We welcome you as an international student at the University of Göttingen!
On this page, we are going to collect all the information witch are useful for you as an international student on our University. Below, you will also find information for outgoings. If you have any questions, please write an email to aussen@asta.uni-goettingen.de.
Academic Exchange Service of Germany / Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)
The DAAD offers a general overview on studying in Germany as well as checklists for the first steps to and in Germany. You can also find a lot of information here on the subject of financing your studies.
This website provided by the DAAD and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) also provides information on the possibilities of studying in Germany.
INDIGU – Integration and Diversity at Goettingen University
InDiGU-PLUS is a new project of the University of Göttingen that supports international students throughout their entire Student Life Cycle, helping them to successfully complete their studies and seamlessly transit into the German-speaking job market. InDiGU-PLUS offers German language courses, workshops on written and oral communication in studies and at work, intercultural trainings, information events on career opportunities in Germany, individual counselling and much more…
The International Student Service team provides important information about studying in Göttingen and about life in Germany. The Accommodation Service will also be happy to help you find a place to live in Göttingen.
The International Students Parliament (= “Parlament internationaler Studierender (PaIS)”) is elected once a year by all international students. The PaIS then elects the International Student Council (ISC; in German “Rat Internationaler Studierender (RIS))”), which represents the interests of international students and is a contact point for any problems and questions.
Studentenwerk
The Studentenwerk Göttingen is responsible for the Mensas, student dormitories and parts of the student financing (especially BAföG). Information about the student dormitories can be found here. Information on BAföG for international students is available here.
The Studentenwerk also offers its own social service, which explicitly takes care of the needs and concerns of international students. The Psychosocial Counselling Centre (PSB) offers counselling and support in personal or study-related stress situations. You can find out more here.
Studentenwerk Göttingen
Platz der Göttinger Sieben 4
D-37073 Göttingen
Phone +49 (0) 551 39-5103 info@studentenwerk-goettingen.de
Recognition on Universities
Since September 2022, “AN!” has been providing users with target group-specific information, for example on basic procedural steps, required documents and potential contact persons – always from a general cross-university perspective. In December 2023, the site was expanded to include a section for students from abroad who would like to start a full degree program in Germany. The launch of “AN! Recognition at universities” means that the content is now also accessible to a non-German-speaking audience.
Under certain circumstances, it is also possible for foreign students to receive education funding through the BAföG. You can find the exact requirements here, and a more detailed breakdown of the relevant paragraphs of the Residence Act here. You can also get advice from the BAföG office.
Begabtenförderungswerke (Support programmes for students with special talents)
If your nationality falls under §8 Abs. 1-3 BAföG (see above), you can apply to the programmes of the Begabtenförderungswerke. The scholarship provided by these institutions consists of an income-dependent basic scholarship equal to the BAföG rate and an income-independent grant of €300 per month.
Scholarship
In addition to the above-mentioned funding, some of the Begabtenförderungswerke also offer scholarships for students who do not fall under §8 BAföG:
Regardless of nationality, many universities award their regular students the Deutschlandstipendium once a year, which amounts to 300€ per month. For Göttingen University, the application phase runs from September 1 to 30. During this time you can find all the necessary documents on eCampus or on the university’s website. In addition to social and financial criteria, your previous achievements are decisive for receiving the scholarship.
Jobs
Foreign students must take a few things into consideration when taking on part-time jobs. The Deutsche Studentenwerk and the DAAD have compiled some information here:
On the homepage of the International Student Services team there is an overview of all exchange programmes and partner universities of the University of Göttingen as well as of possibilities for financing your studies. Personal counselling takes place on site and by email.
The DAAD offers a general overview of the various options for going abroad for a while, whether it’s a study programme, internship or language course. You can also find a lot of information about financing your studies here. https://www.daad.de/en/study-research-teach-abroad/
Study funding
Auslands-BAföG (BAföG Abroad)
State education funding is also available for stays abroad. In some cases it is more extensive than domestic funding, so you should definitely seek advice before your stay. Since the processing time can take up to half a year, you should inform yourself in good time and submit your application early.
The BAföG Abroad includes some supplements, such as tuition fees and travel costs, and it is not usually counted towards your maximum funding period.
Depending on the country you are travelling to, a different BAföG office will be responsible for funding. You can get an overview here. More information is available here.
