Information for Exchange Students going to Passau
- Generally, from the point of nomination/selection as DEMA students, the International Office of the University of Passau will guide students through the registration process, which ends in the orientation week.
- What is really important is that Turku students participate at the orientation week at the University of Passau, which is held the week before the winter term begins. The date changes slighty every year, as the start of the winter term varies from year to year. See here for a list of dates in the coming years: https://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/getting-organised/academic-calendar/
- More information on the orientation week can be found here: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/intl-orientation-weeks/
- It is also during the orientation week that DEMA students will be registered (with full student status - not „just“ as exchange students) at the University of Passau.
- All inquiries and questions that Turku students might have concerning this process should be directed to the International Office and its Tutors. There is also a facebook site of the International Office at: https://www.facebook.com/International-Office-University-of-Passau-Incoming-142917029217552/.
- Please find here the Information sheet for the Academic Year 2017/2018 of the University of Passau.
- Checkliste for international students upon arrival in Passau.
German universities offer excellent teaching and research, ranking among the best in the world. You will earn an internationally renowned degree, giving you excellent prospects on the global labour market.
German universities provide outstanding academic programmes, while universities of applied sciences offer a range of attractive, practice-oriented options. Many study programmes combine theory and practice. This will greatly facilitate your career start.
In comparison with other countries, Germany is a safe country. In town or in the countryside, by day or by night, you can move around freely here. Germany offers economic and political stability, which makes it an ideal place for you to study. Discover the beauty and diversity Germany has to offer! When you take time off from your studies, there are 1001 ways of finding out more about your host country. For example, you can go to a museum, a cinema or a theatre, you can sit in a beer garden, you can go for a walk on a beach, you can swim in a lake, climb a mountain or visit an old castle. https://www.study-in.de/en/
Widely considered one of the loveliest cities in Germany, Passau is situated in the southern foothills of the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. Having been razed to the ground in the great fire of 1662, Passau was re-built according to designs by Italian master builders, which is where it gets its Mediterranean baroque flair from. It is partly for this reason that Passau is also known as the ‘Venice of Bavaria’. Atop a small hill in the Old Town sits St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the largest ba- roque cathedral north of the Alps. The Old Town is characterised by spacious squares, romantic promenades, narrow winding alleys adorned with small cafés, bars and beer gardens.
www.passau.de
Passau: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWbVHsQhRPM&feature=youtu.be
One day in Passau: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDiyVlE9BNc&feature=youtu.be
Owing to its excellent research, an outstanding study environment and a tight-knit international network of partners, the University of Passau was founded in 1978 and is a highly visible and highly respected academic and research institution in the heart of Europe. In the 2018 and 2019 World University Ranking, Passau ranked among the top 250 universities in the world, and is ranked 27thamong the universities aged 50 years or under. Internationally successful high-technology companies and a vibrant start-up scene, coupled with a rich culture and Lower Bavarian traditions make Passau a city with a high quality of life. Some 13,000 students hailing from 100 countries and more than 1,100 staff in primary employment in the academic units and academic support divisions are engaged in research, teaching and higher education support functions on our university campus, located just a stone’s throw from the Old Town of Passau. This campus is not only well-equipped in terms of its technical infrastructure but has also won numerous architecture prizes.
www.uni-passau.de/en/
University of Passau image film
More reasons for the University of Passau:
International flair and cosmopolitanism
Excellent conditions for study and top-quality education
International degree courses and double degrees
An unparalleled range of language courses
Strong business links
A beautiful campus with a lively student scene
A typically Bavarian flair and a great place to live
No, it is not necessary to learn German. Many of the courses offered at the University of Passau are in English and English is widely spoken in the general population. But you can learn German, if you like to.The Language Centre offers enrolled international students German language courses during the semester.
http://www.sprachenzentrum.uni-passau.de/en/language-courses/german/
The teaching language in this double Master degree programme is English. There is a wide choice of courses at both universities taught in English.
To participate in the DEMA program you need skills in English language at level B2 (CEFR) or higher. You need to prove that you have adequate English skills by means of a recognised language certificate. We accept known language certificate such as FFP I/FFP II, UNIcert, etc., or your Ylioppilastutkintocertificate, if the level is written on it.
The academic year begins with the winter semester/term, which starts on 1 October and ends on 31 March. The summer semester/term then runs from 1 April to 30 September each year. Teaching in the winter semester starts in the middle of October. https://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/getting-organised/academic-calendar/
The International Students’ Orientation Weeks start in the middle of September
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/intl-orientation-weeks/
There are several courses in English which you can attend at the University of Passau. But keep in mind that you have to fulfil the requirements of the Master’s programme of the Universities of Passau and Turku.
University of Passau: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/study-options/english-taught/
University of Turku: https://opas.peppi.utu.fi/en/degree-programme/8969
Once you have a campus network username and a password you can log in to a system called Stud.IP. There you can find information about courses, enrol online to courses and events, co-ordinate your chosen courses and events, put together your timetable or download course materials.
No, the study plan will be signed by the professors of the board and this will substitute a Learning Agreement, i.e., it will serve as a commitment to the student to accept the courses passed at the foreign university and at the home university. At each university, the courses will be accepted with their original ECTS.
Usually courses have an exam at the end of the term which makes up 100 % of the final grade. In some cases individual assignments during the term will also count towards the final grade.
The structure of the programme is designed to enable you to complete it in two years. Due to the different semester/term system in Germany (winter term and summer term) an extension at the University of Passau is generally not possible.
Masters’ thesis and seminar will be jointly supervised by academic partners at both universities, but each must be written at the home university. Both, seminar and masters’ thesis need to be written in English.
