New Student Resources

Welcome to the MSIS program!

Starting graduate school in a new city (or even a new country) can feel overwhelming. This checklist is designed to help you stay organized as you prepare for your arrival and navigate your first weeks at the University of Bonn. While not every item will apply to every student, completing these tasks will help ensure a smooth transition into the program and life in Bonn.

For official enrollment requirements, deadlines, and university policies, always refer to the official MSIS and University of Bonn websites. This checklist is intended to complement those resources by highlighting practical steps and recommendations from current students.

Checklist: Before You Arrive

Complete Your Enrollment

To accept your offer and complete your university enrollment, you must...

Complete the online pre-enrollment using the Uni Bonn application portal by the deadline specific in your letter of admission
Upload all of the documents required for enrollment by the deadline specified in the letter of admission. This typically includes:

Letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid)
Proof of health insurance coverage
Identification Document: Valid passport or official identity card
Declaration of Enrollment: Generated via the university's online application portal (must be physically signed)
Copies of your university entrance qualification (e.g., Abitur) and/or prior university degrees
Pay Semester Contribution: After uploading your documents, you must transfer the semester fee to the university

Payment recipient: Universität Bonn

IBAN: DE 20 3701 0050 0010 9335 02
BIC: PBNKDEFF

© Deutsche Welle; J. Kalaene/dpa/picture-alliance

Ensure Healthcare Coverage

Health insurance is mandatory for all students enrolling at the University of Bonn. Before you can complete your enrollment, you must provide proof that you have valid health insurance recognized in Germany. As such, we recommend the following steps:

Review the Uni Bonn protocol for student insurance coverage
Verify your current coverage. If you are covered by an EU/EEA/CH health insurance provider, confirm that your policy meets the requirements for enrollment in Germany.
Purchase German health insurance, if needed. If your current coverage is not recognized, enroll in a German statutory health insurance plan.
Request an M10 notification. Ask your health insurance provider to send the required M10 electronic notification directly to the University of Bonn (using sender number H0001178) to verify your insurance status.

Before departing for Germany, we recommend visiting your healthcare provider to obtain copies of your prescriptions, vaccination records, and any other relevant medical documentation. If you take prescription medication regularly, ask about obtaining a several-month supply to ensure continuity of care during your transition to Bonn.

©VISAGUARD Berlin

Apply for Relevant Visas & Residence Permits

Students from EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a student visa to live and study in Germany. Students from most other countries, however, will need to obtain a student visa or residence permit. You should begin the visa process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter to allow sufficient time for processing.

For more in-depth information, please visit our Visa & Residence Permit page.

©Studierendenwerk Bonn

Find Housing

Demand for affordable student housing is high, so it’s important to begin your search as early as possible. We recommend completing the steps below as early as possible to maximize your chances of finding accommodation before the semester begins.

Apply for student housing through the Studierendenwerk Bonn which offers residence halls and student apartments at lower prices (ranging from ~€300 to €800/month) than some of the private market.
Arrange viewings for private apartments or shared flats (WGs). Continue searching the private housing market while your Studierendenwerk application is being processed, as many students ultimately find accommodation through private listings.
Attend one of the university’s housing info sessions (schedule here)

For more in-depth information, please visit our Housing in Bonn page.

©HRZ Uni Bonn

Get Connected Online!

Once you have completed your enrollment, we recommend reviewing the IT Checklist for New Students to learn how to:

Activate your Uni-ID
Download the Uni Bonn App (i.e. where your student ID card, deutschlandstipendium, and library card are stored)
Set up your student email account

In addition to these, we recommend that you apply online for a university library card before arriving to Bonn. Completing these steps in advance will help make your transition to the University of Bonn as smooth as possible.

Checklist: After You Arrive

1) Complete City Registration (Anmeldung)

After you have moved in, request a landlord's confirmation letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from your landlord or property manager. This an official, legally required document signed by your landlord or housing provider that proves you have moved into a specific address in Germany.
Register Your Address (Anmeldung): Schedule an appointment with the local registration office (Bürgeramt) to receive your Anmeldung (or the "city registration") as soon as your housing and arrival date are confirmed. In most cases, you must register your address within 14 days of moving into your accommodation.

To learn more about the Anmeldung process and required documents, please visit our Housing in Bonn page.

2) Apply for Residence Permit (if needed)

If you require a residence permit, you should begin the process immediately after completing your Anmeldung.

Schedule an appointment with the Bonn Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt) to apply for their residence permit. Because appointment availability can be limited, students are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.
As you wait for your appointment, you should gather electronic and print copies of all required documents listed on our Visa & Residence Permits page.
Because appointments may take several weeks or months to obtain, students should prioritize attending their scheduled appointment. If the appointment conflicts with a class, simply notify your instructor in advance.

3) University & Academic Tasks

Attend University Orientation Events
During the first month of classes, the International Office hosts several orientation events for international students. These sessions provide useful guidance on topics such as enrollment, registering with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. The Welcome Days also offer opportunities to meet other international and German students through social and recreational activities. Visit this webpage for the event schedule, participation details, and additional information.
Attend MSIS Welcome Events: October 5-9
Welcome Week is the best way to begin your studies at the University of Bonn. Throughout the week, the MSIS faculty will introduce you to the program, explain key academic policies and expectations, and provide important information about course selection and student services. In the evenings, the FA will organize social events, offering a great opportunity to meet your classmates and build your network before classes begin. The final schedule will be announced at a later date.
Register for Your Courses on BASIS
During the second half of Welcome Week, you will be able to register for your courses through BASIS during the designated registration period. Wait until after the program staff have explained the curriculum, course offerings, and registration process before selecting your courses. The program coordinator will provide guidance to help you build your schedule.
Register with the Examination Office - Deadline: December 11
After enrolling at the University of Bonn, all first-semester students must complete a one-time registration with the Examination Office. This step creates your examination record and enables you to register for exams through the BASIS portal. To register, complete the appropriate registration form, attach the required supporting documents (such as your Bachelor's degree certificate for Master's students, if applicable), and submit everything through the online contact form.

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