Before Arrival
Organisation of the Stay
Before Arrival
If you are planning a study or research stay at Bielefeld University, you will need to deal with some topics before you arrive. You also have the opportunity to take part in information events before How to Find Us.
Facilitating the start - in presence and zoom
- Introductory events of the International Office
- Start of studies
- International Mentoring Programme
The International Mentoring Programme aims to support international students by providing them with mentors from all subjects who offer support in everyday life and studying.
Preparation in the Home Country
Visa and Residence Permit
General information on visa and residence permit
- What is a visa?
A visa entitles you to enter Germany. It is applied for in the respective country of current residence before entering Germany. The first port of call are the representations of the Federal Republic of Germany. In most cases, a visa is issued for a project duration of 90 days. This entitles you to enter Germany directly and to enter Germany via the Schengen countries. Information for visas can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
- What is a residence permit?
- Who needs a visa?
Non-EU citizens require a visa to enter Germany.
This does not apply to passport holders of countries with which Germany has concluded a separate entry agreement, including Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the USA.
An overview of the list of countries with visa requirements and exemptions can be found at the Federal Foreign Office.
Staff, people who have a current residence title in another country of the Schengen area can enter Germany visa-free for tourist or visiting purposes for up to 90 days (within 180 days).
- Visa types
- Possible purpose of stay/reason for entry
- How can I prove the financing?
When applying for a visa or residence permit, you must always be able to prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence. This means that you have enough income each month to cover all living expenses in Germany (rent, health insurance, semester fee, transport, etc.).
For single persons, you must prove that you have at least the current BAföG rate: As of 2025 -> at least 992€ per month.
If you are entering with more than one staff, people (your family), you must also be able to prove that you have sufficient financial means for all fellow travellers. The financial need is calculated according to the current standard rate (Social Assistance Act).
The financing of your stay can be proven as follows:
- Scholarship
- Employment contract
- Blocking account
- Letter of commitment
- Procedure for applying for a visa:
Step 1:
Check the requirements for the application on the pages of the German embassy or consulate general in your place of residence. Overview of the missions abroad.
Step 2:
Book an appointment to apply for your visa immediately! Due to high demand, some consulates have a long lead time to make an appointment. If you are travelling with family (spouse, children), an individual appointment must be booked for each family member!
Step 3:
Have the required certificates and documents (academic degrees, marriage certificate, birth certificate of the children, etc.) for you and your family certified/legalised and translated into German by recognised translators (recognised certification offices and sworn translators can usually be found on the website of the visa department or on the website of the German Foreign Office). Vaccination certificates/medical reports do not have to be translated, but help in medical emergencies in Germany for a quicker understanding.
Step 4:
Check that all documents are available and request any missing documents.
Step 5:
Take out travel health insurance for entry into Germany (as a rule). Include coverage of a total of 30,000 EUR to cover all costs (medical costs in case of illness on an outpatient and inpatient basis, repatriation in case of illness and in case of death).
Step 6:
If you do not have private accommodation for How to Find Us, book a room in a hostel/hotel/holiday apartment/Airbnb. You will need the booking receipt for your visa application.
Step 7:
Submit your visa application by the deadline.
Step 8:
Once the visa has been granted, you can enter Germany and/or the other Schengen countries within the granted period.
- Good to know!
- If you are unable to arrive in time for the start of your studies or research because the issuing of your visa is delayed, please contact your persons to contact in the Faculties (supervisors, coordinators, etc.).
- If your visa application has been rejected, you have the right to remonstrate (appeal) against this decision in person or with a lawyer. Information on the remonstration procedure can be found on the website of the relevant consulate. Please note the deadlines after receipt of the decision!
- Due to the increased demand, some missions abroad have outsourced the visa application to external private providers.
- Please note that if your spouse is travelling with you, you may have to provide proof of German language skills for the application (exception: academic specialists, researchers).
- Please note that the flat for you and your accompanying family members must have a minimum size. As a rule, the bedroom for each staff, over 6 years of age, must be at least 12 sqm. For children under 6 years of age, at least 10 sqm must be provided.
- -Please note that a temporary residence permit from another Schengen country does not allow you to move to Germany, register in Germany or apply for a residence title! If you are unsure, please ask the Foreigners' Registration Office of your future place of residence in advance.
Insurances
Health insurance
- General info
Health insurance is a compulsory insurance in Germany. Please ensure that you have sufficient insurance cover from the date of entry and during your stay. A distinction is made between travel health insurance (for entry and up to 90 days stay), statutory compulsory insurance, statutory voluntary insurance and private insurance.
Bielefeld University does not have its own health insurance or a doctor for students and staff. In case of emergency, there is a company doctor who is responsible for first aid on campus.
If you decide to take out private insurance at the start date and sign a contract, you cannot switch from private insurance to statutory insurance in the event of an acute illness. You can only do this if you become subject to compulsory insurance (e.g. if you start working or become unemployed).
In addition, private insurance companies often exclude pre-existing conditions and/or pregnancy and childbirth. It is therefore advisable to ensure in advance that the insurance meets your medical needs.
- Temporary stays
If you are currently covered by statutory health insurance in the member states of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, you can generally claim health services in Germany for the duration of your stay and have the costs reimbursed by your health insurance fund. Please bring your European Health Insurance Card(EHIC) with you. If your university/employer is sending you to Germany for a longer period of time, you should also bring the S1 document with you.
You must also bring your statutory insurance with you to countries with which Germany has completed a social security agreement in the field of health insurance (e.g. Turkey). In this case, you must request the documents E-111, AT 11, ATN 11 or BH6I, among others, from your home health insurance company. Your health insurance company in your home country can advise you on this.
Staff, people who are not insured under any statutory insurance scheme or in countries with which Germany has not completed a social security agreement can take out insurance for their stay with a private insurance company. See Private insurance
- Statutory compulsory insurance in Germany
If you are coming to Germany on a long-term basis (e.g. studies with a degree) and have your main place of residence in Germany, you must apply for membership of a German statutory health insurance scheme. The following staff, people must take out statutory health insurance:
- Bachelor/Master students up to the age of 30 and max. 14th subject related semester
- Employees of Bielefeld University who are subject to social insurance contributions.
If you do not belong to the above-mentioned groups of people and are not entitled to statutory compulsory insurance, you can have it checked whether you can be insured voluntarily in the German Health Insurance Fund. To do this, you apply to the KV for voluntary insurance.
- Private insurance
Some groups of people cannot be insured under the statutory health insurance scheme, but it is possible to take out private health insurance. These include:
- Staff, people with civil servant status (e.g. professors)
- Employers who earn more than 66,600 euros gross per year
- Third-country nationals with a scholarship who are older than 30 years of age cannot, as a rule, take out voluntary health insurance unless they have been insured in the EU's statutory health insurance scheme in the last few months.
In addition, there are private insurances that offer packages for international students and researchers* staying in Germany for a limited period of time.
Please note that these insurances are designed for a limited stay in Germany and can be completed for a maximum of 5 years. After this period, the monthly premiums increase sharply.
Further Insurances
- Liability insurance
If you injure someone or damage their property, you are obliged to compensate for the damage caused. Therefore, it is common to take out liability insurance for any accidental damage or accident caused by you or a family member, including children, pets, and even the loss of your office key. Although this insurance is not compulsory in Germany, it is carried by a large part of the German population. It is easily affordable and ranges from about 6-10 euros per month.
- Accident insurance
University employees and students are covered by statutory accident insurance under certain conditions:
In addition, there are private accident insurance policies that bridge the gap between health insurance and statutory accident insurance if you have an accident and incur healthcare costs while covered for many years.
- Car insurance
Costs and Funding
- Study financing
Even before you apply for a study place, you should plan your study financing.
- Scholarships
The following scholarship programmes are available for international students:
- End-of-study scholarships for students in the phase shortly before the BA, MA degree or state exam(ination) (application 2x/year, next deadline for applications: 15.01.2023) Here you can find further information.
- Scholarshipsfor students in English-language Master's programmes in the 1st or 2nd semester (together with the Bielefeld University Society), next call for applications in 2023
- Scholarshipsfor international students with a refugee background, for which you can find information here.
The academic achievements for the scholar, stipendiaries are mainly financial, but the students also receive non-material support. You can find an insight into the first scholar, stipendiary celebration of the International Office here.
