Important to know is that you can find the latest figures on the proliferation of cases in Germany as well as a daily updated report on the most important developments on the pages of the Robert Koch Institut (RKI), in German and English. The RKI is the main government institution in the field of biomedicine and therefore has the task of ensuring public health and monitoring the virus in Germany. You can also read about the current regulations in the country directly on the pages of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior. A summary of the information will be provided on this page.
German Higher Education and the Covid-19 Pandemic
To understand how the German Higher Education System reacted to the spread of the coronavirus, there are some organizational things you should know about. Germany has got a federalist political system: There are 16 states, or Bundesland, that are in charge of passing regulations regarding the universities in each state. Therefore, regulations may differ slightly from place to place. On top of that, each university has the freedom to individually define policies that allow them to react appropriately to the current circumstances. Therefore it is absolutely essential that you check directly on the university’s website which rules and regulations are in place and how they affect you.
Even though universities and federal states have some freedom to decide on which regulations they decide to pass, there are some nation-wide rules in place that each university has to adhere by, as well. The mandatory social-distancing regulations that were put in place Germany-wide heavily affected university life last year.
Studies in the last year have been a mix of virtual/remote and in-person studies, depending on the respective Covid-19 case numbers and state social distancing policies. The policies have varied across German universities. Our best advice: Confirm directly on the university website how your university will organize upcoming semesters.
List of Universities in Germany
We summarize general restrictions and policies in Germany regarding Covid-19 on this page. However, the exact policies regarding studies can vary among universities as each one regulates its own rules. We recommend you visit individual university pages regarding specific regulations for upcoming semesters.
- Aalen University
- accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg
- Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences
- Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Ansbach University of Applied Sciences
- Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences
- Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
- Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
- bbw University of Applied Sciences
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- Berlin University of the Arts
- Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- Bielefeld University
- Brand Academy
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg
- Bremen University of Applied Sciences
- Bucerius Law School
- Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Chemnitz University of Technology
- Clausthal University of Technology
- Coburg University
- CBS International Business School
- Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology
- design akademie berlin - SRH Hochschule für Kommunikation und Design
- Detmold University of Music
- Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- Dresden International University
- Dresden University of Applied Sciences
- EBC University of Applied Sciences
- EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht
- ESCP Europe Campus Berlin
- ESMT Berlin
- Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
- Euro-FH University of Applied Sciences
- Europa-Universität Flensburg
- European University Viadrina
- FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
- FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
- FH Münster University of Applied Sciences
- FHM Schwerin - Fachhochschule des Mittelstands
- Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf
- Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
- FOM University of Applied Sciences
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- Freie Hochschule Stuttgart - Seminar für Waldorfpädagogik
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Friedensau Adventist University
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Fulda University of Applied Sciences
- Furtwangen University
- German Sport University Cologne
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- HafenCity University Hamburg
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- Hamburg University of Technology
- Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences
- Hannover Medical School
- Harz University of Applied Sciences
- Universidade de Heidelberg
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
- Hertie School of Governance
- HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management
- HMKW Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft
- Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg
- Hochschule Emden/Leer - University of Applied Sciences
- Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart - University of Applied Sciences
- Berlin School of Economics and Law
- Hochschule Macromedia, University of Applied Sciences
- Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences
- Hochschule Niederrhein - University of Applied Sciences
- Hochschule Wismar - University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design
- Hof University of Applied Sciences
- HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration
- HTW Berlin - University of Applied Sciences
- htw saar - University of Applied Sciences
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- ifs international film school cologne
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin
- International School of Management (ISM)
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- Jacobs University Bremen
- Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
- Justus Liebig University Giessen
- Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences
- Karlshochschule International University
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
- Kempten University of Applied Sciences
- Kiel University
- Kiel University of Applied Sciences
- Kühne Logistics University
- Landshut University of Applied Sciences
- Leibniz Universität Hannover
- Leipzig University
- Leuphana University Lüneburg
- LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
- Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
- Munich Intellectual Property Law Center
- Munich University of Applied Sciences
- Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
- NIT Northern Institute of Technology Management
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
- Nuertingen-Geislingen University
- Offenburg University of Applied Sciences
- Osnabrück University
- Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences - Hochschule Braunschweig/Wolfenbüttel
- OTH Regensburg
- Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
- OWL University of Applied Sciences
- Paderborn University
- Palucca University of Dance Dresden
- Pforzheim University
- Philipps-Universität Marburg
- Private University of Applied Sciences Göttingen (PFH)
- Quadriga University of Applied Sciences Berlin
- Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences
- Reutlingen University
- RheinMain University of Applied Sciences
- Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences
- Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum
- RWTH Aachen University
- Saarland University
- Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
- South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
- SRH Hochschule Berlim
- SRH Hochschule der populären Künste
- SRH University Hamm
- SRH University Heidelberg
- Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste (Städelschule) Frankfurt am Main
- Steinbeis University Berlin
- Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau
- Technical University of Munich
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
- Technische Hochschule Lübeck
- Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm
- Technische Universität Berlin
- Technische Universität Braunschweig
- Technische Universität Dresden
- Technische Universität Ilmenau
- Technische Universität Kaiserslautern
- TH Köln - Cologne University of Applied Sciences
- TH Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences - THM
- Touro College Berlin
- Trier University
- Trier University of Applied Sciences
- TU Bergakademie Freiberg
- TU Darmstadt
- TU Dortmund University
- Ulm University
- Ulm University of Applied Sciences
- Universität der Bundeswehr München
- Universität Hamburg
- Universität Regensburg
- Universität zu Lübeck
- University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde
- University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven
- University of Applied Sciences Cologne
- University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf
- University of Applied Sciences Europe
- University of Applied Sciences Jena
- University of Applied Sciences Konstanz (HTWG)
- University of Applied Sciences Mainz
- University of Applied Sciences Mittweida
- University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg
- University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
- University of Applied Sciences Stralsund
- University of Applied Sciences Wedel
- University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
- University of Augsburg
- University of Bamberg
- University of Bayreuth
- University of Bonn
- University of Bremen
- University of Cologne
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- University of Education Freiburg
- University of Education Ludwigsburg
- University of Education Schwäbisch Gmünd
- University of Erfurt
- University of Freiburg
- University of Göttingen
- University of Greifswald
- University of Hildesheim
- University of Hohenheim
- University of Kassel
- University of Koblenz-Landau
- University of Konstanz
- University of Mannheim
- University of Münster
- University of Oldenburg
- University of Passau
- University of Potsdam
- University of Rostock
- University of Siegen
- University of Stuttgart
- University of the Arts Bremen
- University of Tübingen
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo)
- University of Wuppertal
- Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences
- West Coast University of Applied Sciences
- Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau - University of Applied Sciences
- WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- Witten/Herdecke University
- Worms University of Applied Sciences
- Zeppelin Universität
- XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences
As of 12.09.2022, a lot of universities in Germany have announced that they are completely back to face-to-face in-class teaching, dropping the 3G (vaccinated, recovered, tested), social distancing and mask requirements. However, as you already know, unfortunately, the situation with Covid-19 is quite dynamic and the regulations might change multiple times even during the given semester. Thus, once again, we strongly advise you to keep an eye on the Covid-19 pages of the respective universities on a regular basis.
Can international students travel to Germany?
Since June 2022, students can freely travel to Germany, in most cases without a need to meet any of the previously existing preconditions. In particular, students do not have to provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test upon entry to Germany. Moreover, no digital entry registration is required. What is also new is that the students do not have to quarantine any more.
However, if you are entering Germany from the areas of variant concern, all of the above-mentioned rules apply. Put another way, you need to
- provide a negative test (PCR, PoC-NAAT or other nucleic acid amplification test methods), which was conducted no longer than 48 hours ago, (proof of recovery or proof of vaccination is not enough);
- fill in the electronic form upon entry;
- self-isolate for 2 weeks after entering Germany.
