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Checklist for a Successful Start to Your Studies!


Key Organizational Steps at a Glance:


After Admission

  • Apply for a Residence Permit: International students require an official residence permit to stay in Germany for more than three months. This permit confirms the right to live and study in Germany and must be applied for at the German Embassy as soon as possible after admission.
     
  • Pay Semester Fees: Semester fees are monetary amounts that students have to pay to their university every semester. These fees cover various costs, such as administrative expenses, the semester ticket for public transportation, and contributions to the student union, which, for example, runs dormitories and cafeterias.
     
  • Health Insurance: Valid health insurance is mandatory for students in Germany. In general, students can choose between a public and a private health insurance scheme.
     
  • Apply for Enrollment: Enrollment is the formal process of registering as a student at the university. This includes submitting various documents and fulfilling certain requirements in order to be officially recognized as a student. Enrollment must be applied for in the KIT applicant portal.
     
  • Find Accommodation: Finding accomodation in Karlsruhe can be a challenge for new students at the beginning of the semester due to high demand. Student dormitories managed by student services offer affordable accommodation and early application is recommended. Shared flats are often cheaper than single apartments.
     
  • Buddy Program: The international Buddy Program at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) supports international students in their transition to Karlsruhe and in their studies. Organized by the International Services unit (INTL), first semester students are paired with "buddies." These buddies are KIT students who help with administrative procedures, university matters, and language challenges.
     

MEI Students only:

 

  • Register for the Pre-Semester: Applicants who have received the condition of passing the assessment test in their KIT admission letter are strongly advised to attend in the corresponding preparatory course, the Pre-Semester. Please contact the Carl Benz School of Engineering for registration. They are responsible for the organization of the course.
     
  • College Program: Applicants interested in the optional study support program, the College Program, should contact the Carl Benz School of Engineering.


After Arrival:

  • Register your Residence: Within the first two weeks of arriving in Karlsruhe, you must register your residence at the local Bürgerbüro (citizens' office). This is necessary in order to have a valid address in Germany and is important for opening your bank account, and other administrative purposes.
     
  • Enrollment: By enrolling at KIT, you are officially registered as a student at the university. This includes submitting all required documents, paying the semester fees, and fulfilling all admission requirements. After successful enrollment, you will receive a student ID and be eligible to attend classes and take exams.
     
  • Open a Bank Account: A German bank account makes it easier to manage finances while studying. It allows online payments for rent, insurance, and other bills. In addition, refunds, such as the remaining part of the Guarantee Fund payment for the residence permit, can only be transferred to a German account.
     
  • Activate KIT Account and Student ID: The KIT account is a personal access for students and employees at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) that is used for various IT services. This includes email accounts, library access, and other online university services. The KIT student ID is the official identification card for students. It serves as proof of your status as an enrolled student and provides access to facilities such as the library or the computing center.
     
  • Activate Campus Management: The Campus Management Portal at KIT is an online platform for managing study and administrative matters. Students can use the portal to view their study plans, register for exams, check grades, book courses, and access important documents. It also provides functions for managing personal data and communicating with the university.
     
  • ILIAS: Get to know the central platform for organizing and managing courses and learning materials. ILIAS provides access to important learning materials and is used by instructors for communication with students.
     
  • Extend your Residence Permit: An international student must extend their residence permit to legally stay in Germany for the entire duration of their studies. The extension is required when the original residence permit expires and the studies are not yet completed. This ensures the student's legal status and allows continued stay and access to educational and other facilities in Germany.

As the central contact point for international matters, the International Students Office at KIT provides a wealth of important information to ensure an optimal start to your studies and a successful academic journey!