Welcome Guide for International Students, Graduates

Welcome Guide for International
Students, Graduates & Guest Scholars
Compiled by Charlene Dems, 2013
Welcome Guide for International
Students, Graduates & Guest Scholars
Welcome to the University of Cologne!
We appreciate also to welcome you to our Institute for African Studies & Egyptology! A start in a new
city with a foreign language and different conditions of living always rises many questions and also
problems. Therefore, if you have any questions, suggestions, ideas or problems, please, don’t hesitate to
contact us. Several people at the University are responsible to help international students! To make your
arrival and studies in Germany and Cologne as comfortable and easy as possible, we would like to take
the opportunity to give you some essential information below concerning your academic studies, your
stay in Germany and your everyday life. Here you will find responsible persons to contact who offer you
guidance and help! You will also find a map of the University of Cologne with all the important buildings!
Before you arrive: Please take all your original documents (or if not possible: certified copies by a notary
public; e.g. diploma of Universities, marriage certificate, birth certificate of your children) and your
passport with you!
Your African Studies-Team
Content
1. First steps in Cologne and at the University ..................................................................................... 2
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
Enrolment/Matriculation ..................................................................................................... 3
Health Insurance .................................................................................................................. 3
Register your new place of residence .................................................................................. 4
Visa / Residence permit / Work permit ................................................................................ 5
Bank (giro) account............................................................................................................... 7
Important Institutions for Assistance, Advice and Information ........................................... 8
 AStA ............................................................................................................................... 8
 Religious student congregations ................................................................................... 8
Further useful homepages ................................................................................................... 9
2. Academic Studies ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.
2.2.
Important Institutions for Assistance, Advice and Information ........................................... 9
 International Office of the University of Cologne ......................................................... 9
 Institute for African Studies & Egyptology ................................................................. 10
 International Students Association Cologne ............................................................... 10
Internet Access at the University ....................................................................................... 11
 Rechenzentrum ........................................................................................................... 11
 University and City Library of Cologne ........................................................................ 11
 Philosophikum ............................................................................................................. 12
1
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.7.
2.8.
Libraries and Research ....................................................................................................... 12
 University and City Library of Cologne ........................................................................ 12
 Library of the Institute for African Studies & Egyptology ............................................ 13
 Writing your theses/papers ......................................................................................... 13
Language Courses ............................................................................................................... 14
 German Language Courses at the Lehrbereich Deutsch als Fremdsprache ................ 14
 German, English and other Languages ........................................................................ 14
Translations ....................................................................................................................... 15
S-Mail Account, KLIPS and ILIAS ......................................................................................... 15
 Activating your S-Mail Account ................................................................................... 15
 Online course directory and course information system, exam services (KLIPS) ....... 15
 E-learning (ILIAS).......................................................................................................... 16
Sports at University ............................................................................................................ 16
Further useful homepages ................................................................................................. 17
3. Everyday life in Cologne ................................................................................................................ 17
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
3.10.
3.11.
City Map of Cologne ........................................................................................................... 17
Public transportation .......................................................................................................... 17
Accommodation ................................................................................................................. 18
Mobile phones and internet ............................................................................................... 19
Money Transfer to your home country .............................................................................. 20
Electricity, Machineries, Recycling ..................................................................................... 21
Shopping & Food ................................................................................................................ 21
News/Radio in foreign languages ....................................................................................... 22
Hospital, Clinic and Emergency numbers ........................................................................... 22
Churches and Mosques ...................................................................................................... 22
Further useful homepages ................................................................................................. 23
4. Specific information for... .............................................................................................................. 23
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
Bachelor-Students (African Studies)................................................................................... 23
Master Students (Sprach- und Kulturtransfer in Afrika) .................................................... 23
CEA Master Students (Culture and Environment in Africa)................................................ 24
Guest Scholars .................................................................................................................... 25
5. Attachments (Hardcopies available with the print version) ............................................................ 25
1.
First steps in Cologne and at the University
Please read the next five chapters one after another carefully and follow the instructions if not already
done! Following the structure of the chapters will help you to get every document you need
successfully! To find every office and for your orientation use the City Map of Cologne and the Map of
the University of Cologne (interactive map: http://www.uni-koeln.de/uni/plan/interaktiv/; every
building has a number).
2
1.1.
Enrolment/Matriculation
After arriving in Cologne please visit the International Office in order to enrol and to inform them of
your current address in Germany. It is very important to be matriculated because you will need your
student ID for using public transportation in the Cologne metropolitan area without charge from
semester start on, for applying for your health insurance, visa or residence permit and for your bank
account. By enrolment you will get a temporary student ID and a letter of referral to transfer the
semester fee. In two or three weeks after your payment your student ID will be sent to you by regular
mail. The student ID is only valid for the semester you are enrolled in, so don’t forget to transfer the fee
for the next semesters in time (deadline for summer term: 15/02, for winter term 15/07).

1.2.
International Office of the University of Cologne (Akademisches Auslandsamt)
o
Address: building 115, Kerpener Str. 4, raised ground floor on the right
o
Contact: Phone: +49-221-470-1661,
o
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10 am - 12.30 pm
Email: aaa.zulassung@verw.uni-koeln.de
Health Insurance
For your stay in Germany and especially for your residence permit you need a German Health Insurance!
For acknowledgements of your foreign Health Insurance please ask the International Office (see 2.1).
Address and Contact of a recommended Health Insurance Company:

Campus-AOK (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse)
o
Address: building 103 (Philosophikum), Universitätsstraße 41, ground floor
o
Homepage:
http://www.aok.de/rheinland-hamburg/kontakt/aok-geschaeftsstellen-
koeln-campus-91539.php
o
Contact:
o
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu 8 am - 4 pm, Fri 9 am - 3 pm
Ms. Adas, Phone: +49 221 1618-1248,
Email: ASS.Koeln@rh.aok.de
Students > 30 years, Ph.D. students, participants in a language proficiency course preparing for
enrolment in a German University, students of the Studienkolleg (foundation course) need a private
health insurance. Address of a recommended private Health Insurance Company (For other
recommended private Health Insurance Companies please ask the International Office, see 2.1):

