The International Office of HTW Berlin offers a a two-week introduction programme before the offical start of the semester, the Welcome Weeks. It contains a welcome day, activities and a German intensive course. To participate in the introduction programme is mandatory for all international exchange students. In special cases please contact the International Office in advance. 

In the winter semester the Welcome Weeks take place from Mid-September to the end of September.

In the summer semester the Welcome Weeks take place from Mid-March to the end of March.

The exact dates will be notified in time by e-mail.

Our Buddy Programme is designed to facilitate the start of your exchange experience in Berlin. Buddies are HTW Berlin students interested in assisting international students and meeting people from all over the world.

Your buddy will be your first contact person in Berlin and will support you with getting through the administrative To Do‘s during the first days/weeks of your stay. Your buddy will also be available for you throughout the semester in case you have any other questions regarding your studies and life in Berlin or if you just want to grab a coffee.

Once you have successfully applied for your exchange at HTW Berlin and your stay has been confirmed you can tick on Mobility Online that you would like to participate in the programme. You can register via your Mobility Online account. Please note that unfortunately we cannot guarantee a buddy for everybody as we rely on the availability of our local HTW students. In case you cannot be allocated a buddy, please feel free to contact us if you need help with anything or you have any questions.

HTW Berlin offers a wide sports programme (in German only) during the semester and the university vacation. Please check out the semester dates in time.

HTW Berlin offers different events for international students and informs on a regular basis about upcoming exhibitions, performances and suchlike. Take a look in our Moodle-Course avaible for all incoming students after the enrolment. All you need is your HTW-Account.

The studierendenWERK BERLIN also offers a diverse cultural programme for all students in Berlin. It regularly organises interesting events. Please check out their website for further information: https://www.stw.berlin/kultur.html.

Please see here for all important information regarding your HTW Student Card.

The registration with the Citizens‘ Office (Bürgeramt) is mandatory for everyone living in Berlin. You have to carry out the registration on your own.

In order to book an appointment online, please click on "Termin berlinweit suchen" on their website. Please bring along all required documents to your appointment, as stated on the website.

Please note that finding an appointment at the citizen's office can be very time-consuming. We recommend booking an appointment as early as possible. 

EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES (NON-EU)

As a rule, all these international exchange students require a student visa – especially if they want to stay in Germany for more than three months. You will need to apply for the necessary visa at the German embassy in your home country before your come to Germany. So reserve enough time - several weeks/month - for the process! For a student visa, you need admission to study and proof of sufficient financial means.

Citizens from the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain and Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the USA can also obtain a required residence permit for study purposes after entering Germany. You have to apply for this residence permit at the Berlin Immigration Office within three months after entry in Germany.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-EU STUDENTS ENROLLED AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE EU

Non-EU students who are enrolled at a university in an EU country no longer necessarily require a German residence permit if they plan to stay in Germany for study purposes for less than 360 days. This is covered by EU Directive 2016/801, the so-called REST Directive for researchers and students.

As a host university, we have to submit an application for mobility to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), which must be approved before you arrive. Full notification to BAMF absolutely must be received no later than 30 days prior to your entering Germany.

The notification which HTW Berlin sends to the Federal Office must comprise the following documents:

• Residence permit for study purposes from the first EU Member State (must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Germany)
• Recognised, valid passport
• Declaration on securing livelihood (According to § 2 Abs. 3 Satz 5 AufenthG, the livelihood of students is considered secured if they have a monthly amount equal to the current BAföG maximum rate of 992 EUR/month, the national standard that defines the absolute minimum of expenses that a student needs to cover for an appropriate standard of living.)
• Declaration of sufficient health insurance cover (at least 30.000 EUR sum insured)

If you are planning a stay for study purposes of more than 360 days, then you will be required to apply for a visa.

Further information can be found on the website from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

GENERAL

Find out in good time about the entry requirements that apply to your country. You can find an overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into Germany on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Never enter on a tourist visa! A tourist visa does not entitle you to study, nor can it be converted into a residence permit for study purposes after you have entered Germany.

We recommend opening a bank account to pay for rent, health insurance etc. If you already have a bank account, please check whether international payments are possible.