FAQs
1. Course offerings
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► What subjects (Bachelor’s and Master’s) can I study at KIT? A list of all programs can be found on the page of the Students’ Office. Doctorate: The application process to study for a doctoral degree is different than the application for a Bachelor or Master’s course of study. Please see information on doctoral study ► How can I apply for a Bachelor or Master’s course of study? Please apply on the online-Portal.Further information regarding the application process can be found on our Homepage or in the application FAQ. ► Is there a course program in English at KIT? You can find an overview of courses in English on this website. Please note the required English language skills. ► What is the cost of a degree? Details can be found here. Programs in the International Departments (Hector School and Carl Benz School) require a fee. |
2. Applying for a Bachelor's degree
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► I have completed a preparatory course /Studienkolleg (with the assessment test/Feststellungsprüfung). Am I now considered a "Bildungsinländer" (instate education) and may I now apply as a German student? No. Students who have completet the preparatory course (Feststellungsprüfung at Studienkolleg) are NOT considered to have a German university entrance qualification. Please apply accprding to the guidelines for international applicants fromn outside of the EU. ► Can I apply directly for a Bachelor’s program, or do I need to first take a preparatory course (assessment test/Feststellungsprüfung)? The answer to this question can be found on the following pages: www.anabin.kmk.org (only in German) or DAAD-database. ► How do I apply for a Bachelor’s program at KIT? EU-Applicant may apply via the online-Portal of the Student's Office. Please choose your programme first and follow the information provided by the Students Office regarding the application process. Non-EU-Applicants may apply via the online-Portal of the International Students Office Exceptions: If you have completed your Abitur (German higher education entrance qualification) in Germany or at a German school abroad, please apply via the Student Office. ► How do I apply for the preparatory course (assessment test/Feststellungsprüfung)? Please apply via the online-Portal for the Bachelor’s degree that you would like to study after you take the assessment test. You will automatically receive an invitation to the preparatory course (Studienkolleg) if you need to take the assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) before your chosen course of study. ► How or where can I check the status of my application? In the applicantion portal you can see the status of your application at any time. ► I made a mistake in my application for admission. Should I send in a new application form? No, please send us an email and we can make the appropriate changes. This is just possible after we have receibed your application by regular mail. ► Do my certificates need to be notarized? No. Ordniary copies of the documents in their original language and ordinary copies of the official translation will be sufficient for your application (as PDF). Your language certificate may also upload as an ordinary copy. You will then need to present the original at enrolment. ► To what address should I send my application form and the accompanying documents? You don't have to send us any documents. Upload all documents in the application portal as PDF files. ► May I submit my application by email? No, submission by email is not possible. Please upload the application documents as a PDF file to the application portal. ► Where can I find the application in paper form, if I don’t want to apply using the online portal? Applications to KIT can ONLY be made using the online portal! Other submissions will not be processed. ► When can I apply? Information on the application deadlines can be found on this page. ► What are the application deadlines? Deadline for German courses (Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants): July 15th / January 15th Deadline for the preparatory course (FSP): July 15th / January 15th Deadline for the DSH-test before studies begin: July 15th Deadline for (all) Bachelor’s programs: July 15th ► May I apply even later (until 30.03/30.09) for subjects with open admission? Yes, but only for Master’s courses with open admission. The deadline for all Bachelors courses is July 15th. ► I am a Bachelor’s applicant from Turkey and cannot submit the results of my university entrance examination (ÖSYM) by the application deadline? Applicants for a bachelor's degree from Turkey may submit the ÖSYM result directly after receipt by email. The application for admission and all other documents must be submitted by the application deadline on July 15th. available in the admissions office. ► Can I apply with a provisional school certificate/diploma?
In principle, this is only possible in exceptional, justified cases. If the required official certificate for the university entrance qualification is not yet available by the application deadline, the passing of the degree can be confirmed in advance by the authority issuing the certificate, stating all the required grades. In the event of a positive decision, admission would be subject to the condition that the corresponding original certificate is presented for enrollment.
► Bachelor’s programs begin only in the Winter Semester. Can I apply for the Summer Semester anyway? Yes, but only if you would like to apply for admission to the preparatory college (assessment test) or the German course (duration 1 semester) or if you apply for a higher subject semester before starting your degree. ► I have not taken my place at the University. How can I retain my admission for the following semester? Admission cannot be deferred to the following semester. You must reapply for the next semester using the online-Portal. ► What documents do I need to submit for the preparatory course (Feststellungsprüfung at Studienkolleg) application? Please refer to “Documents for the Bachelor’s degree” German language certification: certification of at least B1-knowledge (statement of participation or certificate) ► What documents do I need to submit for the German course application? Please refer to “Documents for the Bachelor or Master’s application” German language certification: certification of at least B1-knowledge (statement of participation or certificate) ► What documents do I need to submit for a Bachelor’s degree application? School diploma / certificate (in original language and official translation) Record of your most recent language course (in original language and official translation) Résumé Additional documents (in original language and official translation) : assessment test report / Feststellungsprüfung at Studienkolleg (if available) university entrance exam report (if customary in your home country) Pre-university course (if customary in your home country, e.g. Iran) APS certificate (China and Vietnam) Transcript of completed studies (in the case that the study periods must be proven) Please note: please submit ordinary copies of your documents, rather than certified or attested copies. (Exception: Chinese applicants must submit the original of their APS.) ► Do I need to explain the grading system of my university or school? Yes, that would be very helpful. If no explanation of the grading system is included in your transcript, please submit an official explanation from your school of the grading system, indicating the highest possible score and the minimum required for graduation. ► How late can I submit the documents for my application? Please only send us complete applications! Documents can only be handed in by the application deadline (please ALWAYS include your application number on the documents). After the application deadline no further documents will be accepted. Please bring the DSH-2 and/or Test-DaF-4444 with you to enrollment, if they are not available by the application deadline. ► Do I need to translate my credentials and certificates? Yes, if they are not in German or English. A sworn translator must do the translation. However, please upload a scan of the official translation to your application for admission. You will then need to present the original at enrolment. ► Will I be notified of the outcome by mail? No, the notifications will not be sent by mail. You will receive an email notification as soon as the outcome of your application is available on the application portal. |
3. Applying for a Master's degree
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► How do I apply for a Master’s program at KIT? EU-applicants and non-EU-applicants can both apply for a Master’s program using the online-Portal of the International Students Office. Please upload all required documents as PDF in the portal. You will not need to send in copies of your documents via mail. ► Can I apply for two Master’s courses at the same time? Yes. You can apply for two Master’s programs. Please note that you have to submit an individual application form as well as all relevant documents for each Master's program. ► Can I apply for a Master’s program with my Bachelor’s degree from my home country? We review the applications only in the context of the regular application process. Previously, no information has been issued regarding your admission requirements. The decision regarding your admission is dependent on the formal examination of your application by our associates and through the (content-related) selection committee of the Master’s course. The decision made by the selection committee depends substantially on the content of your previous undergraduate study as well as on the grades you received. We examine the documents only in the context of the administrative application process. Questions prior to the application cannot be answered. ► How do I know whether my previous studies are sufficient for the Master’s program application? When we have your full application, we inspect the documents on a formal level. If the application is complete and correct, it is then forwarded to the specific department to which you are applying. They check that the content of the studies you have submitted meet the requirements for a master’s program at KIT and then make a decision regarding the admission. ► Do my certificates need to be notarized? No. Ordniary copies of the documents in their original language and ordinary copies of the official translation will be sufficient for your application (as PDF). Your language certificate may also upload as an ordinary copy. You will then need to present the original at enrolment. ► To what address should I send my application and the accompanying documents? You don't have to send us any documents. Upload all documents in the application portal as PDF files. ► May I submit my application by email? No, submission by email is not possible. Please upload the application documents as a PDF file to the application portal. ► Where can I find the application in paper form, if I don’t want to apply using the online portal? Applications to KIT can ONLY be made using the online portal! Other submissions will not be processed. ► When can I apply? For the Summer Semester: from November For the Winter Semester: from April ► What are the application periods? Deadline for German courses (ALL Master’s applicants): July 15th / January 15th Deadline for the DSH-test before studies begin: July 15th Deadline for Master’s programs with restricted admission: January 15th / July 15th Optics and Photonics Deadline: April 30th Water Science and Engineering: June 15th / December 15th Master Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics: June 15th / December 15th Deadline for Master’s programs with open admission: March 31st / September 30th ► May I apply even later (until 30.03/30.09) for subjects with open admission? Yes, but only for Master’s courses with open admission. Please note: if you would like to take a German course or the DSH exam, you must apply before January 15th or July 15th! ► I have not taken my place at the University. How can I retain my admission for the following semester? Admission cannot be deferred to the following semester. You must reapply for the next semester using the online-Portal and send the new application with all documents again.