Union Versicherungsdienst GmbH
o
Address: Wiener Platz 3, 51065 Köln, near
o
Contact: Phone: +49 221 97355-700,
Mühlheim Wiener Platz
Email: dsw-kv@union-verdi.de
3
1.3.
Register your new place of residence
After your arrival in Germany, you will have to register your new place of residence within the first week
at the Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde, read
additionally 1.4)! A residence registration confirmation is also necessary for your German bank account!
Don’t forget to give notice of departure to your home country to the Registration Office when you will
have finished your stay in Germany! During the week before your date of departure you have to go with
your passport to the Registration office yourself or you can order someone else to hand out them a) a
copy of your passport, b) a filled form of departure and c) an authorisation for this person. (Download,
print and fill in the two forms for b and c under ‘Download service’: http://www.stadtkoeln.de/buergerservice/themen/anmelden-ummelden/abmeldung-ihres-wohnsitzes/).

Documents needed for registration: a) passport, b) application form (Anmeldeformular):
http://www.stadt-koeln.de/buergerservice/themen/anmelden-ummelden/anmeldung-ihreswohnsitzes/ ( Download service) or your new residence address and the name and address of
your landlord, c) marriage certificate and birth certificate of children including translations if
applicable.

For students from non-EU countries who stay in the district Lindenthal: If you need a residence
permit, make an appointment at the Bezirksrathaus in Lindenthal for both registration AND your
application for a residence permit (see below 1.4)!
Address of the Registration Office:

Bezirksrathaus Lindenthal (City Hall office), Aachener Str. 220,
Aachener Str./Gürtel
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30 am - 12 pm, Tue 9.30 am - 6 pm, Thu 7.30 am - 4 pm.
Appointments can be registered online:
http://www.stadt-koeln.de/buergerservice/adressen/00182/  Link: Form Terminvereinbarung
 click “Anmeldung”  click the link: weiter zur Terminauswahl  choose date and time and
follow the instructions. You will get a number which you will need for your appointment.

It is also possible to go to the Registration Office of your district (For opening hours, addresses
and online registering please follow the links for each district: http://www.stadtkoeln.de/en/1/administration/00033/ or see 1.4 Residence permit)

If you do not reside in Cologne, you will need to register at a different registration office. Please
inquire about details.
4
1.4.
Visa / Residence permit / Work permit
Types of Visa:
A) If you still have no entry visa to Germany:

If you still have no entry visa, please contact the German representation abroad of your home
country and apply there for a student visa/visa for study purposes (Visum zum
Studienaufenthalt). These are generally valid for three months; afterwards you will have to
apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu Studienzwecken) in Germany.
Please note that the process can take about two months!

Please note: a visit visa or tourist visa does not qualify for study purposes and cannot be
automatically converted into a student visa! (No Sprachkursvisum, too!)
B) If you already have a visa for study purposes:

If you have already entered federal territory with a visa for study purposes, please contact the
relevant district immigration office (Bezirksausländeramt) within the authorised visa period
(Visa for study purposes/student visa are generally valid for three months) to apply for a) a
student residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zu Studienzwecken, if you have been admitted
to the university) or b) a study applicant visa (Visum zum Zweck der Studienbewerbung, if you
have not already received your notification of admission from the university).
C) For guest scholars:

Special conditions apply if your stay does not exceed 90 days. If you like to remain in Germany
no longer than a semester you can ask at the Immigration Office for extending your visa. If you
like to stay longer in Germany you have to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung); Guest scholars from EU countries do not need a residence permit.

Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde): Ottmar-Pohl-Platz 1, Köln-Kalk,
Kalk Post
o
Phone: +49 221-221-93381,
o
Contact formulary: http://www.stadt-koeln.de/buergerservice/adressen/00735/
o
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 12 pm and by appointment. (It is advisable to make an
Email: auslaenderamt-migration-info@stadt-koeln.de,
appointment by phone!)
Resident permit:

All foreign students from non-EU countries need a residence permit. Students from EU
countries do not need a residence permit.
5

For the appointment: please provide the following documents:
o
Valid National passport (including copies of all pages with important information: e.g.
personal data, entry stamps etc.)
o
Current passport photo (biometric)
o
Proof of a secure means of support/certification of finances
o
Proof of health insurance coverage
o
Enrolment certificate/valid student card or certificate relating to language course
o
If you wish to apply to extend your residence permit for study purposes enclose an upto-date study progress certificate (Studienverlaufsbescheinigung) from the university.
o
Copy of Rental Agreement
o
Proof of residence registration of the Registration Office (if already available)
o
Certificates of prior academic achievement, i.e. transcripts (if applicable)

Also check with the responsible the extension of a residence permit.

Fee: The first issue of a residence permit for study purposes may cost up to 60 Euros. An
extension may cost up to 30 Euros.

For (first-year) students and visiting academics who stay in the district Lindenthal:
Please make an appointment by phone before appearing in the Bezirksrathaus (only for Tue
afternoons or Wed mornings): Phone +49 221 221 93450 (for students from a non-EU state),
+49 221 221 93339 (for students from Germany or an EU state). If not already done you should
make an appointment for both registration AND your application for a student residence
permit.

Addresses and Opening Hours of the District Immigration Offices:
o
For contact data and online registering (if possible) please follow the links for each
district: http://www.stadt-koeln.de/en/1/administration/00085/
o
(scroll down).
Opening Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 am - 12 pm; closed on Wednesdays; for
appointments on Wednesdays and in the evenings please call the Office!
o
Bezirksrathaus Lindenthal (City Hall Office): Aachener Str. 220,
Aachener Str./Gürtel;
Chorweiler: Pariser Platz 1, Innenstadt: Laurenzplatz 1-3; Ehrenfeld: Venloer Straße 419421; Mülheim: Wiener Platz 2a; Nippes: Neusser Straße 450; Porz: Friedrich-Ebert-Ufer
64-70, Rodenkirchen: Hauptstraße 85.
Work permit:

For issues concerning a work permit please contact the Immigration Office:
Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde): Ottmar-Pohl-Platz 1, Köln-Kalk,
Kalk Post
6
o
Phone: +49 221 221 93381,
o
Contact Formular: http://www.stadt-koeln.de/buergerservice/adressen/00735/
o
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 12 pm and by appointment (it is advisable to make an
Email: auslaenderamt-migration-info@stadt-koeln.de
appointment by phone!).
Useful Homepages:

Residence Permit: http://verwaltung.unikoeln.de/international/content/incomings/studying_in_cologne/useful_information_for_foreig
n_students/on_arrival/residence_permit/index_eng.html

Entering Germany: http://www.study-in.de/en/study/admission-requirements/before-youleave/visa/

Visa Regulations: http://www.auswaertigesamt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Visabestimmungen_node.html
1.5.
Bank (giro) account
You should open a current account here in Germany! They are usually free of charge for students. Your
advantages and possibilities: You can withdraw money free of charge from cash machines in Germany.
Moreover you can set up a standing order for regular payments (e.g. your rent) which ensures that the
money is transferred automatically and on time every month. For your health insurance and electric bills
you can take advantage of direct debiting which allows the supplier to deduct the correct amount from
your current account directly.

Requirements to open a current account (no fees for students):
o
a) Passport or personal identification card, b) student ID or confirmation of enrolment
or notification of admission from your university, c) confirmation of registration from
the Resident Registration Office or Immigration Office.

Address of an recommended bank:
Sparkasse KölnBonn, Geschäftsstelle Sülz, Zülpicher Str. 292-294

o
Contact:
o
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9 am - 1 pm, Mon - Wed + Fri 2 - 4 pm, Thu 2 - 6 pm
Ms. Kleinen,
Email: anita.kleinen@sparkasse-koelnbonn.de
Bank transactions can be done online, or at specially marked bank machines in the bank or over
the counter. For more information and charges see the information of Money Transfer (3.5)!
7

With you debit card (EC card) you can withdraw money from cash machines and print out your
bank statements yourself. You can also use them to pay at shops and several restaurants where
you have to authorise payment with a PIN or sign the receipt.
1.6.
Important Institutions for Assistance, Advice and Information
Please read also the information about the Institute for African Studies & Egyptology and the
International Office (2.1)!
AStA ( www.asta.uni-koeln.de)

General advice for international students:
Contact:
Ms. Arslan, Zülpicher Str. 70, lower ground floor of the Uni-Mensa (building 118),
Thu 6 - 9 pm, Fri 9 am - 3 pm, Phone: +49 172-571 9233,

Email: mohnschnuppe@web.de.
Information, Advice and Assistance for social concerns (jobbing, family, residence) and the
TEAM-Programme (Cooperation with a German student concerning time table, orientation in
Cologne and at the University, help with public authorities and everyday life; for participation
write an Email to sozialreferat@asta.uni-koeln.de with your name, contact data and especially
your phone number):
Department for Social and International Concerns (Referat für Soziales und Internationales)
o
Address: AStA, Universitätsstr. 16, building 331, Studentenhaus, 1st floor
o
Contact:
Mr. Suchomsky, Wed 5 - 6 pm, Phone: +49 221 470 6251,
Email:
sozialreferat@asta.uni-koeln.de

ARef (Ausländerreferat der Universität; Representation of interest of all international students!)
o
Address: building 106, AStA room, ground floor
o
Homepage: http://www.uni-koeln.de/studenten/auslaenderreferat/
o
Contact: Phone: +49 221 470 5683,
o
Opening Hours: Wed 4 - 5 pm, Fri 12 - 2 pm or by appointment
Email: auslaenderreferat@uni-koeln.de
Religious student congregations:
The following Christian institutions give you advice for legal questions concerning foreigners, general
problems concerning your studies or your everyday life, social and financial plight:

Catholic (Katholische Hochschulgemeinde, KHG) ( www.khgkoeln.de)
o
Address:
Berrenrather Str. 127,
o
Contact:
Mr. Esser, Phone: +49 221 476 920, Email: bernhard.esser@khgkoeln.de
Email: info@khgkoeln.de
8

Protestant (Evangelische Studierendengemeinde, ESG)
o
Address:
Bachemer Str. 27,
o
Contact:
Mr. Brieskorn, Tue + Thu 10 am - 12 pm, lower ground floor,
Email: esg@esgkoeln.de, Phone: +49 221 940 5220
Phone: +49 221 94 05 22 15,
1.7.
Email: klaus.brieskorn@esgkoeln.de
Further useful homepages

Here you will find some useful online brochures in several languages containing many topics:
o
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/nach-deutschland/publikationen/en/
 ‘Destination Germany’, ‘Studying in Germany’ and more
2.
Academic Studies
Several institutions of the University are specialized for international students: For Information, Advice,
Assistance and Help you can contact the following institutions:
2.1.
Important Institutions for Assistance, Advice and Information
International Office of the University of Cologne (Akademisches Auslandsamt, AAA)
This service is responsible for coordinating all international affairs at universities and is the first port of
call for international students! Members offer you advice for study courses, admission requirement and
funding. Moreover they help you with information and support for your bureaucratic formalities
connected with your stay.



Address: Akademisches Auslandsamt, building 115, Kerpener Str. 4
General Email: aaa@verw.uni-koeln.de
Contact for Assistance for international students, postgraduates and scholarship students
(Tue, Thu 10 am - 12.30 pm, raised ground floor on the left)
o
Mr. Korn, Phone: +49 221 470-7350,
o
Ms. Simut-Perent: Phone: +49 221 470-1340,
Email: K.Korn@verw.uni-koeln.de
Email: d.simut@verw.uni-koeln.de
(especially for DAAD-scholarship students)

Special advice for application, admission and registration
o
Phone (Mon - Fri: 9 - 10 am): +49 2214701661, Email: aaa.zulassung@verw.uni-koeln.de
o
Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10 am - 12.30 pm, raised ground floor on the right)
9
General information for your studies and your stay in Germany can be seen here:

www.uni-koeln.de/international (Homepage of the International Office)

http://verwaltung.unikoeln.de/international/content/studium_und_praktika_im_ausland/erasmus/incomings/index_
eng.html

http://www.daad.de/deutschland/en/
(Homepage of the DAAD  application, visa,
scholarships, finances, registration, health insurance, organising your studies, etc.).
Institute for African Studies & Egyptology (Institut für Afrikanistik und Ägyptologie)
This institute ( http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/) is also responsible for information and
assistance for your academic studies.

