What you need to know: studying in Germany as an international student

Applying for a visa is an important step in preparing for your studies in Germany and should be started early. The process can take time and follows established procedures that many international students have successfully completed before. The ISM International Office offers dedicated support based on long-standing experience with student visas. In addition, a step-by-step app is available to guide you through the process and help you stay on track.

Note: Depending on the visa type, you will need either confirmation of enrollment or documents proving your eligibility to study. Some programs may also require proof of language proficiency.

Make sure to bring all relevant documents to your visa appointment in order to avoid delays. Often two copies of the documents are needed and you should bring the original with you as well.

Necessary documents might include:

• A valid passport
• Copies of your passport and biometric passport photos
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof that you can cover your living expenses
• Birth certificate
• Depending on the type of visa: acceptance letter of your university or proof of correspondence with the university, possibly proof that you have already transferred study fees
• Proof of university entrance qualification
• Your CV
• The application form itself

After moving into your accommodation, you must register your address at the local Residents’ Registration Office (“Bürgerbüro”) within two weeks (“Wohnsitz anmelden”). The International Office can help you find the correct office in your city: international-office.en.ism.de

You usually need the following documents (additional documents may be required):

• Passport, visa OR official ID card
• Confirmation of residence from your landlord (corresponding form is available online)

Since student visas are typically issued for three months only, non-EU students must apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Registration Office (“Ausländerbehörde”). The procedure depends on your country of origin. Citizens of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland usually receive their residence permit when registering at the Bürgerbüro.

As Non-European student please follow these instructions:

1. Make an appointment with Foreigners’ Registration Office
2. Prepare documents for your appointment (original + copy)
   • Completed, signed application form (available online)
   • Confirmation of enrolment from ISM
   • Confirmation paper of health insurance
   • Confirmation of registration at Residents’ Registration Office
   • Your rental agreement
   • Proof of financial funds
   • Passport and current visa
   • Biometric passport photos
   • Cash for the residence permit fee.

Additional documents may be needed in certain cases. Please contact the Foreigners’ Registration Office in order to inform yourself about the required documents.

All students in Germany are legally required to have health insurance. German and international students are treated equally and may enroll in a public (“gesetzliche”) health insurance, which currently costs about 120 € per month.

Proof of valid German health insurance must be presented upon arrival at ISM. Travel insurance is not sufficient. Foreign students must maintain this insurance for the entire duration of their studies and may choose any German public insurance provider.

Students over 30 years old are no longer eligible for student public health insurance. Public insurance then costs over 200 € per month, or students may choose private health insurance (e.g. MAWISTA, CareConcept, zegooro). Private insurance usually requires upfront payment, with reimbursement after submitting bills. After graduation and employment, switching to public health insurance is possible.

For more details, please contact our International Officer Jenni Korpela, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISM has a cooperation with TK (Techniker Krankenkasse). Students may apply directly through ISM or online here: Become a member - students. This student public insurance starts at the beginning of the semester and requires no payment before it begins. It may not fulfill visa requirements, so please check with the German embassy if insurance is needed for your visaPlease note that this kind of “gesetzliche Krankenversicherungen” is only for students and starts when the semester begins.

Studying in Germany is an exciting step, and finding the right place to live is part of settling in well. Traditionally, many students in Germany live in shared apartments or rent private rooms, and this remains the most common and practical option today. While our university does not operate its own dormitories, there is a long-established network of housing opportunities available beyond campus.

Depending on where you live and what your financial situation is like, finding an own accommodation might not that easy. Therefore, start looking for a place to stay as soon as possible – at best before you arrive in Germany. If you don’t find an accommodation before your arrival in Germany, you can stay at a hostel or hotel while searching.

With the right preparation and support, finding accommodation in Germany is a manageable process.

To support international students, we have carefully compiled housing lists that reflect how students have successfully found accommodation here for many years. To receive the list for your campus, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..