Host University: Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg (MLU)
Sending University: Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU)
Period of Stay: 04/2025 – 08/2025
Consent for publication of the report:
I agree that this report may be published on the website of MLU/MNU so that future students can learn about my experiences abroad firsthand.
Consent to share email address:
I agree that my email address may be shared with future students who wish to learn about my experience abroad upon request to the KAZGUU International Office (mobility@kazguu.kz).
1. Formalities
1.1. Language Certificates
To apply for the exchange semester at MLU, either an IELTS or TOEFL certificate was required, while knowledge of German was considered a strong advantage. At the time of application, I had a valid IELTS certificate and German proficiency at level B1. Upon arrival, my German language skills were assessed at the MLU Sprachzentrum.
1.2. Visa
Regarding visa requirements, I applied for a National Visa for stays in Germany exceeding 90 days and for study purposes. The list of required documents was not extensive; the most time-consuming ones were the invitation letter from MLU and the confirmation of my Erasmus scholarship.
It is worth mentioning that I received my visa in only four working days thanks to the efficient work and continuous support of the Juristische und Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät of MLU, the International Office of MLU, and the Erasmus Office. They provided all necessary documents promptly and supported me at every stage, making the visa process stress-free and exceptionally fast. I was also exempt from paying the visa fee due to the visa type.
1.3. Erasmus Grant and Courses
The Erasmus experience itself was incredible, with many aspects worth highlighting. The main academic requirement was to complete at least 20 ECTS credits, equivalent to four courses. I successfully completed the following courses: International Commercial Arbitration Law, International Dispute Settlement, Introduction to German and European Public Law, and International Human Rights Protection. Each course had one final exam in late July, accounting for 100% of the grade.
Although my home university could recognize all 20 ECTS, I decided to transfer only 15. The communication between MLU and MNU was exceptionally well organized. Before my arrival in Halle, I had already selected my courses together with my academic supervisor at MNU, ensuring seamless credit recognition later.As for the scholarship, I received € 850 per month plus € 820 for travel expenses. From this amount, I covered accommodation and insurance. Every step — accommodation arrangements, insurance selection, student ID issuance, and even meeting us at the airport/railway station — was efficiently coordinated by MLU team.
2. Accommodation
During my semester in Halle, I stayed in a Studentenwerk dormitory located in the quiet residential district of Landrain. The monthly rent was € 273 with a € 300 deposit for a room in a four-room apartment shared with other students. The price included utilities and internet (aLAN cable was needed for connection).
The dorm was not a typical residence hall — it had its own backyard and a barbecue zone. I shared the apartment with two German students, and the living conditions were excellent: clean facilities, a bright and furnished room. Last point is something not common in Germany, where most flats are rented unfurnished.
Our dorm supervisor was always available and helped me a lot during my first week. I highly recommend this dormitory, especially for semester-long stays. Many local students live there for years throughout their studies.
3. University and Educational Program
Martin Luther University is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. Its main Löwengebäude is a beautiful historical building that houses the university museum and embodies the institution’s long academic tradition.
The Law Library deserves special mention: a modern facility with an outstanding collection ranging from medieval legal texts to contemporary works, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Spending evenings and weekends there became one of my favorite routines.
The Student Mensa next to Löwengebäude was another highlight — affordable meals, vegetarian options, and healthy snacks made it a popular meeting place for students, both for meals and study sessions.
The university also offers a wide variety of sports clubs — from stretching and Pilates to fencing and tennis — at very affordable student rates.
Compared to my program at MNU in Kazakhstan, the MLU curriculum was less intensive and therefore slightly easier to manage. Courses were open to both bachelor’s and master’s students — local, as well as international, including Erasmus+ students. All four courses were taught in
English and included not only theoretical instruction but also practical and interactive elements, such as moot court trainings and excursions to the Administrative Court.
Professors demonstrated remarkable dedication, professionalism, and openness to all students.
While I could not choose the timing of my classes, the schedule was convenient, with sufficient breaks between lectures.
Each course concluded with a single final exam (weighted 100%), which required thorough preparation. I appreciated Germany’s strong self-study culture — most students spent extensive time in libraries, which was inspiring.
After completing my courses, I received both the scanned and original copies of my Transcript of Records approximately six weeks later.
4. The City
Halle is a small, affordable, and cozy city. Its architecture is pleasant, and most attractions can be explored within one or two days. Public transportation (trams and S-Bahn) is generally well organized, though routes occasionally change due to repairs or technical issues, especially on weekends.
The city’s greatest advantage is its location — just 20 minutes to Leipzig, 1.5 hours to Dresden, and a little over 2 hours to Berlin by regional train. This makes Halle a perfect base for weekend travel. I often used the Deutschlandticket to explore Germany easily.
Halle is generally safe, though I preferred returning home before 9 p.m., as some areas felt less secure at night. Most shops close by 6 p.m. (my personal struggle!), leaving limited late-evening options besides spending time with friends.
The city offers many nice cafes and restaurants, all clean and affordable. The Botanical Garden with its view of the Saale River is particularly worth visiting.
5. Living Costs
Living expenses in Halle are quite affordable. My monthly costs were approximately:
• Dormitory rent: € 273 • Food: around € 300 (including groceries, coffee shops, and Mensa meals) • Household items: around € 100 • Insurance: € 150 (public insurance company)
6. Recognition of Credits
Creating the Learning Agreement was simple due to direct and fast communication between MNU and MLU. I selected my courses with my academic supervisor in advance, and the recognition of credits at my home university went smoothly.
I received both electronic and original copies of my Transcript of Records about six weeks after completing exams. The only additional step was to confirm my final grades with professors to decide whether I needed to retake similar courses at MNU.
7. Conclusion
I wholeheartedly recommend an Erasmus+ exchange at MLU to students aiming for academic growth and cultural immersion rather than treating the program as a leisure semester. MLU offers a perfect balance of academic excellence, strong institutional support, and an inspiring international environment.
For students who value meaningful learning experiences, friendly academic culture, and affordable living, Halle and MLU are an excellent choice.
A huge thanks to my home university, Maqsut Narikbayev University, for making this experience possible, and to Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg for making it so enriching and comfortable. All my warm memories, along with the best educational and living experience I have ever had in Europe, became possible thanks to all the people who dedicate their time and energy to sharing knowledge, experience, and joy with every Erasmus+ student.