Degree Seeking Students
All important information about studying for international students
We are pleased that you are interested in studying at Alanus University in Alfter. On this page, you will find all important information regarding requirements, deadlines, visa, insurance, funding and scholarships.
Please note that the Student Administration Office is available for personal guidance and advice.
The requirements and procedures differ depending upon the degree programme. More information is available on the pages of the individual degree programmes.
Selection Criteria
Please note that you must have sufficient German language skills, both spoken and written. Please check the overview of the required language skills and accepted certificates.
Degree-seeking international students are requested to find out about requirements and application procedures exclusively through the Student Administration Office and General Student Advisory Service. Please contact the person at this office who is responsible for the degree programme you are interested in.
You can also use the contact sheet on the right to send a message.
Information on current visa regulations is available on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Students require a “visa for study purposes”. If you are a citizen of a country of the Schengen area, no visa is required.
Important Information for Visa Applications
- A valid passport is required to apply for a visa.
- Apply for a visa early, as processing can take several months. Without a valid visa it is not possible to enter Germany.
- Students require a student visa (no tourist or language visa!) These visas are only available to part time students, if they prove to have special reasons regarding their family or health.
- Students must first complete the standard enrolment process at the university in order to apply for a residence permit for study purposes.
Visa Application Documents
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Proof of academic achievement
- Proof of German language skills or planned language course
- Admission notice from the university or notice of prospective admission
All international students require valid health insurance in Germany. This is a requirement for enrolment and a residence permit. There are two types of insurance.
Statutory Health Insurance
Contributions to the statutory health insurance fund average between 100 and 110 euros per month. Student rates are only valid to a maximum age of 30 years.
Here is a list of statutory health insurance providers.
Note
Students with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) do not require any additional insurance. All you have to do is send a scan of the card to a German health insurance provider and have the exemption from compulsory insurance confirmed.
Students from countries that have a social security agreement with Germany (e.g. Switzerland, Turkey) must inform their home insurance company about their stay abroad and inquire whether the insurance cover also applies in Germany. Afterwards, a form must be sent to a German health insurance provider that can confirm the exemption from the compulsory insurance.
Private Health Insurance
A private health insurance policy can only be taken out under certain conditions. Both the insurance cover and the amount of the premiums to be paid are determined individually.
Here is a list of private health insurance providers.
More information on health insurance for foreign students can be found on the website of the German Student Union and on the website of the DAAD.
The International Office can advise you on this topic upon request.
A degree programme in Germany is expensive. The cost for rent, food, insurance, clothing, leisure activities, books, internet, and transportation amounts to at least 934,- euros per month. The German authorities demand proof of at least 11.208 Euros per year of studying. As we are a private Uni, at Alanus Uni, you must add the study fees for your chosen course.
International students must already prove that they have sufficient financial resources when they apply for the visa and the residence permit.
DAAD Prize
The DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievements of Foreign Students Studying at German Universities amounting to 1,000 euros is conferred annually at the German Scholarship Award Ceremony. The prize honours outstanding achievements and special involvement in cultural policy on the part of foreign students.
Each department can nominate one person from the student body for the prize. The prizewinner is chosen by a selection committee made up of professors. List of previous award winners.
All the important information you need on the topic of living in Germany as well as information on various accommodation options is available on the following pages. Please note that the International Office does not arrange flats or rooms directly. However, you are welcome to create a seeking-accommodation notice, which we will gladly post for you.
Important Note on the German Registration Act
Anyone moving into a flat must register with the local Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of moving in. More information is available from the DAAD.
