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German insurance system is among the oldest in Europe!

![4302-EN.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/ec6a8922-329b-40a8-ae0f-863791d75d4d/4302-en.jpg?version=0 '4302-EN.jpg')

## **Public versus Private insurance**
Germany has a dual public-private health insurance system, with public and private health insurance options available.

Mandatory health insurance covers general health needs, including basic dental care, while private insurance providers cover more specialized medical treatments.

While public health insurance can cover spouses and children, private health insurance usually only covers the applicant. The general differences between public mandatory and private insurance are summarized in the following table:

![4302-1.png](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/ebf87a2c-2ded-4ce6-8829-2df32bf6cf33/4302-1.png?version=0 '4302-1.png')

![EDUBAO_4302_m1.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/dbf7906a-9e8b-44d5-8590-6a27ab999f73/edubao-4302-m1.jpg?version=0 'EDUBAO_4302_m1.jpg')
## **Mandatory health insurance for international students**

Just as in the GKV (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung = mandatory health insurance), outpatient medical treatments, dental care, medications, remedies, and aids must be included in the health insurance for foreigners. Inpatient treatment and stays must also be covered, as well as all benefits related to pregnancy and childbirth.

International students studying in Germany are also required to have health insurance. Proof of health insurance must be presented during enrollment. During their stay in Germany, international students are covered by the GKV, which also issues proof of enrollment. Private health insurance can be obtained individually, but it must cover at least primary care services provided by the GKV, as well as transportation to the home country in case of death.

## **Registration**

Based on German healthcare legislation, if you live long-term or work in Germany, you must register with the German authorities at your local town hall (Einwohnermeldeamt). Once you are registered, have a Social Insurance Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) and are making National Insurance Contributions, you are entitled to state-run healthcare equivalent to those of German nationals.

Mandatory health insurance coverage for foreigners is usually mandatory if they are permanently employed in Germany. Any EU citizen who has no work in Germany can only register for mandatory health insurance if they were already formally a member of mandatory health insurance coverage in their home country.

## **Health insurance card**

A health insurance card (Krankenversichertenkarte) will be issued to you by your insurance provider and must be taken with you every time you visit any German physician, dentist, or specialist. Since 2014, an eHealth card with a picture of the owner (from 15 years old) is evidence of the warrant to medical treatment and services. The card, which includes your name, birth date, address, and health insurance information, is scanned whenever you visit a medical facility. Make sure to inform your health insurance provider of your address so they can send you the health insurance card by mail. 

![EDUBAO_4302_M3.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/58fbaee0-9df2-4b71-8ddf-1ddce027986f/edubao-4302-m3.jpg?version=0 'EDUBAO_4302_M3.jpg')

## **Doctors in Germany**

Doctors are called "Ärzte" in the German language. A "Hausarzt" is a general practitioner or primary care physician. You can choose your own doctor under the German healthcare system. At least some of them can speak basic English. Some physicians only serve patients with private health insurance, so you should check in advance whether you, as a person with public health insurance, will have to pay for treatment.

## **Hospitals in Germany**

Hospitals are called Krankenhäuser in German language. There are three main types:

- public hospitals (Öffentliche Krankenhäuser) which are run by the local and regional authorities;
- voluntary, non-profit hospitals (Freigemeinnützige Krankenhäuser) run by churches or organizations run by the German Red Cross;
- private hospitals (Privatkrankenhäuser).

Don’t forget to take your health insurance card before going to see doctors. 

![EDUBAO_4302_M2.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/b6418e5a-07c3-434c-ab26-8c2725f49a09/edubao-4302-m2.jpg?version=0 'EDUBAO_4302_M2.jpg')

## **Pharmacies in Germany**

Pharmacies are called Apotheke in German language. Their opening hours are usually from 9 am – 6 pm from Monday to Friday and 9 am –12 pm on Saturdays. All of them provide healthcare addresses outside the opening hours. But your health insurance may, in the most cases, not cover your bills of pharmacies. EDUBAO suggest you ask your health insurance first how far your health insurance would medically cover you.

