German University Enrollment: International Student Reporting Requirements

Germany is a popular country for international students, offering free education at public universities, a pleasant climate, and a unique culture. To study in Germany, international students must meet certain requirements, including proof of language proficiency, academic qualifications, and financial means. German universities have two intakes, winter and summer, and students should be mindful of the application deadlines for international students. This article will provide an overview of when international students need to report to German universities and the steps they need to take to enroll successfully.

Application requirements

To apply to a German university as an international student, you need to meet certain requirements. Here are the essential application requirements for international students planning to study in Germany:

• University Entrance Qualification: You need a university entrance qualification, known as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur, to apply to a German university. Check if your school-leaving certificates are equivalent to Germany's Abitur by looking up your country and qualifications in the ANABIN or DAAD database. If you don't have the HZB-Note, you may need to take a one-year foundation course called Studienkolleg or complete additional education in your home country.
• Aptitude Test: Some universities require an aptitude test called TestAS, which is designed for international students from non-EU countries enrolling in undergraduate programs.
• Language Proficiency: If your degree is taught in German, you must provide recognised language certificates (such as DSH or TestDaF) to prove your German language skills. If your course is taught in English and you're not a native speaker, you need to submit scores from tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Proof of Financial Means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany. As of September 2024, international students need to show they have €11,904 per year. This proof is required for your student visa application.
• Health Insurance: You need to submit proof of German statutory health insurance during the application process. Additionally, if you're not from an EU/EEA country, you must provide proof of health insurance for your student visa application.
• Standardised Tests: Some universities may require specific test scores, such as GMAT or GRE, especially for business school applications.
• Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) Certificate: Applicants with educational qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam need to obtain this certificate.
• Preliminary Review Documentation (VPD): Some universities require applicants to have their education documents reviewed and grades converted through Uni-Assist.
• Other Documents: You will need a duly completed application form, a certified copy of your high school diploma, relevant academic certificates, a translated overview of your modules and grades, a copy of your passport and passport photo, and potentially letters of motivation and recommendation. If your application documents are not in German or English, they will need to be officially translated.

Language proficiency

International students intending to study at a German university must demonstrate their language proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction. German universities require proof of upper-intermediate to advanced (B2/C1) German language skills for programmes taught in German. Recognised language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH), TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, or DSD II are accepted as proof of German language proficiency. Students can also enrol in intensive German language courses offered by universities or external institutions to achieve the required language level.

Native German speakers or those with a German-language university degree are exempt from submitting a language certificate. Additionally, international students enrolling in short-term study programmes or transitional research stays that do not require German may be exempt from language proficiency requirements.

For English-taught courses, German universities commonly require language proficiency certifications such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Other accepted tests include Cambridge English, PTE Academic, and GMAT or GRE scores for business schools. Minimum score requirements vary across universities and programmes, generally ranging from 80-100 for TOEFL and 6.5-7.5 for IELTS.

It is important to note that each university and programme may have specific language proficiency requirements. Therefore, students should refer to their chosen university's requirements to ensure they meet the expected language proficiency level.

In addition to language proficiency, international students applying to German universities must provide various documents, including a completed application form, high school diploma, academic certificates, passport, and proof of financial means. Some universities may also require aptitude tests, such as the TestAS, and proof of health insurance for student visa applications.

Student visas

To study in Germany, international students will need to meet certain requirements. The prerequisites for applying are a university entrance qualification, known as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur, and proof of language proficiency. Students will also need to submit a completed application form, a certified copy of their high school diploma, relevant recognised academic certificates, a translated overview of their modules and grades, and a copy of their passport and a passport photo.

