International
The Institute for Music - International
On the international pages of the Institute of Music, we provide information about various opportunities to gain experience abroad or to study at our faculty as an international visiting student.
The International Faculty Office (IFO) of the Institute of Music aims to encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate in international projects and study-abroad programs integrated into their academic studies. The IFO provides guidance and support in organizing and carrying out these initiatives. In recent years, the faculty has established a wide range of partnerships with colleges and universities around the world. New contacts with additional partner institutions are constantly being developed, resulting in a broad international network.
In a united Europe and a globalized workforce, international knowledge and skills are becoming increasingly important for future careers. However, a stay abroad and intercultural experiences also offer significant personal enrichment. Our institute therefore encourages all students to gain international experience during their studies
Incoming
Visit our website for international visiting students to find lots of useful information about the studies in Osnabrück, our course offer and services for international students.
The jazz program offers first-class training with internationally active jazz musicians as top-class teachers from all over Germany. The focus is on a sound education based on the rich tradition of jazz, while at the same time embracing modern, cross-genre playing styles. Improvisation is taught as a central, style-open musical practice in order to prepare students for creative and spontaneous interactions in a wide variety of musical contexts.
The training is extremely practical, with a special focus on ensemble playing and the direct application of what has been learned. In addition to mastering their instrument, students learn to express themselves freely and expressively in a wide variety of situations. We are convinced that only good musicians are also excellent teachers. That is why we place particular emphasis on live performance, composition, and recording, which, together with teaching, form a lively form of music education. Our goal is to train versatile artists who are musically and didactically convincing and can gain a foothold in a wide range of professional fields.
Pop music is a constantly changing genre that, like no other, picks up on and reflects the cultural and social trends of its time. It thrives on the continuous development of musical styles, the fusion of different influences, and the creative exploration of new technologies and forms of expression. This dynamic interplay makes the professional field for pop musicians and music educators particularly diverse and challenging.
Training in pop music and music education at the IfM prepares students to master these challenges with artistic excellence, stylistic openness, and pedagogical competence. In addition to individual musical development, the focus is on the ability to combine different genres, develop independent artistic concepts, and understand pop music as a multifaceted art form.
The aim of the training is to produce musicians and music educators who not only continuously develop their artistic and didactic skills, but also actively shape change in the music landscape. As singers, instrumentalists, songwriters, producers, and teachers, they combine musical practice with theoretical knowledge and pedagogical teaching—and contribute to ensuring that pop music remains a vibrant, innovative, and significant means of expression in our society in the future.
The classical music program in Osnabrück offers comprehensive training that focuses on both artistic development and the fundamentals of music education. Students have the opportunity to develop their instrumental and vocal skills in class and express themselves creatively in various contexts.
From the very first semester, they are actively involved in practical work, whether in ensembles, orchestra projects, or various concert and performance formats. This not only promotes their artistic abilities, but also enables many of them to form their own ensembles and participate successfully in cultural life.
Another important aspect of the program is music education. Here, the focus is on classical music, while at the same time exploring innovative ways of teaching music. This prepares students to teach at music schools and similar institutions and to inspire the next generation to take an interest in music.
Overall, students are trained to become “educating artists” who are both artistically active and able to work actively in music education.
Here you can browse the various course catalogues for our profiles.
Please note: Certain modules/classes can only be taught in German but many group lessons, seminars or one-on-one sessions can be taught in English as well, accommodating the students. Please don't let a certain language requirement deter you from your studies at the Institute of Music - we always strive to find a solution for each individual student. If in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the International officer at the Institute.
Requirements
1. Nomination by your home university (via email to Martin Löcherbach - International Coordinator)
→ You will receive a link to the online application form automatically after your nomination.
2. Language proficiency: at least Level B1 of German or English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR )
3. You are enrolled at your home university during your entire study at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Please make sure to inform yourself about other formal admission requirements.
These are the documents you will need to upload via our application form:
- 1. Passport photograph
Not older than 3 months
File size: maximal 500 KB
File format: JPG (file extension: .jpg)
Photo format: upright format 3:4
Photo size: minimal 480 x 640 pixel
Resolution: 300 dpi or more
- 2. Copy of identity card
Passport (non-EU-students)
Personal ID card (EU students)
File size: maximal 1 MB
File format: PDF
- 3. Curriculum vitae in tabular form
Sample as PDF format
Sample as MS Word format
File size: maximal 1 MB
To be uploaded as file format: PDF
- 4. Proof of musical skills - video format
A 10-15 minute video showcasing your current musical ability
File format: Share a link to a file share platform
- 5. Language certificate
Command of German and/or English
Template as PDF format, alternatively: any other relevant language certificate
File size: maximal 1 MB
To be uploaded as file format: PDF
- 6. Certificate of enrollment
from home university You can send us your official certificate of enrollment from your home university otherwise use our template below.
Template as PDF format
File size: maximal 1 MB
To be uploaded as file format: PDF
Please submit your application for the respective semester by the following dates:
| Winter semester (September to February) | March 1 to May 15 of the same year Nomination by home university: latest by April 30 |
| Summer semester (March to August) | September 1 to November 1 of the preceding year Nomination by home university: latest by October 15 |
Jorge Garcia Rubio from Spanien
My experience at the Hochschule für Musik Osnabrück conservatory was incredible. From the very first moment, both the professors and my fellow students welcomed me warmly and always helped me bring out the best in myself, both professionally and personally. When I arrived, I wasn’t sure whether to stay for one semester or two, but I quickly realized that the most enriching option would be to spend the whole academic year and make the most of both the university and German culture.
On top of that, the city is very welcoming and has a great student atmosphere. And if you enjoy traveling or exploring new places, Osnabrück is in a perfect location to visit many parts of Germany as well as nearby countries such as Belgium or the Netherlands.
In short, I can only recommend this exchange experience, which was truly unforgettable for me.
Alejandra Códroba Bertel from Colombia
My semester abroad at the Hochschule Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences – Institut für Musik was truly a life-changing experience. I met people from many different cultural backgrounds, built meaningful connections — some of whom have become my closest friends — and, most importantly, made significant progress in understanding myself through my instrument.
The different academic focus compared to my home country broadened my perspective on music, transforming the way I approach learning new skills and developing my own style.
I will always be deeply grateful for the knowledge, growth, and unforgettable memories I gained during my time there.
Hibiki Seta from Japan
My time at the Institute of Music at Hochschule Osnabrück was truly invaluable. The professors and students were incredibly kind and dedicated. I was able to learn remarkable
musicianship and technique, and I am genuinely grateful that I had the opportunity to come to Osnabrück.
I also connected with many international students and learned about various cultures and histories.
Although it was only half a year, the experience became something I will never forget. I am deeply grateful to everyone.
Alejandra Marroquin Poblano from Mexico
I am very grateful to the IfM and Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Over the past few months, the teachers, students, and staff have been very friendly and welcoming, and have given me their full support. It is difficult for me to express how grateful I am for this experience and for having been able to spend time at such a humane and open institute.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend my time here.
Thank you, Osnabrück, for this warm welcome.
Our Housing Service supports international students with finding accommodation in Osnabrück.
Outgoing
Studying abroad enriches you not only academically but, above all, as a person. As an outgoing student, you have many opportunities to incorporate study abroad experiences into your academic journey. You can spend an entire semester or an internship abroad, or perhaps even write your thesis abroad?
You’re not on your own when it comes to organizing your study abroad experience: Your International Office, your faculty advisors, and the advisors at the Center for International Mobility are here to support you with advice and assistance!
A semester abroad can be integrated into your degree program in various ways:
- a semester abroad with full credit recognition as a substitute for an entire semester at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
- a thesis at a partner university, or
- an additional semester abroad in which individual modules are recognized.
For students in regular degree programs, the easiest option is to organize their voluntary exchange semester at a partner university (LINK to IfM - MO filter list).
Your benefits:
- The International Office is here to assist you with planning and organization.
- For each partner university, the Institute of Music has designated liaison professors who will support you with academic matters.
- Tuition fees are waived at (almost all) partner universities.
- You can draw on the experiences of fellow students who have already completed a study abroad program there.
(Of course, you can also search on your own as a so-called “freemover” for a foreign university that offers a program similar to yours. However, recognition of the modules cannot be guaranteed, and you will have to pay tuition fees there.)
Learning Agreement
To ensure that your academic achievements are recognized, it is essential that you complete a “Learning Agreement” well in advance of your departure. It is a contract between you, the IfM representatives, and the partner university. In this contract, the modules you will take at the partner university are matched with the corresponding modules in your degree program. A prerequisite is that the module contents largely correspond and that you aim to earn a total of at least 20 ECTS credits in one semester.
If you are interested in studying abroad
schedule a consultation with the IfM’s Outgoing Advisor, Martin Löcherbach. He will work with you to develop a suitable strategy and guide you through the process of studying abroad.
More information on studying abroad
Here you can find the Insitute of Music's worldwide partner universities.
Application
- Application phase: Applications are submitted online via the Mobility Online portal. You must select three universities there. You must explain your first choice in a statement of purpose.
- Ranking phase: Places are then allocated through an internal selection process using a ranking system.
- Nomination phase: In this phase, you will be nominated by the partner university. The process may take some time, as nomination periods can vary from university to university.
- Registration phase: The partner university will contact you to let you know whether you have been accepted. If so, the enrollment process at the partner university will follow. From this point on, you are responsible for the registration process yourself.
Deadlines:
Study Abroad Semester (Winter Semester)
- March 1 of the same year
Study Abroad Semester (Summer Semester)
- September 15 of the previous year
Online Application
Please submit your application by the deadline via the “Mobility Online” application portal. To log in, please use your central user ID.
Only complete and finalized applications will be considered.
This requires 4 steps in the Mobility Online portal:
1. Register via Mobility Online
2. After receiving your login credentials via the Mobility Online system, you must log in to the system again and complete your personal profile.
3. Prepare your application documents and upload them to the Mobility Online portal.
4. Mark your online application as complete and submit it.
You have the option to specify your first, second, and third choices among the partner universities.
Click here to go directly to the online application
The staff at the Center for International Mobility (CIM) can provide advice on funding opportunities.
Like many of our partner universities, we also offer a “buddy program” for international students.
As a buddy, you can provide valuable support to your fellow students from abroad: pick them up at the train station, help them move into their dorm, show them around campus, and—especially during their first few weeks—be there to assist them with everyday life.
You’ll benefit too: Along the way, you can brush up on a foreign language before your own study abroad experience, expand your intercultural skills, and perhaps even make good friends abroad and within the buddy network.
Interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application: Martin Löcherbach
Contact
International Faculty Office
- Martin Löcherbach
Room FA 0021
Phone: +49 (0)541-969 7049