infomation for international students

8/10/2019 Infomation for International Students

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Information for International Students

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www.studentenwerk-berlin.de

Information forInternational Students

in Berlin


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Prologue

Dear Students,we want to support you with the decision to study in Berlin and to

accompany you with information around this topic.

First of all an important hint: You are not alone. There are around24.000 international students in Berlin.

According to the 19th social survey of the DeutschesStudentenwerk,1international students have different reasons forstudying in Germany and special needs and issues. The main reason70% of the international students come to study in Germany is toacquire professional knowledge. Furthermore the good reputationsof the universities are solid arguments for a study in Germany.However most of the international students encounter difficulties.

The orientation in the study system, financing and the contactto German students are the three biggest issues internationalstudents have in Germany. Most importantly at the beginningof their studies, international students need information aboutuniversities, government bureaucracy and recreational activities.They might also want to learn about possible financial assistanceand employment.

With this brochure we want to support international students inmeeting new challenges and studying successfully in Berlin. Thusinternational students will find detailed information here, plusways of financing and contact addresses to hopefully answer many

questions.We want to encourage those who have decided to study abroad.In this sense we hope to provide you with a helpful brochure, withwhich we wish you much courage and a wonderful time of studyingin Berlin!

The team of the Sozialberatung of the StudentenwerkBerlin

Please notice: In addition to the information in thisbrochure we want to offer personal counselling as well. You

willfind our addresses and phone numbers on the backsideof this brochure.

1 Internationalisierung des Studiums Auslndische Studierende in Deutschland

Deutsche Studierende im Ausland Ergebnisse der 19. Sozialerhebung des DSW moreinformation at www.studentenwerke.de


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Structure of the brochure

The main parts of the brochure are the chapters Welcome to Berlin(chapter 1), Universities and structure of studies(chapter 3) and

What/ When / Where (chapter 4).In the chapter 1 you will find the offers of the Studentenwerk Berlin.Chapter 3 we will explain the structure and establishmentsof theuniversities. Chapter 4 will show the different aspects of student

life, beginning with your preparations to come to Germany, throughyour arrival, to the end of your studies. Here you will find informati-on about financing, housing and other helpful contacts.

Chapter 5 (Legal process) gives an overview about legal possibilitiesin case of a dispute.

Chapter 6 (Index of cooperating universities) provides contact

addresses to important facilities of the universities.The last chapter of the brochure is an alphabetical index.

Additionally you will find listings of vocabulary to the particularchapters in the grey boxes. The orange boxes show particular infor-mation you should notice. However they dont replace the contentof this brochure.

Furthermore some of our student tutors have given a personalstatement to some issue.

We now want to point out that the information in this brochure

is collected to the best of our knowledge and belief but we arenot asserting a claim of completeness. Your hints, suggestions andcritiques are heartily welcome for the next edition. Please send to:

Sozialberatung des Studentenwerkes Berlin

Thielallee 38 | 14195 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 90 22 / - 90 24E-mail: [email protected]

You can find this brochure online as pdf-document at:

www.studentenwerk-berlin.de


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Prologue 2

Structure of the brochure 3

1. Welcome to Berlin! 61.1 Studentenwerk Berlin 6

1.1.1 Dining facilities Mensen & Cafeterien 7

1.1.2 Student accommodations Studentenwohnheime 8

1.1.3 Employment service Heinzelmnnchen 10

1.1.4 Counselling, support and child day-care Beratung,Untersttzung und Kitas 11

1.1.4.1 Social counselling Sozialberatung 12

1.1.4.2 Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counselling Psychologisch-Psychotherapeutische Beratung 13

1.1.4.3 Counselling for students with disabilities Beratung fr Studierende mit Behinderung 14

1.1.4.4 Student tutors in student accommodations Wohnheimtutoren 15

2. Tips and tricks to deal with Germans 17

3. Universities and structure of studies 19

4. What - When - Where 21

4.1 Pre-departure 21

4.1.1 University application 21

4.1.3 Costs of living 23

4.1.4 Visa application 24

4.1.5 Housing 254.1.6 Health insurance and other insurances 27

4.2.1 Enrolment and semester ticket 29

4.2.2 Residence registration and residence permit 30

4.3.1 Studying and children 33

4.3.2 Financing academic study 36

4.3.2.1 Federal Law on Support in Education(Bundesausbildungsfrderungsgesetz BAfG) 36

4.3.2.2 Scholarships 38


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Welcome to Berlin

1. Welcome to Berlin!

You are studying in the city with the most international studentsin Germany. Berlin appeals to many people from many countriesbecause of its cultural diversity and broad academic landscape. Inthis sense:

ItakeprideinthewordsIchbineinBerliner!

John F. Kennedy

1.1 Studentenwerk Berlin

What is the Studentenwerk? Is it a part of the university? Or doesevery university has its own Studentenwerk? These could be thequestions you may have.

The Studentenwerk is special for Germany. It developed out of aself-help organization and takes care of the non-academic needsof the students. Therefore the Studentenwerk is associated withthe universities, but is not a part of them. It is financed out of acompulsory contribution from the semester fee, earned profits andout of federal funds. There are 58 Studentenwerke for almost everycity with a university in Germany. Those 58 Studentenwerke areheaded by the governing body Deutsches Studentenwerk. So theStudentenwerk Berlin is only responsible for the students of Berlinsuniversities that cooperate with the Studentenwerk Berlin.

Studentenwerk Berlin what do we do?

Through a mandate of the German Federal State of Berlin (Stu-dentenwerkgesetz) we are entrusted with the responsibility

of providing support services for the social, physical, economicand cultural well-being of Berlins students. With more than 800employees, we have been working to make the lives of students at


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Berlins institutions of higher learning as pleasant as possible for40 years now. We acknowledge an important social responsibilityand pursue our mission diligently and economically. Expectationsand standards have changed over the years. We are modernizingour facilities bit by bit so that students will feel as comfortable aspossible.

We are here to assist students with their particular problems and toanswer their questions whatever they might be.

We provide a unique array of services specially attuned to the needsof students:

Dining Facilities

Student accommodations

Jobs and Employment service

Counselling and support

BafG (German Federal academic loan program)

We have also put together quite a bit of information regardingInternational students and studying in Berlin at:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international

1.1.1 Dining facilities Mensen & Cafeterien

Our guests can expect more than appetizing, wholesome andreasonably priced meals! This is where students relax betweenlectures, meet their friends and eat together, sit comfortably, drinkcoffee and get to know one another. This is where they plan theirweekends, arrange study groups and take it easy. In our 20 mensen(from the Latin for table, a student dining hall) and 28 cafeteriasand coffee shops, we provide wholesome food at low prices for morethan 34,000 people daily. We are Berlins largest restaurant operator.But rather than quantity, quality is what counts for us. We operateour own kitchens and employ a staff of more than 400.


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Welcome to Berlin

You should know that

we are constantly modernizing our mensen and cafeterias.

we prepare more than 25,000 meals a day.

we offer health-food meals in every mensa

We are proud of the trust Berlins students have in us. It is our goal,however, to continually improve our services. We want to providemore than good food!

Where can you find us?

You can find an overview of all dining facilities and a daily menu atour homepage:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/mensen/mensen_cafeterien

1.1.2 Student accommodations Studentenwohnheime

Would you like to live in a clean, dry and centrally heated room orapartment for a long period? Perhaps you do not have much moneyto spend but still need to find a good place to live.

Then we might have just the right place for you!

More than 9,500 accommodations in almost all districts of the city

Accommodations appropriate to all needs and financialresources

Live alone or with others in one of our studio or full-sizedapartments

Participate in changes taking place in your residence and itssurroundings

To find a space in our student halls of residence you have toapply at the student halls of residence service online:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen/wohnheimportal


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Our Special Features:

You can select

The student residence you prefer according to its location in

Berlin using the online map (visit www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/studentenwerk/lageplan/wh) on our search machine tofind the place that meets your needs from our list of currentlyavailable residential accommodations:

www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/studentische_wohnanlagen

Wherever you want to live, we dont assign places.

The people you want to live with.

How much you will pay (our average rental is 220 Euros per

person each month).Internet in the student accommodations:

Most student accommodations of the Studentenwerk offerwireless LAN Internet from the provider Hotzone; ask yourstudent tutor or the accommodations administration for therelevant student contact person.

