FAQ for International Students

You can find an overview of our study programmes here. 

You can find all current deadlines and dates here.

You can find an overview of required documents and how you can obtain them where necessary, as well as an overview of the entire application process for non-EU citizens here. You can find information for EU/EEA citizens and “Bildungsinländer” (non-German applicants with a German university entrance qualification/degree from a German university) here.

If you would like to apply for a German-language study programme at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf as a foreign national, you must upload one of the following certificates with your application:

• The DSH-2 or DSH-3 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang = German language university entrance exam for foreign students)  
• The Test DaF (= Test of German as a Foreign Language) with grade 5 or 4 in all individual parts – www. testdaf.de
• The “Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom” or “Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (= basic or advanced language diploma)
• The “Goethe Certificate C2”
• The “Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung” (= central, upper school level language test) from a Goethe Institute
• The “Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (= German language diploma), level 2 as defined by the Conference of German Cultural Ministers
• The “Zertifikat telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule” (= telc German C1 university certificate)
• The “Österreichisches Sprachdiplom – ÖSD C2” (= Austrian language diploma C2)

Under certain circumstances, you may be exempt from providing proof of German language proficiency. Please check our Rules for Proof of Language Proficiency for Admission to Studies at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (German only). 

Applicants who have been admitted to a numerus clausus study programme by the Foundation for University Admission (e.g. EU citizens), only need to provide a German language proficiency certificate on enrolment at the University. 

If you are applying for an English-language degree programme, please ask the specific department what proof of language proficiency is required. This proof must also be submitted with your application.

If you have applied for a subject with restricted admission, you will be notified of admission or rejection after the application deadline has passed. The deadline is usually 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester. The first admissions are usually sent out around the beginning of August (for the winter semester) and around the beginning of February (for the summer semester). If a waiting-list or lottery procedure is subsequently launched, the award procedure may take until the beginning of the new semester under certain circumstances. 

You can generally find everything you need to know about the processing status of your application under “Your applications” in the application portal. Please refrain from sending inquiries. 

Conditional admission is unfortunately not possible. 

No. It is not possible to submit an application without proof of language proficiency. 

No. If preliminary review documentation is required, it is not possible to submit an application without it.

No.

It is in principle possible but a decision must be taken in each individual case. Please contact the advisors for your subject. You can find the advisors for your desired subject here. You can find information on applying for a higher subject-related semester here.

For certain master’s degree programmes, temporary enrolment (for one semester) is possible if you have not yet completed your bachelor’s study programme but have already achieved a certain number of credit points. You can find more information in the individual subjects listed here. If preliminary review documentation and proof of language proficiency are required, they must always be submitted.

You can submit your documents in German, English or French. For all other languages, you must submit a translation as well as the original language version.

If you have questions about application, admission or enrolment, please contact the International Admissions Team at international-admissions(at)hhu.de.

Even if you have a residence permit for another EU country, you may still need a visa. You can find an Overview of visa requirements/exemptions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany here.

Please contact the German embassy in your home country in good time about immigration formalities and required documents. Please submit your application for a visa or residence permit in your home country. 

Once you arrive in Germany, you will need a residence title.

Please note:

The so-called “Schengen visa” is not suitable for a degree, doctoral studies or a research stay in Germany and also cannot be changed while in Germany. To obtain a new visa, you must leave the country and then return.

You do not need a student visa and can simply enter the country with a valid passport or ID card.

Please note that you must register your permanent address with the Residence Registration Office within two weeks of finding an apartment.

Please contact a German diplomatic mission in your home country in good time (approx. one year in advance) about the visa process and the documents you need for an application. You can find binding information on visa requirements on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

You can also find more information on the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) website.

For students from the EU as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey, the insurance protection from your home country usually also applies in Germany. Ask your health insurance provider in your home country to issue you with a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You should then get a statutory health insurance company in Germany to confirm in writing that you are exempt from the statutory health insurance obligation in Germany. Please include this confirmation with your enrolment documents.