► What documents do I need to submit for the German course application? Please refer to “Documents for the Bachelor or Master’s application” German language certification: certification of B1-knowledge (statement of participation or certificate) ► What documents do I need to submit when I apply for a Master’s program? Academic transcript (original language and official translation) Bachelor’s degree diploma / certificate (if applicable) (original language and official translation) Record of your most recent language course (original language and official translation) CV (optional) Statement of purpose (optional) APS (for Chinese applicants): We only accept up-to-date APS certificates. In case you already graduated we only accept an APS for the completed study programme. ► Additional documents required for the different Master programmes are listed here. Please note: - please submit ordinary copies of all documents (except Chinese applicants need to send the original APS) ► I have not yet completed my Bachelor’s degree at the time of application. Can I still apply for a Master’s program? Yes, you can apply with a provisional transcript (an official record of the courses you have taken and the grades received for each course), but the Bachelor’s diploma must be presented at enrollment. ► Do I need to explain the grading system of my university or school? Yes, that would be very helpful. If no explanation of the grading system is included in your transcript, please submit an official explanation from your school of the grading system, indicating the highest possible score and the minimum required for graduation. ► I can’t get a certificate of my overall grade from my university. What should I do? If you can’t get an overall grade certificate, please submit just your current Transcript of Records. We will then calculate your overall grade as the average of the grades you received for all of your coursework. ► Do I need to translate my credentials and certificates? Yes, if they are not in German or English. A sworn translator must do the translation. However, please upload a scan of the official translation to your application for admission. You will then need to present the original at enrolment. ► Will I be notified of the outcome by mail? No, the notifications will not be sent by mail. You will receive an email notification as soon as the outcome of your application is available on the application portal. ► Applying for course programs in English: Do I need to take an English proficiency test if I have completed my previous studies in English? It depends on the Master’s program to which you are applying. For example, the Electrical Engineering department requires TOEFL or IELTS certificates even if your previous studies were in English (presented at enrollment at the latest). ► Applying for course programs in English: What proof of English proficiency is accepted? Please check the programme specific requirements here ► Applying for course programs in English: What is the institution code to send my TOEFL score? Please use the code 0683 to have your score sent to KIT. ► Applying for course programs in English: Can I submit my proof of English proficiency later? In principle, all documents should be available by the application deadline. However, if you are admitted to KIT, you can submit these documents by enrollment (at the latest). ► Applying for course programs in English: My test result for English proficiency is a bit too low. Can I still apply? Yes, but the test results required must be presented at enrollment. |
4. Admission/ Rejection
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► I have been admitted on the condition that I submit the DSH2 or the TestDaF4444. Can I send my DSH2 or TestDaF4444 to you? No. If you have already been accepted, please bring your language certificates with you to enrollment. We cannot issue you a new admission without conditions, even if you mail us or give us your language certification before enrollment! ► I have been admitted on the condition that I submit the DSH2 or the TestDaF4444. Can I get an admission without conditions if I mail or hand in my language certification before enrollment? No. We cannot issue a new admission. You can use your conditional acceptance and your language certification to obtain a student visa. You can fulfill the conditions of your acceptance at enrollment. ► I cannot come to enrollment. Can I defer my admission to the next semester? No, admissions / reservations cannot be deferred. You must submit a new application for the next semester. ► I have applied already once before. Do I need to submit all of my documents again for a new application? Yes, we require a new application will all documents (only ordinary copies—notarizations are not necessary!) ► I applied for a Bachelor's degree program and the intensive German course and receive a rejection. Why? For the intensive German language course we receive much more applications than places available. Therefore we cannot invite all applicants that like to attend the German course. Please look for other possibilities to learn German and pass the DSH /TestDaF any apply again for next intake. ► I applied for a Bachelor's programme with NC (limited access) with high marks and have been rejected. Why? For Bachelor's programmes (Mechanical Eng., Industrial Eng., Architecture etc.) we receive much more applications than places available. Therefore only candidates with the highest marks will be admitted. In case you are rejected other students score better in the ranking. ► I applied for a Master's programme and have been rejected. Why? The