As of 12.09.2022, none of the countries are classified as the virus variant areas.
Advice Box
Note that the regulations may change according to the development of the pandemic. For the most up-to-date information, For the latest details, visit the Covid-19 information pages of the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, German Federal Ministry of Health and/or German Federal Foreign Office.
What are the quarantine restrictions after entering Germany?
First and foremost, if you will have to go in quarantine after arriving in Germany or not depends on whether you entered Germany from a so-called variant area or not. Variant areas are defined by the RKI. Right now no states fall into this category. However, you should check the list regularly, as things might change even just before your departure!. To find an up-to-date overview of the areas of variant concern, check out this link.
So, as of September 12, 2022, none of the incoming travelers have to provide a proof of negative test. Moreover, no one needs to undergo a quaratine after entering Germany. However, in case you had stayed in a newly-designated area of variant concern during the last ten days prior your entry to Germany, after arrival you must immediately go home (or any other place which is your destination point) and you will have to self-isolate for 14 days. During these two weeks you are not allowed to leave the place and no one is allowed to visit you.
How can I obtain a student visa?
Again: as long as you are not entering Germany from the virus variant area, there are no pandemic-related entry restrictions. And in general, right now Covid-19 issue is not an obstacle to receiving the German student visa. Despite this, we still want to encourage you to check with the embassy or consulate general responsible for your visa application whether you need to provide any additional documents to get the student visa. This is the best way for you to get the most up-to-date and the most official information.
Advice Box
Keep in mind that there are still some delays because of the pandemic, meaning that getting a visa appointment is relatively challenging compared to the pre-pandemic period. Thereby, we suggest you to arrange visa-related appointments as early as possible!
What is life in Germany currently like?
Compared to the last year, covid-related restrictions are minimal:
- Face masks (at least medical ones) are mandatory only in public transport (trains, buses etc.), hospitals and doctors' offices
- Surgical masks (e.g. FFP2) are required at doctors' offices and hospitals
- Negative test, proof of vaccination and/or proof of recovery is only required in case of the hospital visits.
- The regulations are subject to change. Keep an eye on this website, so that you are informed about the latest changes!
*Additional regulations can vary among states and cities (German Federal Foreign Office)
Studies during Covid-19: Virtual and In-Person Studies
Unlike the previous semesters, the upcoming winter semester 2022/23 is planned to be the most "normal" since the pandemic started, as the universities intend to hold classes in person without any regulations related to masks, proofs of vaccination and/or proofs of recovery. However, this will largely depend on the direction the pandemic takes.
Hence, you should also frequently check the regulations set by your university.
If you are also interested in how Covid influences DAAD scholarships, check out the official Covid update page of the DAAD. Currently, there are no scholarships that are cancelled because of the pandemic.
Student Health Insurance
International students living and studying in Germany have to get insurance with a German insurance provider and are thus covered in the German system. You have the same entitlements that everybody else does. If you get the virus, your treatment will be covered. Besides, you can get the vaccines for free at the doctor's office, and at some places you can even get them without any prior appointment.
The rules pretty much remain the same as in any other situation: If you have a health issue, contact your doctor. If you have questions about your insurance, contact your insurance provider.
Advice Box
What we do know, however, is that there is life after the coronavirus disease pandemic and there are things you can do right now to prepare your studies in Germany!
Here are just three suggestions:
-
Find the study program of your dreams with the StudyFinder - Now you really have time to compare curricula, look into professors’ CV’s and find the program that is perfect for you!
-
Obtain your language certificate - TOEFL and IELTS already came up with testing solutions. You can use the extra down-time to prepare to get one of the top scores.
-
Learn some German - you don’t even have to leave the house since there are options to practice German free of charge online, for example by Goethe-Institut or Deutsche Welle.
Stay informed! Ask your questions! Stay Healthy!
This is the best advice we can leave you with. Stay informed, check for updates, and stay in touch with the German universities you are interested in. The web-links we have compiled for you above are a great place to start.