Germany is a fantastic place to study abroad. With its ~400 Universities and about 20.000 programs of renowned quality (free) education, rich culture, and art, it’s a very popular destination for international students looking for excellence. After deciding to come and study in Germany, here are some steps you should take to make the transition stress-free.

Planning and Preparation 

Decide on University and programs – German Universities are held in very high regard because of the quality of education, but also no tuition fees for public universities. Inform yourself about what Universities and programs you might be interested in, and contact them if you need any additional information.

Planning expenses – As soon as you decide on the University, calculate the tuition cost (free like in most public universities or paid like in private ones), find out the cost of living in that particular city, and opt for one of the mandatory health insurance Germany options. In case you need a student visa, you should provide a proof of approximately $10.000 available funds in your bank account, for supporting your living expenses during the studies. So, make approximate calculations and plan your future spending.

Study program Application

Meeting the Requirements – Before you apply, there are certain requirements that you need to fulfill so your application would be accepted. First, you should find out if your qualifications would be recognized by your chosen University, which means that you need a University Entrance Qualification (“Hochschulzugangsberechtigung”), a certificate that proves that you completed your previous studies. If they’re not recognized in Germany, you’ll then need to attend a year-long preparation course (“Studienkolleg”) first. Also, you should have a certificate that proves your proficiency in a language you’ll be studying in (German and/or English).

Application – After you’ve met the requirements, start gathering all the documents you’ll need. Every University will have its own requirements for applying, but what that usually is, officially certified and translated:

-Copies of your previous higher education certificates

-Copy of the course subjects and grades (translated)

-Application form (completed)

-Passport photograph(s)

-Copy of your passport (name and photo)

-Language certificate copies – German and/or English

-Application fee

Be sure to check the deadlines because they vary between Universities and even between programs at the same University.

Preparing to go to Germany

German Study Visa – After you get the answer from the university that you’re accepted in, usually 2 months after the closing of the application deadline, it’s time to think about a Visa. You’ll need to know if your country is on the list of those that need the visa or, not and what type of visa it is. So, if you do need a visa, you should hurry and apply for it on time. 

Learning useful  things

German language – If you don’t speak German, there are plenty of courses in English to choose from, and a lot of your fellow students there probably can speak English. Having no basic knowledge of the German language, can be very limiting in a day to day life. From having to deal with government and bureaucracy to shopping in stores and going to a hairdresser, these are all situations that can be difficult and stressful for a non-German-speaking person. That’s why you should learn as much as you can while in Germany.

Public transportation and driving – When you’re enrolling at your University, whether it charges a fee or not (Private or Public Uni), you will pay for a “Semester contribution”, which covers some university administration costs, such as a public transport fee, and you’ll get your public transport ID. 

Other than using public transport you can drive a bicycle (highly recommended) because lanes for bicycles are clearly marked everywhere, and it’s easy to navigate.

Safety and asking for help – Germany is considered a very safe country, but you should always have your basics covered. Like knowing important numbers: Police – 110 and Ambulance and Firefighters – 112, and take precautions when traveling (pickpocketing), taking money from ATM, etc.

Final thoughts

Make sure that studying is not the only thing you have memories from your time spent in Germany. Socialize with your fellow students, and make use of the Integration courses. Seize this opportunity to learn a new language. Also, enjoy the wonderful culture, traditions, and art that Germany is known for. Another great thing is that if you have a student visa (and residence permit), you can travel all over Europe and visit all the Schengen area countries you want to see, and enjoy. The time spent being a student in Germany will certainly leave a beautiful lasting memory.

What to do before you travel to Germany – Find your accommodation before you arrive in Germany. The cheapest option would be Student halls, but there are so many students and not enough space for everyone. Another option is sharing apartments and the most expensive option – living alone. You should also arrange for your transportation and buy a ticket, and make financial preparations (close bank account if it cannot be used from Germany, and gather info on German bank options)

Departure preparations – Pack your things and documents, go visit a doctor, download maps and other useful applications, make arrangements for your apartment, deal with contracts (for your telephone, internet, etc.), and tie any other loose ends.

Arriving in Germany

Accommodation and Residence permit – After you arrive at your accommodation (if it’s temporary, find a permanent one soon), apply for a residence permit at your local residents’ registration office as soon as possible (you have about two weeks after arrival to do that). Choose a residence permit for students.

Enroll at your University – Everyone has to enroll at the University at the beginning of the semester. The certificate is confirming that it is very important and it’s called “Immatrikulationsbescheinigung”. What you need in order to get it is your passport with visa,

letter of acceptance to the University and proof of the mandatory health insurance (in Germany).

All that’s left now is to pay semester contribution ( Univ. administration and public transportation fee), and tuition fees (if it’s not free), and get your student ID.

Open a bank account – If you cannot use the bank account from your country you must open an account in Germany. That’s the best way to pay rent, bills, and other everyday things.

Useful courses for international students – If you’d like to learn the German language, or get to know the culture and everyday life of Germans a little better, you should participate in Integration Courses. It can help you not just to learn new things, but also to find new friends and adjust better to a new environment and culture.

Studying and career opportunities – While you study, there will be opportunities for internships, whether through your University, local agencies, or job fairs. You can also work part-time jobs, but keep in mind that students are allowed to work up to 120 full-days, or 240 half-days a year.

Learning useful  things

German language – If you don’t speak German, there are plenty of courses in English to choose from, and a lot of your fellow students there probably can speak English. Having no basic knowledge of the German language, can be very limiting in a day to day life. From having to deal with government and bureaucracy to shopping in stores and going to a hairdresser, these are all situations that can be difficult and stressful for a non-German-speaking person. That’s why you should learn as much as you can while in Germany.

Public transportation and driving – When you’re enrolling at your University, whether it charges a fee or not (Private or Public Uni), you will pay for a “Semester contribution”, which covers some university administration costs, such as a public transport fee, and you’ll get your public transport ID. 

Other than using public transport you can drive a bicycle (highly recommended) because lanes for bicycles are clearly marked everywhere, and it’s easy to navigate.

Safety and asking for help – Germany is considered a very safe country, but you should always have your basics covered. Like knowing important numbers: Police – 110 and Ambulance and Firefighters – 112, and take precautions when traveling (pickpocketing), taking money from ATM, etc.

Final thoughts

Make sure that studying is not the only thing you have memories from your time spent in Germany. Socialize with your fellow students, and make use of the Integration courses. Seize this opportunity to learn a new language. Also, enjoy the wonderful culture, traditions, and art that Germany is known for. Another great thing is that if you have a student visa (and residence permit), you can travel all over Europe and visit all the Schengen area countries you want to see, and enjoy. The time spent being a student in Germany will certainly leave a beautiful lasting memory.