Admission Office only checks the formal correctness of your application. The Master commission of the department decides whether your application is accepted or rejected. The reson for the rejection is staed in your rejection letter. Rejection on substantive grounds (programme specific requirements): The Master commission always compares the subjects / modules of your Bachelor studies with the Bachelor's programme at KIT. In fact the content has to be (almost) identical. In case there are too many differences the programme specific requirements are not fulfilled and the application must be rejected. This also happens to applicants from Germany that graduated at other universities. Rejection for reasons of capacity: admission to many Master's programmes are restriced and KIT receives much more applivcations that places available. For this reason only the highest ranked applicants are accepted. |
5. Enrollment
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► When can I enroll? Enrollment takes place at the International Students Office. The appointment times can be found in your admission document or on: http://intl.kit.edu/istudent/index.php ► What do I need to bring with me for enrollment? Please bring the following documents with you to enrollment: ► Do I need to have health insurance at the time of enrollment? In Germany, all students under 30 are required to have health insurance: ► Where can I get the exemption from the compulsory insurance? You have to contact a German health insurance company (AOK, TK, DKK). When you show them your admission letter and the contract of your private/foreign insurance they issue you the exemption letter. During the enrollment period stated in your admission letter you can meet German health insurances at IStO. ► What costs will I need to pay at the start of the semester? You will need to pay about 140 Euro per semester. The exact amount will be stated in your admission letter. ► Can I enroll later on? You can enroll up to the beginning of classes: lecture times ► I was not able to take my place at the university this semester due to a long wait for my visa. How can I renew my place for the following semester? You must fill out a new application for admission (online application) for the next intake and send it to us by mail with the other required documents. ► What is Orientation Week? The Orientation Week (O-Phase) is the welcoming week and is geared towards new students. The goal of the Orientation Week is to assist new students in getting to know their classmates and make social contacts. Students will be introduced to life in Karlsruhe and at the university, will be informed about the campus and the city, and will learn about the structure and organization of studies at KIT. Here you will find the dates of the Orientation Week. |
6. Preparatory Course/Studienkolleg (Assessment Test/Feststellungsprüfung)
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► What is the preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung) The preparatory course usually takes about a year. Students finish the course with a test (assessment test/Feststellungsprüfung). The assessment test certification is a subject-specific university entrance qualification. It is determined centrally, which students will need to take a preparatory course before beginning a course of study in Germany. Further information can be found on the following link (see ,,Schulabschlüsse mit Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” or “secondary school qualifications with university entrance qualifications”): http://anabin.kmk.org/ ► Do I need to take a preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung) before beginning my course of study? The answer to this question can be found on the following link (see ,,Schulabschlüsse mit Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” or “secondary school qualifications with university entrance qualifications”): http://anabin.kmk.org/ ► How do I apply for the preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung) at KIT? Please apply using the online-Portal for the Bachelor’s program at KIT that you would like to study after the preparatory course. You will automatically receive an invitation to the preparatory course if your chosen course of study requires you to take the assessment test. ► What proof of German language skills do I need for the preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung)? You will need proof of German at the B1 level. All certificates are accepted, and it is also sufficient to provide proof of attendance at a B1 course. Your actual knowledge of German is evaluated by the entrance exam for the preparatory course/German course. To pass this test, you will need a knowledge of German at least at the B1 level but higher language level better your chances to be accepted at Studienkolleg. ► What are the application deadlines for the preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung)? Summer semester: January 15th ► When will the next entrance exam for the preparatory course (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsporüfung) take place? Entrance exams are usually in February (for the Summer semester) and in September (for the Winter semester). More detailed information can be found in your invitation to the entrance exam (reservation) once you have submitted your application to a Bachelor’s program. ► What is the content of the entrance exam for the preparatory course at KIT (Studienkolleg - Feststellungsprüfung)? How can I prepare for the test? There is a German test and a math test. ► Which documents are needed to take part in the