Application for Asia (excluding Korea)

Next application deadline:

December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., for the 2027–28 winter semester and/or the 2028 summer semester.

Applications must be submitted online via the Mobility Online application portal.

Applications will be accepted starting October 1, 2026.

Application instructions:

Please make sure to obtain your application materials as early as possible, especially your language proficiency certificate and your transcript
Incomplete applications will not be processed
You can—and should!—list up to 5 preferred universities on your application

Application materials

Online Application Form

Please fill out the Application form. You will then receive an automated email with a link to log in. Please log in and complete the required information. You can then upload your application documents to the system.

Passport

Please upload a scan of the photo page of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return from abroad.

Resume in Table Format

In table format and in English, maximum 2 pages.

Description of the study project

In English – approximately 2 pages.
The description of your study plans plays a decisive role in the placement and allocation of available spots. Provide subject-specific reasons for choosing the university or universities to which you wish to apply. When applying online, you may list up to five preferred universities. Please focus your statement of purpose on your first choice. You may also briefly describe your second and third choices.

In your letter of motivation, you should address the following points:

What is the goal of your study abroad experience?
Why do you want to go to that country and attend your preferred university?
What makes your preferred university special? Why did you choose it over others?
Which courses do you plan to take there, and how do they fit into your academic program at Tübingen? How do you plan to integrate your semester abroad into your studies at Tübingen?
What challenges might you face, and how have you already addressed them? (e.g., semester schedules, credit transfer, financing the stay, etc.)

Format: Cover letter

Proof of English proficiency

This requirement applies only if you wish to enroll in English-language courses. Students who intend to take only an intensive Chinese or Japanese language course are not required to provide proof of English proficiency.

The following proofs of English proficiency are required:

TOEFL and IELTS are accepted. However, the more affordable DAAD language certificate (available from the Department of English at the University of Tübingen or the German-American Institute in Tübingen) is also sufficient. If your application is successful and you are awarded an exchange spot, a TOEFL or IELTS score must be submitted later for certain host universities (particularly in the fields of economics and law).

Please upload your online test results as a PDF.

List of courses taken so far

Please upload a scan of your course transcript (in German or English) stamped by the Registrar's Office, showing your current grade point average.

Bachelor's degree certificate (if available)

If you would like to study in Asia during your master’s program, please upload a scan of your bachelor’s degree certificate.

Selection Process and Criteria

Applicants are selected based on the documents they submit. The selection criteria are as follows:

Academic qualifications (grades)
The relevance and rationale of the study plan (letter of motivation)
Language proficiency
Non-academic criteria, e.g., practical experience, volunteer work by the applicant
Formal requirements (completeness, adherence to formal standards, grammar and spelling, etc.)

There is no entitlement to a study place abroad or at a specific university.

The process after applying

December 1

Deadline for submitting application documents

By the end of January

The International Office reviews the applications and assigns applicants to partner universities.

End of January

The International Office sends out acceptance and rejection letters.

February-April or August-October

If accepted: The International Office nominates you to your host university.

The nomination and application periods vary greatly depending on the host university and the timing of your semester abroad (winter semester or summer semester).

You apply to your host university and must submit additional documents or upload them to the respective university's online portal.

June/July or December/January

Nach Bewerbung an der Gastuniversität

After applying to the host university

The host university reviews your application and then sends you a letter of acceptance, which is the official confirmation that you will be studying at the host university and when.

Approx. 1-2 months before departure

You will receive your letter of admission. Only then can you apply for your visa and should you book your flight.

Individual depending on the country

Start of stay abroad

More detailed information under Semester dates in Asia.