Before leaving for Germany

Please prepare your study stay in Germany thoroughly.

The following issues should be dealt with before you leave for Germany:

Visa

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa:

  • EU-citizens
  • Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brasil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Island, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein,Monaco, New Zeeland, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the USA do not need a visa either.

Citizens of all other countries need to apply for a study visa at the German diplomatic mission in their home country. The admission to study at a German university needs to be available at that point.

Please do not enter Germany with a tourist visa, as it cannot be transformed into a study visa in Germany. After the expiration you would have to leave Germany.

The actual entry regulations and application forms can be found on the homepage of the  Federal Foreign Office.

Financial prerequisites

Non EU citizens have to provide financial evidence of 8.640 € per year to get the visa.

Please contact the German diplomatic mission in your home country on how you have to provide the financial proof. The financial proof also has to be provided with every extension of the residence permit.

Health Insurance

If you would like to study in Germany you need sufficient health insurance cover. It is needed for the visa application, the residence permit and also the enrolment at the Ostfalia University.

EU citizens are protected with the health insurance policy of their home country for a stay of up to twelve months in Germany. For a proof you need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that the health insurance company in your home country will issue.

Non EU citizens need a German health insurance policy for enrollment at the Ostfalia. The International Student Office will help you in arranging for one once you are in Germany.

Accomodation

1. Hall of Residence

Most of the rooms in the student's hall of residences are divided in shared flats , where you will have a room for yourself, but share bathroom and kitchen with 2–4 other students. Single appartments are available to a limited extent.

If you are interested in living there, have your name put on the waiting list as soon as possible, as the student accomodation is very sought-after. The average cost for a room is 300 – 400 € per month.

Find further information on the website of Studentenwerk Ostniedersachsen.

2. Private shared flat

Private shared flats are offered here:

www.studenten-wg.de 

www.wg-gesucht.de

3. Private single flat

It is rather difficult in Germany to find a furnished flat, most of the flats are offered unfurnished.

You can find private flats to rent here:

www.immobilienscout24.de

www.immonet.de

www.immowelt.de

Or consult the local newspapers:

https://www.salzgitter-zeitung.de/

https://www.suderburg-online.de/

https://www.az-online.de/uelzen/suderburg/

https://www.wolfenbuetteler-zeitung.de/

https://www.wolfsburger-nachrichten.de/

http://www.waz-online.de/

Costs

Semester contribution

Most of the degree programmes at the Ostfalia are free of charges, however a contribution has to be paid every semester. The amont differs depending on the campus. The actual amount can be found here

Cost of living

The cost of living highly depends on your demands. A rough estimate of the average amount of the cost of living is 700 – 800 € per month plus the semester contribution.

Find further information here.

Please consider carefully how to finance your studies in advance, as many international students have to give up their studies due to a lack of money.

Financing

Orientation Weeks

Prior to the start of every winter semester we offer a two-week orientation programme for new international students.

The participation in this programme is highly recommended, as all organizational matters concerning your exchange will be dealt with during these two weeks:

  • Registration at the town hall
  • Opening a German bank account
  • Application for a residence permit
  • Campus tour
  • Introduction to Ostfalia's computer system

In addition we'll offer excursions to the surroundings of the study location.

Furthermore an intensive German language course on different levels will take place during the orientation weeks.

to top
Print