Address: building 114, Meister-Ekkehart-Str. 7

Office:

Opening Hours: Mon - Thu 8.30 am - 12 pm, 1 - 4 pm; Fri 8.30 am – 12 pm, 1 - 2 pm

Contact person of confidence (Academic of confidence)
o

Ms. Aguirre, Phone: +49 221 470 3504
Mr. Dr. habil. Touré,
Advice for your academic studies:
o
African Studies:
arrangement),
o

Email: mohamed.toure@uni-koeln.de
Egyptology:
Ms. Dr. Claudi (Mon 12 - 2 pm, Tue 11 am - 12 pm or by
Email: ulrike.claudi@uni-koeln.de
Mr. Dr. Felber (by arrangement),
Email: Heinz.Felber@uni-koeln.de
Fachschaft ( http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/fachschaft/):
Student representatives communicate between students and academics, organise events and
offer also help for your studies, give you information about Cologne and your everyday life.
International Students Association Cologne (ISAC)

Every single Association of ISAC promotes the integration and the cultural exchange between
international and German students, accompany foreign students and help them to complete
their studies.

For African Students: African Students Association (ASA,  http://www.asa.uni-koeln.de/)
Advice and assistance with financial, judicial and social problems, help with integration,
communication with German and other African students: e.g. you will get information, support
10
and advice for an apartment, with your application for a scholarship, for bureaucratically
concerns, specific faculty concerns.
o

2.2.
Contact:
Mr. Benjamin Chardey,
Email: asa-info@uni-koeln.de
Other Associations:
o
ASAC (Arab) http://www.asac.uni-koeln.de/
o
AVANZA! (Latin American) http://avanzakoeln.wix.com/avanza
o
BUDITELI (Bulgarian) http://www.buditeli.de/
o
CISA (Iranian) http://www.cisa.uni-koeln.de/12508.html
o
VCSK (Chinese) http://www.vcsk.uni-koeln.de/
o
TÜDEM (Turkish) http://www.tudem.de/
Internet Access at the University
 For all students/members of the University of Cologne:
Rechenzentrum (RRZK):  PC-Pools and Help

Infostand: Hauptgebäude, building 100, Albertus-Magnus-Platz 1, first floor,
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10.15 am - 4.30 pm  first information


Rechenzentrum Weyertal, building 133, Weyertal 121, ground floor
o
RRZK-Helpdesk for questions:  account, use of the computers, print, virus-infects
o
PC-Pool: Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8.30 am - 11.30 pm, Sat 10.30 am - 4 pm
Rechenzentrum (RRZK-B), building 341, Berrenrather Str. 136: several computer rooms in
ground and first floor

CIP-Pool at the Philosophikum, building 103, Universitätsstr. 41
o
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 8 pm
University and City Library of Cologne (Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek Köln, USB)

Address: Universitätsstr. 33, building 107

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - midnight, Sat + Sun 8 am - 8 pm.

Homepage: www.ub.uni-koeln.de

Access conditions: A valid library card, an S-Mail-Account or a university account is required to
, http://www.ub.uni-koeln.de/using/index_eng.html
use the Internet or the workstations!

Internet/Workstations:
o
Computer room on the 2nd floor (internet, multimedia, printer)
o
Computer room on the 1st floor (internet only)
11

Login: A) use your S-Mail-Account or Uni-Account, B) use your library card (only valid for the
first floor computers!): user name: your library card number, password = your date of birth, 6digit (DDMMYY - example: 050385).

Logout/Logoff
: For your own protection close any session to the Internet before leaving the
PCs, otherwise the next user may work with your personal identifying information. How to log
off: At the Internet PCs on the first floor you just have to close the browser to log off. At the
workstations on the second floor press [Start] + ["Benutzername" abmelden] (user name log
off). (Please do not shut down the workstation!)

Print: A black-and-white printer is located in our reading room on the second floor. Print jobs
can be ordered from the PCs on the second floor only. How to proceed:
o
Select the printer name *UBHP Laser1* before starting your print job.
o
The print job starts automatically.
o
Payment is possible via (print) credit account which can be opened at our photographic
department on the ground floor or at the Regional Computing Centre (RRZK).
 For students of the Faculty of Philosophy (African Studies Students included):
Philosophikum (building 103):

3 computer rooms 1) glass case computer room, 2+3) two computer rooms are left hand in the
left corridor next to the glass case computer room.
2.3.
o
For the first use ask the tutor there to activate your account. (Student ID is required.)
o
Print: Ask the tutor there to charge your account and which printer you should use!
Libraries and Research
University and City Library of Cologne (Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek Köln, USB)

This library offers beside book loaning internet workstations, interlibrary loan, copy and scan
stations and reading rooms! Look also for Guided Tours in English (dates and information by
notice or at the homepage in English; registration: Email: kurse@ub.uni-koeln.de, Ms Ossen)!
There are no fees for the library card but for late book returns! Interlibrary loans charge 1,50 €
per book. In the Instant Lending Area and in the Textbook Collection you will find current books
that are directly available to be borrowed. All other books you have to order via the website.
After one working day your orders can be collected from the Self Service Shelves on the 1st floor.

Address: Universitätsstr. 33, building 107

Homepage: www.ub.uni-koeln.de
, http://www.ub.uni-koeln.de/using/index_eng.html
12


Opening Hours: usually closed on public holidays
o
Registration: Mon - Thu 9 am - 6 pm, Fri 9 am - 4 pm
o
General use and internet: Mon - Fri 8 am - midnight, Sat/Sun 8 am - 8 pm
Library Card: Get your permanent library card at the registration on the 1st floor. There are no
fees for students/employees/guest students of the University of Cologne! The following
documents are needed for the library card: passport with a registration form of the Registration
Office and your Student ID.

Internet access (please see above 2.2)

Copy & Scan: http://www.ub.uni-koeln.de/using/copy/index_eng.html
Library of the Institute for African Studies & Egyptology

Library Card: ask the responsible person for it and how to use the library.

