Berlin - where you can find what you need

Berlin itself is one of Germany's 16 federal states and, with approximately 3.7 million inhabitants, is the country's largest city in terms of area and population.

With its 42 public and private universities and colleges, a wide range of social events and activities, and a low cost of living, it is not surprising that the city-state attracts a large number of young people; over 30 percent of Berlin's population is under the age of 30. Thanks to its Central European location, Berlin is also very multicultural; over 34 percent of the population has an immigrant background, with many coming from Turkey, Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as Africa and Asia. Berlin is thus both an international and global city, known for its cosmopolitanism. Berlin's residents come from over 190 nations. In addition, international students make up almost 16 percent of the students at Berlin's colleges and universities.

The pages of the DSW prepare you in general for your study stay in Germany. Here you will find important information, for example, about opening a bank account or health insurance.

If you have arrived in Berlin and live in one of the studierendenWERK BERLIN student residences, you are welcome to contact the residence tutors, who can help you with organizational questions and translations. Students from China, Africa or an Arabic-speaking country can get help from the respective country tutors of the studierendenWERK.

If you're looking for information about Berlin, what the city has to offer and upcoming events, Berlin.de - the city's official website for residents and tourists - is the place to go.

Public transportation in Berlin is managed by the BVG. The cost of using public transportation in the ABC tariff area is included in your tuition fees and you can easily use it with your student ID.

If you have specific questions regarding your admission, study contents, course selection or for example information about your Erasmus program, please contact the International Office of your college or university directly.

As soon as new students have arrived in Berlin, they must register within 14 days at a citizens' registration office (Bürgeramt) within their district of residence. This also applies to you as an international student. On the website of the city of Berlin you will find information about all the necessary documents and you can directly make an appointment at a citizens' registration office. Please note, however, that it is difficult to make an appointment at short notice at many citizen's offices.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa before entering Germany, which you must apply for at a responsible embassy or consulate. Information on student visas can be found on the website of the Auswertiges Amt. If you are not from an EU or EEA country, you will also need a residence permit. On the website of the Landesamt für Einwanderung you can find more information about the residence permit for studying. More detailed information about the conditions for a stay in the course of studies in Berlin can be found here.