Private health insurance cover may also be recognised in Germany. Please clarify this with your health insurance provider in your home country. If your private insurance is recognised in Germany, you must submit a confirmation from a statutory health insurance company stating that you are exempt from the statutory health insurance obligation as part of the enrolment process. Please note however that, if you have private insurance, you will not be able to switch to a statutory health insurance company during your studies (source: DAAD).

Students from other countries should check whether the health insurance they have in their home country also applies in Germany. Private national or international health insurance from other countries may also be recognised in Germany. You should clarify the details with your insurance company before travelling to Germany. If your health insurance is not recognised, you will need to conclude German health insurance cover.

You can find information about the services offered by German health insurance companies on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health (German only). 

Yes. All students in Germany must have health insurance. You must submit proof of health insurance cover on enrolment and when extending your residence permit.

If your existing insurance is not recognised in Germany, you will need to conclude German health insurance cover. Most students are covered by statutory health insurance in Germany. These companies frequently offer cheaper plans for students than private health insurance companies. 

However, if you are older than 29 when you start your studies, you can only obtain private health insurance. It is not possible to switch from private to statutory health insurance for the entire duration of your studies.

You can find more information on the topic of health insurance for international students on the Study in Germany website. 

There are many statutory health insurance companies where you can conclude health insurance. You can find more information on the various health insurance companies here.

The Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf provides private health insurance offers for:

• Participants in a language course to prepare them for studies or a Preparatory College (Studienkolleg)
• Enrolled doctoral researchers
• Interns/trainees

You can find more information about this on the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf website (German only).

Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf
Culture/international affairs office
Kamila Chlebnikow 
Building 21.12
Tel. +49 211 81-15083
interkult(at)stw-d.de

JUNO (the Junior Scientist and International Researcher Center) has created an accommodation website, which provides extensive information about living in and around Düsseldorf. Even though the website is aimed primarily at international researchers, the information provided is also generally applicable. You can also find links to the most popular online accommodation search platforms on this website.

To find accommodation, e.g. through the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf (German only), you should already apply at the same time as applying for a study place at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. This will secure you a place on the long waiting list (waiting period: 3 – 12 months) for all halls of residence in and around Düsseldorf. As soon as you have gained admission and decided to study at HHU, you should complete your application to the Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf, as rental offers will only be sent to students whose application is complete. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. As soon as a place becomes available in your hall of residence of choice, you will receive an offer.

Further accommodation options:

Hall of residence operated by the Protestant Student Community organisation (irrespective of your religion): You should also apply here (German only) directly when you apply for a study place and complete your application as soon as you have gained admission.

Flatshares in Düsseldorf and neighbouring cities: Flatshares are very popular among students in Germany. As the name suggests, a flatshare is a form of living where several people live together in one apartment. Each resident usually has their own room, while rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom and lounge are shared. The residents share the rental costs to save money. There are various websites, which can help you find a suitable flatshare or even an apartment (if you have greater financial resources). Look at these websites in detail and expand your search to neighbouring cities such as Neuss, Duisburg or Leverkusen to find suitable flatshares. Initial contact is usually made via e-mail here.

You can find tips & tricks on the topic of living in Germany as well as links to the most popular online platforms here.

Please note: Scammers regularly place fake offers on various accommodation search websites. The first warning sign is usually an unrealistically low rental price. You should also be wary if photos of flats are particularly attractive. Never transfer money to someone before viewing an apartment and signing a rental contract.

In cases involving amounts of less than €800, the Law Clinic of the Faculty of Law offers free advice from law students (from the 2nd semester). You can find more information on the website of the Law Clinic (German only).

Please be alert for potential scams when looking for accommodation. You can find a comprehensive description of what to look out for on the website provided by our colleagues at TU Dortmund University.

Broadcast licence fees are fees, which are charged for the public broadcasting system in Germany. They finance TV channels such as ARD and ZDF, as well as the radio provider Deutschlandradio to enable them to offer news, education, culture and entertainment independently of advertising revenue or private funding.

The monthly fee is defined by law and payable by every flat/household, irrespective of whether a radio or TV is actually used there.

