international freshmen

prepare for your departure and studies in germany

Studying in a foreign country is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, meet people from other cultural backgrounds, and study foreign languages. Especially for those who haven’t lived abroad before, coming to Germany to live and study is a great adventure! Good preparation is key. You undoubtedly have many questions regarding the steps you need to take as well as what to expect during your first few months in Germany. Do I need a visa? What documents do I have to bring to Germany? How high are living costs? How can I find accommodation?

Health insurance

All students studying in Germany must provide proof of adequate health insurance for the immigration office and for the university they are enrolled at.

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You can choose to take out health insurance in your home country that includes coverage abroad or you can get health insurance from a company in Germany.

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Often, insurance companies offer limited services and coverage when you are abroad. If you decide to get health insurance in your home country, be aware of the conditions that apply while abroad. Also, find out whether your health insurance will be recognized in Germany! If not (for instance, because reimbursements in the case of claims are too low), you will have to take out another insurance policy. In order to be recognized for a residence permit, your health insurance package must cover:

• Medical treatment by doctors and dentists
• Medical products, nursing care, provision of medication, remedies, aids and adjuvants
• Hospital treatment
• Rehabilitation services
• Pregnancy and birth benefits

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EU and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and the United Kingdom:

Students from these countries can bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the form E104/S041 from their current health insurance which has to be recognized by a public German health insurance company after arrival.

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Non-EU countries:

A public health insurance company in Germany will have to confirm any private and/or foreign insurance after your arrival. We personally recommend that you take out a public or private German healthcare insurance policy – for instance at Techniker Krankenkasse or at Mawista - because this will make the process of receiving medical treatment much easier. Please note that you cannot change your decision (public or private health insurance) during your studies in Germany.

What are the main differences?

With public German health insurance, you will not have to pay for medical treatment, whereas with a private and/or international healthcare insurance policy, you will have to pay for medical treatment in advance and then apply for reimbursements afterward. However, monthly tariffs may vary depending on the provider.

pre-departure checklist

• Valid passport (and visa)
• Credit card and some cash for the first days
• Plane ticket(s)
• Prescription medicine (if needed)
• School certificates, translations and certified copies
• Vaccination card (if you have one)
• International driver’s license (if you have one)
• Hotel/hostel room for the first days after your arrival
• Contact details CBS
• Your own laptop for lectures and exams

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arriving in cologne

how do i get to campus? where can i park?

We recommend that you come to the CBS by tram. The tramstop of the KVB (the Cologne Public Transport Association) is just around the corner.

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However, if you are forced to come to the CBS regularly by car, the CBS offers some subsidised parking spaces in the immedate vicinity of the CBS. A parking space normally costs 90€/month – however, the CBS pays a share, so that the price for students is 50€/month.

Experience has shown that parking spaces are always allocated quickly. But maybe you will be lucky! If you would like to have a parking space, please contact us at students.office@cbs.de. If no spaces are currently available, we will put you on our waiting list.

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Do you have any questions?

The team at the CBS International Office is happy to assist you with all questions around studying abroad at CBS and planning your stay in Germany. Likewise, as a CBS degree student, we will of course support your plans to study abroad at our international partner universities, or make plans for further international experiences, and guide you through the application process and planning of your stay abroad!

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