Checklist for a Successful Start to Your Studies!

Key Organizational Steps at a Glance:

After Admission

Apply for a Residence Permit: If you are an international student planning to study in Germany for more than three months, you will need an official residence permit to remain in the country. This permit confirms your right to live and study in Germany, so you should apply for it at the German Embassy in your home country as soon as you have been accepted by the university.
Pay Semester Fees: Semester fees are the amounts of money that students must pay to their university each semester. These fees cover various costs, including administrative expenses and contributions to the Students' Union, which runs accomodations, cafeterias and other services.
Health Insurance: Students in Germany are required to have a valid health insurance. They can generally choose between a public (statutory) and private health insurance scheme.
Apply for Enrollment: Enrollment is the formal process of registering as a student at the university. It involves submitting various documents and fulfilling certain requirements in order to be officially recognized as a student. Enrollment must be applied for in the KIT applicant portal.
Find Accommodation: Finding accomodation in Karlsruhe can be a challenging at the start of the semester due to high demand. Student dormitories run by the Students' Union are an affordable option, so it is advisable to apply early. Shared apartments (WGs) are often cheaper than renting a flat on your own.
Buddy Program: The International Buddy Program at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), organized by the International Students Office (INTL), helps international students settle into life in Karlsruhe and with their studies. First semester students are matched with "buddies"- KIT students who can assist with administrative appointments, university matters, and language difficulties.

MEI Students only:

Registration for the Pre-Semester: Applicants who are required to successfully pass the assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung), according to their KIT admission letter, are strongly advised to take part in the study preparatory course, the Pre-Semester. Please contact the Carl Benz School of Engineering for registration.
College Program: Applicants interested in the optional study support program, the College Program, should contact the Carl Benz School of Engineering.

After Arrival:

Register your Residence: You must register your residence at the local Bürgerbüro (citizens' office) within the first two weeks of arriving in Karlsruhe. This is necessary in order to have a valid German address and is important for opening a bank account and other handling other administrative purposes.
Enrollment: By enrolling at KIT, you officially register as a student. This involves submitting all the necessary documents, paying the semester fees, and meeting all the admission requirements. Once you have enrolled successfully, you will receive your student ID card, which will allow you to attend courses and take exams.
Open a Bank Account: Having a German bank account makes managing your finances much easier during your studies. You can pay your rent, insurance and other bills online. Refunds, such as the unused portion of the security deposit for your residence permit, can only be transferred to a German account.
Activate your KIT Account and Student ID card: Your KIT account gives you personal access to various IT services, such as email as well as other online resources. The student ID card serves as your official identification at KIT. It confirms your student status and gives you access to facilities such as the library and the computing center.
Activate Campus Management: The Campus Management Portal at KIT is an online platform for managing study and administrative matters. Students can use the portal to view their study plans, register for exams, access their grades, book courses, and download important documents. The portal also enables users to manage their personal data and communicate with the university.
ILIAS: Get to know ILIAS, the central platform for organizing and managing courses and study materials. ILIAS provides access to essential learning resources and enables lecturers to communicate with students.
Extend your Residence Permit: International student must extend their residence permit to legally stay in Germany for the duration of their studies. An extension is necessary if the original residence permit expires before the end of the study program. This ensures the students' legal status and continued access to educational and other facilities in Germany.

As the central point of contact for all international affairs, the International Students Office (IStO) provides key information and guidance to help you get off to a smooth start and support your academic success!