The difference between the two programmes is important because participants in the central direct exchange programme have to submit different application documents for the PROMOS application than applicants in the other categories.

The central direct exchange programme

The direct exchange programme is administered by the central international student mobility team (this is the same institution where the PROMOS team is based). Applications for the direct exchange programmes are submitted to the direct exchange team. The application procedure and the nominations at the partner universities are carried out by the drect exchange team.

• Students participating in the centralised direct exchange apply in the PROMOS category direct exchange.

Departmental exchange (Fachbereichsaustausch)

Departmental exchanges are exchange programmes between departments and international partner universities. The exchange places are advertised by the department or institute. The application procedure and nominations to the partner university are carried out by the department or institute. Some departments refer to their departmental exchange as a 'direct exchange', as the places are exchanged 'directly' with the partner universities on a reciprocal basis. This is not the same as the central direct exchange programme.

• Students taking part in a departmental exchange apply for PROMOS funding in the studies abroad category.

If you are unsure whether in your case a central direct exchange or a departmental exchange is correct, please contact the PROMOS team and send them the letter of acceptance you received for the exchange programme.