In addition, there are a number of other scholarships that are financed by various sponsors, such as the scholarship programmes of the Studienfonds OWL (OWL Study Fund), which are aimed at all students at Bielefeld University. In the future, you will find an overview of other scholarships in the Learning Room Plus of the ISSC. In addition, you can research here:
- www.european-funding-guide.eu
- www.mystipendium.de (subject to registration, commercial)
- www.daad.de (if you have not yet started your studies in Germany)
There are also support services for financial emergencies . The ISSC can pay international students emergency aid from funds of the Association for International Students in Bielefeld (ViSiB) in case of financial bottlenecks. Please contact issc-io@uni-bielefeld.de for further information. Alternatively, both the Protestant Student Community (ESG) and the Catholic University Community (KHG) can help with small amounts to bridge financial emergency situations. There is also the possibility of applying for a social loan from the General Student Committee (AStA).
Further information and support in finding and applying for a scholarship can be obtained at our events and student consulting hours on student financing. There you can also find out about support in financial emergencies. You can find the current office hours here.
Accomodation
Living in Bielefeld
- What are the districts of Bielefeld?
With a population of around 344,000 Bielefeld is the largest city in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. The city has ten districts: Brackwede, Dornberg, Gadderbaum, Heepen, Jöllenbeck, Mitte, Schildesche, Senne, Sennestadt, Stieghorst.
- What types of housing are there?
Housing options usually are either a flatshare, an apartment or a house.
If you decide on a flatshare, you have your own room and share the common rooms (bathroom, kitchen, living room) with other flat mates. This form of living is very common in Bielefeld. Living in a shared apartment is fun, but can also be exhausting on some days.
Nevertheless, it is definitely the cheapest option and it allows you to meet other people rather quickly.
The alternative is an apartment or house rented for yourself (and your family) alone.
Housing is provided by private or commercial landlords, or non-profit associations (Studierendenwerk, housing associations)- How much does an apartment (flat) or a room in Bielefeld usually cost?
The basic rent for a room/apartment in Bielefeld ranges from €7.52 to €14.05 per square meter (m²). The calculation of the basic rent is based on the rent index. Factors for the calculation include : the year of construction, location, size and energy standard of the property.
In addition to the basic rent, service/operating/utility costs must be paid to the owner/landlord. These can include waste collection, fresh water, waste water/sewage, heating, caretaking, stairwell cleaning and gardening, and property tax. Here you can roughly calculate using the guideline value of €4,39 per m².
In addition to basic rent and the above costs, you also have to consider costs , which are usually not paid to the landlord but will always arise when renting a flat. These include the broadcasting fee Rundfunkbeitrag, electricity, gas and internet.
- Are rooms / apartments in Bielefeld furnished?
- How good is the infrastructure in Bielefeld and how do I reach the University?
In general, the closer to the university, the more competitive the housing market and the higher the room prices. As the housing market in Bielefeld is limited and prices are continually on the rise, some students and staff move to neighboring communities/towns and travel by train.
The city of Bielefeld has an extensive transport network and a bike sharing and scooter system.
Bielefeld University is about 7 minutes from Bielefeld main station by tram no. 4 in the direction of Lohmannshof, arriving at “Universität”.
Search for accommodation
Please note that Bielefeld University has no influence on websites of external providers and accepts no responsibility for the information provided here.
- What housing associations are there?
A housing association is a non-profit-oriented legal entity and usually owns several properties. As a tenant, you become a member of the housing association, acquire shares, can voice your own ideas and help shape processes in various topics at joint meetings.
Housing associations have waiting lists for apartments. Therefore, you should register at a housing association as a person interested in renting as soon as you arrive in Germany.
These are the housing associations in Bielefeld:
- Where can I find private rental offers?
You can find current private rental offers in Bielefeld on the following commercial and external search portals:
Priv.Zimmerangebote
Neue Westfälische
Westfalen Blatt
Immoscout
WG -Gesucht- What are property agencies?
- Are there guest apartments on campus?
The following guest apartments are available for international academics on the Bielefeld University campus :
Reservation requests and bookings for guest apartments in the ZiF are made via the host institution/workgroup and ZiF-lodging@uni-bielefeld.de. The ZiF apartments are not available to employees of Bielefeld University.
