Universität Leipzig

Table of Contents
Weather .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Health insurance ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Registering with your hall of residence .............................................................................................. 3
Registering at the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) .................................................................................. 3
Registration with the Ausländerbehörde (Aliens Department) .......................................................... 4
Visa and entry regulations ...................................................................................................................... 4
Working while studying ...................................................................................................................... 6
Living expenses ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Accommodation ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Getting here ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Language and orientation course (for ERASMUS and exchange students) .......................................... 10
Opening a bank account ....................................................................................................................... 10
Semester ticket ................................................................................................................................. 11
Enroling ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Rückmeldung (Re-enrolment) ....................................................................................................... 11
Uni-Card ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Registering for classes....................................................................................................................... 12
Suburban and public transport ............................................................................................................. 12
Arrival by air: Leipzig/Halle Airport ................................................................................................... 12
Arrival by train: Leipzig Central Station ............................................................................................ 13
Arrival by car ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Supermarket chains in Germany....................................................................................................... 15
Leipzig
Leipzig will make your exchange experience worthwhile. With a population of more than 500.000 it
has just the perfect size. It is a city of short distances where you get around easily by bike, public
transport or simply walking. You will feel quickly at home while enjoying all the assets of a vibrant
center of culture and progress. Leipzig is young thanks to its huge student community and its
bustling independent art scene. For a night out you can pick one of the innumerable discos, cinemas
and trendy bars or go to the theatre, opera or concert hall. Leipzig's event schedule is filled with all
types of music and art festivals. If you have a passion for the athletic side of life, you will find clubs
and facilities for almost every type of sport.
In Leipzig, history meets innovation. All over the city, modern architecture blends into the rows of
beautiful Wilhelminian houses. Extensive old parks provide Leipzig with a so called "green lung".
Leipzig is the city of Leibniz, Bach and Goethe. But most importantly it was at the heart of the
peaceful revolution that shook the order of world politics and eventually succeeded in reunifying
Germany in 1990. A broad range of museums give testimony of Leipzig's rich history. Simultaneously,
scientist in the city's twenty research centers aim at pushing back the borders of what is known
today.
Weather
Leipzig has a continental climate that is fairly stable throughout the year. With warm summers and
reasonably cool winters, Leipzig experiences only occasional weather extremes and is at its most
appealing between the months of May and September, when clear blue skies and high temperatures
are most likely. In summer, the city's cafes, bars and restaurants begin to spill out onto the streets to
take advantage of the sunny weather and warm evenings, often remaining busy well into the night.
However, do keep in mind that the climate in Leipzig can be a little unpredictable at best, with rainy
spells being a distinct possibility in any month.
Health insurance
Everyone planning to study in Germany is required to have health insurance, and you cannot be
enrolled without it. In Germany there are two types of health insurance, statutory or public
insurance and private insurance.
Statutory health insurance
Germany has social insurance agreements with some countries, including the member countries of
the European Union and the European Economic Area. This means that, if you have statutory health
insurance in your home country, you can have this insurance recognised by a statutory health
insurance company in Germany. Further details on existing social insurance agreements are given by
the Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung - Ausland.
Please find out which documents you require before you leave your home country. Students usually
require either a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the form E 128 /E 111 and the
Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment) from Leipzig University.
It is possible that your insurance will not cover all costs in Germany. Before you leave your home
country, find out exactly which benefits you are allowed to claim in Germany.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance from other countries may be recognised in Germany. You should obtain
details from your insurer.
If your private insurance is recognised, when you enrol you will need confirmation that you are
exempted from obligatory insurance with a statutory health insurance company. But please note
that you cannot then move to a statutory health insurance company while a student.
If you have private insurance, all medical benefits and medicines will have to be paid for in Germany
and the bills then submitted to your insurer at home.
No health insurance
If you do not have any valid health insurance accepted by Leipzig University, you will have to choose
a German health insurance company and take out insurance. All health insurance (incl. care
insurance) for students costs about 66.00 EUR. Your enrolment is not complete until you have valid
health insurance. To obtain valid health insurance coverage you need to present your
Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment). You must take out insurance within one
day of issue of the Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment).
Registering with your hall of residence
If you have applied for a place in a Studentenwerk Leipzig (Leipzig Student Services) hall of residence
and have been accepted, you should now register (at Studentenwerk Leipzig, Goethestr. 6, 3rd
floor).
What you need:

Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment)

Deposit in cash (currently 250 euro)

