Ibero-American Studies: Master's Program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America'  HCIAS Student Support Services

Our goal is to help you prepare for your studies in the HCIAS master's program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America' and ensure a smooth and successful start to your academic journey at the HCIAS. To support you during this important transition, we offer a range of services and events specifically designed for newly admitted students, including:

English Language CourseS

English courses for applicants are regularly offered to foster or achieve English proficiency on C1 level which is a requirement for the master’s program. English language courses are offered by the Heidelberg University’s Language Centre.

Heidelberg University’s Language Centre

spanish Language courseS

Spanish courses for students who have not yet reached a B2 level at the start of their studies are regularly offered with the aim of enabling them to achieve this level by the end of the second semester. Upcoming course offerings will be posted on this site. Spanish language courses are offered by the Heidelberg University’s Language Centre.

Heidelberg University’s Language Centre

German Language courses

German proficiency is not required for the master's program. However, international students are very welcome to take courses to learn German. Students already enrolled at Heidelberg University can take advantage of the courses offered by Heidelberg University’s International Study Centre which are free of charge and can be registered towards the HCIAS master’s program. The Heidelberg Center Latin America offers German language courses online and face-to-face which might be especially interesting to students coming from Latin America and willing to prepare for a study stay in Heidelberg.  

International Study CentreHeidelberg Center Latin America

HCIAS Master Wiki

The HCIAS Master Wiki contains a collection of the most important questions and aspects about the master’s program and about studying in Heidelberg. It is designed exclusively for HCIAS master’s students and provides information on accommodation, financial support, leisure activities, transportation, online tools, semester dates, libraries, and many other topics. Access is provided to HCIAS master’s students after their application has been positively evaluated and they have been admitted to the program.

Welcome Events and Semester openings

These orientation events are designed to help new students get their academic journey at the HCIAS off to a good start. New students have the opportunity to get to know their fellow students, connect with the HCIAS study coordination and gain deeper insights into the structure and content of the master’s program. 

The HCIAS semester opening for the next lecture period will take place on April 13, 2026, at 1 PM.

Additionally, Heidelberg University offers further events for new students: the International Relations Office organizes an orientation program especially for international students. Find also general information on the university’s welcome day with maps of its Camus and information on talks and events for new students.

Orientation Days for New International StudentsHeidelberg University's Welcome Day

During your studies, the study coordination remains a central point of contact, offering ongoing and personalized guidance. In addition to individual advising sessions, we regularly organize information events covering a range of topics that are relevant both for the progression of your studies and for planning your path after graduation.

Sharepoint

The Sharepoint-Site serves as common information hub for everything related to the master's program. It includes a calendar with HCIAS courses and events, a roadmap for the master’s examination with crucial information about the final phase of your studies, and additional details about other available course offerings. Access only for HCIAS students via Uni-ID login.

Master's Sharepoint-Site

Monitoring Sheet

The monitoring sheet is a tool designed to help students systematically document and track their individual academic progress over the course of their studies. It serves as a valuable basis for one-on-one advising sessions with the study coordination. Access only for HCIAS students via Uni-ID login.

Master's Monitoring Sheet

Coffee Talks ‘Career Perspectives’

Coffee Talks are online information sessions that take place each semester in order to provide HCIAS students input on potential areas for the internship and career paths after finishing the master's program. This format combines general information with first-hand insights from invited guests, followed by a Q&A session where students can direct their questions to the guests or the study coordination.

The next Coffee Talks will be take place on:

• June 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• July 9, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

HCIAS students will receive further information from the study coordination and the corresponding Moodle course.

Information Sessions on Exchange ProgramS

Since the HCIAS master’s program includes a mobility window that allows students to carry out an internship, study or research stay abroad, the HCIAS offers exchange programs with a broad number of partner institutions. Additionally, the HCIAS regularly offers information sessions jointly organized with the University's Division of International Relations to provide students detailed information on partner universities, the application process and funding opportunities in Ibero-America.

The next info session will be published on this page shortly.

Exchange Programs for HCIAS Students

HCIAS MAsTer's Students and Alumni Day

This event offers a platform for HCIAS Master students and alumni to present their term papers or Master’s thesis that explore current social, political, economic, cultural or environmental issues in Ibero-America and thereto related communication dynamics. It aims to encourage exchange among students, alumni, researchers, and professors at the HCIAS, and to provide an opportunity to connect and engage outside the classroom. The event takes place one per year, at the end of January.

Course registration period: Semester April - June 2026

1st registration period: January 26 to April 7, 2026

Notification about acceptance: April 8, 2026

Withdraw course registration by: April 12, 2026

2nd registration period*: April 9 to April 19 , 2026

Notification about acceptance*: April 20, 2026

*Only if the courses did not reach the maximum number of students in the first registration period.

Exam registration period: Semester April - June 2026

The exam registration period will be published on this page shortly.

Bear in mind that these periods apply to courses offered by HCIAS instructors. Periods for courses from other study entities may vary. 

Credit Points

During the first session of each course, please make sure to check how many credits can be earned in this course.