updated: January 6, 2020
Mandatory Course Load for
Exchange Students
There are two sessions during the International Exchange Program and
Bucerius Law School requires a minimum course load of 4 American Bar
Association (ABA) / 8 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits per
session. The course “Introduction to German Law” is the only mandatory
course. Although credits can be earned with this course, they do not
count towards the minimum requirement of 8 ABA / 16 ECTS credits
during the program described above.
Approximately 20 courses are offered during the semester. Courses are
either worth 2 ABA / 4 ECTS credits or 1 ABA / 2 ECTS credits. Students
generally take a total of 6 – 7 courses.
“Certificate in Management and
Leadership for Lawyers”
Since 2013, Bucerius offers the unique opportunity to earn a “Certificate
in Management and Leadership for Lawyers”, which students can enroll
in as an optional module during their semester at Bucerius.
Certificate courses are offered in cooperation with the Bucerius Center
on the Legal Profession, which was founded in 2010 to observe current
developments in the legal services market and to provide lawyers with
technical knowledge that extends beyond a mere understanding of law.
Course topics cover areas such as negotiation, business skills for
lawyers, mediation and lawyering in a globalized world.
Extracurricular Activities Academic studies are balanced by a selection of interesting
extracurricular activities, such as guided tours in and around Hamburg,
visits to museums, lectures on the German political system and current
political situation, an excursion to Lübeck, a one-day trip to Berlin and
several social events with Bucerius students, all of which are free of
charge.
Exchange students are also welcome to participate in the numerous
student activity groups on campus, including music, political and sport
groups.
On-Campus Housing Bucerius Law School does not have on-campus housing, but it tries to
secure rooms in two dormitories in Hamburg. Accepted students receive
information on applying for dormitory housing in May.
Off-Campus Housing
Bucerius Law School provides assistance in finding suitable
accommodation. Often German Bucerius students who will be studying
abroad sublease their apartment or room to international students.
Further housing options and relevant information are provided once
students are accepted to the program.
Immigration Information
All non-EU citizens must obtain a student visa / residency permit for their
stay in Germany.
Depending on their citizenship, some students will need to apply for an
entry visa to Germany in their home country prior to their arrival, which
they may later need to extend, once they are in Germany for their
studies. Others will be able to enter Germany as a tourist and apply for a
student residency permit once they are at Bucerius. Accepted students
receive detailed immigration information as well as assistance with the
process of extending or applying for a residency permit in Germany.
Nonetheless, students are responsible for making any necessary
inquiries at their local German Embassy or Consulate in a timely manner
on their own after being accepted to the program.
Health Insurance Requirements
To obtain a German student visa / residency permit, students need to
have health insurance covering them in Germany for at least EUR 30,000
for the duration of their stay. They can purchase health insurance plans
through Bucerius Law School or turn in proof of their own insurance,
provided it meets the minimum requirements set forth by the Hamburg
Immigration Office.