1st month’s rent in cash

2 passport photos
Registering at the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office)
International students must register their stay in Leipzig with the municipal authorities no later than
one week after enrolment. To do this you will need an application form.
You can register at the Citizens’ Offices in all parts of Leipzig. The nearest Citizens’ Office to the
Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Centre) is at the City Hall (Stadthaus).
Stadthaus
Markgrafenstr. 3
04109 Leipzig
Phone: +49 341 1232304
Documents you will need:

Certificate of Enrolment

Rental agreement
Registration with the Ausländerbehörde (Aliens Department)
International students who are not from an EU- or EEA-country require a residence permit
immediately after enrolment. They can obtain it from the Ausländerbehörde (Aliens Department)
application for residence permit
Ausländerbehörde
Prager Straße 128 (Entrance B1)
04317 Leipzig
Phone: +49 341 123-3310
Telefax: +49 341 123-3315
Documents you will need:

Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment)

Registration certificate from Citizens’ Office

Passport

2 biometric passport photographs

Rental agreement

Proof of health insurance valid in Germany

Fees (for non-EU citizens, currently 110,- euro for first payment)

Financial statement (confirmation of a scholarship, bank statement or equivalent)
Visa and entry regulations
Students from the European Union, the European Economic Area and some other countries can
enter Germany without a visa.
All other international students usually require a “Visa for Study” – especially if they plan to stay in
Germany for more than three months.
Find out in advance about the entry regulations applying to your country, preferably at the German
Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
When you arrive in Germany, you must present your visa to the German Aliens Department, who
will convert it into a “Residence Permit for Study”.
What visas are there?
A visa for Germany is always issued for a certain purpose. Students apply for a student visa or a
university application visa. To do this, please contact the German Embassy or German ConsulateGeneral in your country. Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa, since you will not be able to
convert it into a “Residence Permit for Study” in Germany.
For the visa, you will always need a passport, a Zulassungsbescheid (Letter of Admission) from
Leipzig University or confirmation of application and – very important – proof that you can finance
your period of study. You can obtain further information from the German Embassy or German
Consulate-General.
If you have already been admitted to a course, you can apply for a student visa. You can apply for a
university application visa if you show that you have applied to Leipzig University but have not yet
received a Zulassungsbescheid (Letter of Admission).
The visa is valid for three months. In Germany, you must have it converted into a “Residence Permit
for Study”.
Proof of financing
If you are paying for yourself: at least 7.776,00 EUR for one year of study (two semesters) must be
paid into an account in Germany, with the proviso that no more than 648,00 EUR can be drawn
monthly. You can also open a bank account in Germany at a German bank in your home country. You
must show plausible proof of any further financing by submitting appropriate documents.
Guarantee: Guarantee by a person resident in Germany in the form of an unrestricted statement of
commitment and an irrevocable bank guarantee.
The guarantee relates to travel costs, costs of accommodation, costs of treatment if you become ill,
administration costs, etc.
Declaration of Formal Obligation: A Declaration of Formal Obligation must be applied for before a
student leaves to study in Germany. Applications can be found and submitted at any German
diplomatic mission in the country of origin. By signing the Declaration of Formal Obligation, the
signer formally declares that they will support the student studying abroad, make sure all basic
needs (food, clothing and housing) are met, and cover any costs arising from health-related issues.
This obligation is seen as irrevocable and remains in effect for the entire period abroad.
Where do you have to apply for your visa?
The database of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) will direct you to the people to
contact if you have any questions about a visa and entering the country.
Visa forms on the internet
You will find further information about the visa procedure, entering Germany and application forms
on the website of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office).
No visa is required for citizens of these countries
Citizens from the EU and from EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway):

Residence permit: not required

Identification papers: valid passport or identity card

What to do when you arrive: register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents’ Registration
Office) or Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) within the first two weeks. There you will
automatically be issued with a certificate for a “Residence Permit for Study”. To receive this,
you have to provide credible proof that you have health insurance and can pay for your
period of study from your own resources.
Citizens from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland
and the USA:

Residence permit: any necessary residence authorisation can be applied for after entry to
Germany

Identification papers: valid passport

What to do when you arrive: register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents’ Registration
Office) or Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) within the first two weeks. Apply to the appropriate
Aliens Department for the “Residence Permit for Study” within three months.
Citizens of Andorra, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino:

Entry visa: only required if you want to work in Germany before or after your period of
study.

Residence permit: any necessary residence authorisation can be applied for after entry to
Germany.

