Application process at ISM

Non EU-students and students from countries other than the USA, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea who would like to study in Germany need an appropriate visa for entry in Germany. You need to apply for your student visa at the responsible German embassy or consulate in your home country. Please note: The entry with a tourist or visitor visa is not sufficient for study purposes for most countries!

Your visa application has to state explicitly the reason for your stay in Germany (e.g. language course, studies, etc.). In particular the following documents need to be attached to the visa application:

• Letter of acceptance of the ISM
• Proof of sufficient financial funds (for example, you get a so-called "blocked account" in Germany or for example with the help of the document “Verpflichtungserklaerung” which you get from the German embassy if you have a person living in Germany).

For further information please contact the respective German consular mission abroad or our ISM International Officers.

At International School of Management, German classes are either an integrated part of the curriculum (only if you study a program offered in German) or can be taken either as a pre-course right before the start of the semester or as an evening online classes during the semester.

During your studies: We offer free, optional language and hands-on courses within our StudyPlus program. In this program, you can also take German courses. All StudyPlus courses take place online during the evening so you can combine them with your regular study program’s schedule. For more information on the exact schedule, please check your student portal or contact your local study office.

Prior to semester start: Foreign students who wish to learn German or refresh their German knowledge can take part in a 3-week intensive German course prior to semester start (cost is €480 + an additional fee for study material). You will receive 6 ECTS for the course if you pass it successfully. The course will take place from Monday to Friday and has 90 teaching units in sum. There will be a course for beginners and - if there are enough interested students - we will also offer a course for advanced learners. In addition, we also try to offer three different language courses during the semester for free with 3 ECTS being awarded at the end of the class: Beginners + Intermediate + Advanced Business presentations.

Note: please be aware that you need an upper/intermediate level of German to successfully pass the semester at the ISM if you participate in classes taught in German and an upper/intermediate level of English to participate in English-taught programs, classes of foreign lecturers and for the ISM Business Certificate.

To answer a common asked question: Is health insurance compulsory for Germany?

Yes, all students must bring proof of valid health insurance. The German social security system generally treats German and foreign students the same, i.e. foreign students can take out insurance with the statutory health insurers in Germany, currently for about 140-150 euros per month. Students from selected countries (mainly from the EU) can claim an exemption under certain circumstances.

International students with private insurance can be exempted from the compulsory health insurance only if they present a certificate of insurance from their home insurance company, translated into German, which precisely describes the content and scope of the insurance coverage. The health insurance company in Germany will check this and may issue an exemption.

Note: Please note that students older than 30 years of age are not eligible for student health insurance through the statutory health insurance companies and must take out private insurance either in their home country or in Germany. Please note that travel insurance cannot be accepted.

You can find more tips on health insurance and our partner Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in the ISM Study Guide (PDF).