Save these contacts to use in case of emergency!

Indeed, Germany ranks 16th on the [Global Peace Index 2022](https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GPI-2022-web.pdf) and has consistently ranked higher on the index for the past decade. Violence and crime rates are very low here, so you don’t need to worry about safety while living in Germany. However, it is never redundant to take basic precautions to protect your personal belongings and avoid unnecessary risks, such as walking alone on a dark road, etc.

In this article, we will quickly go over the emergency contacts in Germany. We hope that this information will come in handy for you, and of course, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send EDUBAO a message!

![EDUBAO_5504_Body1.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/285f2ad7-1b7b-4841-ab2b-483967a998b5/edubao-5504-body1.jpg 'EDUBAO_5504_Body1.jpg')

## **The police** 

110 is a free hotline to call the police in Germany. You can contact the police whenever you need help, not only in an emergency. The police themselves encourage people not to hesitate but to call directly in cases of need for help to avoid unwanted consequences. No matter what kind of situation you are in, you should always call the police!

![EDUBAO_5504_Body3.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/f2b96848-9917-4cc5-b1b5-fe48fcf680c5/edubao-5504-body3.jpg 'EDUBAO_5504_Body3.jpg')

## **Emergency medical services**

You can use the "Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst" (Medical Emergency Service) if it is not really urgent, but you can't wait until the doctor's office opens. There is a general practitioner on duty after office hours to manage emergencies. By dialing 116 117, you can access the service anywhere in Germany.

## **Your home country's embassy/consulate in Germany**

The police are not the only point of contact for international students during an emergency. You can always go to your home country’s embassy or consulate located in Germany to ask for help. The International Office staff will also assist you in case you have any questions about personal safety or other problems. So, don’t hesitate to ask them for support.

![EDUBAO_5504_Body2.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/99f091e6-3e9a-475f-8f1d-dbf0ea99b0c4/edubao-5504-body2.jpg 'EDUBAO_5504_Body2.jpg')

## **Small tips** 

You can also customize the emergency numbers in your phone so that you can immediately reach out whenever you are in need.

Emergency Contacts -  You Need to Remember During Your Stay in Germany

Can you name some of the public holidays in Germany?

## **How many types of holidays are there in Germany?**

In Germany, there are two main types of holidays: national public holidays and regional public holidays. German citizens generally do not work on national public holidays. However, each state has its own holidays. People in Bayern might be celebrating, while people in Berlin have to go to work.

Let's take a look to see if there are many holidays in your state (Bundesland)!

![EDUBAO_5507_Body1.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/923629ce-c5db-47d6-9e4d-95c55ce135b5/edubao-5507-body1.jpg 'EDUBAO_5507_Body1.jpg')

### **National public holidays**

* **New Year's Day (January 1st):** This holiday falls on the first day of the year. While many Germans celebrate this day with fireworks in major cities on the night of December 31st, some prefer to spend this occasion quietly at home with their families.
* **Good Friday:** This is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus two days before Easter Sunday. Due to its calm and mournful atmosphere, dance events or concerts are not allowed on this day.
* **Easter Monday:** The celebration of German Easter is quite similar to that in America. This annual holiday follows Easter Sunday, which remembers Christ's resurrection. German people celebrate this holiday with egg races and candle-lit parades. Businesses and stores are closed on this day.
* **Labor Day (May 1st):** Labor Day in Germany coincides with May Day on May 1st. During this day, people celebrate to appreciate the workers’ contribution to society. Besides, they also acknowledge it as an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and drive away evil spirits.
* **Ascension Day:** This German public holiday marks the ascension to heaven of Jesus. It is celebrated on the 40th day after Easter in May, which is also known as Father's Day or Men's Day in some German areas.
* **Whit Monday:** The celebration of this occasion takes place fifty days after Easter. It is also known as Pentecost Monday, which marks the end of this season's holiday.
* **Day of German Unity (October 3rd):**  German Unity Day is annually celebrated to commemorate the unification of this nation on October 3rd, 1990. Various activities take place throughout the country, including fireworks and cultural concerts hosted by each German state every year.
* **Christmas Day (December 25th):** Like in other countries, Christmas is a national holiday in Germany. People usually spend this day with their families and close friends. Large meals with traditional cuisine like boiled potatoes and dumplings are served, and decorations are displayed throughout the country.
* **Boxing Day/St. Stephen's Day (December 26th):** It is also a day off for the general population. December 26th is a quiet day for recovering from Christmas celebrations. Public transport services on this day vary depending on where you live or intend to travel.