Most international students will also need to get a German student visa. The requirements for obtaining a student visa depend on the applicant's country of origin. Students can check the Foreign Federal Office's website to see if they need a visa. If a visa is required, it can be obtained at a German consulate in the applicant's country. Students will need to present proof of sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses in Germany during their appointment. This is known as Finanzierungsnachweis and the amount required is currently €8,700 per year, although some sources state €11,904 per year. Students will also need to provide proof of health insurance for their student visa application. This can be obtained through a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is free. If a student's health insurance is not valid in Germany, they will need to pay for German health insurance, which costs between €80 and €160 per month. The cost is higher if the student is over 30.

In addition to the visa, international students will need to obtain a residence permit for studies lasting more than 90 days once they arrive in Germany.

Health insurance

Public vs Private Health Insurance

There are two types of health insurance in Germany: public and private. Most German residents are enrolled in the public healthcare system, but some individuals qualify for both and can choose. Degree students under 30 can register for public health insurance, but they can also opt for private health insurance. On the other hand, students coming for preparatory courses, language courses, PhD students, students over 30, and guest scientists may have to look for private health insurance.

Cost of Health Insurance

Public health insurance covers you regardless of pre-existing medical conditions, but private insurance may not. Private insurance companies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions or charge higher premiums based on the individual’s health history. The cost of private health insurance plans varies depending on the provider and the policy you purchase. The cheapest plan may start from EUR 79 per month, while the PROVISIT STUDENT plan, offered by DR-WALTER, is also one of the most affordable and starts at the same price.

Travel Health Insurance

If you need a student visa for Germany, you must provide proof of travel health insurance during the appointment. This type of insurance is short-term and will only be needed for your visa application until you get long-term health insurance when you arrive in Germany. Travel health insurance is not sufficient for long-term stays in Germany, which is why you also need health insurance for your university enrolment.

If you plan to do an internship, have a student work contract, or work as a student assistant during your studies in Germany, you must have German health insurance, regardless of your home country’s insurance status.

Internships

Germany offers a wide range of internship opportunities for international students. These internships can be a mandatory part of a student's degree or a voluntary opportunity to gain work experience.

Visa Requirements

If you are an international student and not an EU/EEA national, you will likely need a visa to complete an internship in Germany. The type of visa you will need depends on the duration of your internship and your country of residence. If your internship is less than three months and you are not enrolled at a German university, you will need to apply for a Type C visa. If your internship is longer than 90 days, you will need a visa regardless of your country of residence.

Financial Requirements

One of the key requirements for an internship in Germany is demonstrating financial stability. This can be done by depositing funds into a German Blocked Account or Sperrkonto. As of May 2023, the blocked account requirement for a German visa is €11,208 annually, granting students access to €934 monthly. You will also need to factor in the cost of transportation, food, entertainment, and accommodation.

Finding an Internship

There are several ways to find internship opportunities in Germany. German universities have career counselling offices that can provide lists of internships and schedule interviews with employers. Local agencies and career fairs can also help you find available internship programs. You can also reach out to companies directly or search for internships online via platforms such as LinkedIn, Xing, or Indeed.

Application Process

When applying for internships in Germany, it is important to tailor your CV and cover letter to the German market and ensure you meet the broader requirements, such as language proficiency and cultural adaptability. It is also advisable to collaborate closely with the international office at your university to ensure all bureaucratic aspects are addressed.

Internship Agreement

Before starting your internship, you should have a formal internship agreement with the company in Germany. This agreement should include the company's commitment to cover your living and travel expenses for up to six months after your internship finishes. It is also important to be aware of the cultural differences in German workplace culture, which can be more formal than in other countries.

Payment

Payment for internships in Germany can vary, and unpaid internships are common. However, many employers offer a modest honorarium of €300-500 per month to help with living expenses. As of 2023, the minimum wage for internships that are not mandatory and longer than three months is €12 per hour or €1,920 per month.

Housing

Some internship programs may assist with housing, but if not, you will need to arrange your own accommodation. Student residences, shared apartments, or temporary housing platforms are all options to consider. Remember to register your address at the local residents' registration office upon your arrival in Germany.

Frequently asked questions