Guide to enrolling in German universities

In this article, we summarize the key points to give you an overview of the entire enrollment process.

When and where should I enroll at the university?

As you've already read in our other articles, German universities have two semesters: the Sommersemester (summer semester) and the Wintersemester (winter semester). The summer semester starts in April, while the winter semester starts in October. So you need to enroll before the start of the semester in which you'll begin your studies. Usually, the admission email will inform you of the enrollment deadline.

Once you're enrolled at the university, it means you've decided to start your studies at that university, and you're then authorized to attend seminars, lectures, and other courses at your institution.

In case you haven't received information about the enrollment deadline, you can contact the International Office or the Student Affairs Office (Studentenzentrum, Studierendenzentrum, or Studentensekretariat). You can find the email on your university's official website.

The Student Affairs Office is also where you need to complete your enrollment. We strongly recommend enrolling as soon as you arrive in the city where you'll study.

What documents should I bring with me for enrollment?

The enrollment process isn't bureaucratic at all or anything like that. Instead, it's generally quite short. You simply need to bring the following documents:

• Your passport (or personal identity card - Aufenthaltstitel)
• University admission letter
• University entrance qualification: your original high school diploma and graduation certificate or notarized certified copies translated into German
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of health insurance coverage by a public health insurance provider in Germany
• Language proficiency certificate (German or English)

However, different universities require different documents for enrollment. Don't forget to check the official website of the "Studentenzentrum" beforehand for all required documents.

What happens after enrollment?

Once you're enrolled, you'll generally receive two things:

• A student ID card
• Access to your student email

Student ID card: Every student at the university receives a student ID card that they should carry with them every day. You'll need it for the library, cafeterias, sports facilities, computer rooms, as well as for all means of transport, except the ICE train, in states where it's free. Transport costs are indeed included in the semester contribution you pay at the beginning of the semester.

But due to processing time, it can take 2 to 4 weeks to get the student ID card. However, you'll receive a certificate during the first weeks as proof that you're a student enrolled at the university. Make sure to carry this certificate along with your passport during this period until your student ID card is sent by mail to your address.

Student email access: In Germany, every student has a student email provided by the university that allows them to contact professors and other students online, work on projects on the online learning platform, or stay informed about university news. Your username and password will be activated after enrollment. The first thing to do is register online, change the password, then start using the email to receive useful information before your studies begin.

Re-enrollment (Rückmeldung)

Re-enrollment is called "Rückmeldung" in German. It's a crucial step that you must complete before the start of each semester. At German universities, enrollment is only valid for one semester, which means you need to re-enroll for the next semester and pay the semester contribution. Towards the end of each semester, you'll receive an email from the university reminding you to re-enroll. The reason behind this is due to the differences in each student's study plan; for example, some students may take an "Urlaubssemester" (leave of absence) for an internship or exchange program. It would be easier for universities and students themselves to organize schedules in the form of re-enrollment before each semester.

In case you miss the re-enrollment deadline, it's still possible to do it at the Studentenzentrum, but you'll have to pay administrative fees between €20 and €30. In the worst case, you won't be able to re-enroll anymore. So, note in your phone or calendar that you need to re-enroll before the next semester.

Urlaubssemester - Leave of Absence

A leave of absence allows you to take a break from your university studies without losing your student status. This option is particularly useful if you can't attend university for an extended period. This could be due to illness, parental leave, an exchange program, or an internship abroad. If you sign up for a leave of absence, you're not required to interrupt your studies and you can still take care of your personal matters. If you're planning a leave of absence, register in time with your university.

If you miss the re-enrollment deadline, you can still re-enroll at the student center, but you'll have to pay administrative fees of 20 to 30 euros. In the worst case, you won't be able to re-enroll anymore. So, note on your phone or calendar that you need to re-enroll before the start of the next semester.

You'll find more information about leave of absence at German universities in this article.

The two key takeaways from this article would be:

• Don't forget to enroll right after arriving in Germany to stay informed about the latest university notifications and enjoy the benefits assigned to students.
• Re-enrollment, or Rückmeldung, is a step you shouldn't miss before the start of each semester. Otherwise, you'll be in big trouble.

That's everything you need to know about enrollment at German universities. Don't forget to read our other articles to plan your stay in Germany well. Also, don't hesitate to contact EDUBAO if you need help with anything! Good luck!