The aim of this website is to share information about procedures and studying at a university or higher education institution with prospective international students.
I came to Germany from Japan to study at a university here. In doing so, I encountered various difficulties—not only related to studying, but also concerning complicated administrative procedures in Germany, as well as everyday life, whose conditions differ from those in one’s home country. I would like to explain these step by step.
There are many universities and higher education institutions in Germany, but their administrative systems differ considerably from one another. Some universities are very helpful and answer every question kindly, while others respond only briefly. In general, universities in smaller cities tend to be more friendly, as they aim to attract more international students. However, their websites are often not well structured, and useful information is spread across different pages. Therefore, it is often difficult to find this information quickly or to avoid overlooking important information for one’s studies.
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT or Google AI, can be very helpful in searching for or finding this information.
Many universities in Germany require applicants to apply through Uni-Assist before submitting a direct application to the university. Uni-Assist evaluates academic qualifications for admission to higher education institutions in Germany.
It is often complicated and difficult for universities to assess whether international applicants from non-EU countries have obtained academic qualifications equivalent to those in Germany. Therefore, it is recommended to apply through Uni-Assist at least six months before the start of your studies.
In some cases, certain universities—especially those in smaller cities or those offering programs taught in German—may accept direct applications, as the number of applicants is lower. However, it is still recommended to carefully check each university’s website to identify the required documents and prepare them as early as possible.
Germany is currently facing a significant housing shortage, especially in large cities. This is partly due to the increasing number of immigrants and the overall growth of the population. As a result, it has become difficult to rent an apartment, particularly for international students or in major cities.
Without an apartment, it is also impossible to register your residence (Anmeldung), which is necessary in order to apply for a residence permit. In addition, rent has become very expensive nowadays.
In my opinion, it is easier to find an apartment in a smaller city, and the rent is also more affordable. Universities often provide a limited number of dormitory rooms or recommend private housing options. It is recommended to start searching for an apartment about six months before the start of your studies. Landlords usually require proof of a blocked account (Sperrkonto) when signing a rental contract.
Nowadays, depending on your field of study, there are many opportunities for remote work. Therefore, it can be more efficient to live in a smaller city while working from home for a company located in another city.
Studying in Germany requires sufficient financial resources. Students, especially those from non-EU countries, must provide proof of financial support through a blocked account and health insurance during their studies.
A blocked account is used to hold funds for a certain period (usually one year or more) and allows only a fixed monthly withdrawal. You must open a blocked account in advance with a provider in Germany and deposit a required amount or more. This is usually possible online, for example through international transfer services such as Wise.
If you are under 30 years old, you can enroll in public health insurance. Otherwise, you must choose private health insurance and provide proof of exemption from public insurance to the university.
In addition, it is recommended to obtain personal liability insurance.
People with public health insurance receive their social security number automatically by mail after registering with a statutory health insurance provider.
Those with private health insurance usually receive their social security number when they start their first job, as their employer registers them.
After you receive admission to a university, do not forget to complete your enrollment and pay the semester contribution within the specified deadline.
Enrollment usually requires proof of German health insurance as well as financial proof, such as a blocked account. In addition, you need to activate your university email address and access to the university’s digital learning platform. You must also register for your first-semester courses before the semester begins.
The semester contribution often includes the Deutschlandticket, which allows you to use buses and trains throughout Germany. Activation typically requires a smartphone.
More precisely, you are usually required to carry an ID (e.g., a passport) together with your semester ticket. However, in practice, this may vary depending on the region or city.
For applying for a residence permit, a registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) is required, which is issued by the Citizens’ Office (Bürgerbüro) when you register your address.
The registration process itself is simple and only requires an appointment, your passport, and a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), which is provided by the landlord or housing provider. This means that you need to find an apartment as quickly as possible that is suitable for registration at the Bürgerbüro.
In general, accommodation such as Airbnb is not sufficient for registration at the Bürgerbüro or for applying for a residence permit. In addition, proof of a blocked account (Sperrkonto) is usually required to sign a rental contract.
Therefore, you should open a blocked account early and secure housing in order to obtain the landlord confirmation, registration certificate, and residence permit as quickly as possible.
In addition, you will receive your tax number by mail after registering your residence at the citizens’ office.
In Germany, the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) is also mandatory, so do not forget to pay it.
Normally, international students from non-EU countries must apply for and obtain a student visa in their home country in order to enter Germany. After arriving in Germany, they must apply for a residence permit.
As an exception, students from certain countries, such as the United States, Japan, Korea, and Australia, may enter Germany without a visa, provided that they apply for a residence permit within 90 days.
However, it should be noted that obtaining a residence permit can take a long time. In large cities in particular, it may take up to six months. If you enter Germany without a visa, you are not allowed to work as a student until you have received your residence permit.
If you want to work in Germany immediately, you should either obtain a student visa in advance in your home country or arrange an appointment with the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the city where you will live and study as early as possible. Otherwise, you may not be able to work in Germany for several months.
Formally, students are busy with lectures and other classes from morning until evening, and self-study is also necessary. However, many international students are surprised by the reality.
In general, students at universities are not required to attend lectures or tutorials. Some students still choose to attend them. Theoretically, it is possible to take the final exam without having participated in these classes. There are only a few exceptions, such as small seminars where attendance is mandatory.
However, you should note that you can only take the exam for each course three times. If you fail an exam in a compulsory module, you must not only leave your field of study at your university, but you are also no longer allowed to study that subject anywhere in Germany. As a result, you must either leave the university or change your field of study. In particular, international students are required to earn at least 20 ECTS credits per semester and may change their field of study within three semesters in order to maintain their student visa.
Therefore, many students study very intensively before exams, especially using exercises and past exams, which are particularly important for final exams. It is recommended to study diligently from the beginning of the semester, even if you do not regularly attend lectures or tutorials.
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is very useful for translation into different languages and for answering questions. Many students use AI tools such as ChatGPT for self-study, while also being aware of possible errors in AI-generated responses.