African Studies: Get books from the library on the first floor (opposite to the office).
o
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu 9 am - 12 pm, 1 - 4 pm (during the semester break: Mon Thu 9 am - 12 pm

Egyptology: Get books from the library on the ground floor left (1st door right at the office)
o
Opening Hours: Tue/Wed 10 am - 12 pm and by arrangement (during the semester
break: by arrangement)

For your literature researches also use the links of the Homepage of the Institute of African
Studies (below Bibliotheksrecherche): There are the literature research with the KUG, a key
word list, a writer catalogue, the latest journal articles, E-media (almost everything in
).
Writing your theses/papers: Quotation/Citation style
Here are some useful hints to write or read a good paper:

Papers as well as presentations need references of your presented information! Just copying
from books or the internet is strictly forbidden! Pictures as well need references!

Different disciplines or courses use different citation styles, so confirm with your instructor
which style you should use.
o
Style
guide
of
the
Institute
koeln.de/remarks/g2/rm21213.pdf
of
African
Studies:
http://uk-online.uni-
(Leitfaden für die Anfertigung wissenschaftlicher
Arbeiten, Guideline for writing papers in German)
o
Guideline for writing papers in English, but confirm with the guideline above! This is a
first orientation hint: http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/harvard_6.pdf

Contact: instructor of the course, or Dr. Claudi, 1st floor of the Institute
13

Use dictionaries or www.duden.de
for the correct German spelling! There you can also find
answers concerning technical terms, foreign words, synonyms, etc.

Give your paper or presentation a logical structure so that the reader or the audience can follow
your arguments! Use also pictures and/or examples with an explanation of them to make your
paper or presentation clear and vivid!
2.4.
Language Courses
International bachelor students and Master students (Sprach- und Kulturtransfer in Afrika; not CEA
Master students) need the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) for the admission
to university. If you are already admitted for your studies and you want to improve your German you
can attend several German courses or Language partnerships/conversations.
German Language Courses at the Lehrbereich Deutsch als Fremdsprache ( http://verwaltung.unikoeln.de/international/content/german_courses/index_eng.html
, eventual fees to pay depending
on your scholarship!).

Address: DaF, Universitätsstr. 16b, building 332, Entrance: Wilhelm-Waldeyer-Straße

Office:
Sonja Kaßler,
Email: aaa.daf@verw.uni-koeln.de, Phone: +49 221 470- 4437
(General advice on attending German language courses and information on them and the
examination, registration for the German language courses and the examination.)

Opening hours: Mon + Fri 10 am - 12.30 pm, Wed + Thu 1.30 - 3.30 pm and by appointment
This Institute offers:

Preparatory German language courses

Courses for ERASMUS students, exchange students from partner universities, and visiting
scientists

Complementary courses, courses in phonetics and post-DSH courses

International Cologne Summer Language Courses in German Language and Culture (in August,
for participants conditions see the information at the homepage, Registration deadline:
31/05/2013)

International Winter Language Courses in German Language and Culture (in February,
participants: only for DAAD scholarship students!)
German, English and other Languages, international communication (for free!):
14

Language partnerships: TANDEM ( www.uni-koeln.de/tandem)
Participating in a language partnership is an inexpensive alternative. Two people get together
who want to learn the other’s native language. They meet on a regular basis and practice
speaking one language for a while, and then the other.
o
Contact:
Mr. Mimoun Berrissoun,
Email: tandem@verw.uni-koeln.de, Tue 10.30
am - 12.30 pm, building 100, raised ground floor on the right

Language Lounge: Café Babylon ( www.kstw.de)
This is about a conversation within an international group with a native speaker. You can just
join the group without registration and any obligations!
o
Location: Campuslounge, ground floor of the Uni Mensa, Zülpicher Str. 70 (actually
closed because of renovation  Send an Email to ask for the actual location!)
2.5.
o
Time: Wed 6 - 9 pm
o
Contact:
Ms. Schamlott,
Email: ki@kstw.de
Translations

All documents (e.g. certifications) submitted to universities and authorities and for applications
must or should be translated into German/English professionally.


Translation office AKÜDO: ( http://www.akuedo.de/)
o
Adress/Contact: Zülpicher Str. 197; Phone: +49 221 2829835,
o
Office hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30 am - 1 pm, Tue + Thu 9.30 am - 5 pm
Email: info@akuedo.de
For your own studies you can use dictionaries or online dictionaries like http://dict.leo.org/
(German – English/French and other)! Be careful: Google-translations are very inaccurate and
sometimes incorrect!
2.6.
S-Mail Account, KLIPS and ILIAS
Activating your S-Mail Account
Please activate your university Email account (S-Mail-Account). For this you will need your matriculation
number and PIN which will be sent to you per Email by the admission office. Moreover you will need the
S-Mail account in order to sign up for courses on KLIPS.
For both programmes: Don’t forget to logout “Abmelden” (KLIPS: in the blue stripe, ILIAS: on top right)!
KLIPS (Online course directory and course information system, exam services)
15

You should be registered at KLIPS ( https://klips.uni-koeln.de
) to find most of the
courses with times, places and additional information and for course registration!

For the KLIPS registration, you only need an S-Mail Account (free internet mailing account) of
the University of Cologne.

There are three phases (Belegphasen) for applying for courses. Look on the homepage for
“Termine” to find the actual deadlines! They usually start some months before the semester
starts! If you have not applied in the first phase you also can apply while the second or third
phase or register during the whole semester. Just join the first class of the course and in case of
problems ask the person giving the course.


KLIPS compass (introduction how to use KLIPS)
o
http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/klips_uk/klips-kompass_st.pdf
o
http://klips-support.uni-koeln.de/index.php/FAQs_Studierende (FAQs about KLIPS)
“Sitemap“ or “Prüfungs- und Veranstaltungsorganisation“: apply, register and unsubscribe for
courses (“Veranstaltung: Belegung und Abmeldung“)

“Meine Veranstaltungen”: Here you can find your already registered courses with times, places
and additional information.