You can get private Internet over your phone line as well. Youcan choose between different private providers like Alice, 1 & 1,Congstar, Deutsche Telekom, O, Vodafone etc. Please check thecontract for payment conditions, contract duration, extra fees

and benefits. Maybe you can share wireless LAN with your neighbour, check

the networks and ask your neighbours. Please notice that someproviders need to be informed or to be asked for permissionif you want to share your network or use the network of yourneighbours.

Ulrike Elsner,student tutor of student accommodation Franz-

Mehring-Platz

You can do without an Internet connectionas well (the universities have enough networkaccess possibilities). Additionally in the studentaccommodation Franz-Mehring-Platz the specificInternet-tutor will help the residents with Internetand computer problems.


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Welcome to Berlin

Aboubakar Gambo, student tutor of studentaccommodation Goerzallee :

The students self administration (Studentische

Selbstverwaltung) is a group of experienced stu-dents who voluntarily take care of the needs of theaccommodation residents. Almost every accom-modation has a students self administration. Theydeal with requests and complaints on the one sideand on the other side they mentor the studentsfacilities in the accommodations: washing machi-ne room,fitness room, music room, learning roomaccommodation bar and the Internet.

Student tutors (look at chapter 1.1.4.4) will provide addition assi-stance in various situations. Contact those institutions if you haveany questions about student life in your accommodation.

Do you have any questions about student residences?

Contact the administration of student accommodations (Wohn-heimverwaltungen) :www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/kontakt

1.1.3 Employment service Heinzelmnnchen

The Heinzelmnnchen employment service is a non-profit serviceof the Studentenwerk.

We place students from all academic institutions in Berlin into jobs.

Your advantages:

You are able to help finance your studies

We enable you to work flexibly according to your study schedule

You acquire practical work experience and learn on the job

Our special services: Specialist employment:You have a special qualification and

would like to work in that area; or you would like to acquire aqualification by continually working in a particular area.

Long-term employment: You have an employer who would liketo employ you for an extended period and you would like tocontinue to take advantage of our booking system

If you want to participate from the offers of the Heinzelmnnchenyou need to apply at our office.


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Requirements:

Matriculation (Immatrikulation) at an academic institution inBerlin (You must provide a valid current registration certificateindicating you are a full-time student groe Immatrikulati-

onsbescheinigung) Passport (citizens of EU countries can provide a green EU

identification card)

Tax I.D. Number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) (for moreinformation look at chapter 4.3.3 Finding a job)

One passport type photograph or colour copy of the same.

Bank account number (with proof such as a check card or a bankstatement).

Social insurance identification (Sozialversicherungsausweis for more information look at chapter 4.3.3 Finding a job)

Health insurance identification (chip card).

Valid residence or working permit

Participation fee of 24 per semester

Please notice that a good comprehension of German is requiredfor more specialized jobs. For more information look at languageskills in chapter 4.1.2.

Our Location:Hardenbergstrae 34 | Ground-floor, rear house | 10623 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30-939 39-90 33, Fax: -9031Office hours: Mo Fri: 8:30 15:45, Thu: 8:30 17:45Income Tax Office: Mo + Fri: 9:00 12:00, Tue: 13:00 15:45,Thu: 14:00 17:45, Wed closed

We even have an online job database:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/jobs/datenbank

1.1.4 Counselling, support and child day-care Bera-tung, Untersttzung und Kitas

Success as a student depends to a large extent on the conditionsyou face. Our Counselling and Support Office is there to helpstudents deal with the special problems they confront.

We provide ...

Counselling and practical support - also in English

Counselling and support for students with social problems, likestudy financing.


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Welcome to Berlin

Counselling to help all students overcome personal problems intimes of crisis and during exams.

Special counselling, support and practical help for disabled andchronically ill students.

Support for pregnant students and student parents in providingchild day-care

1.1.4.1 Social counselling Sozialberatung

How do I finance my studies or the end of my studies?

Do I have claims regarding the social law?

What do I do in case of trouble with administrative bodies?

What can I do when I am pregnant?

Can I study and raise my children?

Whatever questions you may have, come to the Sozialberatung. Weprovide support and give advice to all students of Berlin universi-ties. We are often the first contact point for students and are here tohelp you.

During your studies, we offer:

Financial advice regarding alimentations, jobs, state academicloans (BAfG), scholarships and student loans

Support and counselling for students who are pregnant and forstudents with children

Student loans

Funds for students in distress and emergency situations

Support and counselling for students who are in conflict situa-tions

Mentors for international students in student accommodations


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Meditation for students that have conflicts with others

Workshops and lectures

Cultural offers (look at the Kulturkalender: www.studenten-

werk-berlin.de/kulturelle_angebote/kulturkalender/)Sozialberatung services are free and we adhere to data protectionlegislation. We are based in Charlottenburg, Dahlem and Fried-richshain. If youd like to make enquiries about entitlements orloans, or would like some advice or counselling, come to our officesduring consultation hours. You can email us for an appointment ortelephone us as well.

Contact:

At the Technische Universitt (TU):Hardenbergstrae 34 | 10623 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 8403/ -5/ [email protected]

At the Freie Universitt (FU):Thielallee 38 | Room 202-204 | 14195 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 9022/[email protected]

Near the Humboldt Universitt (HU):Franz-Mehring-Platz 2| 2ndFloor | 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain)Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 8437/ [email protected]

1.1.4.2 Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counsel-ling Psychologisch-Psychotherapeutische Beratung

Beginning studies, ending them, changing faculties or institutions,and taking exams are challenging experiences. Changes likeleaving home and country, being a foreigner, moving to a new townor a new apartment, separation from a partner; also lingeringcircumstances like loneliness, isolation, problems with a partner orparents, can be seriously stressful.

We help in various situations:

Learning difficulties

Fear of exams; Social inhibition

Depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, poor self-esteem, and severe emotional crises.

In our counselling we help you develop an individual solution toyour problem. Sometimes a single individual session is adequate.Or, you might decide that a short term therapy focusing on your

problem is moreappropriate. You could also choose to participate inone of our various thematic groups.


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Welcome to Berlin

Counselling is free of charge and available in English. We areobligated to maintain total confidentiality.

Contact:

Hardenbergstrae 34 | 10623 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 84 01E-mail: [email protected]

Franz-Mehring-Platz 2 | 2ndFloor | 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain)Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 84 38E-mail: [email protected]

1.1.4.3 Counselling for students with disabilities Beratung fr Studierende mit Behinderung und

chronischer Erkrankung

It is our goal to assure appropriate conditions and equalopportunities at the universities and the Studentenwerk. TheStudentenwerks Counseling Center has been working to improveconditions for disabled and chronically ill students at Berlinsacademic institutions.

Whom do we serve?

We provide services to individuals with disabilities or chronicillnesses who are studying or considering studying in Berlin.

These include, besides students with mobility, visual or hearingimpairment, those with serious chronic illnesses such as multiplesclerosis, Morbus Crohn Disease, cancer, HIV, rheumatism,diabetes and epilepsy. We provide confidential, unbureaucratic,prompt and socially responsible assistance to those seeking help.Of course we are obligated to confidentiality.

We provide counselling and support:

in matters regarding social law for people with disabilities

by arranging assistance for study and everyday matters, andits financing

by giving technical and personal assistance

in dealing with government offices and institutions

in overcoming personal problems and crises

for psycho-social questions

We are also responsible for making integration assistance(Integrationshilfe) as defined by Berlins Hochschulgesetzavailable to disabled students. Applications for integrationassistance, study assistants, book grants or special equipment

for the disabled can be filed at any time.


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Contact:

At the FU | Thielallee 38 | 14195 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 90 [email protected]

At the TU | Hardenbergstrae 34 | 10623 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 84 [email protected]

In the near of HU | Franz-Mehring-Platz 2 | 10243 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 939 39 84 41/84 [email protected]

1.1.4.4 Student tutors in student accommodations

WohnheimtutorenThe Wohnheimtutoren are a team of 18 international and Germanstudents, who have lived in Berlin for some time and would like topass on their experience to you. On behalf of the Studentenwerk theyanswer your questions or assist you in case of difficulties.

If you

have questions about life in your student residence

have difficulties of any kind with your fellow residents

dont know where to go with special questions dont feel comfortable in Germany

feel free to contact our Wohnheimtutoren. You can find your tutoron our page: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/studentische_wohnanlagen/hilfe_unterstuetzung/wohnheimtutoren

If you want to rent a student accommodation please contact theaccommodation administration (chapter 1.1.2).

