Viadrina Summer Courses

Programme for undergraduate students

A cheerful group of young people celebrates in the Gräfin-Dönhoff-Building of the Viadrina. They are holding various flags, wearing matching clothes and waving or laughing. More flags hang in the background and colourful balloons float in the air.

International Day

Programme for undergraduate students

Experience Europe, broaden your horizons and earn credits - all in one unforgettable summer at the European University Viadrina!

The summer programme in Frankfurt (Oder) combines excellent English-language courses with a unique international experience in the heart of Europe and offers you all the benefits of a short exchange semester. During the six-week stay, students from all over the world earn academic credits (up to 18 ECTS), make international contacts and experience cultural exchange.

Our diverse range of courses opens up new perspectives and enables you to discover Europe at first hand. Viadrina's special location on the German-Polish border and close to Berlin invites you to actively explore Europe's diversity outside the lecture theatre. As a regularly enrolled student, you benefit from the Deutschlandticket, which gives you unlimited mobility within Germany.

Look forward to a summer full of academic inspiration, international encounters and personal discoveries!

Overview

Our summer programme is aimed at bachelor students from the humanities and social sciences, particularly those with an interest in cultural studies, political science, digital media, gender studies, migration and international relations. The English-language seminars offer an interdisciplinary perspective on current social and political developments and enable participants to deepen their knowledge in an international academic environment.

The courses are held in academic English. Therefore, very good language skills of at least B2 or C1 level are strongly recommended in order to participate in courses.

The summer courses take place in small, interactive block seminars in which regular and international students learn together. The teaching combines theoretical principles with practical application and encourages active exchange through discussions, group work and presentations. This structured yet open learning environment enables participants to engage intensively with current scientific issues and further develop their academic skills.

Each course comprises around 20-30 attendance hours and 100-130 hours of independent study and is recognised with 6 ECTS (credits). In order to make the most of your academic stay, we recommend that all students take part in at least two courses. Up to 18 ECTS can be earned.

Examinations vary depending on the course and may include assignments, presentations, oral or written examinations. Active participation is an essential part of the assessment.

Detailed requirements are set out in the respective course descriptions.

After successful completion, participants receive an official Transcript of Records, which shows the ECTS points earned (max. 18 ECTS) and confirms their participation in the programme.

For students from the USA: The courses have been successfully recognised at many American universities in the past. However, we recommend that you clarify the recognition of ECTS credits with your home university in advance.

Term of the summer courses 2025: 01 June - 16 July 2025

The Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences and the European New School of Digital Studies are offering three courses this year:

The lists of all Syllabi can be found here.

 

Important note: The European New School of Digital Studies is located in Słubice, Poland, so please make sure that your visa application is valid for both Germany and Poland.

Term of the 2026 summer courses: tba

The course programme for 2026 is currently being planned. As soon as the final programme has been finalised, the course descriptions will be published here.

Costs and fees

Standard Participation Fee: 200.00 euros

Semester Contribution 2025: 352.40 euros (more information here)

Tuition Fee*: 1,000.00 euros (including two courses)

*Students from partner universities are exempt from the tuition fee. For a possible exemption, please contact us via your International Office.

 

Total costs:

  • for students from partner universities: 552.40 euros
  • for students from other universities: 1,552.40 euros

Application

Checklist

  • Letter of Motivation (max. 1 page)
    Orientation questions:
    Why do you want to participate in the Viadrina Summer Courses?
    How do the Summer Courses complement your current studies at your home university?
    What expectations do you have of the programme?
  • Nomination by your Home University
  • Academic Transcript of Records/Official Overview of Grades
  • Scan of Passport/Identity Card

Please note that applications can only be reviewed once we have received all the required documents.

If you have technical difficulties with the Viadrina online application portal, please contact us at moveon-support@europa-uni.de.

The application period for the 2025 summer courses ran from 11 January to 2 March 2025.

Apply here!

Living

During your stay at the European University Viadrina, there are various accommodation options available to you. As a regularly enrolled student, you may be able to get a place in one of the student residences, depending on availability.

The student residences are all located close to the campus, both to the main campus in Frankfurt (Oder) and to the Collegium Polonicum in Słubice, a joint research institution of Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan and the European University Viadrina. The building is also home to the European New School of Digital Studies, which, alongside the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, organises lectures and seminars as part of the Viadrina Summer Courses. All halls of residence are easily accessible by public transport or even on foot in some cases.

Note: As halls of residence and individual courses can be located in Frankfurt (Oder) as well as in Słubice, please make sure that your visa is valid for Germany and Poland. If you are unsure, please contact the relevant embassy or the nearest consulate.

The housing situation has worsened significantly since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. We therefore strongly recommend that you start looking for accommodation early and use external platforms such as WG-Gesucht, classified ads or property portals such as ImmobilienScout24 and Immowelt in addition to student residences. Another option is the newly renovated Ferdinandshöfe, which is just a five-minute walk from the university.

Students should budget at least €500.00 per month for rent, depending on the type and location of the accommodation.

Please note that finding accommodation is your own responsibility.

You can find more information about housing, living and leisure here!

Site plans, buildings and opening hours

Signpost

Contact us

Martina Cors

Viadrina International Affairs