Documents B2

Studying in Germany: Enrollment and Residence

Comprehensive orientation for international students from admission to organizing their stay.

studium immatrikulation aufenthalt

What is that?

For international students, starting in Germany combines several systems: university, registration authority, health insurance, right of residence and often financing. To ensure a stable start, these steps should not be planned one after the other randomly, but in a clear order. The goal is a reliable starting package: successfully complete enrollment, register your place of residence, clarify your insurance status and document all deadlines.

Where do I do that?

The central offices are university/college (enrollment), Bürgeramt (Citizens' office of the city administration) (residence), Krankenkasse (health insurance) and, depending on origin/residence status, Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office).

Required documents

  • Admission letter
  • Passport/ID card
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Proof of financing (depending on the procedure)
  • Residential address/proof of rent
  • Biometric photo (for residency issues)
  • Language certificates (depending on the course of study)

Typical costs

Costs typically consist of semester fees, housing costs, insurance and living expenses. The specific amount depends on the city, university and individual situation.

Note: Costs may vary by state or city.

Progress

  1. 1 Check admission requirements and deadlines carefully
  2. 2 Submit all enrollment documents
  3. 3 Coordinate your insurance status with the university early on
  4. 4 Organize apartment/room and prepare Anmeldung (official residence registration)
  5. 5 Set up banking and payment channels for ongoing costs
  6. 6 Book residency appointments early
  7. 7 Store all notifications digitally and physically in a structured manner
  8. 8 Maintain deadline calendar for re-registration, fees, stay and proof of insurance
  9. 9 Actively use the contact person at the university (International Office).
  10. 10 Define emergency plan for missing documents

Important German words & sentences

die Immatrikulation - formale Einschreibung an der Hochschule
Der Semesterbeitrag - regelmäßiger Beitrag pro Semester
Das International Office - Beratungsstelle für internationale Studierende
Die Rückmeldung - fristgerechte Fortsetzung des Studiums
Welche Unterlagen fehlen noch für meine Immatrikulation?
Bis wann muss ich den Semesterbeitrag überweisen?
Wie kombiniere ich Hochschulfristen mit Aufenthaltsfristen?

Common mistakes

  • • Consider university deadlines and government deadlines separately instead of planning them integrated.
  • • Clarifying proof of insurance too late.
  • • Store documents without a uniform structure.

Official source