Furthermore there is a special offer for Chinese students and studentsfrom the Arabic region. They can contact:

the Chinese tutor Nan Yang. E-mail: [email protected] Arabic region tutor Tariq Masoud. E-mail: [email protected]

Tariq Masoud student tutor for students fromthe arabic region:

In such a developed country, where everythingalways tends to be better, you have to expect morework and requirements in order to adjust withthe fast tempo of life and not feel strange with the

atmosphere.


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Welcome to Berlin

1.1.4.5 Child day Care Kita

We provide:

Our centres are primarily for the children of students of the univer-

sities in Berlin, but we also provide care for children of the relatives,the visiting scientists and the stipendiary students.

We offer a qualified and loving full-time care for children from theage of 8 weeks old till the age of school enrolment.

We are located:

at Technische Universitt Berlin

at Hochschule fr Wirtschaft und Recht (Campus Schneberg)

at Universitt der Knste/ Technische Universitt Berlin

at Beuth Hochschule fr Technik Berlin

at Freie Universitt

We stand for:

Our locations are in a green environment and each of our kinder-gartens has its own playground. We provide bright, friendly andwell equipped rooms where children can feel comfortable. Our staffkeeps the standards that the City of Berlin has established. We,therefore, set great value on the qualification and further trainingof our staff.

The kindergarten provides you with possibilities to get in touch withothers and build up social contacts. We attach great importance to agood, trustful collaboration with parents to let our institutions offera family-friendly environment of education.

Costs

The costs are subsidized partly by the state. In order to benefit fromthis you must apply for a voucher (Betreuungsgutschein) at the

youth welfare office (Jugendamt) of your city district. The actualmonthly amount that parents must pay is calculated in accordanceto the number of children, how many hours children stay in the

centre and to the income of the parents.

Contact

Visit our homepage for addresses, phone numbers and E-mailaddresses of our child day care centers:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/kita/kontakt

Or send an E-mail to: [email protected]


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2. Tips and tricks to deal with Germans

Instruction manual for the Germans (not to be taken tooseriously)

Congratulations, you own a unique new German life. First of allturn on Power! and make sure that the procedure will follow theschedule. Everything will be self-explanatory as long as you remainin the beer garden. Enjoy.

More than a thousand years of history, starting at the Holy RomanEmpire of the German Nations to the modern, vivid democracyin the hearth of Europe nowadays, shaped this nation. Germanlanguage, culture and German habits might vary substantially fromthose of your home country. Thats why we want to introduce you tosome German specialties in this chapter.

But we would like to ask you not to generalize these culturalstandards or to stereotype. Societies are changing and so its alwaysimportant to distinguish typical characteristics of a person andtypical characteristics of a culture. Therefore probably the mostimportant thing is self-reflection and the understanding of onesown roots. Its obvious that you cant run things by the book, but itcan indeed be helpful to get hints for daily interaction.

German cultural characteristics

Cutto thechase

In a professional context concentration on the problem, the factsand circumstances is most important. To get to the point is mostoften requested.

A tidy house, a tidy mind

There are many rules and restrictions in Germany that regulatedaily life. Following these rules is an unspoken assumption. Impro-visation is not highly regarded in this sphere.

What goes around comes around

The majority of Germans follow the rules without extra control.

Reliability and responsibility are two of the most appreciatedGerman values.

Time is money

Germans are used to observing the rules, so its no wonder thatlife is structured in timetables. To obey the timetable and to bepunctual are expressions of respect. If once in a while a timetabledoesnt work out, a new one will be created immediately.

You shouldnt mix business with pleasure

In Germany its common to separate the areas of life. Friendships

among fellow students are not taken for granted. They develop


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Tips and tricks to deal with Germans

more likely out of the free time than in the lectures. Amongstrangers its uncommon to talk about private life as in friendships,which are characterized by openness.

To let the facts speak for themselves

The German line of argumentation aims to convince a partner byfacts and logical consequences. Things are meant like they are saidand said like they are meant.

Self do, self have...

Germany is an individualistic culture. Independence and self-reliance are important values. So everyone takes responsibility forhis/her own life, decisions and failures.

Generally speaking, the Germans regard themselves as modest,rather ordinary sort of people. Give them a beer, a wurst, a bitof Gemtlichkeit (cosiness) and another German with whom toargue politics or bemoan the stress of life, and they will be con-tent. They are not greedy, do not expect something for nothing,and pay their bills on time. Simple, honest folk. The Germans liketo dream, see themselves as romantic. Not in a Mediterraneanflowery-compliments-and-bottom-pinching way, but in thestormy genius mode.

Xenophobes Guide to the GermansOval Books, 2008

ISBN-10: 1906042330ISBN-13: 978-1906042332

Vocabulary

Barbecue Grillen / Grillparty

Beer Bier

Car Auto PKW

Curried sausage Currywurst

Garden gnome Gartenzwerg

Highway Autobahn

Multicultural mix Multikulti

Punctuality Pnktlichkeit

Television tower Fernsehturm / coll. Telespargel

The (Berlin) Wall Die (Berliner) Mauer

Voc


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3. Universities and structure of studies

3.1 StructureUniversities in Germany are apportioned into seminars and insti-

tutes. Those seminars and institutes work fairly independently andhave their own departments. That means that those parts of theuniversity can be located in different parts of a building or withindifferent districts of the city, like the campuses of the HumboldtUniversitt located in the district of Mitte and Treptow-Kpenick.

3.1.1 The academic year

The academic year is split into two semesters: The summer seme-ster (Sommersemester) from April to September and the wintersemester (Wintersemester) from October to March.

3.1.2 TimetableMost courses of studies provide a timetable with more or lessoptions of changing lectures and seminars. For further informationabout what options you have, look in your conditions of study (Stu-dienordnung) or ask your department of studies. At the beginningof your studies an orientation event will give you guidelines andhelp you with your timetable. Once you have fixed your timetable

you have to sign into the courses mostly online. A complete list of alllectures and seminars with the name of the teachers and professorsis available online or printed in a listing called KommentiertesVorlesungsverzeichnis.

3.2 StuPa

The StuPa (Studierendenparlament) is a resolution passing organof the student body that is elected once a year by the students.StuPa is composed of StuPa members, is responsible for preparing,organizing and chairing the StuPa plenums public meetings. TheStuPa oversees student body finances and is also responsible for theelection and supervision of the general student council (AStA).

Each year a considerable sum of money is collected through yourfees to the student body. Those funds have to be sensibly managedand used. A part of the money goes to the student organizations of

the various faculties (Fachschaften). Some is used to provide socialservices, like student counselling, as well as for loans and guaran-tees for students in financial difficulty. In addition there are yearlydisbursements for political education, university activities andevents, as well as for cultural events and for investments.

3.3 AStA

The AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) is a self-governedworking organ of the student body that is elected yearly by the Stu-Pa and represents the interests of the students at the universitiesand in society. It is called the ReferentInnen Rat (RefRat) at Hum-

boldt University. Therefore the AStA/RefRat represents the student


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Deadline Abgabetermin, Frist

Exam Prfung

To enroll einschreiben

Presentation Referat

Term paper Hausarbeit

(Oral) examination Kolloquim

Library Bibliothek

Student card Studentenausweis

4. What - When - Where

We provide you with a timeline to assist you as you prepare to cometo Berlin, upon your arrival, while you are a student here, and at theconclusion of your studies.

4.1 Pre-departure

The following things you should take care of or consider beforestarting your studies in Berlin. This should give you guidance for thethings you have to prepare.

You can find more information at Deutsches Studentenwerk:www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/

4.1.1 University application

Requirements to study in Germany

In order to study in Germany you need a proper eligibility ofuniversity admission (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) that enables

you to study in your home country. This eligibility has to be equaland approved to the German Abitur.

The specific eligibility of university admission of EU citizens will beapproved in general.

Applicants from Non-EU countries need their eligibility checked bythe international office of the particular university (chapter 6) or byuni-assist2.

2 uni-assist is an association that coordinates the applications and admissions forinternational students at various universities. If you want to study in Berlin you mightneed to apply at uni-assist. Applicants from the EU and EEA need to pay 43,- for a university application All other applicants need to pay 63,- for an application Every additional application costs 15,-

www.uni-assist.de/index_enYou can check the uni-assist website for the cooperating universities in Berlin: http://www.

uni-assist.de/uni-assist-members.html


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What/When/Where

You can check the following data bases if your eligibility of universi-ty admission is approved:

DAAD: www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/zulas-sung/06550.en.html

Data base of the conference of the ministers of cultural affairs:www.anabin.de

If your eligibility of university admission is not approved you willneed to pass an assessment test (Feststellungsprfung) in order toapply at a university.

To prepare for this assessment test you can visit a study college(Stu-dienkolleg). The lessons of the college will take two semesters (one

year) in general. Certainly it is possible to take the assessment testwithout the college, but it can be very hard. You can apply over theservice address for international university applicants uni-assist

at the study colleges.

Application

Please check the application requirementsof the certain univer-sity to which you want to apply thoroughly. For some courses ofstudy you can apply directly at the university. Other universitiesgive admission over cooperating partners like uni-assist orHochschulstart3. Contact the responsible international office forfurther support.

4.1.2 Language skills

You should consider learning German even when you are enrolledfor a Non-German degree program. Speaking and understandingGerman will help you to get in touch with locals, find new friends,deal with German forms and applications and can give you a solidbase if you think about staying andfinding a job in Germany after

your studies.

If you want to start aGerman degree program, certain languageskills are required.3 Hochschulstart - Stiftung fr Hochschulzulassung coordinates the admission of specialcourses of study like medicine or pharmacy centrally. Other courses of study with numerusclausus might be coordinated from Hochschulstart as well.

www.hochschulstart.de/

Nan Yang student tutor for students from China:

I think it is important to give more time andenergy to learning the language as quickly as pos-sible, in order tofind your own way and becomeacquainted with the society and culture.


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No test necessary:For passed Abitur at German-language secondaryschool, a major German language certificate at Goethe Institut orthe German Language Diploma (level II)

There are two German language tests you have to pass:

1. DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination)

2. TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language)

The DSH and TestDaF are the prime German language tests for uni-versity registration. The TestDaF is offered in several centers in 180nations and in Germany of course (for more information visit www.testdaf.de/). The DSH is only offered at the German universities.Please inform yourself about examination dates and registrationdeadlines. Your international Office (see register of universities inchapter 6) will help you as well. The costs of the TestDaF are around175,- and the costs of the DSH can vary among the universities.

If you dont have the required German language skills you canobtain them at a language course.

There are various language courses offered in Berlin e.g.:

Language courses at the universities (ASH, Charti, FU, HfM,HTW, HWR, HU, TU, UdK) for further information and contactslook at the address register

Language courses at the community colleges of the city districtsof Berlin (costs aprox. 140 );www.berlin.de/vhs/kurse/deutsch/deutschfremd.html

Language courses at Goethe Institut (costs aprox. 1.000 ); NeueSchnhauser Str. 20 D-10178 Berlin, E-mail: [email protected],www.goethe.de/ins/de/enindex.htm

Other private language schoolslike GLS, Hartnackschule etc.(costs can vary)

More information for language courses from the GermanAcademic Exchange Service (DAAD)www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/13856.en.html

4.1.3 Costs of livingThe costs of fares, rent, insurances etc. can differ enormously from

your home country so be aware of these facts. In order to give youa little guidance on how much money you might need per month,here is a list of possible expenses.

280 per semester for semester fees including the semesterticket

5-10 per month for scripts or books approx.

250-350 for a room in a shared apartment or students dorm


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What/When/Where

150-200 food etc.

~80 for health insurance (students rate)

80 per month (depends on lifestyle) for cultural activities and

free time 845 - 1.000 total

Please note: Nearly everyone living in Germany is requiredto pay a fee to the public broadcasting institutions calledRundfunkbeitrag. The fee is collected by the Beitragsser-vice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio (formerly GEZ),a joint organization of Germanys public broadcastinginstitutions that is located in Cologne. It is authorized tocollect a fee (17,98 Euro per month) from every household.

Please remember to register there to avoid claims.www.rundfunkbeitrag.de

Proof of financial reserves

International students who are not citizens of the EU or EuropeanEconomic area need to prove financial reserves of 8.000,- in orderto stay in Germany and get a residence permit.

Proofs can be the income of the parents, assets, bankbooks etc. please ask the German embassy in your home country which proofswill be recognized. For further information: www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/studium_de

4.1.4 Visa application

Citizens from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Swit-zerland only need a valid personal identification card to enterGermany

Citizens from other countries need a visa if the stay in Germanyis over 90 days

Citizens from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand,South Korea and the United States can apply for a visa afterarriving

Citizens from all other countries need to apply for a visa beforecoming to Germany

For more information visit the site of the German Ministry ofForeign Affairs (Auswrtiges Amt):www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Visabestim-mungen_node.html


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Study applicant visa (Visum zum Zweck der Studienbe-werbung) and student visa (Visum fr den Aufenthalt zuStudienzwecken)

If you want to apply for a university and havent got an admissionyet, you need to apply for a study applicant visa.

Student visas are normally valid for three months. After that periodof time you need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenhaltserlaub-nis) at the Foreigner Registration Office (Auslnderbehrde Berlin).

For further Information visit the site of the Alien Registration OfficeBerlin:www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/studium_de

4.1.5 Housing

Berlin is a vivid and changing cultural center. Every year thousandsof people move to the historically-charged city attracted by the openand creative atmosphere. Although most rent is still on a low levelcompared to other European metropolises, the apartment market isgetting more embattled than the years before. So you should startlooking early for an apartment or student accommodation.

Studentenwerk

To ensure Berlins students affordable and comfortable housing, theStudentenwerk offers a large number of students accommodationsat a low and fair price. The 9.500 accommodations are located indifferent city districts near almost every university.

Look for more detailed information in chapter 1.2.2 Student accom-modations Studentenwohnheime or visit:www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/wohnheimseite

Studentendorf Schlachtensee

The student accommodations Studentendorf Schlachtensee area national cultural monument. Since 1959 the StudentendorfSchlachtensee has offered campus style housing in the South ofBerlin. For more information visit:

www.studentendorf-berlin.com/

Brgermeister-Reuter-Stiftung

The Mayor Reuter Foundation offers furnished apartments androoms. The facilities offered by the non-profit Mayor ReuterFoundation are aimed particularly at young people, who are eitherin education or training - e.g. students, interns and [email protected]

Frdererkreis Junge Politik e.V.

The society Frdererkreis Junge Politik e.V. offers housing forstudents in Berlin Charlottenburg.For more information visit:www.wohnheim-berlin.de/index.php/home_en


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What/When/Where

Private accommodation

Private accommodations are an option as well, if you look for suita-ble housing. The price and quality can vary significantly throughoutthe city districts. In Berlin its more common to rent apartments that

are not furnished. So you might need to buy additional furniture.Fully furnished apartments are rare and mostly very expensive.

A further alternative is to find a room in a flat-share. Flat-sharesare very popular among students. In flat-shares several people livetogether and share the rent and the costs of additional charges.Everyone has his own room and the kitchen and bathroom areshared. This is also an attractive alternative to get in contact withpeople and make new friends.

Popular websites for flat-shares:

www.studenten-wg.dewww.wg-gesucht.de

Practical tip

Is the rent for an offered apartment a hot deal or a rip off?

You can compare the rent of an apartment online at the Berlinerrent index (Mietspiegel). It shows you what other people pay forcomparable apartments in that city area. The rent excluding addi-tional chargers per square meter will be calculated just multiplythat by the size of your apartment:www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/wohnen/mietspiegel

Please notice: Most universities have the possibility to hangout notices. Therefore a look at the bulletin board (schwar-zes Brett) of your university can be useful too. Check thenotices for rental offers or hang out your own request!

Vocabulary

Rent Miete

Rent arrangement Mietvertrag

Rent excluding additional charges Kaltmiete

Rent including additional charges Warmmiete

Additional charges Nebenkosten / NK

Landlord Vermieter

Facility manager Hausmeister

Student hall of residence Studentenwohnheim

Flat-share Wohngemeinschaft / WG

Furnished apartment Mblierte Wohnung

Official document certifying / atentants financial hardship

Wohnberechtigungsschein/ WBS

Voc


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4.1.6 Health insurance and other insurances

Anastasiya Lytovka - tutor of students accommo-

dation Mollwitzstrae:In Germany health insurance is not only recom-mendable, its obligatory. Staying in a foreigncountry, its always important to know that thereis an institution that will take care of your needs,especially when it comes to your health. Whenyou are insured in Germany you are on the safeside. Because there is a compulsory insurance themedical care does not focus on ones social origin.

In Germany you need proof of health insurance (Krankenversiche-rungsnachweis) to enrol at a university. If you are from EU, Croatia,Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway or Switzerland yourpublic health insurance can get approved. If you have a EuropeanHealth insurance cardyou have coverage of health insurance inGermany.

If you have a private health insurance please contact your insurerif you have coverage in Germany, but notice: Once you have chosena private health insurance in Germany during the duration of yourstudies, you cant change into the public health system.

The regular option is to be health insured in Germany. All Students

under the age of 30 or until their 14thacademic semester areeligible for public health insurance in Germany.

Students may take out insurance from a private company as well.Please note: once a student takes out private health insurance, heor she cannot change back to public health insurance during thecourse of study. High costscan be the result.

Students who are over 30 years or the 14thacademic semestercanchoose if they want to be voluntarily insured through the public

health insurance (higher costs than reduced student rates) or getprivate insurance. Please inform yourself about the possible costs!

Public health is provided to students at a reduced rate (~80 ). Youcan choose the public health insurer.

The biggest public health insurers are: AOK, DAK, Barmer, TK, IKK.

For more information:

www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international/timeline/vor_der_einreise_nach_deutschland/krankenversicherung/index.html

www.internationale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/health_insu-rance/


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What/When/Where

www.daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutsch-land/06266.en.html

Vocabulary

Doctor ArztDoctors office Arztpraxis

Pharmacy Apotheke

to be on a sick leave Einen Krankenschein haben

Medication Medikament

Spezialist referral berweisung (an einenSpezialisten)

Prescription Rezept

Liability insuranceis an insurance that protects you againstproperty lost and claimed damages by a third party. You might haveliability insurance from your home country. Please ask your insurerif you have coverage for overseas.

Liability insurance Privathaftpflichversicherung for privatepersons covers:

If you brake contract commitments inculpably

If you violate duty of care

If you act imperilling

You can find an insurance calculator (only in German) online at:www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/Versicherungen/haftpflichtversiche-rung.php#Start

Please notice: If you drive a car in Germany you need aobligatory special car liability insurance! Its not covered byyour private liability insurance!

Home contents insurance is an insurance that covers damages orthefts on furniture, appliances, clothing and occasionally bikes.

Home contents Hausratversicherung covers: Fire caused by: undefined source, thunderbolt, explosion,

implosion, impact or crash caused by an aircraft

Water: damages caused by leaking faucet water, frost damages

Storm and hail

Thefts: Burglary and robbery

Vandalism

Please notice: Your bike might not be covered by the homecontent insurance. Read your contract thoroughly!

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If you need independent advice you can contact the consumeradvice center Verbraucherzentrale Berlin. The service is offered todifferent fees. Insurance counselling is offered to a price of 20,-. Adiscount for persons with financial hardship is possible.

Verbraucherzentrale Berlin

Hardenbergplatz 2 | 4th floor | 10623 BerlinOffice hours for counselling: Tue: 10:00 16:00, Thu: 10:00 19:00, Fri: 10:00 14:00www.vz-berlin.de/UNIQ133974897410435/Anfahrt-Oeffnungs-zeiten

4.2 Arrival in Berlin

Here you are! Welcome in Berlin. New exciting times are waiting foryou. The following points should give you guidance for thefirst daysand weeks after your arrival in Berlin. Enjoy your stay!

4.2.1 Enrolment and semester ticketThe enrolment or matriculation is the process where you become anofficial student of a university. The invitation to enrol is linked to theadmission letter. Furthermore the request to transmit the semestercontribution is included as well. There is a period in which theenrolment is possible this period can be short, so be sure you haveall required documents:

Enrolment application

Passport or ID-card

Admission notification

Proof of university entrance qualification

Proof of paid semester contribution

Confirmation of health insurance

Confirmation of passed language test

Once you have sent all documents correctly you will receive the ma-triculation certificates, the student ID card and the semester ticket.

After every semester a new enrolment is necessary. At the end ofa current semester a notification will be sent with the request totransmit the semester fee. There is a deadline to pay the fee.

Please notice: If deadlines are not met and payments arelate, you will befined or removed from the register.

Semester contribution

This sum has to be paid at the inguinal enrolment and before eachsemester.


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What/When/Where

It contains:

Enrolment fee

Fee for students union (StuPa, RefRat)

Fee for Studentenwerk

Semester ticket (not at every university)

Social contribution

The actual height of the semester contribution is around 280-300 .

Students having a semester abroad, pregnant students and studen-ts with children with a semester on leave can be exempted fromthe Studentenwerk fee or can get a refund of this fee. Students canapply for the refund or exemption at their AStA (see chapter 6).

Semester ticketBerlin has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe.There is no place you cant reach by bus, train or even ferry. Evenat night the busses and trams (night busses and metro busses andtrams) will be operated continuously and at the weekends even themetro and city trains will be running nonstop.

Therefore the semester ticket is an affordable ticket for public trans-port especially for students. The ticket is valid (in combination with

your students ID, passport or ID-card) for the semester (6month)and it is not transferable. After each semester a new ticket will beissued and sent with the matriculation certificates.

The ticket is valid for Berlin and parts of the state of Brandenburg fare zones ABC. Its possible to use busses, trams, metros (U-Bahn),city trains (S-Bahn), local trains (Regionalzug und Regionalexpress)and even ferries within the fare zones.

If you want to find your way around, use the connection tool of theBVG (Berlin Verkehrsbetriebe):www.bvg.de/index.php/en/index.html

Semester ticket grant

For students with very low income and no assets there is the possi-bility to apply for the social grant regarding the semester ticket. Theincome must be under the needs determined by the social law.You can find more information at your AStA (see chapter 6).

4.2.2 Residence registration and residence permit

Residence registration

International students have to register like German studentsat the Citizen Office (Brgeramt, www.berlin.de/suche/index.php?q=Bezirksamt) of your city district within two weeks. Exceedingthis deadline can be fined!


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The issued registration certificate is important and should be kept(to open a bank account e.g.)

Needed documents:

Passport or ID card (for EU-citizens) Lease contract

More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/register/

Residence permit

All students who are not from the EU or European Economic areaneed to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at theAlien Registration Office (Auslnderbehrde).

To have a legal stay in Germany this permission is strictly required.The costs of a residence permit are between 50 and 60 depen-ding on the length of your stay.

Needed documents:

Registration certificate (see above)

Passport with visa (see 4.1.3 Visa application)

Students ID or certificate of matriculation (see 5.2.2 Enrolmentand semester ticket)

Proof of health insurance (see 4.1.5 Health insurance and other

insurances)

Proof of financial reserves (see 4.1.2 Costs of living)

Health insurance certificate (if required)

eAT electronic residence permit(elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel)

The eAT is a document that proves the residence permit. It isin credit card size with additional functions. The card containsa chip with biometric data (passport photo and two fingerprints), residence permit restrictions and personal information.Furthermore the chip contains an electronic identification proofand allows the use of electronic signature.

Residence permit restrictions will be additionally noted on anextra sheet.

If you lose your eAT, please call 0180-1 33 33 33 (3,9 ct perminute) and block your eAT. Please inform the Alien RegistrationOffice.


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What/When/Where

Sarah Schaaf students tutor at studentsaccommodation Eichkamp

Bureaucracy is a stressful thing in every country.Germany is no exception in that. If you need togo to a department or an office, check in advanceon the Internet as to which documents you need,print them out,fill them in, and take them withyou to the department as soon as it opens on anyMonday. This way you save waiting time and avoidgoing twice.

4.2.3 Bank account

Opening a German Bank account can have some advantages liketransferring the rent or withdrawing money without any fees. Most

banks offer a special students account without fees. In order to opena German bank account you need to bring:

Passport or identification card

Student ID or confirmation of enrolment

Proof of resident registration

After you opened a bank account you will get a debit card (EC cardor Girocard). You can use this card for withdrawing money from

your bank account or paying in stores. There you might need toprove the payment with PIN (individual four-digit number) or with

your signature. Bank transactions can be done online, at specialbank machines in the bank or over the counter.

More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internatio-nale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/making_a_good_start/

Payment terms in Germany

In Germany its common to pay with cash and rarer with EC card orGirocard. The use of credit cards, like Visa or Master card is unusual.Most bakeries, corner shops etc. dont accept debit or credit cards,or only above a certain sum (like 20,-). Supermarkets and biggershops most likely accept EC cards or Girocards. Please check before

paying if a credit card is accepted (ask the staff or look for creditcard symbols at the entry doors or at the cash register).

Currency

Germany is member of the European currency union. Therefore theofficial currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR, ). The subunit of theEuro is the Eurocent (ct) . One hundred Eurocents equals one Euro.Besides that the Euro is accepted as official currency in: Andorra,Austria, Belgium, Cypress, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy,Ireland, Kosovo, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Nether-lands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Vatican and

certain overseas territories.


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The following banknotes are available: 5 , 10 , 20 , 50 , 100 ,200 , 500 . The following coins are available: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 , 2

You lost your debit card? In order to block your bank card dial:

116 116

Vocabulary

Money Geld

Transaction berweisung

Withdrawal Geld abheben

Bank statement Kontoauszug

Block an account Konto sperren lassen

Spezialist referral berweisung (an einenSpezialisten)

Prescription Rezept

4.3 Student life

The following chapter is dedicated to student life. So we want toprovide a view of different aspects, like studying with children,financing your studies and various ways of spending your free time.

4.3.1 Studying and childrenComing to a foreign country, starting a study and having childrencan be an exciting challenge. This chapter should give you guidanceand show possible grants for students with children.

Please note: The social counselling - Sozialberatung regular-ly publishes the brochure Studieren mit Kind in Berlin. Thebrochure includes comprehensive information for pregnantwomen and students with a child or children.www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/bub/sozialberatung/studie-

ren_mit_kind/index.html

Maternity protection

More then 65% of the students in Germany work beside their stu-dies. In case of pregnancy and birth, the law of maternity protection(Mutterschutzgesetz) will be valid.

Pregnant student employees should ask their employee organiza-tion (Betriebsrat) for current regulations at their employment.

Dismissal protection (Kndigungsschutz)

From the beginning of the pregnancy till the end of the parentalleave (Elternzeit) a dismissal protection exists. If a woman is

Voc


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What/When/Where

pregnant and is given a notice she can make her employer aware ofher pregnancy within two weeks. The dismissal protection will stillbe valid.

Protection period (Schutzfristen)

In general there is a protection period 6 weeks ahead of the birthand 8 weeks after birth.

6 weeks ahead of birth a pregnant woman can only be employed ifshe wishes so. Eight weeks after birth an employment is prohibited.

Maternity protection wage (Mutterschutzlohn)

The maternity protection wage is a replacement wage in case apregnant woman gets a prohibition notice before the protectionperiod starts. A reason for a prohibition notice can be perinatalcomplications.

The maternity protection wage is the average wage of the last 3months before the pregnancy. It will be paid till the beginning of theprotection period.

The maternity protection wage will be paid by the employer after amedical certificate is presented.

Maternity benefit (Mutterschaftsgeld)

The maternity benefit is a replacement wage during the protectionperiod (six weeks ahead of birth and eight weeks after).

Working students can apply for maternity benefits at their healthinsurance if:

Member for at least 12 weeks of the state health insurancebetween the 4thand 10thmonth before pregnancy

Current employment at the beginning of the protection periodor valid dismissal notice within the protection period

The height of the benefit is on a comparable basis of the averagewage of the last three months.

Pregnant student employees with dependents co-insurance or

private health insurance have to apply for maternity benefi

ts at thenational insurance office (Bundesversicherungsamt).

Bundesversicherungsamt (BVA) MutterschaftsgeldstelleFriedrich-Ebert-Allee 38 | 53113 BonnPhone: +49 (0)2 28 61 9 18 88E-mail: [email protected]: www.bva.de

Foundation Hilfe fr die Familie

The foundation Hilfe fr die Familie (aid for the family) supports

pregnant students


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and students with children with low income and assets. Primarily alayette and baby-equipment will be funded.

Documents you need:

Passport and proof of residence (and passport of partner ifliving in one household)

Pregnancy record (Mutterpass) issued by the gynecolist

Proof and documentation of assets

Proof of all incomes of one household

Certificate of matriculation

Current bank statements

Lease and amount of health insurance

Proof of earnings (of interests etc.)

Notifications (if claim exists or possibly exists check chapter4.3.2 or contact Sozialberatung of the Studentenwerk) ofBAfG, unemployment benefits, housing benefits, child benefits,parent benefits, alimonies

Its not possible to apply directly at the foundation. Applications canbe processed at counselling centers like the Sozialberatung of theStudentenwerk. If you have any questions about the requirementsand procedure please contact the Sozialberatung of the Studen-tenwerk.

State benefits for parents and children

Please notice: The following state benefits are relevant ifyou are a part of one of these groups.

Students with a study visa from Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia

Students who have a residence permit for exercise of employ-ment

Students from the European Union, European Economic areaand Switzerland with a residence permit according to the lawon freedom of movement FreizgG/EU and family members(non-EU citizens as well) with a residence permit according toFreizgG/EU

A check can be rewarded if the other parent fulfils the require-ments

Child benefit (Kindergeld)

Child benefit is a state grant that parents can get. Child benefit isnot income-contingent. Parents need to apply at the department

of families (Familienkasse) of the employment agency (Agentur frArbeit/Jobcenter) for child benefit.


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What/When/Where

Required documents:

Filled application

Birth certificate

Residence registration if child is older then six months

Passport

Parent benefit (Elterngeld)

The Elterngeld is an income replacement. All parents have aclaim on parent benefit even with no income.

The payment of the parent benefit can be taken in the first 14months after the birth of the child. Student parents with noincome just have a claim on 12 months of parent benefit.

The height of the payment depends on the height of the income ofthe last 12 months before the six weeks of maternityperiodstarted.

Income Parent benefit

Up to 300 300 parent benefit

301,00 1.000,00 Gradually up to 100% of the income

1.000,00 1.200,00 67% of the income

1.240,00 and more 65% maximum 1.800,00

Parents need to apply for parent benefit at the youth welfare office(Jugendamt) of the city district.

Sozialgeld (State support for children of parents with lowincome)

Parent students with low income can apply for state benefits fortheir children if they have an income too low to support them.

4.3.2 Financing academic study

Financing ones studies is almost always a mixture of differentsources. To prove the individual needs and resources is highlyrecommended in order to have a stress-free period of studying. Wewill assist you in finding your way. You are always welcome to visitthe Sozialberatung of the Studentenwerk (chapter 1.1.4.1) forprofessional counselling in matters of financing your studies.

4.3.2.1 Federal Law on Support in Education (Bun-desausbildungsfrderungsgesetz BAfG)

The BAfG is a puplic allowance for students. Students can

apply for BAfG at the office of support in Education (Amt frAusbildungsfrderung), which is a part of the Studentenwerk


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as well. The grant is connected to special preconditions. BasicallyBAfG is offered for the standard period of study and is composedof 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan. The height of the BAfGis mostly connected to the income of the parents and the numberof siblings that are in education. Beyond that its possible to getBAfG without the inclusion of the income of the parents underspecial conditions.

The maximum rate is today 670 for students with their ownhousehold. Additionally students with children can apply for afurther extra grant of 113 . The highest level of debt is principally10.000, everything above that will be waived.

General Requirements

Age limit: 30 years old for Bachelor and 35 years for Master(exceptions might be the raising of children)

only for the first study (a change of study is only possiblewithout problems after the third semester)

only for the standard period of study (extension only underspecial reasons)

course assessment after the 4thsemester

BAfG calculated independent of height of the parentsincome:

o Students that began to study after their 30thbirthday

o After the 18th birthday 5 years of own incomeo After 3 years of job training minimum 3 years of

income

Preconditions for foreign students to receive BAfG

Foreign students with a German spouse or parent

Foreign students who got divorced from a German spouse or aforeigner with a claim on BAfG

Foreign students who obtain the right of residence (Aufenhalts-recht) as a family member (child or spouse) of a Germany-based

citizen of the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland andgot the right of residence according to the law on freedomof movement FreizgG/EU or foreign students who dontobtain the right of residence from this regulation because theirparents dont pay maintenance

Foreign Students from the EU, European Economic Area orSwitzerland who were employed before starting the study(at least six months and the employment needs to be relatedcontentwise to the study)

Foreign Students from the EU, European Economic Area orSwitzerland who have been living in Germany for five years with

right of permanent residence


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What/When/Where

Foreign students with residence permit (Niederlassungserlaub-nis)

Foreigns students with right of residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)because they are family members of a person who got the

residence permit Foreign students with right of residence under the terms of the

articles: 22, 23, 23a, 25 I or II, 25a, 28, 37, 38 I Nr.2 or 104a AufenthG (Law on the right of residence) - Pleaselook in your passport which article is valid for your right ofresidence!

Foreign students who have stayed at least four years in Germa-ny with a right of residence under the terms of the articles 25III, 25 IV S.2, 25 V or 31 AufenthG or with a suspension of adeportation (Duldung) - Please look in your passport for which

article is valid for your right of residence! Foreign students who have stayed at least four years in Germa-

ny as a spouse or child of person with a right of residence underthe conditions of the articles 30, 32, 33 or 34 AufenthG

Foreign students have a right of residence under the conditionsof the article 16 AufenthG, if:

o they are citizens of Turkey and their parents haveremained employees

o in the last six years a parent has worked three yearsin Germany

o they have worked by themselves at least five yearsbefore starting the study

To oversee the jungle of paragraphs can be very complicated. But adetailed examination of possible claims can be very lucrative!

If you need assistance please contact the Sozialberatung (chapter1.1.4.1) or the Amt fr Ausbildungsfrderung.

Amt fr AusbildungsfrderungBehrenstrae 40/41 | 10117 BerlinOffice hours: Tue: 10:00 12:00 and 13:30 15:30,Thu: 15:00 18:00

April and October additionally Fri 10:00 13:00Phone: +49 (0)30 93 93 9 70Fax: +49 (0)30 93 93 9 60 02E-mail: [email protected]/en/bafoeg

4.3.2.2 Scholarships

Not only highly gifted people can receive scholarships. Its possible

that many more students can benefi

t from them. The advantage ofa scholarship is that there is no repayment.


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Crucial for success is the motivational letter. Generally the effort iscomparable to an application for a qualified employment, but itsworth it.Please note that some scholarships awarded are limited to foreignstudents. Some foundations might have fixed application termsand documents you have to fill out.Others might have no application standards. The next six stepsshould help you to get an idea of how to apply for a scholarship.

1. Self-image

The correct self-image is very important: How am I? What do I want?

The personal profile, goals and skills should be clear

Personal plans should be delineated. It should be clear what youwant to achieve.

A detailed enlisting of finances (income and expenses) A vision of how the cooperation with the foundation should look

2. Research

There are various foundations with an enormous variety ofpurposes.Therefore a knowledgeable research is the most important thing tostart with in order to find the matching founder.

There isnt just one way of doing it. To start your research you canchoose different resources.

Research resources from the DAAD (German Academic ExchangeService): www.daad.de/deutschland/foerderung/stipendien-datenbank/00462.de

Foundation index (Information only in German) of the FederalMinistry of Education and Science (Bundesministerium frBildung und Forschung): www.stipendienlotse.de

There are twelve Begabtenfrderungswerke, institutionswhich are supported by the Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF) and which award scholarships to motivatedand ambitious students from all disciplines:www.stipendiumplus.de

Performance scholarship Deutschlandstipendium (Informa-tion only in German): www.deutschland-stipendium.de

Association of German Foundations (Bundesverband DeutscherStiftungen); foundation index (Stiftungsindex) of all Germanfoundations (Information only in German):CD-ROM (libraries)Online (only extract): www.stiftungsindex.de

My stipendium; online Database of foundations where you candraw up a personal profile (Information only in German):www.mystipendium.de


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3. Picture about the other

Foundations always follow a certain purpose. So its very impor-tant to check guidelines, mission statements and other availabledocuments for that.

4. Finding the right one

A foundation always follows certain intensions. Those intensionsshould equal your own ideas and fit to your personal convictionsand needs.

The focus, the target group of the foundation

Height of financial support

Selection criteria and requirements

Those points should fit to your needs and ideas and you should get

more information about the foundations (for example over theinternet). Get in touch with the foundation. You should not applyto more then five foundations at a time (mass applications will berecognized immediately and have a negative influence).

5. The right words Writing an application

The first step is to find the correct address and contact person. Makesure that you know the correct application design (can vary withinthe foundations). Aspects you should consider:

Expressions: concise, appropriate, briefly and succinctly

Length: depends on the height of the support

Structure: logical setup; orientation at the foundation

Outline: professional, clearly legible

An application should contain a cover letter and a detailed financialplan. Let your application be read over by others.

6. Send off the application

First of all you will receive a notice of arrival in most cases. A refusalwill always be sent faster then an acceptance so be patient. You

might call the foundation after two weeks if you havent gotten anotice. Introduce yourself and ask if your application has alreadyarrived.

A good application can also be refused if the budget of the foundati-on is exhausted. Dont quit in this case and try next year.

Inform the foundation if something has changed or changes inyour life. If you are invited to an interview please prepare yourselfthoroughly. If you receive an acceptance please ask the foundationhow the cooperation will be arranged.


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4.3.2.3 Foundations for emergency situations

A funding of the Evangelical Church is possible for voluntaryworking students from Africa, Asia and Latin America. You can apply

for hardship fund at the Evangelical students parish (evangelischeStudierendengemeinde ESG).

ESG, Pfr. PfistnerBorsigstrae 5 | 10115 BerlinPhone: +49 (0)30 28 38 82 27E-mail: [email protected]

Student parents and pregnant students can be supported by thefoundation Hilfe fr die Familie (aid for the family). Please look atchapter 4.3.1 Study and children.

Students in severe emergency situations have the possibility to getsupport through an emergency funding from the Studentwerk.Notfond. For further Information contact the Sozialberatung.

4.3.2.4 National social benefits (Soziale Leistungen)

Germany is a constitutional welfare state. Therefore its intended topreserve social justice and encourage social participation. There aresome social benefits even non-German students can profit from. Butplease check your residence statuscarefully. An application for so-cial benefits can have a negative influence on your residence permit

if you are not from the EU or fulfill the conditions. If you need adviceplease visit our social counselling (Sozialberatung). We assist youin matters of social law.

Housing benefit (Wohngeld)

Housing benefit is a state grantsupplementary to rent. Its onlyavailable if a small income exists (about 380 plus the rate of healthinsurance and 2/3 of the rent).

The housing benefit needs to be applied for at the Citizens Registra-tion Office (Brgeramt) of the city districts.

Please note: If you are not from the EU, European Economic Area orSwitzerland you shouldnt apply for the housing benefit. It couldhave a negative influence on your residence permit

Citizens Registration Offices of Berlin:www.berlin.de/verwaltungsfuehrer/buergerberatung

Unemployement benefit (Arbeitslosengeld II)

Normally students cant apply for unemployment benefits. Itsonly possible for increased demands, as caused by a pregnancy,for the children of students (see chapter Study and children) andin a few cases as a loan or in a semester break(Urlaubssemester).Applications will be processed at the employment agency of your


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city district (Agentur fr Arbeit/Jobcenter). The employment agencyis going to prove income and assets, and the applicant is obligatedto cooperate and perhaps to resume work.

Please notice: Be careful if you are not from the EU, Europe-an Economic area or Switzerland with permanent residenceyou shouldnt apply for unemployment benefits. It couldend your residence permit!

Unemployment agencies of Berlin: www.berlin.de/jobcenter

4.3.2.5 Student loans

Studentische Darlehnskasse (Daka)

The society Studentische Darlehnskasse e.V. offers student loansat a low rate for students and Ph.D. candidates in the end of theirstudies or Master studies.

Requirements:

The university has to be a member of the society StudentischeDarlehnskasse e.V. (FU, TU, UdK, BHT, ASH, Charit, PHB and EHB look at chapter 6.)