- What halls of residence are there?
If you are registered as a student/doctoral candidate and pay the semester fee at Bielefeld University, you can apply for a place in a hall of residence . You can even do so before you arrive in Germany. As proof that you are connected to Bielefeld University, you can upload the matriculation (or as alternative , as long as you do not have yet the matriculation: your letter of admission/acceptance or letter of invitation).
These are the halls of residence are available in Bielefeld:
Studierendenwerk
BGW-Roggenkamp
Campus Westend
Rotunde Westfalica
Hollensiek- Do I automatically get a place in a hall of residence?
- How can I apply for a place in a hall of residence?
- Where can I find short-term housing for a stay from 1 to 12 months?
If your studies or research stay in Bielefeld is limited in time or you only want to book short- term accommodation for the first few weeks after arrival, the following hotels, hostels and holiday apartments are available:
Internat Campus
ZiF
Hotels
Jugendherberge
Ferienwohnung
Airbnb
Stayery
Ferienwohnung
Immoscout (Kurzzeitfilter "befristet" und "zur Zwischenmiete" verwenden)
WG -Gesucht (Kurzzeitfilter "befristet" und "zur Zwischenmiete" verwenden)Short-term stays of up to 90 days do not have to be reported to the Bielefeld Registration Office.
- My family is coming with me. What do I have to pay attention to?
- I have a pet. Do I have to tell my landlord?
You must inform your landlord if you have a dog or a cat, at the very latest before signing the contract as this could jeopardise the agreement. Your landlord does not have to agree to you holding a dog or a cat, or can insist on specifically agreeing to any request first. Check the rent agreement for details. You are advised to check with your landlord if you intend to get a pet. Small animals (as long as they are not in any way dangerous) are allowed, but landlords are often not keen. You are responsible for any damage caused by the animal (see Insurances).
- What does “2ZKB” mean? Is there a glossary for often used terms or abbreviations?
2ZKB is short for “2 Zimmer, Küche, Bad” (2 rooms with kitchen and bathroom). This means, that the place has 2 rooms in addition to the kitchen and the bathroom.
There are many housing terms and abbreviations. Below you will find a description of terms and respective abbreviations.
Glossar der Wohnungsbegriffe
Glossar der Wohnungsbegriffe
Liste der Abkürzungen
Emergency
- I got no response from landlord and I am urgent in need. What should I do?
Unfortunately, in some cases, people are unable to find a room or an apartment despite their best efforts or due to a lack of financial resources. If you are in urgent matter, try to talk to people around you on Campus. A colleague or another student might have a free Sofa and can help out with offering a place to stay. Stay for some nights in a Hostel or in very difficult situation do get in contact with Bielefeld City’s Emergency Housing Assistance: Wohnungsnotfallhilfen der Stadt Bielefeld.
After finding an apartment
- Apartment found… Now what?
Step 1:
Say yes to the shared apartment/landlord as soon as possible.Step 2:
Make an appointment with the landlord (and if necessary the previous tenant) to sign the tenancy agreement and receive the key and the landlord 's confirmation document (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). At the meeting, the current levels of the electricity, gas and water indicators are usually noted down. In some cases , a transfer report is written. If possible, take an acquaintance, friend or colleague to the meeting with you.Step 3:
Pay the deposit and set up a monthly standing order from your account to pay the rent.Step 4:
Register electricity, gas, internet with external suppliers (you can directly ask neighbors and/or previous tenants about possible suppliers).Step 5:
Register/change your new address at the R egistration O ffice. Exceptions are made in the case of study or research stays of less than 90 days.Step 6:
Inform all institutions about your new address (e.g. university, banks, insurance companies).Step 7:
Think about whether you need furniture or other household items. Colleagues, friends and neighbours may be able to lend you things, otherwise you will have to buy.Step 8:
Ask friends and colleagues for help with the move and celebrate your new room/place with a meal afterwards!- Where and how can I buy furniture?
In Bielefeld, in addition to traditional shops, there are also many opportunities / options to buy furniture and other household items second-hand, saving lots of money and acting sustainably.
