Your Study Start at the University of Erfurt

Tische des Cafe Hilgenfelds vor der Universitätsbibliothek der Universität Erfurt
Eine Studentin steht in einem Hörsaal der Universität Erfurt
Studierende in der Bibliothek

From application to enrolment

Studentin am Laptop
© Pexels

You have obtained an admission to your Bachelors' or Masters' studies at the University of Erfurt and are going to start your studies in Erfurt soon. To prepare your stay and your move to Erfurt, you have to consider several steps. Here is some useful advice that should help you in your preparation.

The International Office will be happy to support you if you have further questions concerning your arrival, your first ways in the city of Erfurt or on-Campus.

Before your arrival

Visa

To prepare your stay in Germany, you must apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. A visa is not required for students from EU countries, Switzerland, the USA, and Japan. The visa application process may take several months so it is recommended to start the application process as early as possible. It is NOT possible to enter Germany for studies with a tourist visa as it cannot be converted into a study visa.
You find additional info according visa application and arrival planning here.

Housing

You should take care about finding accommodation at an early stage, as in winter semester many students are looking for housing. If you want to get a place in a student residence hall, apply as early as possible via the online-application form of the housing department.

Further information concerning accommodation can be found here.

Arrival

Erfurt is situated in the centre of Germany and can be reached easily with various means of transportation, also from big international airports.
Information about travelling to Erfurt can be found at the bottom of this website.

Upon your arrival

 Welcome to Erfurt!


After your arrival, there are some administrative formalities to be completed. If you are a new student from a non-EU country, one of your first paths should lead to the International Office of the University of Erfurt. We will explain to you what steps you need to take next.

We will give you information on registering with the Erfurt Citizens' Registration Office and the Foreigners' Registration Office (required for students from non-EU countries).

In advance, you can find the information on health insurance and arrival formalities here

Three steps to your Enrolment

  1. You request enrolment via the online portal.
  2. You pay the semester contribution.
  3. You take out health insurance. The statutory health insurance provider must submit an electronic notification of your insurance status to the university.

 

Your student ID card (Thoska) will be ready for you to collect from the International Office after your enrolment. We will inform you personally by e-mail how and when you will receive your Thoska.

 

Thoska - your student ID card

Once you have completed all enrolment formalities, you will receive your student ID card "thoska" (Thuringian university and Studierendenwerk card) from us a few days later. The thoska must be validated at the start of your studies and at the beginning of each semester and is then also valid as a library card and semester ticket.


With the semester ticket, you can use the trams and buses of the public transport system in Erfurt as well as all regional trains throughout Thuringia for the entire semester.

Student orientation days (STET)

The start into university studies is always challenging. Especially when you come from abroad and you are totally new in Erfurt. We would like to support you when you take this big step.

At the beginning of every winter semester, the Student Orientation Days (STET) take place at the University of Erfurt to facilitate an ideal start into your studies.

During one week, you have the opportunity to get to know our university campus and its facilities, you are going to meet your fellow students and you can benefit from the experience of advanced students. There will also be interesting information sessions about the study system at our university as well as programme-specific info sessions.

Moreover, you can participate in a guided city tour to discover your study place and learn some interesting current, cultural and historical facts about Erfurt.

During the student orientation days you will also have enough time to sort out some important administrative ways. The International Office will be happy to help you and answer your questions i.e. concerning registration in the citizen office or in the foreigners' registration office.

With all this support, you are perfectly prepared for your studies!

Check list

Besucher der Vocatium-Messe
© Ift-Institut
Step by step well prepared for your study stay at the University of Erfurt

You have to keep in mind several things that need to be done for your study start at the University of Erfurt. Find out what you need to do in the following check list:

  • Accept the study offer via the online portal - mind the deadlines!
  • Submit the required official certifications and language certificates in the online portal to conclude enrolment
  • Pay the semester contribution
  • Take out statutory health insurance - the health insurance company must send an electronic notification to the university
  • Register for the Buddy programme
  • Present your original Bachelor degree certificate and ToR in the International Office upon arrival
  • After receiving the Thoska in the International Office: Don't forget to validate it!
  • Participate in the student orientation days
  • Study the examination regulationsfor your degree programme
  • Register at the Erfurt Citizens' Registration Office
  • Make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office in Erfurt

You still have got some questions left? Come and meet us in the International Office.
Our office hours are Mondays - Thursdays, 1.00 - 3.00 pm.
Additionally, you can always contact us via international@uni-erfurt.deand ask for an appointment.