Identification papers: valid passport

What to do when you arrive: register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents’ Registration
Office) or Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) within the first two weeks. Apply to the
appropriate Aliens Department for the “Residence Permit for Study” within three months.
Working while studying
Many students in Germany take it for granted that they will have to earn money while studying.
For international students in particular, a part-time job is important to earn their keep. However, for
students from non-EU or non-EEA countries, working is restricted.
Most Europeans are treated more or less the same as German students and have free access to the
labour market.
Living expenses
You will need about 650 EUR a month for your living expenses in Leipzig. Of course, this figure is only
an estimate and depends on how much you spend.
Please remember that you must provide proof of secured funding for your living expenses when you
apply for a visa in your home country.
Here are some examples of monthly expenses in Leipzig:

Rent for apartment/room: around 150.00 EUR - 250.00 EUR

Health insurance: around 80.00 EUR

Study materials: around 50.00 EUR

Food, clothing, miscellaneous requirements: around 250.00 EUR
In addition to monthly costs, you will have to pay deposits for your accommodation, UniCard etc. at
the beginning of your stay. So plan on about 600 EUR to start you off in Leipzig. Please also note that
you will have to pay the semester fee and, if applicable, the semester ticket at the beginning of each
semester.
Tuition fees
At the moment no tuition fees are charged for a first degree course at Leipzig University. Every
semester you have to pay a student fee for the Studentenwerk Leipzig (Leipzig Student Services), the
student body and the semester ticket.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of reasonably-priced apartments and rooms in Leipzig.
Halls of residence
A room in the Halls of Residence run by the Studentenwerk Leipzig (Leipzig Student Services) has the
advantage of already being furnished and enables you to make contact with other students.
Shared apartments
Shared apartments, so-called Wohngemeinschaften (WG), are particularly popular among Leipzig
students. In a shared apartment two or more students share a whole apartment which includes a
bathroom and a kitchen.
Temporary accommodation
There is a wide choice of temporary accommodation for your first few days in Leipzig.
In general you will only be able to sign a rental agreement (e.g. with the Leipzig Student Services) if
you are enrolled at Leipzig University and can produce your Immatrikulationsbescheinigung
(Certificate of Enrolment). There are quite a few administrative regulations, which you can find out
all about in the general tips on accommodation.
At any rate, it is important to factor in enough time to look for accommodation.
Studentenwerk Leipzig (Leipzig Student Services)’ halls of residence
If you would like to live with many German and foreign students in a hall of residence run by the
Leipzig Student Services (Studentenwerk Leipzig), please apply online directly to the Studentenwerk
Leipzig and not to the Akademisches Auslandsamt. As a rule, rental agreements for the halls of
residence are arranged for at least one year. If you have any questions about a hall of residence,
please contact the Studentenwerk Leipzig.
Accommodation adverts
Vacant rooms are usually advertised in newspapers or magazines and on notice boards at the
university.

Schwarze Bretter (literally black boards) are boards on which students can advertise their
furnished or unfurnished rooms. They are located in a number of university buildings, and
there is also a Schwarzes Brett on the Internet
Many students who are going abroad rent their rooms fully furnished while they are away, for
example. In a shared apartment, the kitchen and bathroom are for the use of all flatmates.

Apartments and rooms are advertised in the city magazine Kreuzer under the heading of
Kleinanzeigen (small ads). These are mostly owned privately or are shared student
apartments.

The city magazine Zeitpunkt is a free Leipzig journal which includes many types of
advertisements and can be found in pubs, cafés, etc., in the city.