The current monthly fee is €18.36.

Under certain circumstances (e.g. low income, receipt of funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG)), it is possible to obtain an exemption from or discount on the broadcast licence fees. You need to complete an online application and submit appropriate proof. You can find more information on the exemptions and discounts here (German only).

JUNO (the Junior Scientist and International Researcher Center) has created an accommodation website, which provides extensive information about living in and around Düsseldorf. Even though the website is aimed primarily at international researchers, the information provided is also generally applicable. You can also find links to the most popular online accommodation search platforms on this website – also for short-term accommodation.

After arriving in Germany, everyone is obligated to register their permanent address with the Residence Registration Office in their town/city within two weeks. To do this, you need to obtain a confirmation from the landlord. Accordingly, you can only complete this registration once you have a permanent address, i.e. once you have concluded a rental contract.

To make this registration process easier, you can make an appointment online. This avoids long waiting periods. Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need to fulfil any special formalities in this respect, but must still register their permanent address within two weeks.

This also applies for international students who only intend to study at HHU for one semester.

Once you have registered with the Residence Registration Office, you will receive a proof of residence certificate. This is an important document! You will need it to apply for a residence permit, open a bank account and in order to conclude contracts in Germany in general.

You should make an appointment at the Citizens’ Office responsible for your place of residence as soon as possible after obtaining a rental contract and confirmation from the landlord for your accommodation. You can book appointments easily on the website of the city of Düsseldorf (German only). The responsibility of the Citizens’ Offices in Düsseldorf depends on the corresponding district. However, some matters can also be dealt with by offices in other districts if it is difficult to get an appointment. You need to register your permanent address within 14 days of the start of the rental contract. You must take the confirmation from the landlord with you. You will then receive a corresponding proof of residence certificate at your appointment.

• A valid passport or ID card
• A student ID card, the certificate of enrolment or notification of admission from the university

Non-EU/non-EEA citizens need TWO accounts:

• Blocked account for living expenses
• Current account for day-to-day use

You normally need the following documents to open a current account:

• Valid passport/ID card
• Proof of residence certificate (registration of your permanent address)
• Certificate of enrolment from your university
• Tax ID (usually sent to you automatically once you have registered your permanent address)
• Residence title/visa (where applicable)

When applying for your visa and at the latest when applying for a residence permit you must prove that you have enough money to be able to live and study in Germany. Proof can include e.g. a scholarship award notification, proof of income/assets of your parents or a declaration of commitment from a person who lives in Germany. Nationals of certain countries also need to open a blocked account at a bank in Germany.

Many international students use a blocked account to finance their studies in Germany. It is called a “blocked account” because the amount you need to pay into it is blocked until you arrive in Germany. After arrival, you can then only take a defined amount out of the account each month (as at February 2026: €992).

Select a bank: Select a bank that offers blocked accounts. You can find a helpful overview here.

Prepare documents: You must ensure that you have required documents such as your notification of admission and passport to hand.

Certification of the documents: Get your documents certified by the Germany embassy or consulate in your home country.

Transfer amount: Since January 2025, €11,904 must be transferred to the blocked account.

Access in Germany: Once you have arrived in Germany, you can take up to €992 per month out of your blocked account.

You must apply to the immigration office in the town/city where you live for a residence permit within the first three months.

If you live in Düsseldorf, you should apply for your residence permit here: Düsseldorf Immigration Office.

In close collaboration with the Düsseldorf Immigration Office and international students at HHU, the International Office at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf has created a FAQ, which provides detailed information. You can access the FAQ here.

You can find information on the best way to contact the Düsseldorf Immigration Office here.

If you come from an EU country, an EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a residence title and do not need to observe any further regulations.

If this is required by the embassy, please contact the programme coordinator for your subject.

If you miss the start of the semester, you should contact the student advisory services and the student representatives for your department. They can both help you get started with your studies as quickly as possible after arriving in Düsseldorf and catch up with what you have missed as thoroughly as possible.

