Registration / Before Arrival Preparing your stay

In order to apply for a semester/academic year as an exchange student at Heidelberg University, please contact the IRO of your home university for information on the application process. If you have been selected for the exchange programme, your home university will nominate you.

Nomination Deadlines

  • Fall/Winter Term: May 15th
  • Spring/Summer Term: November 15th

Necessary Documents

After your nomination you will receive information on the online registration process at Heidelberg University via E-Mail. Please prepare the following documents to upload onto the registration platform:

  • transcript of records
  • digital passport picture
  • invitation letter of academic supervisor at Heidelberg University (PhD candidates only)
  • certificate of exmatriculation (if you studied at a German university before)

Application Deadlines

  • Fall/Winter Term: June 15th            
  • Spring/Summer Term: December 15th

After your application has been processed, you will receive an electronic version of your Zulassungsbescheid (letter of admission), which you must bring with you when you come to Heidelberg. This letter is proof of your admission to Heidelberg University and you will need to show it on many occasions, such as during registration and when applying for a residence permit.

Important Information

Visa and Residence Permit

In order to study in Germany, foreign students (except citizens of EU-countries) need a valid residence permit. Here you will find an overview of visa regulations for international students.

Health and Insurance

This section offers more detailed information on the topic of healthcare and insurance.

Buddy Programme

In cooperation with the departments of the university, the IRO offers a Buddy Programme for international students, in which students from Heidelberg provide the newly arrived international students with advice and assistance.

Packing Checklist

Short list of items – ranging from the necessary to the useful - that we recommend you bring.

Financial Matters

This section provides an overview of the costs of living and studying in Heidelberg.