If you would like to apply for a Master's program, you can contact the faculty course advisors to clarify if your Bachelor's degree fulfills the specific requirements of the program.
Ultimately, the university will decide about the recognition of your documents.
How can I find out which subject is suitable for me?
Myguide, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), helps you to find your way through the vast variety of German study programs. An overview of all degree programs offered in Germany can be found in the Higher Education Compass.
The Tübingen Study Choice Test can help you find out which undergraduate degree program (Bachelor, Staatsexamen) at the University of Tübingen is suitable for you ( in German only). This test is not a prerequisite for application.
How can I already get an insight into studying at the University of Tübingen from my home country?
Students of all disciplines from North and South America, Africa and Europe who are interested in studying in Germany can apply to participate in the Virtual Intercultural Preparation Package (Tü-VIPP). Prerequisites for participation are to be enrolled as a student at a university and to speak English well.
Some additional offers, some of which are available online, can be found on the website "Offers for future students" by the Student Counseling Service (in German).
Can I attend courses at the University of Tübingen as a guest student without being enrolled as a student in order to get an insight into the study program?
Yes, you can attend courses with free places as a guest auditor. However, you are not entitled to take examinations and do not receive any credits. You can find out how to apply for a guest auditor permit on this website of the Student Administration Office.
Even without guest auditor status, you can view individual courses as part of the try-out study program. Some courses are also available as video recordings, which you can view online.
Can I participate in a language course at the University of Tübingen even if I am not enrolled?
For taking part in the DSH exam (German language exam for university admission) and the corresponding preparation course (B2/C1 level required), you do not have to be enrolled at the University of Tübingen. You can also book a language course at the International Summer Course.
All other language courses are only available to enrolled students.
Can I take the German language exam for university admission (DSH exam) in Tübingen and participate in a preparatory course?
Yes, the DSH exam and a preparatory course are offered twice a year. On the website of the department German as a Second Language and Intercultural Programs you can find out more about the exam and the preparatory course and register for them.
Do I need a German health insurance for enrollment? Where can I take out this insurance?
Before matriculation, you must contact a statutory health insurance company in Germany, which will check whether you have to take out a health insurance or are exempt from compulsory insurance. Proof of your insurance status will then be automatically transmitted to the Student Administration Office. For further information please read this website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
We recommend that you take out statutory health insurance, as private health insurance companies often do not cover all costs (e.g. in the case of pre-existing health issues). The following public health insurance companies are located in Tübingen and offer special services for students:
Each semester, every student has to pay an administrative fee of approximately 160 euros.
Additionally, non-EU citizens are charged a tuition fee of 1,500 euros per semester. Information on this tuition fee for international students can be found here. Exceptions and exemption options are explained here (see also next question).
For information on the cost of living for students in Germany see here. Please note that the average rent for a room in Tübingen is currently about 430€ per month.
In which cases can I be exempted from tuition fees? How can I apply for exemption?
EU citizens, recognized refugees and persons with the same legal status as Germans, e.g. whose parents live and work in Germany, can be exempted from the tuition fee obligation. For more information on exemptions and on how to apply for it, please see the website of the Student Administration Office.
At the University of Tübingen, students from certain countries (African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and Least Developed Countries) can also apply for exemption from tuition fees under certain conditions. You will receive further information on the exemption application with your admission.
Please note that all students may have to pay a study fee for a second degree, i.e. a second Master study course. This second degree fee does not apply to those who already have to pay tuition fees as international students. Higher education degrees obtained abroad are not taken into account.
Am I entitled to BAföG (i.e. state loan for students)?
Under certain conditions, international students can also receive state-funded BAföG. You can get advice at the BAföG InfoPoint of the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim on whether you are eligible.
Students from countries outside the European Union or the European Economic Area usually need a residence permit. Before your travel visa expires, you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes at the local Foreigners Office.
Study applicants from certain countries can enter Germany without a visa. If you stay longer than 90 days, you also need a residence permit for students. You can find more information here.
If you do not live in Tübingen, you have to apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Office at your place of residence.
On the homepage of the “Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim” (Student Services) you will find information about the dormitories of the “Studierendenwerk” and other institutions. If you are interested in a room in a dormitory, you should apply to the “Studierendenwerk” about three to four months before the desired move-in date. Please note that there is no entitlement to a room in a dormitory.
The “Studierendenwerk” also offers a private room accommodation service. You can find rooms in shared apartments, for example, via the portal WG-Gesucht. Private rooms or apartments can also be found on Saturdays and Wednesdays (Wednesday Market) in the local newspaper “Schwäbisches Tagblatt”.
If you have any questions about finding a room or an apartment, please contact the Housing Team of the Support for International Students. You can also register for a mailing list to be informed about new room offers on their website.
Do I have to register with city authorities after my arrival in Tübingen?
Yes. Once you have found a room or apartment, you must make an appointment to register in person at the “Einwohnermeldeamt” (Resident Registration Office) within two weeks after moving in. You also have to inform them if you move to another apartment. When registering, you must present a “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” (housing provider confirmation), which the property owner will have to sign.
If you do not live in Tübingen, the Resident Registration Office of your place of residence is responsible for the registration.
I have difficulties to obtain a residence permit. What should I do?
Please make sure that you contact the Foreigners Office in Tübingen, respectively the Foreigners Office in your place of residence, at least two weeks before your travel visa expires.
German law does not require international students to obtain a private liability insurance. Nevertheless, we urgently recommend to purchase this optional insurance: It pays if you unintentionally cause harm to others, i.e. accidentally damage the property or health of others. Liability insurance can be purchased for about 30 € per year.
I have not found a room yet and face difficulties opening a bank account without a permanent residence in Germany. What can I do?
In Germany, everyone has a legal right to a basic payment account, including people without a permanent residence. You can find information about this basic payment account on the BaFin website. In Tübingen, you can open basic payment accounts at the Kreissparkasse Tübingen and the Volksbank Tübingen, among others.