“Mein Stundenplan”: a timetable of your already registered courses! Be careful: “abmelden”
means to unsubscribe your participation of the course!
ILIAS (E-learning)

https://www.ilias.uni-koeln.de/ilias/login.php (possibility to change the language, choose
“Sprache” and login “Anmelden” on top right)

Login-data: Your Smail-account data.

“Persönlicher Schreibtisch”: Some of the instructors of the courses upload here texts,
presentations, etc. for the course and you should download (, print) and read them!
2.7.
Sports at University

Get to know German students and improve your German by attending sports courses!
 Homepage: http://www.hochschulsport-koeln.de/ (most of them have no fees)
 Homepage: http://campussport-koeln.de/content/
16
2.8.
Further useful homepages

http://zib.phil-fak.uni-koeln.de/internationale_studierende.html?&L=1
(Information by the
Center for International and Public Relations for international students concerning Living in
Cologne, Studies, and other)

http://www.testas.de/en/link_en.htm
 Find more useful links!
Read ‘Germany for beginners from A to Z’:

http://www.dw.de/top-stories/study-in-germany/s-8010

http://www.dw.de/germany-for-beginners-from-a-to-z/a-6379030
“Study in Germany”:
Helpful definitions of
important terms of your studies! Education: “Germany for beginners from A to Z”

http://www.dw.de/germany-for-beginners-getting-settled-in/a-6376117
Society: “Getting
settled in”

http://www.dw.de/germany-for-beginners-first-steps-at-the-university/a-6376171
Education: “First steps on campus”
3.
Everyday life in Cologne
3.1.
City Map of Cologne

City Map in several languages (only 0,20 €) KÖLN SHOP TOURISMUS (opposite of the
Cathedral)

3.2.
City map online with bus and underground stations: http://www.kvb-koeln.de/stadtplan/
Public transportation

Using public transportation without any ticket can cost you 40 € in case of ID check! If you have
just forgotten your student ID (includes ‘Semester ticket’), please tell them and then you have to
pay only some Euro and to show your student ID at their office!

Underground-map:
http://www.vrsinfo.de/fileadmin/Dateien/downloadcenter/SVP2013_RegionKoeln.pdf

Semester ticket (= your student ID): You can use it (with valid photo identification) for all
busses, underground-, urban and even regional trains (excluded IC-, EC- and ICE-trains!!) in
NRW. It is not allowed to transfer the card to other persons! But for the VRS-area you can take
17
your bicycle every time and one other person on week-ends, official holidays and on weekdays
from 7 pm to 3 am (kids below 6 years you can take any time!).

For time table and more information of the KVB see http://www.kvb-koeln.de or
http://www.kvb-koeln.de/german/tarif/eng.html
! For the validity of your ticket in NRW and
VRS-area see: Fahrplan & Mehr  Liniennetzpläne
o
NRW-regional Rail Services Map: NRW-Regionalverkehrsplan (Cologne, Dortmund,
Aachen, Düsseldorf, Bonn, etc.):
http://www.vrsinfo.de/fileadmin/Dateien/downloadcenter/NRW_Regionalverkehrsplan
_2013.pdf
o
VRS-area regional and urban railway map: 2012 VRS-Schienennetz (Cologne, Bonn):
http://www.vrsinfo.de/fileadmin/Dateien/downloadcenter/SVP2013_Gesamt.pdf
3.3.
Accommodation
Useful hints and information concerning your research and lease contract, etc: www.fairmietenkoeln.de and http://www.asa.uni-koeln.de/11716.html.
Be careful... Before signing a lease contract read the conditions and obligations carefully! Don’t hesitate
in case of doubt to ask the responsible person or especially for private leasing the counselling service for
legal problems of the AStA:

Department for Social and International Concerns (Referat für Soziales und Internationales)
o
Address: AStA, Universitätsstr. 16, building 331, Studentenhaus, first floor
o
Contact:
Mr. Alexander Suchomsky, Wed 5 - 6 pm, Phone: +49 221 470 6251,
Email: sozialreferat@asta.uni-koeln.de

Look especially after the cancellation period (max. three months), the security deposit (max. up
to three monthly rents excluding additional charges; demand for a receipt for the paid deposit,
if you can don’t pay by cash!; you will get back the amount in case of leaving the apartment/
room in adequate conditions), additional costs (power, gas, heating and water are usually not
included in the rent).

Don’t pay before you’ve got the keys for the apartment!
Apartment/room research:

Flat notices are put up on the notice boards spread all over the university campus or advertised
in the local newspapers.
o
Short period stays: Look for a furnished short let apartment.
18

Students’ Hostels: (no move-in on weekends possible!)
o
Rooms (include the use of a bathroom and a kitchen) are highly demanded. Register
early or look for other possibilities!
o
Advantages of a room in a Students’ Hostel: cheap rent (around 180 € - 300 € per
month), access to the Internet included, mostly furnished rooms, opportunity to get to
know other students.
o
Please notice the strict regulations there! Violating their rules can lead to cancellation
of the rental contract. Visitors can only stay for 2 - 4 weeks in agreement with the
Studentenwerk and the dormitory floor mates!
o

www.kstw.de  “Wohnen” (online application and information)
Flat-Sharing Communities (WG or Wohngemeinschaft)
o
Two or more people live together in a flat and share the kitchen and the bathroom but
everyone has a room of his own. Advantages: all costs (rent, Internet, electricity, water)
are divided between all occupants. Prices for a room: around 250 € per month
depending on location, size and equipment.
o

www.wg-gesucht.de or www.studenten-wg.de (also apartments)
Private Leasing (rented flats in Cologne)
o
Prices for one-room flats or furnished rooms are usually higher than in shared flats!
o
Offers in local newspapers, on notice boards at university, online: www.wg-gesucht.de,
www.studenten-wg.de
After moving-in:

Register your new address at the Bezirksrathaus (e.g. Lindenthal) within one week after
relocation! You need your passport, full name and address of your landlord, date of move-in.