entrance exam? After application you will receive an invitation (Vormerkung) of IStO. After receiving the invitation you have to reserve a place at the entrance test. Information on how to reserve a place are available in the invitation (Vormerkung). ► I want to register for the entrance exam at OnDaF, but I have no TAN and therefore cannot book the exam. You need the TAN in order to book the exam. However, you should not book the exam—you should only register at OnDaF. The booking is carried out on the day of the exam. You must be previously registered for the exam so that this process goes more quickly. ► I cannot come to the entrance exam; is there a re-take date? No. Due to an increasing number of applications Studienkolleg KIT does not offer a re-take date this intake (SS 17). ► I cannot come to the entrance exam; can I get a reservation for the preparatory course for the following semester? You have to re-apply for the next semester and re-submit all of your documents (simple copies are sufficient!). ► Is there a place in the preparatory course for all those who pass the entrance exam? Unfortunately no. Places are limited, and not every student who passes the entrance exam will get a place in the preparatory course. |
7. German Language Competence
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► What level of German language competence do I need to apply to KIT? - Preparatory course (Feststellungsprüfung): Competence at B1-level. All certificates are accepted, and you may also submit proof of participation in a B1 course. Your actual level of German competence will be evaluated by the entrance exam for the preparatory course/German course. To pass the test, you need at least B1-level competence. ► Do I need to submit the DSH2 or TestDaF4444 results before the application deadline? No. You may be admitted to KIT under the condition that the satisfactory German language certification will be submitted by enrollment (October/April), but for the application must be at least be certified at the B1-level. ► Can I apply with no knowledge of the German language? No, by the application deadline you must present at least knowledge at the B-level. You can apply to a German course at the same time as you apply for a Bachelor’s program. In the case that your application is successful, you can then take the entrance examination. German knowledge at the B1- level is required. ► I applied without the DSH2 or TestDaF4444. Can I sent the certificate later? Yes, BUT ONLY up to the application deadline and when you have not yet been admitted! After the application deadline, no further documents will be accepted. You would then receive an admission on the condition that you submit the sufficient German certification at enrollment (October/April). ► Are exams other than the DSH2 accepted? Yes, instead of the certificate of German language knowledge from the DSH test you may also submit one of the following certificates: ► I have already received an admission with an invitation to the DSH test, but cannot participate. Can I change to a reservation to the German course? Yes, BUT ONLY up to the application deadline on January 15th/July 15th. After that, changes will NOT be possible! ► I have already received an admission or an admission on the condition of the DSH2, but I already have the DSH2/TestDaF4444 now. Can I receive an admission without conditions? No, the admission cannot be changed. Bring this sufficient German certification with you to enrollment. ► I already have a reservation for the German course, but now I have the DSH2 or TestDaF4444. Can I receive an admission to the subject course? Yes, BUT ONLY to study programs with open admission!Please contact you officer at the admission office at IStO (contact on the acceptance letter/invitation) |
8. DSH Test
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► Is there a DSH test at KIT before the semester begins? Yes, but only before the start of the Winter semester (usually in September). Before the start of the summer semester KIT does not offer a DSH test! ► Who can participate in the DSH test? Applicants for a Bachelor or Master’s program at KIT, who have been admitted to a course of study. Important: Please register for the DSH test here. ► How can I participate in the DSH test? How can I register for the test? Please register for DSH test here. - online registration Registration is open only a few days in August. Please check the website of Studienkolleg regularly! ► I would like to register for the DSH test on OnDaF, but I have no TAN and therefore cannot book the test. You need the TAN in order to book the exam. However, you should not book the exam — you should only register at OnDaF. The booking is carried out on the day of the exam. You must be previously registered for the exam so that this process goes more quickly. ► I have completed the DSH1. Can I use that to enroll in the degree program and later submit the DSH2 or TestDaF4444? No. You need the DSH2 for enrollment. ► What is the latest I can submit the results of the DSH test? Please submit documentation of the level of your most recent German course with your application. Proof of the DSH2 must then be submitted at enrollment. ► I have an acceptance contingent under the condition to submit the DSH2 at enrollment. Can I submit my DSH certificate before enrollment and receive an admission without conditions? No. If you already have an admission with the DSH condition, please bring the DSH with you to enrollment. The DSH certificate cannot be collected earlier and a new admission without conditions CANNOT be issued. ► I already have an admission with the invitation to the DSH test, but cannot participate. Can I change to a reservation for the German course? Yes, BUT ONLY until the application deadline on January 15th/July 15th. After that changes will NOT be possible! ► Can I apply for a German course at KIT in preparation for the DSH test? Yes, you can do this as part of your online application to a Bachelor or Master’s program. ► Which DSH2 certificates are accepted by KIT? You can find all registered DSH2 certificates accepted by KIT on the HRK website. Please see pdf Registrierte DSH-Prüfungsordnungen on the right. ► Where can I take the TestDaF? There are TestDaF testing centers around the world. On the TestDaF homepage you can find out when and where tests take place. |