What you can do depends on your study programme and the deadlines in your department. Please inform the programme coordinator for your subject as soon as possible that you will arrive late.

If you have little chance to catch up in the summer semester, you can use the time to learn German and familiarise yourself with HHU and the German university system. Please note that you will need to take a placement test for a German course first. You can register here.

The checklist for the start of your studies offers guidance and handy hints for the first steps you need to take, as well as links to further information. The checklist video shows you what you need to do before the semester starts.

You can find an overview of introductory events at the start of the semester on this page. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to come to one of the open consultation sessions offered by the study consultation service.

ESAG is the abbreviation for the German term “Erst-Semester-Arbeits-Gemeinschaft”, i.e. the committee for first-year students. It is run by students for students and organises the ESAG week directly before the start of the lecture period in each winter semester. Various events are held to enable first-year students to meet each other and gain support in creating their timetables.

What is a “Fachschaft”?
This is the term used to refer to the entire student body of a department. Several study programmes may be grouped into one Fachschaft. The term is sometimes also used to refer to the student representatives of a subject. They organise regular events during the semester and help students network during the ESAG week. You can find the official ESAG website here (German only).

It is important to observe the netiquette when sending e-mails to professors or administrative staff to ensure you use the right tone. Always sign your e-mail with your full name and you should ideally also include your student ID number. Select an appropriate greeting and always address the person directly by name. When addressing professors with “Dr” titles, it is sufficient to use just the higher title (i.e. Professor), which should be written out in full and capitalised. In the case of lecturers with a “Dr” title who are not professors, you should include the “Dr”, but do not add a full stop after “Dr” as you would in German. Examples:

Good morning Professor XXX, // Good afternoon Dr YYY,

Please find attached my term paper on the topic ....

Best regards,

Max Mustermann
Student ID number: 3000001 

When addressing people you do not know, you should use “Dear ...”:

Dear Mr XXX,

I have lost my HHU card and wanted to ask how to apply for a new one. 

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

Max Mustermann
Student ID number: 3000001

You can find an overview of introductory events at the start of the semester on this page. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to come to one of the open consultation sessions offered by the study consultation service.

HHU provides numerous support offers for (international) students. You can find an overview and contact details here (German only). 

You don’t know the right point of contact for your question? The StudyWell digital support navigator provides a good overview of the numerous advice and support offers available to students.

Students of English-language degree programmes can take German courses at the Language Centre. It is important that you complete the placement test in advance to ensure you are assigned to the correct German course. You can register for the placement tests via the HIS-LSF online course catalogue.

There are various offers for international students on campus.

The International Office at HHU organises meet-ups and welcome parties for international students. You can also meet other international students at information events with the Immigration Office, the Employment Agency and on Careers Days. You can find the events hosted by the International Office in the online course catalogue.

To ensure you do not miss any offers from the International Office, subscribe to the Internationals Mailing List. Please note that the registration form is only available in German, but you can find a guide to subscribing to the Internationals Mailing List in English here. Mails to Mailing List recipients also include English content.

The AStA Office for International Students organises regular excursions or other activities for international students. You can find the website of the Office here.

The Studierendenwerk student support service organisation arranges cultural events (website only available in German) for and with students in Düsseldorf and the surrounding region with the aim of encouraging contacts and cultural engagement among (international) students. The Studierendenwerk also organises study trips in collaboration with partners in European university cities to offer students the opportunity to gain further intercultural experience.

From higher semesters on your course: Contact the student representatives in your department, who can put you in touch with study groups, etc.

From Germany: There are lots of options here. It is important that you are open and take active part in e.g. excursions organised by the Studierendenwerk or activities organised by the university sports association (both websites German only).

University groups: You can also meet other students from your home country via the following communities (all websites German only): the Catholic University Community, the Protestant Student Community Düsseldorf, the Muslim Student Community Düsseldorf, the Jewish Student Group Düsseldorf or the Jewish/Iranian student group, as many international students attend the events they organise.

Music: Are you interested in classical music or do you play an instrument? Then why not take a look at the University Orchestra? Or the University Choir?

