Welcome to IfKW! This website provides information for incoming students who are interested in spending a semester abroad or who have already been accepted for one or two semesters at the Department of Media and Communication (IfKW).
To ensure that everything goes smoothly, please read the following information carefully.
The application process at the IfKW and LMU consists of six sequential steps that must be completed one after another with sufficient lead time and careful planning.
After successfully applying through your home university, you will be nominated by your study abroad coordinator at LMU. You will then receive information regarding registration at LMU. The Learning Agreement is the core of the application process. Registration at LMU is completed with enrollment. And then you’re all set to go!
On this page, you will find a clear, step-by-step overview to guide you through the entire process and help you plan your stay at the IfKW with confidence.
First, you must apply through your own university.
Incoming students from partner universities: Please contact your local student advisor. A list of our partner universities can be found here.
Once your application has been approved at your home university, your home universities' coordinator will nominate you for a semester or a full academic year at LMU. If you have any questions, please contact your coordinator at your home university.
You cannot apply to LMU/IfKW without a nomination.
More information on the nomination process can be found on LMU's international office website.
After beeing nominated by your home university, we will contact you with information on the application process.
Further information on the application process, procedures, and required documents for LMU can be found on the website of our International Office.
All incoming students must submit either an Online Learning Agreement (OLA) or a Learning Agreement (LA) with their application. A Learning Agreement is a study agreement between the student, the guest university (receiving university), and the home university (sending university).
Incoming students at IfKW should list our international coordinator, Jessica Kühn, as the “responsible person” in their learning agreement. She reviews the incoming LAs and provides feedback and confirmation.
The LA is submitted with your application to LMU. However, this is a preliminary version, as course selection takes place close to the start of the semester. You will then have the opportunity to adjust the LA and consult with your home university regarding the recognition of credits. We are happy to help with any questions you may have about courses at IfKW.
Congratulations! You have made it and can look forward to studying abroad at the IfKW. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, please follow these steps:
Before you arrive in Munich, you will receive an appointment for enrollment at the LMU International Office. These appointments take place one to three weeks before the start of the semester. You can find more information about your registration at LMU here.
Registration number and email address: Upon enrollment, you will receive your personal student ID card (matriculation number). This number is essential for registering for seminars and lectures. Please forward your matriculation number to the coordinator of your department immediately upon receipt. You will also receive a campus email address (preceded by "name@campus.lmu.de") that you can use to log in to the various LMU systems.
To help you get off to a successful start at LMU, our International Office has put together some tips for your first steps in Munich. In addition to helpful advice on visas, health insurance, and bank accounts, these include tips and tricks for navigating the Munich housing market.
Starting your exchange at the IfKW means more than attending classes. Alongside key academic dates and deadlines, we place great value on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our incoming students.
From orientation events before the semester begins to informal meet-ups throughout the term, we offer opportunities to connect with fellow exchange students, get to know the department, and feel at home at the IfKW from day one.
LMU's summer semester lasts 14 weeks and the winter semester 15 weeks.
Semester Periods: The academic year is devided into two semesters.
Winter semester: October 1 to March 31 | Summer semester: April 1 to September 30
Lecture Periods: The lecture period in the winter semester usually begins in mid-October, and in the summer semester in mid-April (see the academic calendar for exact dates).
Exam Dates: The examination period is usually during the last week of lectures or at the beginning of the holidays. The specific times are determined by the lecturers. If the end of the semester overlaps with the start of the new semester at the home university, we will find a flexible solution to enable students to complete their stay with us.
© Lena Teresa Photography
Start your exchange at the IfKW with our Welcome Event, held in the week before the semester begins. Meet fellow incoming students, get to know the department, and kick off your semester in a relaxed and friendly setting.
All incoming students will receive the invitation and date of the Welcome Day by email a few weeks in advance.
Want to meet incoming students from all across LMU? The International Office hosts welcome and orientation events every semester—perfect for making new connections, getting helpful tips, and settling into life at LMU.
Curious about research and academic life at the IfKW? Each winter semester, Meet the Researcher invites you to step behind the doors of our offices and meet the people who make the IfKW what it is.
Hear about current research projects, get a glimpse of everyday academic life, and ask the questions that usually don’t fit into a lecture.