A property section is published in the Leipziger Volkszeitung, the local newspaper, on
Wednesdays and Saturdays containing private advertisements for accommodation and
estate agents. On the newspaper’s webpage, the ads can be found under Markt.
The International Centre’s accommodation service
If you are coming to Leipzig University as an ERASMUS student or an exchange student, the
Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Centre) provides a shared apartment placement service.
You may want to live in a private apartment with German students. If so, you can request this in
your application papers.
As an alternative, please fill out the following form and send it to the Akademisches Auslandsamt
(International Centre):
Please arrange private accommodation
We will then try to find a shared apartment (WG), and, if we succeed, we will inform you of the
postal or e-mail address of the apartment residents. After that, please get in touch with them
personally and agree on anything further. This means you will be able to get to know potential
fellow residents by telephone or e-mail before you arrive.
Housing and room agencies
In Leipzig, there are numerous agencies offering housing and rooms. Unfortunately they do not all
operate in the same way. But they do have one thing in common – they all ask for identification (if
necessary, a passport with a valid visa) when the agreement is ready for signing, if not before.
Some agencies also require a scholarship certification, proof of liquidity or something similar to
guarantee that you will pay your rent on time. You can ask exactly what is needed when you phone
them or view the accommodation.
Some agencies charge a fee (Provision). If you go to an agency, you can tell them if you would prefer
furnished or unfurnished accommodation. Furnished means that the room must have at least a bed,
a table and a wardrobe or shelves. It is also customary (and advisable) to view the rooms and the
surrounding area before signing an agreement.
When you rent accommodation, a deposit (Kaution) is often required. A deposit is a specific amount
of money (usually 1-2 months rent, not including additional costs) that has to be paid into a savings
book. When the rental agreement is terminated, this deposit will be returned to the tenant,
provided that the accommodation is handed over in good order. Do not sign an agreement until you
fully understand its content.
Temporary accommodation
If you are not able to move straight into your room in the hall of residence or would like to look for
private accommodation when you arrive in Leipzig, it is best if you reserve somewhere to stay for
the first night before you travel.
Getting here
How do you get to Leipzig?
By air
Flughafen Leipzig/Halle (Leipzig/Halle Airport) is roughly 30 minutes' drive from the city centre.
Deutsche Bahn InterCity and RegionalExpress trains run regularly between the airport station and
Hauptbahnhof Leipzig (Leipzig main railway station). If there is no direct flight to Leipzig from your
city, we recommend you fly to Berlin (about two hours to Leipzig by train), Frankfurt or Hanover
(both about three and a half hours to Leipzig by train). There are regular trains to Leipzig from all
three cities.
By rail
Deutsche Bahn InterCity- and InterCityExpress trains link Leipzig with almost all European cities.
Hauptbahnhof Leipzig (Leipzig main railway station) – one of the biggest and most beautiful stations
in Germany – is located right in the city centre.
By road
To reach Leipzig by road, take Autobahns A9 (Berlin - Nuremberg) and A14 (Halle - Dresden).
Language and orientation course (for ERASMUS and exchange
students)
Exchange students may register for a three-week language and orientation course that takes place
prior to the semester start. To participate you should have German language proficiency at level B1
of the Common European Framework for Languages.
There is a limited number of places in the course, so you should decide quickly. To register you can
use the online application for exchange students. Your registration can be considered as long as
there are free places available and your application documents have been submitted to the
Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Centre) in full. An application does not automatically
entitle applicants to be placed on the list of participants.
When you receive your Zulassungsbescheid (Letter of Admission), you will be informed whether you
can attend the course or not. Exchange students who take part in the language and orientation
course will enrol at Leipzig University in September.
Materials fee: currently 105 euro
The materials fee for the language and orientation course must be paid in cash on the day of
enrolment. Please let Christiane Schmidt know immediately if you wish to withdraw your
application.
If you cancel:

there is no cancellation charge for cancellation up to four weeks in advance

50% of the materials fee if you cancel fourteen days in advance

thereafter: 100% of the materials fee

Exceptions: medical certificate or similar
Opening a bank account
If you want to open an account with a credit institute in Germany, you will need the following
documents:

Registration certificate from the Citizens’ Office

Passport with residence permit (if necessary)

Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (Certificate of Enrolment) from Leipzig University
Students do not normally have to pay account administration charges.
Semester ticket
The semester ticket entitles you to use Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe public transport from the
beginning of the semester (1 October or 1 April). It is valid for one semester (six months) and costs
about 80 euro.
Enroling
Please make sure you have the following items ready in order to successfully enrol:




Passport (if non-EU: with a valid visa for study purposes)
2 passport pictures
Proof of health insurance valid in Germany (insurance can be taken out in Germany)
Zulassungsbescheid (Letter of Admission) issued by Leipzig University
You can print out enrolment certificates, BaföG certificates, master data sheets (personal data with
the current semester printout), and study programme timetables (a detailed schedule from
enrolment to the current semester) for the current and previous semesters via the self-service
functions on the Leipzig University website
Rückmeldung (Re-enrolment)
By re-enrolling, you confirm that you will be continuing your study programme at Leipzig University
in the next semester.
All students must re-enrol every semester by paying their semester fee in good time. The semester
fee should be settled via the Self-service function provided by Leipzig University with a one-off direct
debit payment. You maywithdraw from the student body within the re-enrolment dates.
Non-payment of the semester fee may lead to removal from the register. If you take leave
semesters, change your study programme or subject, you must comply with the re-registration
period.
Uni-Card
You can collect your student ID card approximately 10 days after you have enrolled and
transferred the semester fee. Please bring your ID card or passport to pick it up.
Where can you collect your UniCard?
At the Seminar Building, University Campus, Room S 017.
General information
Students at Leipzig University receive a student ID in the form of a chip card at the start of their
studies. This is their UniCard. Upon presentation of a valid ID card, the UniCard will be issued to the
student (or to an authorised person acting on the student's behalf). It is only valid with a current
semester imprint. You must get this from a validation station after receiving the UniCard, and renew
it every semester. The UniCard combines many functions: you can pay without using cash in
the cafeterias and mensas of the Leipzig Student Services, it serves as a photocopy card
and library card, and as proof of payment of the basic fee for the semester ticket. But there are
many additional functions you can access at any time through the Self-service function on the
university website.
After your removal from the register of students (Exmatrikulation) the UniCard will lose its functions
as a student identity card. You can turn in your UniCard and apply for the refund of the deposit
within two semesters after removal from register. However, this is not compulsory.
Registering for classes
Before you come to Leipzig, it is important that you find out all about the programme of classes. The
classes are divided into modules, “thematic packages” as it were.
In one semester, you can study modules amounting to 30 points or ECTS credits. Modules at Leipzig
University usually comprise ten points, but some only count for five points.
Starting in August or February, you can see the full course catalogue for the Leipzig University
institutes online.
You have to register for each individual module.
If you are an applicant within the ERASMUS programme, you will arrange your curriculum for your
period abroad in Leipzig with your ERASMUS departmental co-ordinator at Leipzig University. You
can find the right contact with the help of the Komplexes Informationssystem für
Studierende/KISS (Complex Information System for Students).
Suburban and public transport
Public transport in Leipzig is characterized by a dense light-rail system. 13 tram lines serve a
transport area of about 152 kilometres, complemented by more than 30 bus lines in large part being
en-route in the suburban area. The operating company of tram and bus lines is called "Leipziger
Verkehrsbetriebe" (LVB).
The current public transport tariff of „Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund“ (MDV) is valid not only
within the city of Leipzig, but also throughout Central Germany. Only one ticket for tram and bus,
that means only one common tariff for all trams, buses, suburban trains, regional express trains,
regional trains and also hailed scheduled taxis.
Arrival by air: Leipzig/Halle Airport
Leipzig/Halle Airport is located right next to the motorway junction Schkeuditzer Kreuz (A9, A14), 18
kilometres from Leipzig and 23 kilometres from Halle.
Its schedule includes direct flights to big european metropolis such as London, Paris, Madrid,
Barcelona, Milan or Vienna. Moreover more than 25 tourist destinations around the Mediterranean
and four long-distance tourist destinations are offered almost every day. Furthermore Leipzig/Halle
airport is accessible from all over the world via Frankfurt/Main or Munich.
Within Germany there are direct flights to Hamburg, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn,
Frankfurt/Main, Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Munich.
You will get a great deal of information about arrival and departure directly at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The Airport Express train travelling between Leipzig Central Railway Station in the city centre, Leipzig
New Fair exhibition centre and airport in 14 minutes has to be pointed out.
http://goo.gl/maps/eNAkn
Arrival by train: Leipzig Central Station
Being located right in the city centre Leipzig's Central Station is traditionally one of the most
important junctions of the German rail network.
With the Hauptbahnhof-Promenaden, Leipzig's Central Station is one of the most modern shopping
and service centres in Germany. The centre covers about 30,000 m2 on three levels with about 140
shops. The station also has direct access facilities for cars with two multi-storey car parks – Car park
East and West.
With its long-distance connections, its IntercityExpress, Intercity, EuroCity, CityNightLine and DB
NachtZug connections, the Station boasts good and rapid links in all directions. Direct
IntercityExpress lines ply every hour from Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Erfurt, Munich, Nuremberg
and Dresden to Leipzig. There are non-stop Intercity connections from Magdeburg, Hannover,
Bremen and Dortmund.
With public metropolitan and suburban commuter railway systems there are direct travel
possibilities to all bigger cities in the vicinity (e.g. Dresden, Chemnitz, Zwickau, Plauen, Gera, Halle,
Magdeburg, Dessau, Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Cottbus).
A rapid link to Leipzig/Halle Airport has been established with an Airport Express train travelling
between Leipzig Central Railway Station in the city centre, Leipzig New Fair exhibition centre and
airport in 14 minutes.
http://goo.gl/maps/7ThLE
Arrival by car
Because of the motorways A9 (Berlin-Leipzig-Nürnberg-München) and A14 (Magdeburg-LeipzigDresden) Leipzig is centrally integrated in the federal motorway network and, of course, is also
located close to an important European junction.
Coming from South West, you can reach the city area by the new motorway A38 (LeipzigGöttingen).
The Leipzig beltway altogether possesses 14 junctions from which the different quarters can be
achieved directly. For the easiest access to the city centre, please take one of the following exits:

Coming from Berlin and Magdeburg: junction Leipzig-Mitte of A14

Coming from Dresden: junction Leipzig-Ost of A14

Coming from Munich, Nuremberg, Erfurt: junction Leipzig-Südwest of A38
For orientating oneself within the city, the parking and construction site guidance system provides
detailed information.
http://goo.gl/maps/CxgLp
Supermarket chains in Germany
Aldi
Coop


Plaza
Sky
Edeka




E Center
Netto Marken-Discount
SPAR (Eurospar, Interspar)
Reichelt
Famila
K+K
Lidl

Kaufland
Marktkauf
Metro AG



Metro Cash and Carry
Extra
Real
Netto
NP Discount
Plus
REWE
Penny Market
Toom (supermarkets and some separate beverage markets)


tegut…
Tengelmann Group
Mobiles
There are four main providers in Germany:
T-Mobil (D1, www.t-mobile.de ): operated by the former state monopoly Deutsche Telekom.
Vodafone (D2, www.vodafone.de ): Formerly Mannesmann, the D2 network was taken over by
Vodafone and is aggressively trying to expand market share.
E-Plus ( www.eplus.de ): It positions itself as an low-cost provider, offering a wide range of calling
plans for people who use their mobiles infrequently. Coverage of the E-Net is not as good as D-Net.
O2 ( www.o2online.de ): The youngest competitor in the market, O2 is aggressively marketing itself
and has rapidly gained market share. It offers a unique 'home zone' plan which allows you to call on
fixed-line-tariffs when you're in an area of about 500 meters around your home. Even though these
home tariffs are a little more expensive than normal fixed phone rates, O2's Genion tariff can be an
attractive option if you don't want to get a fixed line or want a single phone number.
Germany operates on a GSM network
How to apply as an exchange student to the Universität Leipzig
Step 1: Apply to your home university
for an exchange place with the Universität Leipzig. To find out whether your home university and the
Universität Leipzig have agreed on exchanges please search our database KISS (www.uni-leipzig.de/kiss) or
ask the responsible person at your home university.
Step 2: Your official nomination must be sent to the Universität Leipzig by your home
institution
Step 3: You apply for registration with the Universität Leipzig
The full application includes:
Online application form
(http://wwwdup.unileipzig.de/~moveon/move/moveonline/incoming/welcome.php)
Registration for the language and orientation course/ German (if desired)
(forms part of the online application form)
Language certificate
(Form available at www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/download)
Proof of health insurance valid in Germany
(details at www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/organisation
-> Preparing -> Health insurance)
Deadlines:
15th July (winter semester)
15th January (summer semester)
Address:
Universität Leipzig
International Office
Goethestr. 6
04109 Leipzig
Germany
Step 4: You receive your Letter of Admission
Given that your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Admission before the beginning of August
(winter semester) or before the beginning of February (summer semester). The letter is sent to you home
address.
Step 5: You enroll at the Universität Leipzig
Details at www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/organisation -> Starting -> Enrolment
Department for Academic Administration
Servicepoint UniCard
Universität Leipzig, Servicepoint UniCard, Goethestraße 6, 04109 Leipzig
Dear students,
he UniCard is your student ID card at the University of Leipzig. You can find further information concerning
the
your UniCard on http://www.zv.uni-leipzig.de/en/study/organising
leipzig.de/en/study/organising-your-studies/unicard.html
studies/unicard.html.
Your UniCard is only valid with an imprint for the current semester.
semester Each semester – after your re-registration
re
(Rückmeldung) for the following semester - you need to update this imprint at a terminal of validation
(Validierungsstation). Insert the UniCard only when the green arrow button is flashing, as indicated on the
machine. The terminal takes in the UniCard and hands it out after 15 sec with an updated imprint.
Besides the period of validity the imprint also contains information about your payment of the basic amount
for the semester ticket (Sockelbeitrag).
(Sockelbeitrag). If it says “SB” on your UniCard, you can use the public service vehicles
of the Leipziger Verkehrsbetriebe (LVB) during
during night and on weekends free of charges. If you would like to use
the busses and trams of the LVB all--day,
day, you can buy additionally the semester ticket. Further information can
be found on http://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/service/mobil-leipzig.
http://www.studentenwerk
On the UniCard, there are two accounts:
accounts One for the cafeteria (Mensa) and one for the photocopying
photo
service. You
can charge and add money
ney to your accounts in cash only, and at machines marked as such (Aufladegeräte).
Your library number is indicated on the backside of your UniCard. You need this number to check out books
