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Academic Year in Freiburg (AYF)

Freiburg skyline at sunset. The sun is casting a shadow over the large cathedral in the background.
Hilltop view of a forest near Freiburg during the fall season. The trees are changing color over the vast landscape.
Zoomed in view of performers wearing colorful masks and wigs during an event.
Sunset over the Freiburg skyline, with a shadow cast over the buildings.
Students and adults gathered outside for a group photo. They are looking at the camera and smiling.
Two students are at a viewpoint in the forest. They are facing away from the camera and hugging each other.
Three students are in the forest next to a small stream. They are squatting on the ground and smiling for a group photo.
Four students are at the base of a hill. There are trees and other greenery in the background. They are all smiling at the camera.
Snow covered trees with a large cathedral in the background. The cathedral has two spires and intricate detailing.
Three students and one instructor are sitting together around a table working on schoolwork. They have paused to take a photo and are all smiling at the camera.
Students are gathered together and hanging out in a common area. Some students are smiling at the camera and others are chatting with each other.

Germany, Freiburg

Perfect your German while experiencing life & culture in one of the most environmentally advanced cities in Europe!  The Academic Year in Freiburg program (AYF) is offered by a consortium of institutions:  Michigan State University, the University of Iowa, the University of Michigan, and UW-Madison.

AYF provides the unique opportunity to improve your German language skills while taking a variety of courses.  In addition to AYF-designed courses (available exclusively to AYF participants) you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in university courses at Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat and other local educational institutions.  You may select from almost all Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat courses offered in the humanities, social sciences and most other disciplines. AYF also offers a for-credit internship during the spring semester.

For several years, the program has been able to offer scholarships of varying amounts to qualified participants as a result of grants from the Fox Family, the Max Kade Foundation, and Freiburg Madison Sister City Committee/Freiburg-Madison-Gesellschaft (FMG). Additionally, students with exceptional academic records may also be nominated for Baden-Wurttemberg Scholarships (BWS) available through the University of Freiburg (funded by the state of Baden-Wurttemberg). Apply by the Priority Deadline to be eligible for AYF-specific scholarships! You must be a degree-seeking UW-Madison student in order to be eligible for the Fox Family, Max Kade, FMG, and BWS scholarships.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • gain competence with the German language, and knowledge of German culture, history, and the arts
  • integrate into the academic and social environment of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg and the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg
  • undergo an immersion experience in a supportive environment
  • achieve personal development and growth

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students and degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university. Consortium university students should apply directly to their home university.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA in all German language courses
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Fourth Semester German
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Social sciences, humanities, and some natural sciences.

Classroom Language

German

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year:  Early September to mid-August
•September:  4-week German language pre-session
•Mid-Oct to mid-Feb: Winter semester university and AYF courses
•Mid-Feb to mid-April: break
•Mid-April to mid-August: Sommer semester university and AYF courses and exams

Application Deadline(s)

Year 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
January 16 is the priority deadline. Students who are interested in AYF-specific scholarships must apply by this deadline and will be notified of acceptance by the end of January. The final deadline to apply to the program is March 6.
Year 2026-27 - [Sponsored] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 - [Consortium] 4/10/2026
This application is for AYF Consortium students at Michigan State University, Univeristy of Michigan, and University of Iowa

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

The program begins in early September with a one-month orientation period.  A faculty member from one of the participating U.S. universities serves as the Academic Director.  The Academic Director and the local Program Director help students with academic concerns and other aspects of daily life in Germany.

Orientation consists of an intensive German language course and special sessions designed to acclimate you to life in Germany.  After the orientation period, you will work with the Academic Director to put together a course of study.  You may enroll in a combination of specially designed courses offered exclusively for AYF participants, as well as regular courses at the university and other local educational institutions.

  • AYF program classes.  AYF classes include courses on German language, literature, and linguistics, as well as courses dealing with German and European history and society.  These classes are taught by the AYF Resident Director and local faculty.

  • University of Freiburg/Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat (ALU).  AYF students are full-time, non-degree seeking students at ALU. With very few exceptions, all fields of study and all courses for which students are adequately prepared are open to AYF participants (fields such as the Med School and Psychology are off limits, for example).  Founded in 1457, the university is located in the heart of Freiburg and currently has an enrollment of about 24,000 students.

  • PH CoursesPädagogische Hochschule (University of Education) offers teacher training and academic training in a student's chosen field.  AYF participants are permitted to join PH courses as guests.

  • SLI Courses.  The Sprachlehrinstitut (Language Teaching Institute) offers language and culture courses in the target language, generally at the intermediate level, at the University of Freiburg.  In addition to German, more than 20 other languages are offered.

One unique and exciting aspect of the AYF program is the optional 12-week internship component that takes place during the spring semester.  These part-time internships (10-12 hours per week) begin in early/mid-April and end in late June.  Internships can be arranged for students with an interest in business, technology, and the arts.  Your placement will correspond with your educational background and career interests. The academic component of this internship, which will count as a 3-credit graded course, will be offered by the Academic Director.  There is an additional fee and application process for the internship. Additional information and application materials will be provided upon arrival in Freiburg.

In addition to the orientation period, the program consists of Winter Semester (mid-October to mid-February) and Sommer Semester/Exams (mid-April to mid-August).  The two-month break from mid-February to mid-April gives you some free time to travel and explore all that Germany has to offer.

Program Web Pages

AYF program

Foreign Courses

Course Options

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents