Student
Start by checking your residence and free-movement rights, including any rights as a non-EU family member. Then look at enrollment and the practical steps for study.
10 guides
Plan for deadlines and what you need first
- Check admission deadlines and funding early. Admission and enrollment are separate stages. If you're eligible for BAföG, don't delay applying just because you're still waiting for proof of enrollment.
- Arrange housing and proof of insurance in time for enrollment. Depending on your rights and status, you may also need to take visa or residence steps before you travel.
- Register the home you move into when required. Check which enrollment documents your university needs and which route applies at the immigration authority; there isn't one nationwide checklist for either.
Your next steps
These guides can help you plan, but the right order depends on your deadlines and what you need to do first.
- Find a homeSearch for a home and check offers before paying.Kaltmiete
- Health insuranceWho needs cover, the statutory scheme, and start and end dates.Krankenversicherung
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizensEU and EEA citizens can have free-movement rights for work, job search or other qualifying grounds. Worker rights can continue after work stops. Swiss citizens use a separate agreement.Freizügigkeit
- Residence permits, in outlineCheck whether you need a permit and find your route.Aufenthaltstitel
- A residence permit for studyA section 16b residence permit covers full-time study and certain preparatory courses. The 2026 and 2027 notices set the standard amount to show for living costs at 992 euros a month, or 11,904 euros for a year. Lower housing costs can reduce that amount.Aufenthaltstitel
- University enrollmentCheck admission and Studienkolleg preparation with the intended institution, then enrollment, semester contributions and ticket activation. Work, residence and BAföG have separate checks.Studienkolleg
- BAföGBAföG can help with living and training costs if you meet the eligibility rules. Higher-education funding is generally half grant and half loan, with exceptions.BAföG
- Register your addressRegister the home you move into with your local registration office.Anmeldung
- Open a bank accountWhat to prepare, and what a basic account means.Basiskonto
- Documents, translations and ApostillesConfirm document, translation, and authentication requirements before paying.Apostille