Every semester, we organize small and informal meet-ups for incoming students. From game nights to visits to the Christmas market, these events are a fun way to connect, unwind, and enjoy Munich together.
As part of our Incoming Series, we organize excursions to exciting media organizations. Ever seen a printing house from the inside or sat in on a press conference? Join your fellow students and experience Munich's media world up close.
If you would like some help finding your feet as a new student at LMU, why not join the LMU Buddy Program? Your buddy—an LMU student—will help you with things like getting your LMUcard, finding your bearings in the city, or figuring out your way around campus.
At IfKW, you'll find a wide range of courses in communication studies and media research.
Incoming students can take both bachelor’s and master’s courses. Most courses are taught in German, but we offer at least 30 ECTS credits worth of English-taught courses each semester.
We offer three different types of courses.
Lectures are usually attended by 100 to 200 students and held weekly by a professor. Discussions are the exception; students are not expected to participate actively. Students are expected to read the relevant literature at home. Towards the end of the semester, there is a final exam, a written test (usually in the last week of the lecture period).
At first glance, lectures seem easy, but consider the following: you cannot practice your German in a lecture. In addition, the written exams are often quite challenging.
A seminar usually has between 15 and 30 students. You will probably have to give a presentation (usually together with fellow students) and at the end of the semester you will most likely have to write a term paper. A seminar also involves reading relevant literature. Occasionally, practical exercises take place. Discussions play an important role in seminars. Presentations are usually not a problem for exchange students, but the assignments at the end of the semester are often demanding (however, you can discuss the requirements with your tutor).
Empirical research seminars are advanced seminars designed for third-year or graduate students, focusing on empirical research.
Students wishing to attend an empirical research seminar should have a high level of proficiency in the language of instruction and have comprehensive knowledge of empirical research methods.
The up-to-date course catalogue is available at: www.lsf.lmu.de. Specific courses, including titles and descriptions, are published each semester (two months before the beginning of each semester).
At IfKW, we offer at least 30 ECTS worth of English- taught courses at both BA and MA level each semester. Incoming students have the opportunity to choose from these courses.
This includes courses for exchange students only (incoming series), but also mixed courses / lectures. Our incoming series is open to all students (limited capacity). BA and MA courses are restricted to students in communication sciences or related fields—we also have a limited number of places available.
The courses are in the following modules:
Most courses have a specific focus. Therefore, the actual topic taught may change from semester to semester. The list of topics relevant to your stay will be available approximately two months before the start of the semester.
You will receive a current fact sheet as part of your application to LMU when you submit your learning agreement. Please do not hesitate to contact our International Coordinator when you create your first LA. The current fact sheet can be downloaded here.
The following ECTS guidelines apply to your semester abroad at the IfKW:
Primarily written exams (for lectures), presentations, and term papers (for seminars), as well as oral exams where applicable.
We are open to discussing specific exams to ensure they meet the requirements of the home university.
A few weeks prior to the start of the semester, the international coordinator will send an online form for choosing classes in our department (wishlist). Students do not have to apply online for courses in the field of media and communication by themselves. Our coordinator will apply for them.
IMPORTANT: This only works for courses at IfKW – if students would like to attend courses in other departments, too, they have to subscribe to them by themself (the best would be to write an e-mail to the international coordinator or lecturer).
The fact sheet contains all the key information about studying abroad at the IfKW: information about the institute, contact details for the study abroad coordinator, and details about the courses offered.
The general fact sheet for incoming students (PDF, 492 KB) at the IfKW provides you with all the necessary information at a glance (valid from the 2026/27 winter semester).
If you are an incoming student in the summer term 2026, you can download the fact sheet for the summer semester 2026 (PDF, 459 KB).
IMPORTANT:
You do not need to register for courses directly online with LSF. Your coordinator at IfKW will do this for you. However, this only applies to courses at IfKW – if you would like to attend courses in another department, you must register yourself (it is best to send an email to the lecturer).
When selecting courses, you should consider the following:
IMPORTANT for Erasmus+ students:
Once you have received your final timetable, you can submit your Learning Agreement to your international coordinators at IfKW and your home university (by email is sufficient) in order to receive your first scholarship payment.
We recommend that everyone take a German course—after all, you want to be able to communicate well in the country where you will be living for the next few months.
LMU does not offer free German courses, but exchange students receive discounts for some courses and online courses. For more information, please visit the LMU website.
