Studying | Healthcare | Accommodation | Travel | Visa | Student Voice
The Germany Office for University Exchange (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) and the Deutsches Studentenwerk websites are excellent websites to help you with your research for studies in Germany.
Having medical insurance is a prerequisite to be able to 'register' at a German university.
Applicants from the EU can, for a temporary stay that does not exceed 12 months, benefit from their medical insurance of their country. A claim of a medical insurance plan must be done by obtaining the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
University accommodation is especially encouraged in Germany, because they are the centre of student life. The bedrooms that are offered can be either small, private bedrooms equipped with a small kitchen and toilet, or a house or a floor of a building with many bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom shared between 5 or 6 students (Wohngemeinschaft). Student residences are also equipped with other necessities such as a common room for having parties, a library, restaurant and a bar.
The university residencies have a nice ambiance, but there is also an acknowledged respect for studying: silence is strictly respected and observed by all, so that students can study. The cost for renting a room in the university residency is relatively cheap (compared to the cost of renting private accommodation). However, obtaining accommodation within the university is very hard to get, and you should apply well in advance. Contact the Akademisches Auslandsamt (AAA) as soon as possible, who can inform you of the necessary steps that are needed if you are looking for a room in university residence.
Germany's principal international airports are located in Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. If you are already in Europe the cheapest mode of transportation may be the bus, although less comfortable; or even the train, with possible student reductions.
The car is also another way of travelling around Western Europe and the motorway system in Germany is one of the best in the world and it's free!
Finally there are ferry boats which link the North and Baltic Seas from Great Britain to Scandinavia and Saint Petersburg.
Student visa
If you are a part of the European Union or one under an agreement with Germany (Honduras, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, USA) then you do not need a visa. Citizens from all other countries need a visa in order to enter Germany, of which can be obtained from either the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
A student visa is given once the applicant proves that they have been accepted to study in Germany and that they can afford their stay. An acceptance of study can also include admission to a Studienkolleg or a German language course. The entrance visa is generally valid for 3 months. Once a student has arrived into Germany and has started studying they must then apply for a long duration residence permit.
The following documents are needed for your application for a student visa:
- 2 print outs of the application form.
- 2 passport photographs.
- A valid passport.
- A letter of acceptance from a German university, or a certificate showing that you are taking a German language course.
- A certificate that proves you have completed secondary education.
- Your last report card.
- The appropriate visa fee.
Note: Never come to Germany on a tourist visa with the intention of converting it into a student visa; this will not be possible. The visa must be issued before you enter the country; you should therefore apply for it in good time. As a student in Germany you may work for a maximum of 3 months and, depending on where you study, only during recess periods (e.g. semester holidays). Contact your nearest Consulate for more information.
The study applicant visa (Studienbewerber-Visum) permits you to enter the country before the admission decision by the university or college, in order to obtain information on the spot. The university applicant visa is particularly important for applicants to the Hochschule für Musik and Theater (College of Music and Drama), so that you can enter the country for the entrance examination. This type of visa may also be useful to applicants who wish to improve their language skills in Germany before starting their studies. The study applicant visa is limited to three months, but it can be converted to a visa for study purposes if you receive your admission from the university or college during this period.
Visa applications for language courses must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Two copies of the application form.
- Two recent passport photographs.
- Your passport with a validity exceeding three months after your scheduled return.
- Photocopy of your passport and previous Schengen visas, if applicable.
- Confirmation of course reservation and payment of fees.
- Proof of sufficient funding (formal obligation).
- Certification of medical insurance.
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