9. German course to prepare for studies
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► How long is the German course? The German course runs for about a semester and concludes with the DSH test. ► Who can take the German course? Only students who have applied for a degree program (Bachelor or Master’s) at KIT, who fulfill the admission requirements and have been admitted to a degree program as long as they pass the DSH2 test. ► What level of German competency do I need to be admitted to the German course? Proof of German language competency at the B1 level. All certificates are accepted, including proof of participation in a B1-level course. ► How do I apply for the German course? Please apply on the online portal for a Bachelor or Master’s degree program at KIT and note in your application that you want to participate in the German course. You will then automatically be invited to take the German course. ► What are the application deadlines for the German course? Summer semester: January 15th ► How much does the German course at KIT cost? You can find a pricelist on the website of the preparatory course. Please contact the Studienkolleg office directly with any further questions regarding cost. ► I already have an admission with the invitation to the DSH test, but cannot participate. Can I change to a reservation for the German course? Yes, BUT ONLY until the application deadline on January 15th/July 15th. ► I already have a reservation for the German course, but now I have the DSH2 or TestDaF4444. Can I receive an admission to the subject course? Yes, BUT ONLY to study programs with open admission! ► When is the next entrance exam for the German course? The entrance exam takes place around the beginning of March (for the summer semester) and in September (for the winter semester). More detailed information can be found in your invitation to the entrance exam (Vormerkung). ► What is on the entrance exam for the German course? How can I prepare for it? Further information and preparatory documents can be found on the website for the Studienkolleg. ► I would like to register for the DSH test on OnDaF, but I have no TAN and therefore cannot book the test. You need the TAN in order to book the exam. However, you should not book the exam — you should only register at OnDaF. The booking is carried out on the day of the exam. You must be previously registered for the exam so that this process goes more quickly. ► I cannot come to the entrance exam, can I change my reservation for the German course next semester? You will have to first submit a new application for the following semester and send in all of your documents again (simple copies are fine!). ► I cannot come to the entrance exam; is there a re-take date? No. Studienkolleg only offers only one entrance exam. There is no second date anymore. ► Is there a place in the German course for all those who pass the entrance exam? Unfortunately no. Places are limited, and not every student who passes the entrance exam will get a place. Therefore please also search for alternatives (private language schools). ► I have already received an invitation (Vormerkung) for the entrance exam for one study programme. Can I ask for an additional invitation for another study programme? Unfortunately not, we only issue one invitation for every applicant. |
10. Doctoral Studies
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► How do I proceed, if I would like to do my doctoral studies at KIT? On the website of the International Scolars Office you will find more information on how to proceed. ► How do I apply? Next you will need a supervisor for your work. More information can be found on the website of the International Scolars Office ► Where do I find further information? On the webiste of the International Scolars Office you will find more information. ► What documents do I need to register as a PhD candidate at KIT? Once you have found a supervisor, you can register as a doctoral candidate at KIT. Please register for your studies on our online portal Necessary documents: ► What requirements must be fulfilled to pursue doctoral or postgraduate degree? International students can generally only pursue doctoral study if the university degree they received outside of Germany is equivalent to a German Master’s degree. However, first a professor must be prepared to supervise your doctoral study. For further information and guidance, please contact the International Scholars & Welcome Office (ISCO) or visit the page www.intl.kit.edu/iforscher3815.php. ► How long does a doctoral or postgraduate degree take? Generally, the doctorate consists of the individual production of a sophisticated scientific work (dissertation) and a subsequent examination or a “defense” of the work. You usually need around 3–5 years to complete a doctoral degree. |
11. Questions regarding Visa and Residence Permit