![EDUBAO_5507_body2.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/af356a7d-3f2d-4147-a4f9-4c24bba229e6/edubao-5507-body2.jpg 'EDUBAO_5507_body2.jpg')

### **Regional Public Holidays**

* **Epiphany/Three King's Day (January 6th):** Epiphany is an annual holiday celebrated in Baden-Wurttemberg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Bavaria to mark the visit of the Magi (three wise men) to baby Jesus. In these states, most businesses and schools are closed, but public transport may still run as usual.
* **International Women Day (March 8th):** Don't be surprised when this special occasion isn't celebrated widely in Germany but only in Berlin. In 2019, Berlin made it an official holiday, allowing students and workers the day off.
* **Assumption Day (August 15th):** This day is celebrated to commemorate the moment when Mary departed from this life and went to heaven. It takes place in Saarland and Bayern.
* **Reformation Day (October 31st):** It is held in 9 states in Germany in commemoration of Martin Luther's Reformation in the 16th century (including Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and Bremen).
* **All Saints' Day (November 1st):** People celebrate this Christian holiday to honor the lives of every saint, pay tribute to their deceased relatives, and visit their graves. All Saints' Day is a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Saarland.
* **Repentance Day:** It is now a public holiday held only in Saxony. Protestant Christians will pray and engage in deep thoughts or quiet reflections.

*Note: For students arriving in Germany during the holidays, you should buy some food and drinks at the railway station or the airport since supermarkets and most stores are closed on these days.*

## **To sum up**

To sum up: You will have many opportunities to enjoy various public holidays in Germany when studying here. The number of holidays may vary depending on where you live. Now let's check together how many [holidays](https://www.ferienwiki.de/feiertage/2020/de) there are in your state!

When studying abroad in Germany, you can enjoy many exciting holidays. Some holidays share a similar calendar with other parts of Europe and the US, including Christmas and New Year. But others are uniquely German throughout the year.

Are There a lot of Holidays in Germany?

No pain, no gain! Let’s learn from the possible challenges during your stay in Germany! 

## **1. Facing institutional heterogeneity**
German universities always do their best to provide you with all the support you need. However, the degree of support varies, depending on each university’s staffing level. For this reason, you can’t expect that your university is able to support you in every situation at any time.    

Also, universities are finding ways to exploit inner and outer support so that students can benefit the most from their service. This outsourcing of support gives rise to a new problem which is high-level bureaucracy and a shortage of relevant information. 
 
### **How to conquer it!**
A sensible solution is to learn from others. Many students have gone through the same problems, so you can refer to them for advice while waiting for the answer from the international student support department of the university. Make use of friendships, and you can get useful information. 

The majority of lecturers in German universities are friendly and willing to respond to students' demands. Besides excellent insights into majors, students can get access to different perspectives and methods of handling problems from noted professors. Don’t always solve problems yourself.

## **2. Getting used to homesickness and independent lifestyle**

A survey about the impact of studying overseas on mental health, half of the participants reported a phase of feeling homesick throughout their stay. They tend to call home more frequently and expect friends to be online on Facebook. However, it is only counter-productive in the long run. You will only look to your hometown rather than exploring the new country and blending into the community.

