Deutsch
Welcome to Macromedia University
Studying abroad is certainly one of the most enriching, memorable experiences you can make. At Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, you have the possibility to study in Berlin or Munich, for one or two semesters or for a full-degree Bachelor or Master programme to develop your academic skills, while getting to know people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Macromedia University runs, like most German universities, in various ways differently compared to the institutions in your home country. Not only German culture, social life as well as professional life will vary, also the way academic life inside and outside class works could be very different to what you know from your home institutions. This can affect time schedules, the way of communication with faculty and fellow students, your workload or the form of assessments and examinations.
Visa Process
Most Non-EU students need a student visa for entering and studying in Germany. All regulations and details concerning the visa application are listed on the German Missions Abroad website of your home country. You can apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate of your home country. The Federal Foreign Office of Germany has listed all German missions abroad on its website. We also have a Visa Support Officer who will reach out to you after you accepted your study offer.
Orientation Days
Macromedia University will organize orientation days at the start of the semester. Orientation days will include a varied programme of activities to familiarize yourself with Macromedia University and the city you are going to live for the next few months. You will get information on living and studying in Germany, meeting other students and enjoying a fun and stress-free start at Macromedia University. Essential information will be provided on these days, which is why attendance is mandatory.
Things to do after arrival
Registration
All inhabitants of Germany need to be registered with their address. This is so the officials know how to contact you and if you ever apply for a German citizenship, to know since when you have been living in Germany (no letters or similar are used as proof of adress in Germany). Within the first two weeks after your arrival, you are requested to report to the Residents Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt), to register your adress of residence - it´s often referred to as "Anmeldung". If you have not yet found a regular place to reside for your entire stay in Germany, please register your temporary address. You need to change this every time you move. We recommend you make an appointment online. If no appointment is available online, just try again another day, best in the early morning. You can also go directly to the registration office, pull a number and wait. (Early in the morning appx. at 7 a.m. is always best, so you do not end up in a long queue). Like almost everywhere, public authority procedures can be lengthy, so please don´t worry and don´t loose your nerves. The main and important point is to get it done and keep going.
Opening a bank account
Once registered, you need to open a cheque account (Girokonto), you have a choice between numerous, different banking institutions. Most banks offer accounts free of charge for students. A bank account is needed in order to settle payments such as rent, health insurance and tuition/semester fees, amongst other things. Please note that in Germany credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in other countries. Instead, your bank will issue a debit card (Electronic Cash or EC card), which can be used for payments in most of Germany. For further information, the most used banks are Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse, ING Diba, Commerzbank, N26. It may be that even your blocked bank account-provider (just for those applying for a visa) offers you on top a usual bank account.
Taking Out Health Insurance
To register and study at Macromedia University, you are obliged to take out statutory health insurance. You should make sure to take out a health insurance policy that provides sufficient cover for your needs. Krankenkassen can provide you with further information e.g. here and here.
Application for Residence Permit
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a residence permit. The so called Freedom of Movement Certificate for EU citizens, formerly issued by the local Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) does no longer exist. Non EU - Citizens need a residence permit. If you are from a so called "Visa Waiver - Country", you need to apply for a residence permit within the first 3 months of you being in Germany. This is done nowadays online at your local Ausländerbehörde (Immigration/Foreigner´s Office). If you entered Germany with a student Visa, you need to apply for your residence permit not earlier than 2 months before your Visa expires for the permit. You do that online at your local Ausländerbehörde (Immigration/Foreigner´s Office). Please don´t worry if you hear any stories regarding long waiting times, the system has been changed in mid-2024.
Residence Permit Extension
Extension of the Residence permit must also be applied for at the Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), before expiration of the residence permit. You need to apply for your residence permit extrension no more than 2 months before the expiry date of your current one. You do that online at your local Ausländerbehörde (Immigration/Foreigner´s Office).
Right of Residence
Working While Studying in Germany
Students from countries of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) have free access to the German labour market. International students from non-EU/EEA countries who hold a student visa are eligible to work a total of 120 full days or 240 half days in one calendar year. Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during lecture-periods and up to full 40 hours during non-lecture periods (also referred to as "holidays").
Internship
Internships that are voluntary and not compulsory, count as normal work and will be deducted from the maximum of 120 days that international students from non-EU/EEA countries are eligible to work. Special regulations apply to internships that are a compulsory part of your studies.
Staying in Germany after the End of Your Studies
In general, graduates from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area countries (EEA) have free access to the German labour market and do not need approval from the Federal Employment Agency to take up a job in Germany. By contrast, graduates from the new EU member states and all other international graduates who have successfully completed their studies at a German University are eligible to extend their residence permit for an additional 18 months to work or look for a job that corresponds to their qualifications. Graduates must apply for this extension at the local Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) and prove that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while staying in Germany. While looking for a suitable job during these 18 months, graduates are normally allowed to take up any kind of employment and to work without restrictions to support themselves and fund their job search.
Guides
