Arriving in a new country can be challenging and often involves a lot of bureaucracy. To help make your transition smoother, we’ve put together some useful information — both for before you leave your home country and after you’ve arrived.
Please read through each section carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
Foreign nationals are, as a general rule, required to obtain a student visa from the relevant German mission abroad prior to entering Germany.
Exceptions apply to citizens of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, who do not require a visa. Additionally, nationals of Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States, Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino may enter Germany without a visa and are permitted to apply for a student visa after arrival. In such cases, the responsible authority is the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in the city or district where you will be residing.
It is strongly recommended to start your visa application as early as possible, should you require one.
Please refer to the following source to find out whether you need a visa and how to apply for one: Visa Navigator - Federal Foreign Office
If you wish for more information or have questions regarding visa applications, please contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can find the addresses of the German missions around the world at German Missions Abroad - Federal Foreign Office: German Missions Abroad - Federal Foreign Office
Health Insurance
All studentsare required to have health insurance, as mandated by statutory health insurance regulations in Germany. The student health insurance scheme (Krankenversicherung der Studenten, or KVdS) is a low-cost statutory health insurance option specifically for students. You are eligible for KVdS if you are enrolled at a public or state-recognized university in Germany. The coverage typically begins at the start of the semester. If you enroll at a later date, your coverage will start on the day of enrollment.
There are several health insurance providers you can choose:
Krankenkasse für ein gesünderes Leben | BARMER
Zur TK wechseln & Top-Leistungen sichern - Die Techniker
Krankenversicherung für Studierende: Vorteile bei der DAK
The best health insurance for you depends on your individual needs. While all health insurance providers generally offer the same basic coverage, they may vary in terms of coverage and benefits. Moreover, health insurance companies often offer cost-effective or even free promotions, which can differ from one provider to another.
We recommend that you thoroughly research each insurance provider before deciding, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Other Insurances
Private Liability Insurance (Private Haftpflichtversicherung)
Private liability insurance is one of the most important types of insurance in Germany. It covers damages you may accidentally cause to others or their property. For example, if you break someone’s belongings or cause an accident, this insurance will cover the costs for you. It’s highly recommended for everyone, as even small accidents can lead to expensive claims.
Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
Home contents insurance protects your personal belongings against risks such as theft, fire, water damage, or vandalism. It covers the replacement or repair of furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items in your home. This insurance is particularly useful if you have valuable items in your home that you want to protect against unexpected events.
Accident Insurance (Unfallversicherung)
Accident insurance provides coverage in case of injuries caused by accidents. This type of insurance typically covers medical costs, rehabilitation, and sometimes even compensation for permanent disabilities resulting from an accident. It's especially important for individuals who engage in high-risk activities or those who want to ensure financial security in the event of an unexpected injury.
Finding housing in Berlin can be a challenging process, but there are several platforms where you can search for accommodations:
Rent prices in Berlin can vary depending on the type of accommodation and location:
It’s important to note that the price of housing in Berlin is heavily influenced by the location. Central areas like Mitte, Kreuzberg, or Prenzlauer Berg tend to be more expensive than outer districts.
Attention: Please be aware of scams and avoid transferring money in advance. The rent deposit may not exceed three times the monthly rent.
WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein)
A WBS is a certificate that grants you access to social housing options in Berlin. To be eligible for a WBS, your annual income must not exceed €12,000, and your residence permit for Germany must be valid for at least one more year. To find out if you are eligible, please follow this link: WBS Information and Application. Be aware that this website is only available in German.
Please note that individuals going through asylum procedures or those holding a Duldung (temporary suspension of deportation) are not eligible for a WBS.
Finding housing can take time, especially if you’re looking for affordable or social housing options. Be sure to check various platforms and take note of the specific requirements for WBS eligibility if you’re applying for this type of accommodation.
Please note that the semester fee and the tuition fee are two different things. The semester fee is approx. 300€ per semester and it includes a ticket for the public transportation system in Berlin valid throughout the entire semester. In addition, it includes a small contribution to the StudierendenWerk (which is in charge of the university canteens and student housing) and the IPU Berlin student council (student representatives of the university). The tuition fee (study fee) is much higher and depends on your study program. The semester fee must be paid every semester, while the payment of the tuition fee depends on the payment plan you have chosen in advance (monthly, on a semester basis or completely in advance).
For easier wire transfers within Germany, we recommend opening a bank account with a German bank. Additionally, some of you may be required to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) when applying for your residence permit. There are several banking options available to you. Below are some examples of German banks you might consider:
Sparkasse: Produkte und Services | Sparkasse.de
Girokonto mit 50 € Prämie - Commerzbank
Die Bank für Berlin und Brandenburg | Berliner Volksbank
Nachhaltige GLS Bank: Sozial-ökologische Bank seit 1974 - GLS Bank
A student residence permit allows non-EU citizens to reside in Germany while studying at a German university. It is issued by the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) and is typically valid for one to two years. You must apply for the residence permit after entering Germany.
You can use the following website to find out whether you need a student residence permit in your specific case: Residence Permit for International Students in Germany
After having moved into an apartment or a hall of residence, you are obliged to register at a local Citizens’ Office within 14 days. Personal appearance is required, registration by mail is not possible. To avoid long waiting times it is recommended to set up an appointment online (https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/) or by telephone with a district office near you. More information about the registration process can be found under this link: https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/anmeldung-in-english-berlin
To enroll in your studies at IPU Berlin, you are required to visit the Student Admissions Office, located at Stromstraße 3b, Room 0.40, either before or at the beginning of the semester. After completing your enrolment and paying the semester fee, you will receive your student ID card, which includes the BVG Semester Ticket—allowing you to use Berlin’s public transportation network.
Please make sure to bring the following documents with you:
If your admission is conditional, you are additionally required to provide:
Should you not be able to visit the student admission’s office in person, please get in touch with them via E-Mail at admissions(at)ipu-berlin.de
After having paid the semester contribution every student of the IPU receives a student card at the beginning of their studies. The card serves as a student ticket on public transport, as a printer card and as a door key for many of the IPU’s buildings and lecture rooms. This student card has your student number written on it and you will receive it at your enrolment appointment.