Before Arriving in Berlin

The visa requirements to study in Germany vary from country to country and even in individual circumstances. Some citizenships require no visa, such as citizens from EU and EEA member countries, some can enter without a visa for up to three months but must then apply for a residence permit. Others must apply for a visa before entering Germany.

The most up to date information will always be from the consulate or Embassy directly, please see the section Types of Visa and When to Apply below for a link to German missions. Here is an overview by the Federal Foreign Office on visa requirements and exemptions for entry into Germany .

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/-/231148 

A visa for study purposes will be required for all countries that do not have an exemption. Information about requirements, processes for applying, and obtaining a visa for study purposes will be provided by embassies and consulates. You have to apply for a visa at the consulate (or embassy) within the district you are registered in your home country. You can find the German consulates or embassies in your country here: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/about-us/auslandsvertretungen/deutsche-auslandsvertretungen 

Important note! 

A tourist visa does not entitle the holder to register as a student.

Please make sure to enter Germany with a suitable visa for your intended purpose of studying in Germany. Anyone with written approval (notice of admission) for preparatory study or a university place can apply for a student visa. There is a student applicant visa for anyone still waiting on the notice of admission or who has to sit an entrance examination. After you have arrived in Germany and are ready to convert your visa into a residence permit to stay here for the duration of your studies, you will need to submit your visa to the Foreigner’s Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung previously known as the Ausländerbehörde).

It often takes several months for a visa to be issued, therefore it is important to apply for a visa as early as possible so that you can arrive before your courses start.

The documents you need to bring might vary – please check with the consulate/embassy responsible for you – but in general they include the following items:

•  a valid passport

•  a confirmation of application (applicant visa) or the notice of admission (student visa) from the university

• proof of adequate funds for living expenses (proof of financial resources)

• health insurance coverage

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany and the proof of your health insurance coverage is mandatory for the registration process at any university in Germany. If you need a visa, it may also be a requirement in your application process. In this case, you may have to start with a travel insurance and then set up your regular health insurance as a student after your arrival.

Health insurance in Germany is a complex matter, so make sure to read the Health Insurance Information pack sent with your confirmation of admission. Additionally, you can read more here. 

University fees at BI cover the costs for teaching only, accommodation and food are not included. The exact money you will need in addition to these fees depends on your individual life style. On average, students in Germany need between 700 and 1.330 Euro monthly. In Berlin, the estimated average cost of living for students is 800 €/month (tuition fees excluded).

It is advisable to open a bank account upon arrival and to bring enough cash and/or a credit card to cover your costs for your first weeks in Germany. You might also need additional money for a deposit, if you want to rent a flat or an apartment. Please keep in mind that money transfers to Germany and even within Germany take some time . Travelers checks are not a common method of payment in Germany. Card payments are not accepted in some bars, barber shops / hair dressers, or smaller shops in general. Look for signs when you are out, or just ask! These phrases are common: 

Nur Bargeld (cash only) 

Bar und Kartenzahlung (cash and card payments)

Keine Kartenzahlung (möglich) (No cards (possible)).

BAFöG

The German federal government provides student loans for German students in need of financial support (called BAFöG). Only a part of each loan has to be paid back. Each application is evaluated individually. Students can apply for this financial support when they begin their studies. International students who have resided in Germany for a number of years before may also be eligible for this support. Complete information on how to apply, what criteria are evaluated, and who is eligible for financial support can be found on the German-language website for the BAföG financial support system: BAföG Information Pages - Federal Ministry of Education and Research, https://bafög.de.

Other support

Various organizations, institutions and foundations offer scholarships for German and international students. You need to invest some time and energy to find a program fitting for you. Please check the following data base (in English): https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&q=&page=1&back=1

or in German: https://www.stipendienlotse.de/.

As a student, you can work part-time without a work permit. However, depending on your citizenship, there may be certain restrictions. Please see the section Working while Studying for more information. 

Since the university does not offer student housing, you will need to find your own accommodation. Please see our full section on Accommodation which has hints & tips, abbreviations you will see when searching for a place, and some resources. 

To make a home away from home, you will be thinking about how much you can bring with you and what is required. Although individual needs and lifestyles will be different, here are some essentials:

-       Passport pictures. It’s always useful to have them at hand when needed

-       Copies of all of your important documents (paper and scans) if you lose anything, these might really help you out.

-       Cash or a credit card. Transfers of money from home might take a while. Check out the Money Issues section above.

-       Weather appropriate clothes. Keep in mind that German weather can change quite quickly . A light weight rain jacket is recommended. You can buy many clothes in Berlin, see Shopping, but you may want to bring a winter jacket and some warm shoes. You can leave most of your formal clothes at home. Students don’t tend to wear formal clothes to university.

-       Universal plug or adaptor to connect your laptop or phone charger right away!