Your Pre-Arrival Checklist for Studying in Germany

Planning to study in Germany? Congratulations! Preparing for this exciting journey can be overwhelming, but with the right checklist, you’ll be well on your way. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to take before you arrive in Germany. This guide is based on my video, which is the first part of a three-part series designed to help international students like you navigate your transition to student life in Germany.

Let’s dive right into the checklist of things to do before you hop on that plane!

1. Apply for Your Student Visa

Your first step is applying for your student visa. Here’s a list of documents that are typically required:

• Valid Passport: Ensure it’s not expiring soon.
• Visa Application Form: Filled and signed.
• Biometric Passport Photos: Recent, size 45mm x 35mm, and compliant with biometric standards.
• University Admission Letter: Proof of acceptance at a German university.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Usually a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a scholarship, or a Verpflichtungserklärung (Financial guarantee). As of September 2024, that’s €992 per month, or €1,081 for university applicants.
• Academic Records: Transcripts and certificates from previous education.
• Language Proficiency Proof: Either German (for German programs) or English (for English-taught programs).
• Proof of Adequate Health Insurance Coverage: Required for your stay in Germany.
• CV/Resume: Outlining your academic and professional background.
• Motivation Letter: Explaining why you want to study in Germany.

Pro Tip: Always check with your local German embassy or consulate as the document requirements may vary depending on where you’re applying from. Start the visa process at least 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date because gathering documents and booking appointments can take time.

Another Tip: Bring extra passport photos with you. You’ll need them for various things after you arrive, such as registering for health insurance, university enrollment, and more.

2. Secure Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany for all students, and you’ll need it to enroll at your university or apply for a residence permit. You can choose between public and private health insurance providers. Most students go for public providers such as TK, AOK, or Barmer, which can be easily arranged online before you arrive.

Personal Tip: I personally use TK, and they have an excellent service for English-speaking students, which makes the process much smoother. You can even sort out your insurance from abroad and finalize your details (like your German address and bank info) once you’ve arrived.

For students over 30, private insurance might be more suitable. Either way, make sure you have proof of insurance before heading to your university!

3. Find Accommodation

Securing a place to live should be a priority. If you’re considering staying in a university dormitory, apply early because these spots fill up fast. You can usually find application details on your university’s website.

If dorm living isn’t for you, no worries! Germany has great housing platforms such as WG-Gesucht and ImmobilienScout24, where you can find shared apartments or individual places.

4. Learn Some German

Even if your degree program is in English, learning German will make your daily life much easier and help you integrate into the culture. My personal advice is to aim for a B1 level if possible. It will help you navigate everything from grocery shopping to having small talk with locals. Plus, knowing the language will enrich your experience and make you feel more at home.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Those are the key steps to take before arriving in Germany for your studies. From applying for your visa to finding accommodation and getting health insurance, these tips should help you feel confident and prepared for your new adventure.

Make sure to check out my video for even more insights and tips on studying in Germany, and stay tuned for the next post where we’ll cover what to do during your first two weeks after arriving in the country.

Good luck, and see you in Germany! 🎓🇩🇪