Perform Your University of Applied Sciences Master's Thesis Research at USF!

Are you close to graduation at a University of Applied Sciences ("Fachhochschule"), and trying to find an opportunity to perform your thesis research in the USA? There are a number of opportunities for German University of Applied Sciences students to perform their Master's Thesis research at USF (in fulfillment of their German graduation requirements). These opportunities are offered on an informal basis by select research groups at USF. There is no need to apply for admission to USF-the only requirement is to get a "visiting scholar" visa enabling entry to the US. Please, contact Dr. Schlaf if you are interested in these opportunities. He will help to place you with a research group matching your scientific interests. The typical process is as follows:


1) Find a suitable research group/advisor for your thesis research(Dr. Schlaf will help you with this process).
2) Obtain permission at your German school to perform your research at USF (typically this involves finding an advisor at your Fakultät, and filing some paperwork at the Prüfungsamt).
3) Start visa application. Your USF host and USF's International Affairs Office will help you with this process.
4) Move to Tampa and start your research.

Student Support:

Students are encouraged to apply for a "Kurzstipendium für Masterarbeit" offered by the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD). The application for this Stipendium must be made at least three months before you want to start your research. Based on prior experience, however, we recommend to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances for an approval. As of 2008 this Stipendium offers up to 975 Euro per month for up to six months.