The Master thesis has to be written in English because it will be jointly supervised by academic partners at both universities.
1. DEMA Students first choose a supervisor at their home university going through the usual process.
2. The supervisor is responsible for giving them a general topic. The supervisor then notifies the other university of the fact that he/she is supervising the given student and what the topic is. The other university then assigns a supervisor, too, and notifies back on who the other supervisor is.
3. At a later point in time (before the thesis is formally registered), the supervisor shares a written research exposé (laying out topic, research method and some related literature) with the other university. The other university provides a brief feedback on the expose, or just acknolwedges its receipt.
4. The thesis is formally registered (in Passau), fixing the title of the thesis.
5. If a presentation of the thesis is arranged, the other university is invited to that presentation in due time.
6. The thesis is formally handed in at the home university and at the other university, going through the respective procedures.
7. A formal written evaluation of the thesis (in Turku this is in English, In Passau this can be in English or German) is provided to the other university.
It is theoretically possible but we advise you not to write your Master thesis in cooperation with a company, due to the fact that there are already two institutions who supervise it.
There is a tutor system for degree and exchange students called buddy scheme at the university of Passau. A personal tutor system engages voluntary and trained German or foreign students to help you with practical matters and to guide you through student life in Passau. You can register for the buddy scheme via an online application form.
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/getting-settled/buddy-scheme/
Fachschaft WIWI: http://www.wiwi.uni-passau.de/fachschaft-wiwi/
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/cost-of-living-and-funding-options/
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable.
The University of Passau does not charge tuition fees. However, you have to pay a contribution of currently €72 per semester at matriculation and re-registration. Much of this semester contribution goes to the student services association, which runs the refectory, cafeterias and halls of residence, among other things. The semester contribution also includes the fees for a semester bus pass for buses operated by Stadtwerke Passau (SWP). http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/getting-settled/semester-bus-pass/
Meals cost about 2,70 -6,00 € in the mensa (refectory) or the student cafeterias with a student card. The mensa in Passau is directly by the river Inn, right behind the WiWi (economics and law) building. It differs from other canteens particularly in that it doesn't serve a uniform meal - each guest can put together his or her own meal from the dishes served along the counter. Opening times: Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 14:15. There are also four student cafeterias which are open Monday to Friday. The opening hours differ in the different cafeterias, some start with breakfast at 7:30, some close at 19:00 o’clock, one is open Monday to Saturday.
The International Office of the University of Passau has set up an accommodation service for international students.
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/getting-settled/accommodation/
Cost of student housing per month is about 200 - 400 Euros.
If you are covered by statutory health insurance from Finland you are exempt from the requirement to obtain German health insurance. However, you have to show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), form E128 to the AOK office in Passau (Dr.-Hans-Kapfinger-Strasse 14a, Passau). You will then be issued a health insurance card, which you should present whenever you go to see a doctor.
If you are privately insured in your home country you will need written confirmation that your insurance coverage meets the German and European legal requirements. Travel health insurance policies are not accepted, as they do not provide sufficient coverage!
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/getting-settled/health-insurance/
There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants or private tutors. A knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job. But please be aware of the legal regulations. https://www.study-in.de/en/plan-your-stay/job-and-career/part-time-job_26928.php
EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit, but must register their right to reside in Germany as a student if their stay lasts longer than three months. This is only a formality. Registration is free of charge, but you are legally required to do so within one week of moving in to your new accommodation.You can register with the Bürgerbüro (‘citizens’ office’: Rathausplatz 2, Passau or Vornholzstr. 40, Passau). Student helpers will be on hand to assist you with the formalities during the Orientation Weeks for international students.
by plane
From Munich airport:
Onward journey by bus and train:
https://www.uni-passau.de/fileadmin/dokumente/internationales/Welcome_Centre/From_Munich_Airport_to_Passau_by_Public_Transport_Februar_2019.pdf
Onward journey by (rental) car:
via autobahn A92 Landshut - A3 Passau (about 1,5 hours)
find more information here: www.munich-airport.de
From Frankfurt/Main airport:
Onward journey by train: direct or via Hanau ICE train to Passau about 4,5 hours
Onward journey by car: via autobahn A3 to Passau
From Nuremberg airport:
Onward journey by train: via Nuremberg city: direct ICE train to Passau about 2,5 hours
Onward journey by car: via autobahn A3 to Passau
From Linz/Austria airport:
Onward journey by train: via Hörsching: direct train to Passau about 2 hours
Onward journey by car: via autobahn (toll road) A25/A8
by train
Find your suitable train schedule here: https://www.bahn.de
Intercity (IC) trains:
Nuremberg – Passau – Vienna
Dortmund – Cologne – Frankfurt/Main – Würzburg – Nuremberg – Regensburg – Passau – Linz – Vienna – Budapest
Intercity Express (ICE) trains:
Ostend – Amsterdam – Brussels – Aachen – Frankfurt/Main – Würzburg – Nuremberg – Regensburg – Passau – Vienna
Hamburg – Hanover – Göttingen – Würzburg – Nuremberg – Passau – Vienna
Regional trains (RE):
Munich – Landshut – Plattling – Passau
by car
Using the highway (Autobahn):
A3 Cologne – Frankfurt – Nuremberg – Passau – Linz – Vienna
A92/A3 Munich – Landshut – Deggendorf – Passau
Distances - Duration (conservative):
Munich 200 km - 2:00 h, Munich airport 160 km - 1:30 h
Nuremberg 230 km - 2:20 h
Frankfurt/Main 450 km - 4:20 h
Linz/Austria 80 km - 1:15 h
Vienna 300 km - 2:50 h
Prague 220 km - 3:05 h
Regensburg 125 km - 1:30 h