Arrival

Regardless of whether you are spending a semester or year in Erfurt - you need to organise your journey well!

On this page we have summarised some information on arrival and arrival preparation.

Please also be sure to read all the emails and documents we send you during the preparation and arrival phase!

In case you have not yet fully applied as exchange student:

Exchange Studies application

Off to Erfurt

Visa

Non-EU-students who want to enrol at a German university may usually only do so with a student visa. A visa authorises you to enter, but not to remain, in Germany. The visa has an expiration date. A visa is not required for students from EU countries, Switzerland, the USA, and Japan. You must apply for your visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The following documents must generally be submitted for an application for a visa:

Letter of Admission for study at the University of Erfurt
Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the study period in Erfurt (please check the embassy websites for the amount or use the blocked account services)
Copy of a higher education entrance qualification certificate
Proof of knowledge of the German language
Health certificate, if necessary

It is ideal to arrive wih a multi visa. If you do not receive a multi visa, the International Office will support you registering in the local Foreigner Registration Office.

The processing of a visa can take up to three months. Please allow yourself ample time for the visa application! Never travel with just a tourist visa as it cannot be converted into a student visa. You also would not be able to enrol at the university and would have to leave Germany after three months!

Arrival times

Winter semester:

If you are taking part in the German Intensive course, you will arrive at the beginning - middle of September.

If you only take part in the Orientation Week, you will arrive at the beginning of October.

Summer semester:

If you take part in the German Intensive course, you will arrive at the beginning of March.

If you only take part in the Orientation Week, you will arrive at the beginning of April.

Please refer to your exchange programme factsheets:

Factsheets (Download area)

Arrival check list

This may not be a complete list!

Everyone:
- A valid passport
- Letter of Admission for study at the University of Erfurt
- necessary medication and inoculation certificate
- enough cash for the first days after arrival
- EC bank card or credit card
- Plug adapter
- travel insurance
Non-EU:
- Proof of financial means
- visa, if required (NO tourist visa)
EU:
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)