The instructors of the courses offered by the university sports association speak English and would be pleased to answer questions. Apart from a yoga course (scroll down to the bottom of the page), there are unfortunately no sports courses explicitly held in English. 

The Family Support Centre at HHU offers a wide range of support options. You can find an overview and contact details on this website. 

You are not eligible for BAföG (Sec. 8 (2) BAföG) if you have a residence permit for study purposes under Sec. 16b AufenthG. 

There is an exception to this rule if you or your family have been previously resident in Germany (Sec. 8 (3) BAföG), i.e.

• if you had your habitual legal residence in Germany for five years before you applied for BAföG and were also in gainful employment in Germany for that period;
• at least one of your parents has been in gainful employment and legally resident in Germany for three of the last six years. In the event of involuntary unemployment, previous employment of six months is sufficient.

Eligibility will ensure that you are self-sufficient (refer to 1.1.2 in this chapter). Your residence rights are not affected in any way if you receive BAföG (Sec. 2 (3) Sentence 2 No. 5 AufenthG).

Source: Frings, Dorothee (2024): Residency and Social Security Law for International Students. Guidance for Student Advisers. Updated 2nd Edition, Bonn: Köllen Druck+Verlag GmbH

You can find more information and help with completing your BAföG funding application on the website of the Studierendenwerk (German only).

You may be eligible for benefits under the Housing Benefit Act (Secs. 3, 7 WoGG) if you have a residence permit under Sec. 16b AufenthG and provided you are not receiving benefits under Sec. 27 SGB II in the form of grants (Sec. 7 (1) No. 2 WoGG) and provided you are not entitled to BAföG (Sec. 20 (2) No. 1 WoGG). You are eligible for housing benefit if the people you live with do not receive any social welfare benefits. In this case 50% of your BAföG grant, excluding any child care supplement, will be counted as income. Housing benefit is only granted if you have sufficient income to cover all but your housing costs.

Whether or not your residence permit is renewed may be affected if you receive housing benefit because this is only paid to ensure that you have enough money to live on (Sec. 2 (3) AufenthG, 2.3.1.3 VwV AufenthG). Housing benefit is a public welfare benefit for which you have not paid any contributions.

Your residence status will not be negatively affected simply because you receive housing benefit.
Your residence status will not be affected if you do not need housing benefit to cover your living expenses, in other words, if you can show that you have an income of at least €992 from other sources (BVerwG of November 29, 2012 – 10 C 4/12, note 29). Rents are very high in many towns and cities and housing benefit is extremely useful for many students who have an income of at least €992 but who cannot support themselves entirely from this amount.

Source: Frings, Dorothee (2024): Residency and Social Security Law for International Students. Guidance for Student Advisers. Updated 2nd Edition, Bonn: Köllen Druck+Verlag GmbH

HHU offers its students a variety of supporting scholarship programmes covering practically all areas of the University: for new students, students in higher semesters, semesters abroad and graduate scholarships. 

You can find an overview here.

The STIBET Completion of Studies Grant is aimed at international students with good to very good grades who are coming to the end of their studies (completion within twelve months) and who find themselves in financial difficulties through no fault of their own. You can find detailed information on the criteria you need to meet, the scope and applying for the grant here.

The Student Academy Career Service advises students and graduates of bachelor’s, master’s and State Examination study programmes at HHU on all questions relating to orientation on the labour market, applications, career planning and career entry, as well as doubts about studying. A comprehensive, psychologically sound counselling service is offered. In addition to practising (digital) job interviews and checking application documents and digital profiles, career entry coaching and individual career counselling are also offered. You can find more information on open consultation hours and individual appointments on the Career Service website.

International students who do not come from the EU, EEA or Switzerland may work 140 full days per year, whereby student assistant jobs do not count toward this total. You are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. You do not need any special permit for such work beyond your residence permit for study purposes. 

You can find more information on the regulations governing work for international students here.

