University of Kassel International Winter University: HESSEN
The University of Kassel International Winter University (IWU) offers a winter course in the heart of Europe!
IWU Kassel offers seminars related to Renewable Energies and German Culture, and is designed for international students. The academic program is combined with an intensive German language course offered at different levels. The class concept has been designed to teach German most effectively: It combines lectures of highly competent teachers with practical exercises in everyday German life – the best way to directly experience a new language.
Field of Study
- Environmental engineering
- History
- Literature
- Art History
- Philosophy
For more detailed information about these courses, go to the host university website.
Credit Equivalent
5 ECTS = 2 UQ Units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units if 5 ECTS are successfully completed (pending UQ faculty approval)*.
*Note: A Maximum of 5 ECTS credits will be granted. Credit will not be granted for completion of the German Language Course.
Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority, we cannot provide visa advice.
Eligibility and Application
All applicants must meet the UQ short-term experience eligibility criteria and any additional eligibility criteria set by the University of Kassel (IWU) and HESSEN - Short-term Programs
Applicants must apply to the Global Experiences team by 24 September 2026 to be considered for this experience.
Applicants will be required to submit additional documents to Global Experiences by 24 September 2026, either within your application or by email: gex@uq.edu.au:
- HESSEN application form,
- Copy of your most recent university transcript,
- Copy of your passport
- German language certificate (if applicable)
The Global Experiences team will nominate successful applicants to the host upon receipt of the above documents. Students will then be contacted by the host university with further application instructions.
Cost
The participation mode of this experience is Exchange.
You are responsible for paying tuition fees to UQ instead of the host. For the duration of your short-term global experience, you will be automatically enrolled in EXCH codes (#2-4 UQ units) on My SI-net.
You will pay all other associated program and administration fees directly to the host.
The UQ tuition fees that you pay are determined by your status as a UQ student. For more information, please refer to the Tuition and Program fees - Exchange tuition fees.
It is your responsibility to check that you are enrolled correctly by the appropriate UQ census date, or you will be charged a late fee.
Program fees include the basic offer of seminars in the study program, workshops, the German language course, excursions, accommodation (in some cases also meals), health insurance and study materials. Additional costs may arise through tickets for public transport, a security deposit for keys, or some meals.
Please see the host university website for more information.
Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged as part of the program and is at no additional cost. More information regarding accommodation can be found on the host university website.
Funding
Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
OS-HELP Loan
You may also be eligible to apply for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Harry - 2019
I decided to do the exchange for three reasons. Firstly it would allow me to do another subject over the holidays which would make the workload in my next semester significantly lighter. Secondly it offered me the opportunity to learn about environmental engineering within one of the countries leading the development of renewable technology, and lastly it allowed me to travel through Europe over the holidays and meet some awesome people.
Read more of Harry's story here.
Tony - 2019
I've learnt that the international experience and education has added a whole new dimension to my university degree. Learning course contents with people from all over the world while also experiencing a different culture has been an incredible experience. I was fortunate enough to experience German engineering and innovation through this program.
Read more of Tony's story here.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
Apply to UQ: 24 September 2026
Program Dates
Start: 29 December 2026
End: 18 January 2027
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Exchange
Location: Kassel, Germany (In-person)
Credit: For-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth-supported student.
Application Deadlines
OS-HELP loan applications open on 5 January each year.
OS-HELP loan applications can’t be accepted:
- any earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your overseas study
- any later than 3 months before the official end date of your overseas study.
*OS-HELP Loan applications are closed between 17 December and 5 January. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for more information on how to apply for an OS-HELP loan.
Refer to the funding page for more information on eligibility requirements and loan amounts.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.