Studying in Germany: the practical steps
As a student you deal with the same registration steps as everyone else, plus a few student-specific ones: proof of funds (often a blocked account), student health insurance, and rules about how much you may work.
Before you arrive
- Student health insurance · Krankenversicherung der Studenten (KVdS) Mandatory
You need health insurance to enrol at a German university. How student public insurance works, what it costs in 2026, the age-30 limit and opting out.
- Finding an apartment · Wohnungssuche (flat hunting) Usually required
How renting in Germany works: Kaltmiete vs Warmmiete, the documents landlords ask for, WGs, temporary flats you can register at, broker fees and rental scams.
First weeks
- Anmeldung · Anmeldung (Wohnsitzanmeldung) Mandatory
Everyone who moves into a home in Germany must register the address within two weeks. Documents, steps, online option, fines and what to do without an appointment.
- Residence permit · Aufenthaltstitel (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, eAT) Mandatory
Non-EU students: convert your visa into a residence permit.
- Bank account · Girokonto (current account) Usually required
How to open a bank account in Germany: online vs branch banks, opening without Anmeldung, ID checks, your right to a Basiskonto and why any EU IBAN must be accepted.
- SIM card · SIM-Karte / Prepaid-Karte / Handyvertrag Recommended
How to get a German SIM card as a newcomer: prepaid vs contract, the legal ID check, contract lengths and cancellation rules, EU roaming and eSIM.
- Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) · Rundfunkbeitrag (formerly GEZ-Gebühr) Mandatory
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcasting fee: one fee per flat, not per person. Amount, registration, flat shares, exemptions, leaving.
During your studies
- Working as a student · Studentenjob / Werkstudent (Arbeitstagekonto) Optional
How much international students may work in Germany: the 140/280-day rule for non-EU students, Werkstudent jobs, Minijobs, internships and insurance.
- Deutschlandticket · Deutschlandticket (D-Ticket) Optional
Deutschlandticket 2026: €63 per month, local and regional transport across Germany. What is included, how to cancel, Jobticket and student versions.
- Liability insurance · Private Haftpflichtversicherung Recommended
Private liability insurance is optional in Germany but strongly recommended. What it covers, how much cover you need and what to check before you sign.