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► Do I need a Visa when entering Germany? EU citizens and citizens of Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland do not need a Visa. ► Where and how do I apply for a student visa? You apply for a study visa to enter Germany at the German embassy in your home country. All you need from KIT is your admission letter or your reservation/Vormerkung for the German course/preparatory course. ► I have submitted all my documents for the study visa to the embassy, but haven’t received any news. Since there is no right to a visa, the embassy may reject your application without stating the reasons for doing so. The International Students Office has no influence on the visa process and also receives no information regarding the current status of your visa application. ► I think that the admission letter/Vormkerung is not enough for the visa application. Can I get an additional signed and stamped letter? No. The notification of admission or the reservation (Vormerkung) for the German course/preparatory course is sufficient for a visa application. Further letters will not be issued. Decisions are also not mailed. ► I cannot come in time for enrollment. Can I get a confirmation from the university for the embassy, that I can also appear later for enrollment? Yes. Please contact your administrator (see your letter of acceptance) with your application number and ask for a confirmation. ► My visa application is ongoing and I cannot take my place at the university this semester. Can I get an admission for the next semester? No, not automatically. You need to re-apply for the next semester at KIT and resubmit all of your documents. Please note that all documents must be submitted only as simple copies (exception: APS must be in the original). ► What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit? Visa: You must apply for a (entrance) visa at the German embassy in your home country. You need a student visa! You will need an acceptance letter/reservation (Vormerkung) from the university. Generally the visa is valid for around three months. After your arrival in Germany and while your visa is still valid, you must apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office. This is usually issued for one or two years. ► When do I apply for a residence permit? - Step 1: enrollment at KIT (with visa) ► Do I need a residence permit (eAT) in Germany? EU citizens and citizens of Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland do not need a residence permit. ► Where do I apply for a residence permit (eAT)? You apply at your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). You must make an appointment by phone or online. Don’t forget waiting times! ► Validity of the residence permit Your residence permit for study purposes (§ 16) applies only to the degree program and the university, which are noted on the supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) of your residence permit! If you change universities or degree programs, you will need before the new enrollment a new, updated supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) for the appropriate course/college. ► I want to change my study program at KIT, do I need a new residence permit (eAT)? No, as long as your residence permit is still valid, you don’t need a new card, but before switching to a new department you must first apply for a new supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) for the new study program. ► I want to switch from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s program, do I need a new residence permit (eAT)? No, as long as your residence permit is still valid, you don’t need a new card, but before re-registering for the Master’s you must first apply for a new supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) for the Master’s program. ► I want to switch from another university to KIT. Do I need a new residence permit (eAT)? No, as long as your residence permit is still valid, you don’t need a new card, but you must have the information on your supplementary sheet (Studying at KIT in Study Program XYZ) changed before enrolling at KIT. ► I have a residence permit for a German course, can I enroll at the university with it? Yes, if the information on the supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt) states: preparatory German course for studies or German course with subsequent study (Studienvorbereitender Deutschkurs oder Deutschkurs mit anschließendem Studium). ► I have a residence permit for a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) in Germany, can I enroll at the university with it? Yes. After enrollment you must immediately have the supplementary sheet updated by the immigration office. Present your proof of enrollment at the university to the immigration office. |
12. Housing
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► I need to find accommodation. Can you help me? Please note that the International Office does not offer any support in finding accomodation. The International Students Office cannot place you in housing. The dormitories are not part of the university, but rather the Karlsruhe Student Union (Studentenwerk) or private organizations. You can check the following websites about options for accommodation: ► Where can I find a list of all the dormitories in Karlsruhe? The website of the Karlsruhe Student Union has useful information and a list of dormitories. ► How do I finance my studies in Germany? You can find the requirements and options for financing your studies in this video. |
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