German-French Studies University of Bonn

Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

Courses are mainly held in French and German. Participants can choose to write the Bachelor's thesis in either language. During the second year, students have an English course (4 ECTS). During the third year, students learn a third foreign language. They have the choice between Danish, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish (12 ECTS).

The "German-French Studies" Bachelor of Arts programme is an international course of study with a joint degree. It arose from the cooperation between Bonn University in Germany and Sorbonne Université in Paris, France. The course of study is part of the Franco-German University (FGU). It is focused on philological and cultural knowledge about France and Germany and the mediation of German and French culture. The students take classes that are offered by the Department of Romance Studies as well as the Department of German Studies. This curriculum includes lectures and courses in literature and (inter)cultural studies, in linguistics and comparative studies, and language courses. The programme also includes an obligatory practical internship in the partner country. This allows the students to deepen their intercultural experience as well as take the first steps towards the creation of an international professional network. Graduates of the course are generalists who have acquired valuable expert knowledge, practical language skills and various key qualifications. The Bachelor’s programme prepares students for further scientific qualification in a Master’s programme as well as for a direct start in their professional lives.

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During their first year, all students study at their home university (either in Bonn or in Paris). All students spend the second year in Paris and the third year in Bonn. In this way, they form a real Franco-German group for two years. While the first year serves as an orientation and a preparation, the second year is highly focused on comparative and contrastive Franco-German topics. During the third year, a wide range of courses allows students to focus on core areas of content. Students complete an internship in the partner country in order to take a look at the foreign labour market. The graduates are awarded a joint degree. The number of students is restricted to 30 at both universities.

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An internship of six weeks has to be completed before the end of studies. This internship has to be done in the partner country.

No tuition fees

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 300 EUR per semester. It includes a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance, among other things.

In France, the semester contribution is approx. 400 EUR per semester. However, students are exempt from this fee during their year abroad.

Compared to the rest of Europe, living in Germany is slightly above the EU average. The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 800 EUR to 1,000 EUR with apartment rent accounting for the largest share.

In Paris, we recommend a budget of around 1,000 EUR to 1,200 EUR per month.

German higher education entrance qualification ("Abitur") or equivalent is required. Admission to the programme in Bonn is regulated by an aptitude test. The written test takes 90 minutes, and the oral examination takes 15 minutes. In the event that the applicant does not pass this test, the test may be repeated once. The test refers to the proof of knowledge in the following areas: German literature, culture and language; French literature, culture and language; and Franco-German relations.

For details, see the website: www.dfs.uni-bonn.de.

Good knowledge of French (CEFR B1 level) and German (CEFR C1 level) is recommended.

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Students of the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Bonn (further information: Studierendenwerk Bonn). For more information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website: Uni Bonn - Living in Bonn.

Private housing can be found on websites such as: www.wg-gesucht.de in Bonn and www.pap.fr in Paris.

The University of Bonn has a central career service, which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the "iStart" career programme, which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies, thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students are also informed about possible career paths at yearly alumni events, as a result of regular alumni surveys and the forwarding of job/internship offers by the team of coordinators who cooperate with the "Alumni-Netzwerk" of Bonn University.

The University of Bonn offers a wide range of counselling and support for international (doctoral) students for any organisational questions they face related to their studies and stay in Bonn.
Uni Bonn | International Students