For private leasing only: Register domestic gas, water and electricity/power (please ask your
landlord for registering) at RheinEnergie AG. Please check the energy value and inform the
RheinEnergie AG of it. Additional charges of your rental charges often include the costs for
water!
3.4.
Mobile phones and internet
Mobile phones:

For keeping in contact with friends and acquaintances in Germany it is easier and more
economical to purchase a mobile phone card from a German provider. Using your foreign
mobile phone card in Germany, texting and making calls is much more expensive!
19

The best opportunity for you to get your own German mobile number is to purchase a prepaid
card without any contractual obligations! You buy a certain amount of credit which is debited
every time you phone or text someone and you can purchase more credit either via the internet
or by purchasing a card from a supermarket, drugstore or kiosk.

Also you can sign up for a mobile phone contract but be careful! The duration of a contract is
usually 24 months and the contract will be extended automatically! Make sure you understand
the conditions and rates and read also the fine print!

For International calls: Use your foreign mobile phone card or go to an Internet café!
Internet:

Most student halls of residence and flat-shares have internet connection. If you have a PC or
laptop, you can easily log on to the internet from your room via cable or WLAN.

With your own laptop you can gain free internet access at the university via campus-wide WLAN
coverage. All students receive their personal login data when they enrol. You can get help at the
RRZK (see 2.2).

You can also use the computer workstations at the university (without charge!) or you could go
to an Internet café in Cologne (small charge).
3.5.
Money Transfer to your home country

Online money transfer to your home country (Germany, EU-countries) charge no fees!

Online money transfer to your home country (non-European countries) with your bank account
(e.g. Sparkasse KölnBonn) is usually combined with high fees (money transfer to non-European
countries minimum 17,50 € per transfer)

International Money Transfer (no account):
o
Ria: http://www.riafinancial.com/
(Send money online or find a location, ca. 6€ fees
for cash transfer, address: Venloer Str. 332, Frankfurter Str. 42)
o
Western Union International Bank: http://www.westernunionbank.com/en/home/
(Address: Venloer Straße 298,
see ReiseBank AG at the
o
Ehrenfeld or Frankfurter Straße 40, Mülheim,  also
Central Station!)
MoneyGram: https://www.moneygram.com/MGODE/flows/home?execution=e1s1
(Send money online or go to one of the locations, ca. 7,50 € fees for cash transfer,
Address: Josef-Haubrich-Hof 5 near
Neumarkt or Kardinal-Hoffner-Platz 1 at the
Central Station of Cologne)
20
3.6.
Electricity, Machineries, Recycling

In Germany there is 24 hours electricity!

There are also many automata/vending machines: e.g. for travelling, at the library, at University,
at institutions, etc. Mostly there is the possibility to change the language! Just follow the
instructions or don’t hesitate to ask for help!!

Recycling: In Germany the following types of rubbish are usually separated: glass (special glass
containers), paper (Blue Bin), sometimes biodegradables (e.g. fruit rinds, vegetable peels, coffee
grounds; Brown Bin), packaging (e.g. plastic bags, Tetrapak, tins; Yellow Bin), hazardous waste
(e.g. chemicals, batteries).

3.7.
Caution: There’s a deposit on bottles and cans in Germany! (See 3.7 Shopping & Food)
Shopping & Food

Uni-Mensa (building 118): Here you can have meals at very low prices: Complete warm lunches
and dinners are offered (salads, soups, vegetarian/meal/fish dishes, drinks etc.).
For Opening Hours, menu information and payment see:
http://www.kstw.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=324&Itemid=156

Cheap food stuff (even fresh vegetables and fruits, meat from the freezer, kitchen implements,
office supplies) you can get in supermarkets (e.g. REAL near University, ALDI, LIDL, NETTO,
REWE)! Butcheries and markets in Germany are usually much more expensive!!

African and Asian Food you can buy in specific shops, e.g. between and near the stations
Zülpicher Straße and
Barbarossaplatz (Hohenstaufenring 15, Luxemburger Str. 18). In those
shops you can also get phone cards and Afro Cosmetics.

Cosmetics and Office supplies you can get at dm or ROSSMANN.

Clothes of good quality and reduced prices are offered at T.k.maxx (station
Neumarkt); you
will need some time to find a cheap price because there are also offered very expensive
clothes). Cheap clothes you will also find in C&A, H&M.

Compare prices and ask other students for help!

Deposit on bottles and cans:
There’s a small deposit on most beverage bottles and cans (0,08/0,15/0,25 €). The deposit is
refunded when you bring the empty containers back to the supermarket (returning-machines).
21
3.8.
News/Radio in foreign languages

News (even videos and audio) in several languages (i.e. English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Hausa
and other) : www.dw.de
The Deutsche Welle (DW) is a German radio for abroad in the Internet. News and Information of
Politics, Economy and Culture in Germany can be heard by Podcast, seen by Video-Stream, and
read in 30 languages.
3.9.
Hospital, Clinic and Emergency numbers

Hospital: Uniklinik Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, Köln-Lindenthal, it is quite near the University!
Information for patients: Phone: +49 221 478-0,

Email: patientenanfragen@uk-koeln.de
Ask for help to find an English-speaking doctor:
o
Mr. Benjamin Chardey (ISAC; Phone: +49 221 470 1393,
Email: b.chardey@verw.uni-koeln.de or asa-info@uni-koeln.de)
o
Mr. Abi Bayo (Phone: +49 221 470 1392,
Email: a.bayo@verw.uni-koeln.de) or
Ms. Andrea Biesler (Phone: +49 221 470 1393,
Email: a.biesler@verw.uni-
koeln.de)  for AMP students

Ask the responsible person of your health insurance which benefits they pay and which not!

Phone number of the fire service, emergency doctor and ambulance: 112

Phone number of the police: 110
3.10. Churches and Mosques

http://www.guestscholars.uni-koeln.de/11505.html?&L=1
(List of some churches and
mosques and other religious association with addresses and links to their homepages)
Churches: To find catholic and protestant churches look at the city map or ask responsible persons of
the University ( see 1.6 Religious student congregations). To find a specific congregational chapel you
can ask for help the student assistant: Ms. Charlene Dems,
Email: cdems@smail.uni-koeln.de.
Mosques: Find mosques in Cologne: http://www.moscheesuche.de/moschee/stadt/Koeln/2581 (e.g. at
Barbarossaplatz,

Ehrenfeld)
Contact persons: Mohamed Touré, Omar Babu Marjan (Institute for African Studies)
22
3.11. Further useful homepages

http://www.cologne.de/ (Sightseeing information)

www.young-germany.de (Homepage about Germany, education, culture, information, etc.)
4.
Specific information for...
4.1.
Bachelor-Students (African Studies)

Homepage of the Institute of African Studies: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/

Register for the Mailing list (https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/ifa-info) to get all
important information of the Institute and also about cancelled courses, etc.!