Recyclingbörse
Brockensammlung Bethel
Trödelmärkte
KleinanzeigenIf you are buying a large piece of furniture, you can ask the seller if they can deliver it to you for a fee. If it cannot be delivered, renting a van is also an option (e.g. Cambio Carsharing on Campus, Tim’s Leihwagen).
Documents & Terminology
- What is “Kaution”?
- What is “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”?
- What is “Übergabeprotokoll”?
- What is “Schufa-Auskunft”?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- What are “Haftpflicht-“ and “Hausratversicherung”?
- What is “Rundfunkbeitrag”?
Broadcasting fee of 18.36 Euros that nearly every household must pay. However, under certain conditions, you can apply for an exemption. For further information take a look at the FAQ for Students and Apprentices.
Other
- Legal Rights and Duties as a Tenant
Tenancy law is very complicated. If you have any problems renting an apartment, you can get legal advice.
Possible examples of problems that may arise:
- You do not receive a service charge statement (“Nebenkostenabrechnung”) or it is incorrect.
- Your rent increases.
- Your tenancy contract is terminated.
- Your deposit is not returned.
- You have mold in your apartment.
It is therefore important that you get legal advice and find out about your options. The following advice centers offer advice on housing:
ASTA Bielefeld (for enrolled students/incl. PhD students)
Verbraucherzentrale (Consumer Advice Centre)
Anwälte - Mietrecht (Lawyers, Tenancy Law)Alternatively, you can register as a member of a Mieterschutzbund (Tenant Protection Association) right at the beginning of your stay. For a monthly membership fee you can receive information on various topics and legal support in the event of a dispute.
Mieterbund OWL (Tenants' Association OWL)
Publications on tenancy law
Wohnraummietrecht (by Federal Ministry of Justice)
Das Mieterhandbuch (by Consumer Advice Centre)- Good to Know
In Bielefeld, private landlords usually want to meet prospective tenants in person and get to know them. You may also prefer viewing the apartment directly. Thus, finding an apartment from abroad is often or not at all possible. Therefore, consider renting a hostel/hotel/holiday apartment for the first month at the beginning of your arrival.
Be aware that there may be scams on the internet. Even with housing, people may try to get money illegally by using tricks, so you should remain cautious if someone demands money from you without you having seen/inspected the apartment first.
Consider taking out liability insurance and/or household insurance. These insurances cover the costs for damages to the flat or your personal belongings.
Good manners: Always give landlords feedback about whether you are still interested in the room/apartment or not. If not, make sure you cancel any viewing. Just as you are sometimes frustrated that you don't hear back, so are landlords.
Landlords are usually interested in what you are doing in Bielefeld and of course whether you can finance the room/apartment. Therefore, you should briefly introduce yourself in an email. Below you will find a template application:
You must pay any rent due on time. If there are problems that justify a rent reduction, you cannot simply hold back the rent. You must inform the landlord of any damage and give him the opportunity to repair it. If you do not pay the rent, you run the risk of having your tenancy contract terminated.
Mold is a classic and stressful topic for both tenant and landlord, especially since mold can have its origin in structural defects and/or incorrect ventilation.
In almost every house, there is a set of house rules covering various aspects, such as quiet times and cleaning of the communal areas. Familiarize yourself with the house rules at the beginning. If you are unsure, ask your landlord or your neighbors.
A party or barbecue is normally fine but it is best to check with your landlord/neighbors. If you are planning a large party that could be noisy, notify your neighbors beforehand. This can avoid a lot of stress (e.g. public order offences/police involvement).
Language
- Language skills
German is the common language of communication in everyday life and leisure. The levels of German courses and examinations are divided according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1 to C2.
Depending on which degree programme you would like to study or do your doctorate at the university, you will have to prove the required language level in German or English for the application. You can find an overview of the required language certificates here.
To prepare for the language, you can, for example, take a German course at the Goethe Institute or other providers in your home country. Or you can take an online course at Deutsche Welle. Here you can also listen to music or news in German. If you would like to intensify your language skills on location in Germany, register for a German course. You can find an overview of language courses at universities on the DAAD[German Academic Exchange Service] website.
If you already have a language level of at least A2 and would like to improve your language skills, take part in the annual summer school at Bielefeld University.
See also: Learn German at the university after your arrival
How to Find Us
Here you will find all the information you need on how to get to Bielefeld University.