Two professors have to testify that the studies will be ended inthe next 12 months (exceptions: Master students, and studentsof the ASH and EHB in internships)

Obligation to name a bailsmen for a loan up to 6.000,- and twobailsmen over 6.000,- (bailsmen have to have at least 1.000,-of income a month with a permanent residence)

Height and duration

Up to 750,- monthly maximum 24 months (max. 12 months inbachelor studies)

Repayment starts 7 months after the last payment at an interestrate of 2% the first two years, 4% from the third to the sixth yearand 6% from the seventh year

Application

Application should be made personally at a counsellinginterview

Studentische Darlehnskasse e. V.Hardenbergstrae 34 | 10623 BerlinOffice hours: Mo, Tue, Thu: 10:00-12:00 and Wed: 14:00-16:00In the semester break Tue: 10:00-12:00Phone: +49 (0)30 31 90 01- 0Fax: +49 (0)30 31 90 01- 25E-Mail: [email protected]: www.dakaberlin.de


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Bildungskredit

The Bildungskredit is a government-sponsored student loan ata low interest rate which is offered by the Federal Office of Admi-nistration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) in cooperation with the credit

institute KfW (Kreditanstalt fr Wiederaufbau).Requirements:

Fulfilled preconditions for BAfG (for foreign students seeBAfG)

Proof of passed exams of the first year of a Bachelor study orproof of passed exams of the first two years of a state exami-nation (Staatsexamen) study (law, medicine and pharmacystudies)

Not over 12thsemester

Not older than 36 years

Only full-time students

Height and duration:

Up to 300 per month maximum 2 years

Single payment up to 3.600,- possible, total funds shall notexceed 7.200

Interest rate at 1,45 % (adjustment at 01.04. and 01.10. p.a.)

Application:

Application at the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesver-waltungsamt) online: www.bildungskredit.de

Applications at the KfW online: www.kfw-foerderbank.de >Inlandsfrderung > Programmbersicht > Bildungskredit

BAfG bank loan (BAfG Bankdarlehen)The BAfG bank loan is a financial help for the end of ones studies.

Requirements:

Claim on BAfG Admission to final exams maximum 4 semesters over the

standard period of study (mostly for a 6 semester bachelor anda 4 semester master)

Certification by the university that study will be finished withinthe maximum period of funding


Maximum 12 months

Height is equal to the calculated need of BAfG

(maximum 670 )


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Repayment starts 18 months of the last payment in rates ofminimum 105 at an interest rate of 2,10 % (adjustment at 01.04.and 01.10. p.a.)

Clearance within 20 years

Application:

Amt fr Ausbildungsfrderung (see chapter 4.3.2.1).

Studentloan of the KfW (Kreditanstalt fr Wiederaufbau)

The KfW bank offers a student loan to finance studies from the firstsemester onward.

Requirements:

Not older then 44

German citizens or their relatives (both have to be living in federalterritory)

Citizens of the EU who have been in Germany at least 3 years, ortheir relatives (both have to be living in federal territory)

Proof of performance record after the 6thsemester


238 connection charge

Maximum 14 semesters 100 up to 650 a month

Repayment starts 23 months after last payment and can extendup to 25 years

The height of the repayment depends on the income; interestrates are variable (adjustment at 01.04. and 01.10. p.a.); at thecontract formation a maximum interest rate for 15 years will befixed

Applications:

Contract offers are available online:www.kfw-foerderbank.deHotline: 01801/24 24 25

Other student loans

Basically students can choose the offers of other private creditinstitutes as well. The Centrum fr Hochschulentwicklung surveysstudent loans of regional and national providers every year. Theircriteria can be a good decision aid.

But please note that the offer for international students might bevery limited. So read the requirements thoroughly.www.che-studienkredit-test.de(Information in German)


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Vocabulary

Application Antrag

Department Amt

Financing FinanzierungNotification Bescheid

Rate Rate

Repayment Rckzahlung

Requirement Voraussetzung

4.3.2.6 Loan (Darlehen) of the Studentenwerk

For temporary financial difficulties the Studentenwerk offers loans.Get more information about the requirements at the Sozialbera-tung.

www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/bub/sozialberatung/finanzierung/index.html#11

4.3.3 Jobs and internships

Around 65% of the Students in Germany finance their studies alsothrough their own employment. Therefore it might be an important

issue of your studyfi

nancing. Although there are many regulationsyou should pay attention to.

Regulations:

Generally to keep student health insurance the weekly workinghours shouldnt exceed 20h during the lecture period. In thenon-lecture period its possible to work more then that.

EU-citizens(except citizens from Bulgaria and Romania until 01.01.2014)can work as much as they wish and will be treated equal asGerman citizens.

Employment for non-EU-citizens (and from Bulgaria and Ro-mania) is strictly regulated. International students are allowedto work 120 days (or 240 half days) per year without a workpermit. To work beyond that is only allowed if you are employedat the university (studentische Hilfskraft).

For pregnant student employees regulations regarding thematernity rights need to be observed: no overnight shifts, noheavy manual labour or handling of hazardous substances

Pregnant student employees enjoy security of tenure

A pregnancy does not have to be mentioned during a jobinterview

Voc


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Foreign graduates from German universities can remain18 months in Germany (look at 4.4.2.2) and can look for anappropriate job.

Spouses of international students need a special working

permit from the employment agency (Arbeitsagentur)

More information:

DSW (Deusches Studentenwerk):www.internationale-studieren-de.de/en/during_your_studies/jobbing/

DAAD: www. daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutschland/06167.en.html

More information for student parents and pregnantstudentspleaselookat chapter 4.3.1 Studying and children.

Finding a jobIf you are looking for a job visit the Studentenwerks employmentagency Heinzelmnnchen. We offer students on the one hand highqualified jobs and on the other hand simple manual labour as well.You can choose whatever suits you best. For more information seechapter 1.1.3 or at our website:

www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/jobs

Other employment agencies:

Criteria Studentische PersonalvermittlungSchillerstrae 6 | 10625 BerlinOffice hours: Mo-Fri: 8:00 18:00Phone: +49 (0)30 78 77 11 0www.criteria-jobs.de

EffektivBeuth-Hochschule fr Technik BerlinLuxemburger Strae 10 | Haus Grashof, 1st floor, room 129 |13353 BerlinOffice hours: Mo-Fri 8:00 17:30Phone: +49 (0)30 45 48 23 19 /39www.jobstudent.de

Job-und Studenten-Vermittlung der Bundesagentur fr ArbeitFriedrichstrae 39, 10969 Berlin-MittePhone: +49(0)30/5555991180Office hours: Mon, Tue 8:00 -16:00/ Wed, Fri 8:00 -12:00/Thu 8:00 -18:00 andStreitstrasse 6-7, room 1002, 13587 Berlin-SpandauPhone: +49(0)30 / 5555-72-1315 or -1316,Office hours: Mon - Thu 7:00 -15:00/ Wed, Fri 7:00 -13:00

In addition variouslocal and national newspaperslist job offers:

BerlinerZeitung www.berliner-jobmarkt.de/


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Berliner Morgenpost http://stepstone.morgenpost.de/includes/listing/DE/pb/ASVbm/home.cfm

Tagesspiegelhttp://anzeigen.tagesspiegel.de/stellenindex.php

Die Zeithttp://jobs.zeit.de/

Berlin.de www.berlin.de/special/jobs-und-ausbildung/

Zittyhttp://kleinanzeigen.zitty.de/

Tiphttp://service.tip-berlin.de/anzeigen/index.php/Stellenmarkt

Please notice: Most universities offer jobs by themself and

have the possibility to hang out notices. Therefore a look atthe bulletin board (schwarzes Brett) of your university canbe useful too. Check the internetpage and notices for joboffers or hang out an individual request!

More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internatio-nale-studierende.de/en/during_your_studies/jobbing/

Internships

Internships are a good way to get an overview about practical workand establish helpful ties. Furthermore they should be related to

your course of study. Some studies may even require an internship.Other studies leave the option for a volunteer internship. The lengthof the internship depends on the particular study regulation. Youshould inform yourself about the current rules of your study.

Required internshipswont count against the regulation for non-EUcitizens (and Bulgaria and Romania until 01.01.2014) to work 120full days or 240 half days.

However recommended or voluntary internshipsmight need ap-proval by the job agency (Agentur fr Arbeit). Its possible that thosekinds of internships count against the 120 full or 240 half days.

Please notice: If you want to start an internship in Germa-ny, mostly good comprehension of German will be required.So you might think about learning German far ahead. Formore information about learning German see chapter 4.1.2Language skills.

Social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis)

is a document that proves social security insurance in Germany.The social security card has to be tendered to the employer at thebeginning of an employment. This document contains the pension

security number. The Social security card is issued at the DeutscheRentenversicherung.


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Deutsche RentenversicherungKnobelsdorffstrae 92 | 14059 BerlinE-mail: [email protected]: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/