German Exchange Program with Bucerius Law School

In the exchange with Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany, two UM students complete a full semester of German, European and International law courses, all taught by English American, German and other law professors in the fall semester. Absolutely no knowledge of German is required. Course credits earned in Hamburg will count toward the UM degree.

Bucerius Law School is a non-profit institution that receives more than half of its financial resources from one of Germany’s largest private foundations, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS. Bucerius Law School is highly internationalized private school that offers students a diversify and internationalized curriculum.  Bucerius is located in Hamburg, one of Germany’s largest cities and host to many legal institutions of national and global importance, including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Hamburg state courts, and the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and Comparative Law.

Semester Dates

Fall semester only from September to December.

Accessibility

Bucerius Law School provides specific accommodations and counseling services designed to assist students with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in their academic programs. For more detailed information on the accommodations and how to access these services, please visit the Bucerius Law School website or check out the Student Services Hamburg page which outlines additional support available to students.

Course Offerings

Students will need to pre-register for courses online. Please note that some courses have quotas and pre-requisites. Students should consider the following important dates for course enrollment:

  • January: Course list posted online
  • Late March: Course catalog posted online
  • July (tbc): Course registration online

Course offerings for exchange students include Introduction to German Law, International Commercial Litigation, Global Trends in Intellectual Property and Digital Media Law, Practical Aspects of International Mergers and Acquisitions, European Capital Markets, International Conflict of Laws, Business Mediation and Conflict Resolution, and Comparative Copyright Law. 

Students may not transfer foreign language or other non-law courses taken at the partner exchange school back to Miami Law for J.D. credit. If a student enrolls in such courses, they understand they are for self-interest only and will not be considered for transfer towards their J.D. degree.

Accordion Group

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  • Student Housing

    Bucerius does not offer student housing but will assist all exchange students in finding accommodations for the semester. Bucerius Law School works to secure rooms in various (privately-run) residence halls in Hamburg. The International Office provides a list of housing resources/platforms to accepted students. Often Bucerius LLB students who will be studying abroad sublet their apartment or room to international students.

  • Cost of Attendance

    Students participating in Miami Law’s semester abroad program will pay regular full-time Miami Law tuition for the semester that they study abroad. During the semester abroad, University of Miami on-campus fees will not be charged.

    Students generally will not owe tuition to a partner exchange school while studying abroad through Miami Law’s International Exchange Programs, as long as they stay within the host institution’s credit limits (if applicable). Some administrative fees may apply.

    Living expenses might vary on the student’s lifestyle and preferences. The following are estimated living expenses in Hamburg:

    • Visa/Residence Permit: €120
    • Housing: €3,200
    • Food, Clothing, Misc: €1,800
    • Travel and other expenses: €1,400

    Please note that costs for housing vary widely, from EUR 500 for a room in a shared apartment to EUR 1,800 for a studio in a popular neighborhood. Also, energy costs are subject to change and may alter the cost of housing.

    For more information and details on cost of living and finances please visit this link.

  • Language of Instruction

    Courses open to exchange students are taught in English. Some courses in German are available only if the student is fluent in German.

  • Requirements for Student Performance and Grading Methods

    The Grading Scale at Bucerius Law School is from A+ to F. Courses are generally evaluated based upon performance on exams, final projects and/or presentations. Exams are graded anonymously and not on a curve. Regular attendance and active participation are required in all courses.

    LOCAL GRADING SCALE

    DEFINITION

    A+

    Pass

    A

    Pass

    A-

    Pass

    B+

    Pass

    B

    Pass

    B-

    Pass

    C+

    Pass

    C

    Pass

    C-

    Fail

    D+

    Fail

    D

    Fail

    D-

    Fail

    F

    Fail

     

When to Apply

  • Fall Semester – Students must apply for nomination by February 1
  • Spring Semester – Students must apply for nomination by September 1

Contact Person/Office

Cards

Ms. Kasia Kwietniewska, Director of the International Office
E-mail: kasia.kwietniewska@law-school.de

Ms. Saskia Lindner, Int’l Program Manager (Incoming Students: Admission & Student Services)
E-mail: saskia.lindner@law-school.de

Ms. Anna Liebelt, Int’l Program Manager (Incoming Students: Academic Administration)
E-mail: anna.liebelt@law-school.de

Bucerius Law School International Office
Jungiusstrasse 6
20355 Hamburg, Germany

Helpful Links

International Exchange Student Handbook

A comprehensive guide to helping international students prepare to spend a semester at Miami Law. Learn more.

Study Abroad: Application Process Guide

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