FAQs: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/studium/beratung/faq.html
BA Studies: To complete your studies successfully it is essential to follow the standards:

Modulhandbuch: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/studium/bama/ba.html
 Links: BA-Modulhandbuch (compendium for your courses), Studieninfo zum BAModulhandbuch

Individual advice for your academic studies:
- 12 pm or by arrangement, 1st floor, room D,

Ms. Dr. Ulrike Claudi, Mon 12 - 2 pm, Tue 11 am
Email: ulrike.claudi@uni-koeln.de
University calendar (find all courses, Vorlesungsverzeichnis): only for African studies (BAProgramm for each semester: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/), for all subjects:
https://klips.uni-koeln.de/ (see Online-Vorlesungsverzeichnis)

Student Advisory and Counselling Centre (Phone: + 49 221 470-3606, -3789,
Email: zsb@verw.uni-koeln.de, Homepage: www.uni-koeln.de/zsb)
4.2.
Master Students (Sprach- und Kulturtransfer in Afrika)

Homepage of the Institute of African Studies: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/

Register for the Mailing list (https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/ifa-info) to get all
important information of the Institute and also about cancelled courses, etc.!

FAQs: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/studium/beratung/faq.html
MA Studies: To complete your studies successfully it is essential to follow the standards:
23

Modulhandbuch: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/studium/bama/ma.html
 Links: MA-Modulhandbuch (compendium for your courses), Detail-Informationen der
zentralen Studienberatung

Individual advice for your academic studies:
Ms. Dr. Ulrike Claudi, Mon 12 - 2 pm, Tue 11 am
- 12 pm or by arrangement, 1st floor, room D,

Email: ulrike.claudi@uni-koeln.de
University calendar (find all courses, Vorlesungsverzeichnis): only for African studies (MAProgramm for each semester: http://www.uni-koeln.de/phil-fak/afrikanistik/), for all subjects:
https://klips.uni-koeln.de/ (see Online-Vorlesungsverzeichnis)

Student Advisory and Counselling Centre (Phone: + 49 221 470-3606, -3789,
Email: zsb@verw.uni-koeln.de, Homepage: www.uni-koeln.de/zsb)
4.3.
CEA Master Students (Culture and Environment in Africa)

Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology (‘Institut für Ethnologie’)
o
Address: building 100, building element 6, see 6.104
o
Contact: Phone: +49 221 470-7430,
o
Homepage: www.ethnologie.uni-koeln.de/studium/studiengang/cea/
o
Contact for the academic part of the Studies (time table, Introduction in KLIPS, ILIAS):
Mr. Dr. Mario Krämer,

Email: cea-info@uni-koeln.de
Email: mario.kraemer@uni-koeln.de
Scholarship AMP (‘Albertus-Magnus-Programm‘)
For more information concerning language courses, visa, health insurance, bank account, public
authorities, etc. contact the responsible:
o
http://verwaltung.uni-koeln.de/international/content/studying_in_cologne/
albertus_magnus_programm_albertus_magnus_program/index_eng.html
o
Address: Wilhelm-Waldeyerstraße, AAA/Institut für Germanistik in one of the cellar
rooms, building 332
o
Contact:
Email to one responsible of the AMP-Team: amp@verw.uni-koeln.de,
Ms. Andrea Biesler (coordinator), Phone: +49 221 470-1393,
a.biesler@verw.uni-koeln.de or
Mr. Abibulah Bayo (Tutor) or
Email:
Mr. Karl-Heinz Korn
(coordinator, AAA Kerpener Str. 4, building 115, raised ground floor left, 1st room left)

Useful links:
o
http://casc.phil-fak.uni-koeln.de/ (CASC, Cologne African Studies Centre)
o
www.portal.uni-koeln.de/international.html (more information, find institutions)
24
4.4.
Guest Scholars (Gastwissenschaftler)

General important information: www.guestscholars.uni-koeln.de

International Office of the University of Cologne (Akademisches Auslandsamt, AAA)
o
Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am - 12 pm and on appointment, 4th floor
o
Albert’s International Assistance (AIA): Advice and Support for foreign guest scholars,
also communicate apartments)

Contact
o
General Email: international.scholars@verw.uni-koeln.de
o
Ms. Pieper, Phone: +49 221 470-1344,
Email: k.pieper@verw.uni-koeln.de (also
responsible for events at the University, project management of IFS-Mentoring
(Mentoring Programme for international female scholars))
o
Ms. Gesa Morassut, Phone: +49 221 470-4597,
Email: international.scholars@
verw.uni-koeln.de (also responsible for Guest scholar sheets, current events and trips,
communicate apartments)
o
Ms. Simut-Perent, Phone: +49 221 470-1340,
Email: d.simut@verw.uni-koeln.de
(Advice for international students, scholarship students and postgraduates)
5.
Attachments (Hardcopies available with the print version)
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
Map of the University of Cologne (Lageplan): http://www.unikoeln.de/bin2/where.pl?parent.afrika  Here you will find all the institutes, etc.!
City Map of Cologne, Underground Map (KVB):
http://www.vrsinfo.de/fileadmin/Dateien/downloadcenter/SVP2013_RegionKoeln.pdf
Service booklet “Studieren in Köln Summer 2013” of the KSTW:
http://www.kstw.de/images/stories/presse/downloads/SiK_SoSe_2013_scr_XS.pdf
Useful flyers
Bildrechte
Panorama-Foto: www.aboutpixel.de - Philipp Mehrle
Kölner Skyline: © Dirk Richelmann / Stephan Müller, www.BDB-Koeln.de
25
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