### **How to conquer it!**

Being busy with new activities will keep you away from negative thoughts and overcome homesickness. For example, you can take up new interests like sports, dancing or take part in clubs at the university. Alternatively, you can travel across the country as well as visit its neighbors. 

Most importantly, don’t indulge yourself in your favorite social media websites like Facebook or Twitter. You are just going to miss home even more.

![EDUBAO_1301_M_bored.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/62f30d4e-3db3-4fc3-baec-16d22f7a54fa/edubao-1301-m-bored.jpg 'EDUBAO_1301_M_bored.jpg')

## **3. Feeling spiritually dry**

You can't avoid feeling lost when living in a new community which can’t satisfy all your emotional needs. You can be at a loss as to the joke everybody else is laughing at. Sometimes, you also feel unconnected with the new environment, which is tiring at first unless you get the hang of new cultural norms. 

International students are afraid to go beyond their comfort zone. Thus, they tend to stick to people from the same country exclusively rather than blending into other communities. Such a tendency is no harm, but limited socialization will rip you of exciting experiences, future connections, and precious cross-border friendships. Don’t let lack of confidence restrain your social circle.

### **How to conquer it!**
Spending time surfing the Internet alone won’t improve the situation. Instead, it’s time to go out and make friends. Differences in your appearance, fashion, and accent may make you feel out of place from surrounding people, but things will be alright after a few weeks. 

Try to befriend at least one local. He or she will facilitate your integration into a new culture. However, it takes time to establish a long-lasting relationship across cultural boundaries, but it is well worth your efforts in the end.

## **4. Getting over the language barrier**

Language barrier poses a real challenge to international students when studying in Germany. Even if you have passed DSH, TestDaF, and other standard language examinations to get admitted to the university, you can’t be confident that you can survive the pace, tone, and accent of native speakers.

Most inhabitants in big cities are good at speaking English so that you can expect little hindrance in social activities. However, if you are going to small cities, you have to address people in German at any cost. Just take it as a blessing to learn a new language.

Besides, writing in German is another challenge. Even native speakers find academic essays challenging to write. Not only the language but the style also varies from one country to another. 

### **How to conquer it!**

One common obstacle to commanding German is the old habit of speaking in English. Refrain from using English as much as possible, even in situations where you can just speak English. It will boost your integration process to the maximum.

Keep a note of local cultural norms and lingo. Downloading related foreign language apps onto your mobile phone or bringing a translation dictionary with you can partly make up for your lack of fluency in the language.

Here’s what you can do to improve your language skills: 

* Don’t hesitate to make friends with locals and ask them for advice 
* Never be afraid of speaking incorrectly - we learn from mistakes! 
* Practice makes perfect - keep on working to better your essays and don’t be discouraged if your very first one gets a poor mark. 

## **5. Overcoming financial obstacles**

Pursuing higher studies in Germany isn’t affordable for all foreigners. There are multiple associated expenses to count in, including costs of tuition, accommodation, daily living, books, transportation, let alone flight tickets and souvenirs when coming back home.

You need to put away a sum of money to use in case of an emergency. The total amount can add up extremely high beyond your expectations.

Taking a part-time job isn’t an optimal solution. Without proper time management, it may interfere with your academic performance and social integration. Meanwhile, you will have less time for extracurricular activities. Your low salary can by no means compensate for such problems. 

### **How to conquer it!**

To save yourself from running out of money quickly, you should work out a suitable plan for spending beforehand. Let your parents keep about €200- €300 in reserve so that they can transfer to your account when necessary.

You can download money-tracking apps onto your phone to manage your spending. Keep your mind wise enough to buy only real necessities. EDUBAO has also [an article](https://edubao.org/blog/a-few-money-saving-tips-for-studying-in-germany) to show you some saving tips for living in Germany. 

![EDUBAO_1301_M2.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/d5d70d43-7427-4def-94bb-0d0626e01331/edubao-1301-m2.jpg 'EDUBAO_1301_M2.jpg')

## **6. Lacking time management** 

You may need some time to get used to your new living and learning environment in Germany. Different adaptation difficulties arise for people with different personal and academic experience. 

Besides, those students have to face challenges outside their campus. Therefore, even if German institutions do something about their structures to live up to students’ expectations, they can’t root out all problems. The core solution should stem from you yourself. 

Once you get used to the life of studying overseas, running out of time is a common phenomenon.  There’re so many things to learn, adapt, and explore. You have to harmonize between attending classes, joining clubs, and traveling to new places. 
Sometimes, understandably, you feel not energetic enough to get everything done.

### **How to conquer it!**

Working out a schedule before the start of each week is a great way to find balance in your life, thereby visualizing all your commitments. Stick to that timetable and don’t let any unexpected things mess it up. Put aside anything that makes you overly stressed. 

We have an article about time management. Remember to check out [this article](https://edubao.org/blog/studying-in-germany-how-to-allocate-your-time) if you wish to learn more about this topic! 

## **7. Staying motivated to attend classes** 

In Germany you should get used to handling all matters on your own. No one tells you what you should do and reminds you of the time when you commit something wrong. 

The final result is all that counts. While your participation in class discussions or completion of assignments does matter, the majority of courses in German count on the end-of-the-term paper to determine your entire grade.

Skipping classes will severely affect your GPA and even worse, your visa! Don’t wait until you lose your scholarship or are removed from the program that you feel regretful and start learning properly. There's no use crying over spilled milk!

### **How to conquer it!**

Studying abroad requires students to make a great deal of academic effort and firm stuff to resist the lures of new land. Keep in mind that you have to finish your coursework before doing anything else.

Attending classes is a way of adding colors to your whole experience. Get yourself together, go to university, and you will maximize the potential of learning abroad. Commitment to the core value of “studying abroad” will never let you down.

## **8. Facing luring career perspectives for students** 

International students participating in a master’s degree program are more likely to receive spontaneous job offers. Some of them even apply for such programs to extend their residence permit.

The student visa put a limit on the amount of time one student can work. Non-EU students can only work up to 20 hours per week, amounting to 120 full days a year at most. Thus, if you still go on to work under the table, you risk being deported from the country.

### **How to conquer it!**

You’d better find out about all your rights and responsibilities for studying abroad in Germany in advance. Always put schooling on top of your to-do list since it's the primary incentive to bring you to this European country. Otherwise, you may violate one of the national laws without your awareness. 

Scroll down for an article on [part-time jobs](https://edubao.org/blog/student-part-time-jobs-in-germany) and related legal regulations in Germany. Be well-informed to make the best decision! 

All the aforementioned are the common challenges facing you from the very beginning of your journey to study in Germany. However, nothing is impossible to deal with as long as you have made sufficient preparations and research about your destination. 

Also, remember that you are not alone on this journey. We’ve got your back! If you have any questions or need any support, don’t hesitate to contact EDUBAO. We are here to support you all along!

It is never easy to move and live in a different country from your hometown given great differences in climates, cultures, lifestyles, etc. For students dreaming of studying in Germany, it’s no exception.   This article will point out some of the most common challenges that every single international student in Germany can bump into and of course, how to conquer them. Read on to see what they are and how to overcome the hardship! 

8 Challenges of Studying in Germany and How to Conquer Them

Besides a blocked account, why do students in Germany need a current account? What are the advantages of a student current account?

## **Why do you need to open a current account?**

During your stay in Germany, we recommend that you open a German current bank account (Girokonto). Even though the Germans prefer using cash – which is often described with the saying “nur Bares ist Wahres” in the German language class, as an international student in Germany, you still need a current bank account in many situations. For example: 

* To withdraw your money from a digital blocked account (for example [EDUBAO blocked account](https://edubao.org/blocked-account), it is required to provide a current bank account, where the monthly withdrawal is transferred to. All the transactions like rent payments, online purchases, money transfers between friends, etc., can only be made with your current account.
* To handle reoccurring payments (for example, your rent, your [health insurance](https://edubao.org/private-health-insurance-students/)), you need to have a current account and authorize the landlord to book it automatically at a given time (SEPA-Lastschriftmandat).
* If you have a part-time job during your studies, the current bank account is required to transfer salary or wages.
* When you go to the German authorities to register your home address or extend your visa, many of them only accept card payments.
* Besides, scholarships, insurance reimbursement, etc., will be paid to your current account.


## **Advantages of a student account (Studentenkonto)**

Many banks offer students a special student account with particularly favorable conditions and additional functions. The main advantages of a student account are:

* Free account management: The account maintenance fees are usually eliminated for student accounts.
* No transaction costs: There are no fees for transfers and direct debits.
* Free credit card: Many banks offer a student credit card in addition to the student account. This is usually free and also includes more favorable terms.
* An ATM or debit card is usually free with a student account.
* Cash withdrawals are usually free of charge with the respective cash machines of the bank where you opened your student account, and possibly its partner banks.
* Interest on credit balances (Guthabenzinsen): Some banks offer credit interest on the student account.
* In addition to the student account, many banks offer the option to open a savings account (Tagesgeldkonto) that is usually free and doesn't have account maintenance fees. This is particularly beneficial for students as it is a flexible way to invest their day-to-day money (Tagesgeld) and the overnight money credit (Tagesgeldguthaben) is always available and earns interest.
* A student account can often be overdrawn at many banking institutions, with lower overdraft interest rates (Dispozinsen) and interest owed (Überziehungszinsen) compared to a regular account. However, for a longer-term loan, a special student loan may be more worth it as the overdraft interest rates and interest owed are typically lower than those of a student account.
* Attractive offers and discounts for new customers: Most banks offer attractive new customer discounts and premiums when opening a student account.
* Online banking: Online banking is now offered by all banks. The use of the respective online banking portal is free for students.

![EDUBAO_5402_M1.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/1dd881a4-7c9d-437e-a4ad-0f3aa63f3030/edubao-5402-m1.jpg 'EDUBAO_5402_M1.jpg')
## **The student credit card**

You can pay with a credit card not only in Germany, but worldwide, with very favorable terms, making the use of a credit card very flexible. Besides, many online shops accept payment by credit card. Many banks offer students credit cards on very favorable terms and sometimes without an annual fee. With a student credit card, students often only pay for the transaction fees they incur, for example for cash withdrawals. These fees vary greatly from bank to bank, so it is worth comparing them. In general, student credit cards offer the same payment features as regular credit cards.

The credit card account provides students with a credit line (Kreditrahmen) or credit limit (Kreditlimit) that they can dispose of. An exception is the student credit card account on a credit balance basis (Guthaben basis), where credit has to be transferred to the credit card account before use. Here only the money available on the credit card account can be used.

Often, the credit card account is linked directly to a reference or checking account. For example, due amounts of the credit card account are automatically debited monthly from the reference account.
The amount of the credit limit granted for student credit cards is at the discretion of the bank and depends on various factors, which are clarified during the credit check. Especially regular income and financial liabilities are crucial. A higher credit line is often associated with a wider range of services. It does not matter whether it is a student credit card or a regular credit card.

Of course, there are also various additional services for credit cards. For example, some banks offer cashback programs or discounts.

## **Requirements for opening a student bank account**
To open a student account, the bank requires proof that the account holder is currently a student. For this, you usually have to submit your matriculation certificate to your bank for each new semester.

Additionally, most banks restrict the use of student accounts to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. 

Students also have the opportunity to open their bank account online. In just 10 minutes you have the opportunity to complete the process of opening the online student account. To do this, click on the website of the bank you want to use for the student account and select the function "Open Online Account". An application will appear, which you must fill out below.

Banks are required by law to verify the identity of their customers before opening a bank account. To do this, you go to the nearest post office with the completed form, your identity card, and a proof of residency. A postal worker will verify your identity and provide a confirmation. Afterwards, the completed application form along with the confirmation of your personal data can be sent to the relevant bank.

In conclusion, opening a bank account requires but not limited to the following documents:
* Passport or personal identification card
* Student ID or certificate of enrolment or notification of admission from your university 
* Confirmation of residency from the Resident Registration Office or Foreign Registration Office

Overall, having a current account will make your financial transactions in Germany more convenient. As a student, you can enjoy a lot of benefits that a student account and student credit card have to offer. The opening of a student account is online and not too complicated, but you will need to provide all the documents proving that you are currently a student aged between 18 and 25 years old. Remember to check with your chosen bank for more detailed information. Good luck!

Let’s find out what a student bank account has in store for you!

A Free German Bank Account for International Students

Everything you need to know about “Rückmeldung” lies here!

## **Why should I “re-enrol” myself?**

For those who want to continue their studies at the same university or college, re-enroling for the upcoming semester is mandatory. Students must take responsibility for re-enroling themselves since the study plan of each student is different. Some may go abroad for an exchange semester, while others may move to another German city for a 6-month internship. Therefore, to ensure that students remain enroled at the university, they are asked to re-enrol before the next semester begins.

If you do not re-enrol within the required time, the university may deregister your university account. As a result, you will have to wait for an additional semester to continue studying.

## **How can you re-enrol your new semester?**

It's not complicated at all to get a head start for your next semester. At the end of each semester, students usually receive an email from the Students' Center to remind them. Your re-registration will be automatically approved after you transfer all the fees to your university's bank account. You can use your German checking account (Girokonto) to transfer the semester fee. However, note that: 
* Check if you entered the IBAN (international bank account number) correctly or compare the BIC (bank identifier code) provided by the university.
* Remember to include the 'transfer purpose' during the transaction, which is called 'Verwendungszweck' in German. Typically, the 'Verwendungszweck' should include your full name and student ID. But EDUBAO suggests you pay attention to the email from your university, where there may be an example of this.

You can also make cash payments at the Students' Center. The total fee for each semester depends entirely on the university, but the average amount is around 300 euros.

After you complete your payment, some universities will confirm by sending your certificates of study or a semester ticket for your student ID. If your university does not respond, you should check your status on its website. It usually takes 3-5 workdays for the university to receive your payment.

For more information about opening a bank account as a student in Germany, don't hesitate to read [another EDUBAO article](https://edubao.org/blog/a-free-german-bank-account-for-international-students).

![EDUBAO_6105_M.jpg](https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/edubao/cb953e3b-fcc3-420c-9e04-7196ff25428f/edubao-6105-m.jpg 'EDUBAO_6105_M.jpg')

## **When do you pay for your re-enrolment?**

You must re-enrol within the specified registration timeline, even if you don't receive any reminders in your account or email. Usually, you may have 1-2 months to complete all of the payments. Here is the general period for your re-registration:
* Winter semester: from July to August.
* Summer semester: usually from the beginning of January to the end of February (dates may vary depending on the university).

To avoid missing the deadlines, you should re-register your next semester by payment at least 5 days before the deadline. The system may take a few days to approve and confirm your payment.

If you miss the re-enrolment deadline, you will have to pay an additional fee of around 10-30 euros, along with your semester contribution.

## **What to keep in mind?**

Most German universities no longer require their students to fill out a re-registration form. Now, 'Rückmeldung' only involves payment of fees and contributions. So, don't forget to prepare your finances before your semester re-enrolment. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact EDUBAO. We’re always here to help!

When studying in Germany, you may hear the word "Rückmeldung" at the end of the semester. In English, it means "re-enrolment" or "re-registration", which you must keep in mind if you nearly finish your current semester.

Don't Forget Your "Rückmeldung"

Health Insurance

The German healthcare system dates back to the 1880s, making it the oldest in Europe, while today doctors, specialists, and facilities make it one of the very best healthcare systems in the world. Back then, only 10 percent of the population had health insurance - this number rises to 97 percent now, as that’s how people have access to affordable medical treatment. 