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Orientation | First Steps

A very warm Welcome to our international students!

Orientation for International Students

At the beginning of the semester, we welcome all new students of the Martin Luther University. Here you will receive information on topics related to the University of Halle in general (library, Studentenwerk, Löwenportal & co.) and student life.

We have compiled an overview of the most important information in the information brochure "First Steps".

Information on the portals "Stud.IP" and "Löwenportal" of MLU can be found in the information sheet below.

There are also other alternatives and external platforms for completing the necessary formalities, such as opening bank accounts, insurance and general advice; one of the best known among international students is Expatrio   .

First Steps
First Steps  WiSe 2025-26.pdf (642.8 KB)  vom 19.06.2025

Differences between Löwenportal and Stud.IP
Differences_Löwenportal-StudIP.pdf (2.8 MB)  vom 09.11.2022

Pick up dates for enrolment documents

The pick up of enrolment documents will be in person only.

Dates for the winter semester 2024/2025:

Wednesday, 2 October 2024 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. (noon)

Friday, 4 October 2024 10.00 a.m. -12.00 p.m. (noon)

Tuesday, 8 October 2024 10.00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Place: Infothek, Löwengebäude at the main campus

Students Guide

This brochure contains a lot of useful information on your study stay in Halle.

Map of the Campus Locations

The lecture halls and buildings of Martin Luther Universität are located all over the city. Here you can find a map of the main campus locations. You can also get this map in the university shop at the market square (tourist-information).

Academic Calendar

At MLU, the academic year is divided into two terms: "Wintersemester" and "Sommersemester". The winter term begins officially on October 1 and ends on March 31. The summer term begins on April 1 and ends on September 30. However, the lecture period only runs from mid-October until mid-February and from mid-April until the end of July. The remaining time, the so-called "vorlesungsfreie Zeit", is intended for writing papers, preparing exams or for internships, etc. Dorms are open throughout the whole year.

German Grading Scale

In Germany, the rating of study achievements is usually done with grades from "1" to "5" with one decimal place.

Cost of Living

The following table shows information on the living expenses students in Halle have to cover during one semester.

Please note that these figures are approximate values and are only valid as references, since expenses for copies, books, and food, e.g., may differ from student to student and costs for accommodation may vary.

*Information on the Semester Fee:

At Martin-Luther-Universität, we do not charge any tuition fees. However, every student enrolled at the university has to pay the Semester Fee. This fee is a contribution to the services the Student Services Organization Halle (Studentenwerk Halle) provides for our students. It is also the fee for the so-called Semester-Ticket for public transportation.
With the Germany-wide semester ticket ('Deutschland-Semesterticket') you can use local public transport in all of Germany.

Buddy Programme

Anyone making part of their studies or even the entire study at a university abroad, must organize much and be prepared for a lot of new and unknown factors. In a foreign country with an unfamiliar teaching and learning culture one will find it is often not easy and is - in addition to the requirements of the course - a big challenge.

Our buddy program aims to facilitate the international students to start life in Halle and the University.
Our buddies are local students who help their international fellow students across organizational and cultural borders and sometimes technical support over the hurdles in the first weeks in Halle.

Currently, all international exchange students get a local buddy. Our international students have timely contact with their buddies, so that contact can be made even before the arrival in Halle.

If you have any further questions about the buddy-programme, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Further information for new international students can be found on the Welcome Portal.   

Also visit us on Facebook – Facebook    – here you will find up-to-date information on funding and support  programmes and events, photo galleries, and you can always contact us!

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