Visa, residence permits and other legal questions
As an international degree-seeking student there are several questions that need to be answered before you start your studies in Germany:
- do I need a visa or residence permit to study in Germany?
- do I need health insurance in Germany and how can I get it?
- can I work part-time while I am studying?
- can I stay in Germany after graduation?
If you would like to talk to someone, you are welcome to come to the International Office for advice.
Recognition of foreign qualifications
If you already have a foreign degree qualification and want to know if it is recognised in Germany as a job qualification, please contact the following office:
Behörde für Schule und Berufsbildung
Hamburger Straße 31
22083 Hamburg
Tel.: 040 - 428 63 0 or 040 - 428 28 0
or visit the official Federal Ministry of Education and Research website and use the "Recognition Finder".
Legal advice for students
If, once you are a degree-seeking student in Hamburg, you have legal problems, e.g. problems with a rental contract, you can get legal advice from a public legal advice office:
Öffentliche Rechtsauskunft (ÖRA)
Dammtorstr. 14
20354 Hamburg
Tel.: 040.428 43-3071
Mondays - Fridays 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
(no appointments given, please go early to ensure you are seen)
For people with a low income the service costs 10 Euros. Please speak to them before you speak to a lawyer, as they cannot give you advice once you have spoken to a lawyer.