in the various libraries of the University of Leipzig.
Together with your temporary confirmation of registration (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) you receive your
access data
ta for the self service in the internet on http://sb.uni-leipzig.de.. On this website you are able to print confirconfi
mations of registration, to change your
our address, to manage your transaction numbers (TAN) and to re-registrate yourself for the following semester. (You have lost your access data? Please turn the page!)
The re-registration for the following semester has to be done within the stipulated period.. For the winter and
the summer semester the main period lasts from June 1st to July 31st and from December 1st to January 31st.
31st The
extension of time lasts from August 1st to August 15th and from February 1st to February 15th. The re-registration
re
takes
place through the payment of the semester fees respectively contributions (Semesterbeitrag bzw. Gebühren). You can
re-register
register yourself on the self service portal in the internet (http://sb.uni-leipzig.de).
(
). To exceed the time-limit
time
for reregistration may lead to a removal from the register of students in restricted courses of study.
If you want to continue your studies in the following semester with a claim for suspension or change of your
th
course of study,, please contact the International Centre/Akademisches Auslandsamt, Goethestr. 6, 4 floor, room 430.
After your removal from the register of students (Exmatrikulation), the UniCard will lose its function as a student idenide
tity card. You can turn in your UniCard and apply for the refund of the bail within 2 semesters after removal.
removal However,
returning the UniCard is not compulsory.
compuls
Yours,
UniCard Team
August 2012
Universität Leipzig
Servicepoint UniCard
Room 404, Goethestraße 6
04109 Leipzig
Office hours:
Mon 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tue 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Thu 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Fri
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Phone 0341 97-32010
Fax 0341 97-32099
unicard@uni-leipzig.de
Did you forget your password?
Arrange yourself a backward channel (“Rückkanal”) in advance so a new password can be send!
In the letter head of your certificate of enrolment you can find your access data (username and password) to login for the
internet self service of the University of Leipzig as well as the university e-mail address.
What needs to be done if you forgot your password?
Only the student who registered in the backward channel system receives a new password.
Enter at least one backward channel!
Go to https://mail.uni-leipzig.de and choose “studserv” as e-mail-server, enter username (Benutzername) and password
(Passwort):
Afterwards, choose “backward channel“ in the menu bar
and make at least one input to which your forgotten password can be send:
A new password will be send to all of the above mentioned backward channels.
Hence, please be aware of the up-to-dateness of your input data.
You have lost your password and the backward channel is available
When necessary, please appeal to ldapadm@uni-leipzig.de and indicate your Login (studserv) and your enrolment
number.
You have lost your password but have not created a backward channel in advance
Without registered backward channel you have to pick up your new password personally at the Servicedesk in the Augusteum (Augustusplatz 10, entrance next to the Paulinum, second floor, room 250). Please also bring your UniCard! (for
more information got to http://www.urz.uni-leipzig.de/lageplan.html)
Change of password
You can change your password via https://sb.uni-leipzig.de/passwortaenderung.
Advice for students!
Please note that if a new password is set, this will be valid for the self service system in the internet and for all services at
the datacenter.
More information can be found on http://www.urz.uni-leipzig.de/dienste/uni-login/
Since 1 January 2009, every person in Germany is required to have health insurance. Even those who
will only reside in Germany for a short time must be health insured, otherwise requests for visas will
be denied.
Features of the German health insurance system
The organisation of the German health insurance system is characterised by the dual system of
public health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV). While almost every applicant is
eligible for public health insurance, different conditions apply for private health insurance.
EU citizens and nationals from countries with whom Germany has made social insurance agreements
can stay in the health insurance of their home countries. Nevertheless, the insurance benefits in the
respective countries could differ significantly from those in Germany, which in turn could make
personal contributions or the purchase of supplemental insurance necessary.
Public health insurance and the solidarity principle
Membership in the public insurance scheme
is obligatory for some groups such as:

Employees (gross income below the income
threshold for statutory insurance)

Pensioners

Recipients of social welfare benefits
Public health insurance is based on the principle of solidarity meaning that everyone insured pays
the same percentage of his income for his or her premium. The current rate is 15.5 per cent, and
determines the actual premium. The premium rate is deducted from wages and transferred to the
health insurance company. Premiums are calculated up to the so-called premium threshold. Every
publicly insured person receives medical care services, the scope of which is determined by the
state. Moreover, insuring children and spouses free within a family insurance plan is only possible
with statutory health insurance.
Individual private health insurance services
The following groups of people typically have private
health insurance:

Employees (gross income above the income
threshold for statutory insurance)

Civil service workers

The self-employed and freelancers
Private health insurance is not available for everyone and is taken out by those who are not insured
by statutory health insurance.
Private health insurance fees are based on income depending on state of health, age and the
insurance tariff of the insured so that fees vary for individual insurance holders.
The scope of services from private insurance companies is not regulated by the state and is often
more extensive than statutory insurance. Services can also be adapted for each policyholder
individually. The insured person first pays all treatment costs. The insurance company will then
reimburse the costs upon submission of the bill.
Supplemental insurance
Supplemental insurance policies serve to close gaps in health insurance. Conclusion of supplemental
insurance occurs with a private insurance company - independent of income. Important types of
supplemental insurance include for instance nursing care insurance, dental insurance, vision
insurance and alternative practitioner insurance.
Students
Health insurance for international students in Germany
All foreign students attending a German university or college must have health insurance. Students
can insure themselves in two systems in the Federal Republic of Germany: statutory health
insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
Please note:
In order to enrol in a university, proof of
All students are obligated
current health insurance must be
to take out insurance.
presented.
Without proof of health
insurance, enrolment is not
possible.
Obligation to take out health insurance in Germany
Different conditions apply depending on the reason for the visit, country of origin and the student's
age. Generally, the following five groups are distinguished:

Students from EU/EEA countries* or countries that have a social insurance agreement with
Germany

Health insurance for students from all other countries

Health insurance for students age 30 or older or who have completed their 14th semester
respectively

Individuals enrolled in language preparation courses for university

Foreign doctoral candidates and those receiving scholarships
Health insurance for EU citizens under 30 / after 14 semesters
Students from EU/EEA countries, which have social insurance agreements with Germany can be
exempted from the obligation for health insurance in Germany with proof of health insurance in
their country of origin:
Health insurance in
country of origin
Possibilities for insurance
in Germany
Additional conditions
statutory health
insurance
approval from a state
health insurance company
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from
health insurance company in country of origin
confirmation from the insurance company in
the country of origin
private health
insurance
private health insurance
no health insurance
statutory or private health
insurance
settlement of treatments and medication with
health insurance company in the country of
origin
from age 30 private health insurance is possible
Caution: Foreign students in Germany who are privately insured, but have not yet reached the age
of 30, often require a waiver from statutory insurance. After this waiver, however, taking out
insurance with a statutory health insurance fund during the study visit is no longer possible.
Obligation to take out health insurance for non EU citizens
Students from all other countries must have either statutory or private health insurance during the
stay in Germany. Students who are age 30 or older or have already finished their 14th semester will
not receive insurance from a state insurance company in Germany. They must take out private
insurance. The same applies for those attending language courses in preparation for studies in
Germany.
Fees for statutory health insurance (as of 2013)
Student insurance for foreigners
Health insurance
fee
Nursing insurance
fee
Total fees
[monthly]
Student without child (from 23
years)
64.77 Euro
13.13 Euro
77.90 Euro
Student with child
64.77 Euro
11.64 Euro
76.41 Euro
The fees for statutory student health insurance for foreigners are the same at all state insurance
companies.
Fees for private health insurance (as of 2013)
A temporary private insurance plan can be taken out in the first 18 months from around 30 Euro a
month. The fees differ, however, depending on the following factors:

Age

State of health

Length of stay

Selecting a tariff
Before studies begin, foreign students should get advice from the Studentenwerk or the
international office of the Akademisches Auslandsamt.
* EEA countries:EU member countries and Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland
* Countries that have social insurance agreements with Germany: EU/EEA countries as well as Bosnia
and Herzegovina, French overseas territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion),
Japan, Croatia, Macedonia, Switzerland, Serbia and Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey