country.
• There are countless opportunities available to you worldwide.

The disadvantages

• In most cases, as a Free Mover you will need to pay tuition fees. The amount of tuition fees varies depending on the university: they can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per semester. Especially in English-speaking countries (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia), fees are often at least €5,000 per semester. 

BUT: In many non-English-speaking countries the costs are often lower – and courses are still frequently offered in English (for example, in Scandinavia, the Baltic States, the Netherlands, Central and Eastern Europe, or Asia).

Even as a Free Mover, it is possible to have academic achievements completed abroad recognized at Ostfalia. 

It is important that the courses you choose are comparable in content and scope to those offered at Ostfalia. Therefore, you should discuss your study plans with your faculty’s international advisor while you are still in the planning stage. This allows you to clarify early on what you should pay attention to when selecting courses and how the recognition process works afterwards. 

If you’re not sure who to contact, we are happy to help!

Alternatively, you can apply for a semester of leave - however, no credits will be recognised.

You have various options for finding your dream university abroad:

1.Internet research:

Use search engines and international university databases to search for suitable study opportunities worldwide.

2.Placement agencies:

There are reputable agencies that will help you organise a semester abroad. Many Ostfalia students have found their study place as a free mover in this way. We have compiled a list of the most popular and trustworthy agencies for you - just contact us if you would like more information!

3.Ostfalia partner universities (open to all, with tuition fees):

Ostfalia Partner Universities (open to all, with tuition fees): 

At some of Ostfalia’s partner universities, you can also apply independently of the official exchange program and obtain a place by paying tuition fees. Usually, there are no limits on the number of places available, and often you will also receive a discount on the tuition fees. 

Tip: In our portal, you can select the “cross-faculty” option under the “Field of Study” filter. 

The following universities are currently offering such places (please check whether they offer suitable modules for your field of study):

• Australia - International College of Management, Sydney
• Canada - Vancouver Island University
• Spain - EUSA - Estudios Universitarios y Superiores de Andalucía
• South Africa - Nelson Mandela University