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 an information event, 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 we will ask you if 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. 

Students who do not have an EU/EEA/CH passport will receive a written confirmation of the period of your stay as an exchange student by email, after they have been accepted as incoming students at HTW Berlin.

Please refer to the Federal Foreign Office to check whether you need a visa to enter and stay in 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.