University of Basel

MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange Program

This program is part of the MAUI-Utrecht Exchange and is open to students from member institutions only. Interested students should contact their local study abroad coordinator regarding the application/placement process and for additional information. Application deadlines for all MAUI-Utrecht programs, including fall semester, winter semester, or academic year abroad, is in February. Spring semester placements may be available after the deadline: contact the Study Abroad Coordinator.

Universität Basel

About the City and the University

The University of Basel was founded in 1459 and first opened its doors to students in 1460. It is the oldest university in Switzerland and has strongly been influenced by the rich humanist heritage of the city. Today there are more than 8,000 students in the 6 faculties of the university, taught by 850 senior and about 400 junior teaching staff in 55 main subjects.

Basel, the third largest city of Switzerland, is located in the Northwest of the country, on the Rhine. Germany and France are just a tramride away. The city has a population of approximately 200,000 and the greater area, called the Regio,has around 500,000 inhabitants. Apart from its many historical sights of the Celtic, Roman and Enlightenment periods, the city offers a rich cultural life: about 30 museums, art galleries, and a theatre of international reputation.

Academic System

All studies are basically divided into a Grundstudium (basic studies) and a Hauptstudium (advanced studies). Usually, there are examinations at the end of each period. The duration of these periods varies: the Grundstudium usually lasts about two years, the Hauptstudium an additional two or three years.

Many departments produce their own detailed list of courses. Exchange students should contact the departments they are planning to study with directly so that a list of courses can be sent to them before their arrival in Basel.

Full name of university	Universität Basel
Number of MAUI students you can accept during 2008/2009 (indicate total number of semesters)	Unlimited
Areas of study open for MAUI students (list explicitly)	Theology, Law, Medicine, Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Economics, Business Studies, Social Sciences, Psychology
Areas of study restricted to prior bilateral agreements between the exchanging departments or faculties	Medicine: special arrangements regarding the selection of courses
Areas of study not available to MAUI students.	Master of Advanced Studies programs
Utrecht Network contact person (name, full address, phone/fax/email)	Andrea Delpho & Gérald Zimmermann Petersplatz 1 4003 Basel Switzerland Tel.: + 41-(0)61-267-30 28 Fax: + 41-(0)61-267-30 35 mobility@ unibas.ch
Contact person for incoming students (name, full address, phone/fax/e-mail)	Andrea Delpho & Gérald Zimmermann Petersplatz 1 4003 Basel Switzerland Tel.: + 41-(0)61-267-30 28 Fax: + 41-(0)61-267-30 35 mobility@ unibas.ch
General web site of the university	www.unibas.ch
Web site of the international office/information web site for incoming students	www.unibas.ch/mobilitaet
Academic calendar	Academic calendar: The academic year is divided into two semesters: winter semester and summer semester. Autumn (winter) semester: 15 September 2008 - 19 December 2008 Spring (summer) semester: 16 February 2009 – 29 May 2009
Examination period(s)	Various periods according to the regulations of the departments but in general the two weeks following the end of the term.
Orientation session(s) for incoming students (indicate date and costs)	Beginning of the semester, no costs Cultural program during the semester
ECTS available (list fields if not all)	All fields
Application deadline(s) for admission	Autumn semester: April 30 Spring semester: November 30
Application material on the web site or paper copies only	To be mailed to the applicants
Course registration deadline(s)	To be announced according to the regulations of the department
Language requirements	The main language of instruction at the University of Basel is German, therefore a good command of German is necessary to study in Basel (the colloquial language is a German dialect). Languages and literatures are generally taught in the language of the subject.
Language test certificate requirements (if so, which and when: before admission, upon arrival)	No
Preparatory language course for incoming students (indicate dates and courses)	Language classes are offered by the University Language Centre respective the German Department. For further information, dates, costs etc. please refer to www.sprachenzentrum.unibas.ch/
Courses taught in English	English Philology, a number of courses at the science departments, the Faculty of Economics, the Law School and the Europa-Institute
Internships available	No
Student employment	Yes
Housing assistance (indicate how to apply)	Housing assistance: All student halls and a selection of private rooms and flats are available for exchange students. For further information and registration please contact the respective hall or organisation directly.
Housing options	Please refer to: www.unibas.ch/index.cfm? 5F1C3557F6800139B2C84A1609122FF2
Housing application deadline(s)	Check with the respective housing organization
Cost estimates per month (in EURO) Housing Meals Books Local Transportation Health Insurance	260 - for housing 360 - for meals 60 - books 35. - for public transport 130.- for heath insurance (without reductions in premiums) 35 - for clothes 100 - for free time activities 130 - additional costs
Additional fees to pay (indicate amounts and subjects)	No additional fees
Comparable health insurance coverage from abroad allowed/not allowed	No general regualtions, but overseas students often have to buy Swiss health insurance.
Health facilities at the university	No
Other relevant information	www.unibas.ch www.unibas.ch/mobilitaet
Summer courses available? If so, please list.	No
Last update of this information	January 2008