International students from third countries may only pursue self-employed economic activity with permission from the foreigners’ authority. Permission to pursue self-employed economic activity is already stated on some residence titles; a separate application is not necessary in such cases. Work as a research assistant or student assistant at a university or as a tutor at the Studierendenwerk student support organisation represents an exception to this: As long as this work does not impact your studies, it can be performed for an unlimited period of time. However, the foreigners’ authority must be informed of this.

The psychological counselling service for HHU students is free of charge and provides assistance in consultation sessions. You can find more information and contacts here.

Do you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed and unable to cope? Please refer to this website.

The “Violence against Women” helpline
Around the clock, free of charge and confidential
Tel.: 116 016

Central A&E department in the event of mental health emergencies:
Clinic run by the Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR) in Düsseldorf (only with health insurance)
+49 211 822-2801

HHU Contact Office for cases of discrimination and abuse of power:
www.hcsd.hhu.de/en/contact-office
The Contact Office ensures absolute confidentiality. Individuals seeking advice are free to decide which information they wish to share and further steps will only be taken in agreement with these individuals.

Victim protection portal North Rhine-Westphalia:
www.opferschutzportal.nrw/en
Have you or someone you know been the victim of violence or crime (e.g. assault, rape, road traffic accident)? This portal will help you find suitable support and advice services in your area or online.
Available in German, English, French, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian and Arabic.

Nightlines in Europe:
The Nightline hotlines provided by students for students are available from Monday to Friday, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
You can find more information at https://nightlines.eu/english/.

Krisenchat – the “crisis chat” helpline:
The helpline offers free counselling via chat for people under the age of 25. The helpline can be reached 24/7 via WhatsApp and SMS at krisenchat.de (please note that this service is only available in German).

Crisis helpline Germany:
You can contact the crisis helpline 24 hours a day incl. public holidays by telephone on 0800 1110-111 or 0800 1110-222 or via mail and chat (German). You can find further international offers here: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/internationale-hilfe/.

Fire / accident / emergency doctor on campus

Always call 81-13333 or 0211 81-13333!
To ensure optimal localisation on campus: the in-house telephone number 112 connects you to the 24-hour control room at the Hazardous Incidents Office (81-13333).

Please note: The university campus is extensive so please always follow the HHU emergency management policy:

You should report all emergencies to the HHU Hazardous Incidents Office on 81-13333 to enable direct initiation of the HHU in-house emergency management system. This includes, for example, ensuring that caretakers are on hand to meet ambulances and police cars on Universitätsstraße and direct them to the incident site quickly. This is not always possible when the police or fire brigade are informed directly.

In case of an emergency, the following therefore applies:
Alert the HHU Hazardous Incidents Office. You can reach them by calling the in-house telephone number 112 or 0211 81-13333 on your mobile phone.

https://www.hhu.de/en/emergency 

The contact and counselling centre at the social psychiatric centre of the Graf Recke Foundation offers a safe space for individuals to share experiences, enjoy leisure activities, obtain support for appointments with doctors or authorities and much more besides. You can find information on everything they offer on their website. To read the website in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Russian or Turkish, please scroll down toward the bottom of the page.

The clinic run by the Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR) in Düsseldorf offers an outpatient consultation session for Ukrainian refugees who are victims of war and violence. Under the management of Dr Kamp, Nadiya Kovach – a Ukrainian-speaking doctor – offers a qualified initial point of contact for people with post-traumatic stress disorder and associated symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders and depression, as well as all other mental health conditions. You can find everything you need to know on the website, which is available in German, Ukrainian and Russian.

The psychosocial centre for refugees PSZ Düsseldorf e.V. is a counselling and psychotherapy facility for traumatised refugees, survivors of torture and human rights abuses with mental health issues. A multi-professional and transcultural team offers psychotherapy and counselling, social worker support, medical examinations and assessments, diagnostics, crisis intervention, statements and expert reports in various languages (e.g. Arabic, Dari, German, English, Farsi, French, Turkish), and with the assistance of language and cultural mediators. You can find more information on the PSZ website, which is available in German, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.