Visiting Scholars

Established in 2007, the HM Fellowship Programme strengthens the international dimension in teaching and research at HM and promotes collaboration with partner institutions worldwide. This programme invites international scholars to Munich for a period of one semester (4-5 months).

Fellows typically teach two to four courses in their area of expertise. The expected teaching load is four to six lecture hours per week, and the language of instruction is English. Additionally, Fellows lead an international teaching or research project with an HM professor for two lecture hours per week.

Fellowships provide an honorarium for teaching, cover travel costs, and offer a monthly accommodation allowance in Munich.

We also provide a comprehensive welcome service, cultural programming, and professional support with all organisational matters, including visa applications and housing. More details are available in the current calls for applications.

The HM Fellowship Programme call is announced once a year as a university-wide competition. For further information regarding the programme and application conditions, please contact the International Office.

Application Process:

To arrange an engaging visit program, please apply at least 2 months before your intended visit.

Finding a Host at HM:

We recommend finding a contact person or mentor at HM who can host you for the duration of your stay and whose expertise aligns with your own area of teaching. Applications without a relevant match are likely to be declined. Please also check HM’s academic calendar, as courses are typically not held during semester breaks.

If You Haven’t Found a Host Yet:

If you have not identified a host, please email us (contact details at the bottom of this page) with the following information:

• Name, home institution, position
• Desired duration of stay (minimum 2 days)
• Your CV
• Brief description of your teaching proposal, motivation and desired outcomes

We will forward your request to the relevant academic departments to help find a suitable host. If you have already identified a potential host within your field, please let us know.

Note:due to limited capacity, we generally do not host individual staff exchanges.

Requirements for ERASMUS+ STA Mobility:

An ERASMUS+ mobility agreement must be established before your visit, along with an Inter-Institutional Agreement that specifies STA mobility and includes a minimum of 8 teaching hours per week. Your home university can provide the necessary ERASMUS+ funding documents. If needed, HM can supply an invitation letter before your visit and a confirmation of stay after your mobility period.

Important Information:

HM usually cannot cover any costs related to your stay. However, we can provide access to the university’s workplace infrastructure and assist with organisational and administrative matters to support your visit.

Application Process:

To offer you an engaging visit program, please apply at least 2 months in advance.

Finding a Host at HM:

We recommend finding a contact person or mentor at HM who is willing and able to host you during your stay, and whose responsibilities align with your area of work. Applications without a relevant match are likely to be declined.

If You Haven’t Found a Host Yet:

If you have not identified a host, please email us (contact details at the bottom of this page) with the following information:

• Name, home institution, position
• Desired duration of stay (minimum 2 days)
• Your CV
• Brief description of your motivation and expected outcomes

We will forward your request to the relevant departments to help find a host. If you have already identified someone working in a related field, please share this information with us.

Please Note:

Due to limited capacity, we generally do not host individual staff exchanges. We encourage you to participate in our International Staff Week instead.

Requirements for ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility for Training (STT):

For ERASMUS+ STT, an ERASMUS+ mobility agreement must first be concluded. An Inter-Institutional Agreement is not required. Your home university will provide the necessary ERASMUS+ funding documents. If needed, HM can provide an invitation letter before your visit and a confirmation of stay after your mobility.

Important Information:

HM usually cannot cover any costs related to your stay. However, we can provide access to the university’s workplace infrastructure and assist with organisational and administrative matters.

Various internal and external funds are available to finance temporary teaching activities of international scholars.

Within the scope of the Visiting Professorship Programme provided by the Bavarian Ministry of Sciences and Arts (StMWK), HM Academic Departments can apply for teaching assignment or guest lectureships of international scholars. The Academic Departments have the possibility to declare the planned teaching assignment or guest lectureships twice per year: by 15th January for summer semester and 1st July for winter semester. The financial support includes usually a renumeration for lectures/seminars (online or in-person) and travel/accommodation costs. For more information, please contact us.

Furthermore, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of funding programs for faculty mobility. Please check the DAAD Scholarship Database for funding opportunities for your project.

For funding programmes in Bavaria, please visit the website of Research in Bavaria.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to find affordable accommodation in Munich. The housing market is tight and shortages can occur. If you plan to visit Munich for a short time, there is no need to rent an apartment. A hotel room will be perfectly adequate. If you intend to visit HM for a longer period and require an apartment, please start checking out the information and offers in time. The same applies if you want to visit Munich during Oktoberfest or big fairs.

When you rent accommodation, you usually must pay a deposit. The deposit is refunded when you move out (if you have not caused any damage). The rent included usually the basic rent and ancillary costs (e.g. electricity, gas, heating, waste collection, costs for a caretaker, sometimes also internet and television license).

Please note: In Germany, it is mandatory to register your residence if you stay for longer than three months. Re-registration is necessary also if you move within Germany. Registration must be done in person, no later than 14 days after moving into the new accommodation. If you need further support on this matter, please contact us.

Depending on the duration of your stay, the International Office team is happy to help you with questions about accommodation. Please complete the Accommodation Request Form (PDF download) and send it to the contact person mentioned at the bottom of this page. We will then search the private housing market along with you. In the next step, you need to establish the contact with the landlord and clarify with him/her/them all other (contractual) details. Please understand that the accommodation search service is very time-consuming. We may forward offers to you that do not fulfil all your wishes. We recommend remaining as flexible as possible, having realistic price expectations and seriously considering every option.

For special hotel offers, please contact us. Please also check our information leaflet with general advice on looking for accommodation in Munich.

Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome package with information about Munich and our university. We also offer special welcome services and guided campus tours.

You are staying in Munich for a longer time and are interested in learning German? There are many ways to get to know the language and culture better. We can help you find a course that suits your needs.

You can also look for German courses on your own. We recommend the following providers:

• Goethe Institut – probably the most famous institute for learning German offers face-to-face courses, online courses or exam preparation courses at all levels.
• MVHS (Munich Adult Education Center) – numerous German courses at various levels, usually at reasonable prices.
• Deutschkurse bei der Universität München e.V. – wide range of German courses at LMU – intensive courses, summer/winter courses, German for work and many more.

The International Office organizes a cultural programme for international guests, their families and friends. You are welcome to join our regular informal get-togethers, trips to interesting sights in and around Munich, and various cultural events on campus.

If you want to explore Munich and the surroundings on your own, take a look at our Cultural Guide linked at the bottom of this page.

If you plan to bring your family with you, there are many additional things to be considered, such as childcare, schooling, visa regulations for family members or even career options for your partner or spouse. Our goal is to assist you as much as possible to ensure that you and your family get off to a good start in Germany.