Hessian State Programmes
Hessian State Programs: Study in the USA or Australia – Tuition-Free
The Hessian State Programs make it possible!
The State of Hesse maintains exchange programs with Wisconsin (USA), Massachusetts (USA) and Queensland (Australia). These programs promote academic exchange and give h_da students the opportunity to spend a semester abroad without paying tuition fees.
The programs are open to students from all departments, and applications are submitted through the h_da International Office.
Please check both this webpage and the respective program webpages for details on the application process and required documents. You must follow the guidelines on both websites.
Program websites:
The application documents (see "Application Process") must be submitted completely and on time via global.int@h-da.de by the internal deadline.
Applications can be submitted during the following periods
- USA (Massachusetts or Wisconsin): between 10. October and 10. November
- Australia (Queensland): between 10. April and 04. May
Application Requirements
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Enrollment at h_da before, during, and after the exchange period
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Academic performance: good to very good (minimum GPA equivalent: 2.4 or better)
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English language skills:
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USA: DAAD language certificate (B2/C1) by the internal deadline. After successful selection, additionally TOEFL (min. 80 points) or IELTS (min. 6.5).
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Australia: DAAD language certificate at C1 level, not older than two years.
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International students: additional proof of German language skills at B2 level
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Study progress: at least in the 4th semester of a Bachelor’s program or the 3rd semester of a Master’s program. Applications without verifiable academic achievements cannot be considered.
We are looking for motivated students who are willing to act as “Ambassadors” for h_da and the State of Hessen. You will represent h_da and Hessen in Australia or the USA through creative ideas and activities. Please address this role explicitly in your motivation letter.
- You can find out about the participating universities in the respective selection round, requirements and documents to be submitted on this website and on the website of the country programs. Seek advice from the International Office in good time.
- Prepare all documents properly
- s. information on the website of the Hessian State Programmes
- add the following documents to your application:
- your latest average grade confirmed by your department (my-hda transcript is not sufficient)
- your latest average grade confirmed by your department (my-hda transcript is not sufficient)
- Send the documents in due time by Email as 1 PDF file up to max. 5 MB with the name „Application_Last Name“ to global.int@h-da.de. Incomplete applications won't be considered.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview within a few days after the deadline.
Selection Process
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If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a brief interview. During this conversation, we will ask about your motivation, your ideas for the Ambassador role, and your knowledge of political, social, and higher education topics.
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Afterwards, h_da will prepare a nomination list and forward it to the Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts (HMWK).
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A state-wide selection committee will then decide on the final admission. If you are among the shortlisted candidates, you will receive feedback in July (for Australia) or December (for the USA).
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If successful, your application will be forwarded to the host university in the USA or Australia. Additional documents will need to be submitted there.
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Only after the official acceptance by the host university will your application be considered final.
Important Notes
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USA: Double applications for Wisconsin and Massachusetts are not permitted.
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Amherst: Open to Master’s students only.
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Visa: For both the USA and Australia you must provide proof of sufficient financial means. Please make sure to inform yourself well in advance.
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Travel safety: Register before your stay abroad in the ELEFAND portal of the German Federal Foreign Office (Electronic Registration of Germans Abroad).
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Funding: Starting in 2026, all HessenExchange students will be offered the ExchangePass scholarship.
contact
Darmstadt Campus
Global Programs (non-european) & Partnerships
Ina Schnakenberg (she/her)
+49.6151.533-60073
overseas.int@h-da.de
Office: C23, 2.07
Darmstadt Campus
Erasmus+ mobilities (outgoing)
Britta Bruder (she/her)
+49.6151.533-67788
erasmus@h-da.de
Office: C23, 02.07
available: Tuesday - Friday
Dieburg Campus
Initial consultation outgoing mobilities
Ramona Straten (she/her)
+49.6151.533-60827
dieburg.int@h-da.de
Office: F01, 110