In addition, LMU strongly recommends participation in the language preparation and orientation program offered in March and September. This program consists of three parts: intensive language courses, excursions and accompanying cultural programs, and a campus orientation.
Most courses at LMU are taught in German. In addition, at least some of the exams at the end of the semester are held in German. It is therefore important to use the semester to improve your German language skills. The best thing you can do is talk, talk, talk. Don't be shy: talk to other students, go to parties, and speak up in seminars.
We always strive to offer our new students a wide-ranging and interesting course program. We make sure that our students can earn at least 30 ECTS (in English) without overlap. Therefore, we strongly recommend participating in our seminars for international students—firstly, because it's fun (!) and secondly, because it's a place where all exchange students at the IfKW can meet.
Each semester, we offer a seminar specifically for international students: “Professional Communication in Munich” in the winter semester and “Media Institutions in Munich” in the summer semester. In these seminars, students learn a lot about the media landscape in Germany and get to know various institutions on excursions.
In addition, the IfKW offers a course in academic writing (“Writing for Academic Purposes”) every semester, as LMU attaches great importance to the accuracy of academic research and its propaedeutics. In our experience, many international students have problems in this area because they are familiar with different conventions at their home universities. That is why we offer a crash course in academic propaedeutics (preparatory course). It takes place on one afternoon and is mandatory for all exchange students at the IfKW. For more information, please contact your coordinator.
At LMU, course times can be listed as c.t. or s.t..
The first week of the semester is especially important, as assignments are introduced and deadlines are discussed.
If you are unable to attend a class for any reason, please inform your tutor in advance. A short email is sufficient.
No. If you miss a session, it is your responsibility to find out what was covered and whether any deadlines were discussed. We recommend asking your fellow students and checking the course materials.
Please note that the first week of the semester is crucial, as important information and assignments are usually introduced during the first sessions.
No. Exchange students at the IfKW do not need to register separately for exams.
If you take an exam at another institute, you must follow their exam registration procedure. Please make sure to inform them that you are an ERASMUS/exchange student.
Yes. We strongly recommend discussing exam procedures with your tutor a few weeks before the exam date. This includes questions such as whether you may use a dictionary or submit assignments in English.
After completing your studies at LMU, you can request a transcript of records listing your courses, grades, and ECTS credits. Please note that transcripts are not issued automatically—you must initiate the process yourself.
The LSF system guides you through the necessary steps for requesting your transcript of records. Please follow the instructions provided on the LSF website.
Most grades are usually available in September (summer semester) and March (winter semester). We recommend checking LSF regularly to ensure that all grades have been entered.
If you attend courses in other departments, please ask your lecturers to send your grades and ECTS credits directly to the international coordinator at the IfKW.
Especially at the beginning, it can be challenging to connect with German students, as many already have established friend groups. Don’t be shy—approaching classmates is usually appreciated.
Our social events help you to make contact with other exchange students. In addition, most of our courses are mixed, so you can also get to know our regular students.
You can also join the LMU Buddy Program, which pairs you with an LMU student to help you settle in and meet new people.
All LMU lecturers offer office hours, which are listed on the institute’s website under "People". During office hours, you can usually visit your lecturer without an appointment—unless stated otherwise.
You are also welcome to find out more about our research and teaching areas.
If you are unable to attend during office hours, you can speak to your lecturer after class or send an email to arrange an alternative appointment.
Only during official office hours. Never visit a lecturer outside of office hours without making an appointment in advance.
Yes, you can email lecturers at any time. We recommend using a reliable email address (your LMU campus email works best) and a clear subject line—for example, “Seminar paper topic” instead of “Question.”
Punctuality is taken seriously in Germany, including at LMU. Being late to lectures or excursions is generally frowned upon. Since Munich is a large city and the LMU campus is spread out, we recommend allowing extra travel time—especially at the beginning of your stay.
If you are running late, try to inform someone—such as a fellow student attending the same course. When you arrive, a brief apology is always appreciated.
Once you arrive at IfKW, your contact person will be the IfKW International Office. If you cannot find the answer to your question online (here is an overview of questions for visiting students) or at your home university, please feel free to contact the International Office.
When contacting us, please provide your student ID number (if available), your home university (if available), and outline your request. Emails can be processed in German and English.
