Incoming Students

Your semester at SRH University

Your semester abroad at SRH University in Germany!

As a student at one of our international partner universities, you have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at SRH University. Immerse yourself in our international community and experience intercultural life on campus. Get to know German traditions and discover the diverse landscape and innovative companies in the region.

You're coming from an SRH partner university? | You're coming from another university?

Your home university must nominate you and contact us at least 4 weeks before the application deadline. We need an email with your name, nationality, email address and degree programme.

After confirmation, you can apply via our online portal and upload the required documents:

Official transcript of records
Secondary school-leaving certificate
Copy of passport
Proof of your language skills
Learning Agreement

Application for a semester at SRH Campus Heidelberg | Application for a semester at SRH Campus Berlin, Dresden & Hamburg

After acceptance, you will be enrolled and receive an e-mail with your matriculation number and WIFI access data.

Application deadlines:

For autumn (start end of August or 1 October): [1 July]
For winter (start January or February): [1 November]
For spring (start 1 April): [1 February]

Academic calendar

Modules are offered in 5-week blocks, and exams take place at the end of each block. You can start your exchange semester at the beginning of each block:

Block 1: 1 October - mid-November
Block 2: mid-November - Christmas
Block 3: 7 January - mid-February
Block 4: mid-February - 31 March
Block 5: 1 April - mid-May
Block 6: mid-May - mid-June
Block 7: mid-June - mid-July
Block 8: End of August - 30 September

Application for a semester at SRH Campus Heidelberg | Application for a semester at SRH Campus Berlin, Dresden & Hamburg

If your home university does not have a partnership with SRH University, you can still apply for a semester abroad as a freemover. SRH University will support you in selecting modules and recognising your academic achievements.

Application for a semester at SRH Campus Berlin, Dresden & Hamburg

are added at this point

Every student is required to provide proof of sufficient health insurance for the entire duration of their studies. You can find information in the Welcome Guide.

SRH University cannot offer its own accommodation. However, freemovers will receive an updated Welcome Guide with information on finding accommodation.

EU citizens: No visa required, but registration in the city is necessary.
Non-EU citizens: Please check with the German embassy whether a visa is required.

Studying in Germany made me participate in the social life of a country that was new for me. It changed my way of thinking and opened my horizons to possibilities which I had never contemplated, prompting me to aspire to more.

Oscar Anaya, Exchange Student from Univa/Mexico

Welcome to Germany

Congratulations on your letter of admission! Now you can start planning your study abroad programme at SRH University. An important step is to apply for your residence permit.

For detailed information, see the "Student Welcome Guide", which you will receive together with your admission documents.

Start by looking for accommodation, as you will need an address for your registration.

After your move, you must register your address within 2 weeks.

Take out German health insurance to be able to start your studies.

With a visa (D): Your current visa must be converted into a residence permit within 90 or 180 days of your arrival.
Without a visa: Apply for your residence permit within the first 90 days after arrival.
Swiss nationals: Apply for a "Residence Permit-Switzerland" within 90 days of your arrival.

Where & how do I apply for my residence permit?

It is advisable to live in the city where you are studying in order to apply for a residence permit.

Report the loss immediately to the Federal Police and receive a loss report. If you lose your passport, you must go to the embassy to apply for a new one before you can renew your visa or residence permit.

You may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per calendar year. However, self-employment is not permitted.

Yes, you can stay in the Schengen states for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days, but this only applies to tourist visits.

Yes, you can apply for a visa for an exchange semester or internship abroad at the embassies if you fulfil the relevant requirements.

Yes, you can bring your family with you and should apply for a family visa to enter the country together. You can find information on the website of your embassy.

A change is possible, but should ideally take place in the first or second semester. You must also ensure that the new coursework is recognised.

Yes, you can take a semester off, but the application must be made in good time and your situation will be assessed to ensure that you have made adequate progress in your studies.

Yes, the state office should be informed of your transfer. It is important to do this promptly, especially if you are transferring in the first or second semester.

You should submit your application for renewal in good time, at least 6 weeks before expiry. Even if you have not yet re-registered, you can present the old registration and submit the new one later.

As a rule, non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit if they have obtained a study visa from the German embassy.

You will be informed of the reasons and can then try to reapply for a residence permit or a new visa.

Submit the application as early as possible, but no later than 6-8 weeks before your current licence expires.

Yes, but you must have both your passport and your residence permit with you when travelling. Alternatively, you can also take a copy of your passport with you.

You can go directly to the immigration office, book an appointment online or submit your documents there and possibly apply for an accelerated procedure.

Biometric pictures are available in drugstores such as dm, at photo booths or in professional photo studios.

You should submit a certificate of a blocked account with a German bank with EUR 11,208 or a letter of commitment from a third party in Germany. Alternatively, scholarships or notarised declarations from your parents are also possible.

Yes, a German blocked account is required to apply for a residence permit.

Recommended providers are Expatrio or Finitiba for setting up a blocked account.

To apply for your residence permit, you should top up your blocked account to the required amount.

Yes, the health insurance card can be used as proof, but a letter of confirmation from your health insurance company is helpful.

Yes, you can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days during your studies.

Yes, with a residence permit you can stay outside Germany for up to six months, but you must observe the requirements of the host country.

Yes, if it is a compulsory internship, otherwise the regular working hours apply.

You need a permit to look for work or a work permit/blue card to work in Germany.

An employment contract is not mandatory, but can be helpful when applying.

The work permit for jobseekers is valid for 18 months, which gives you more time to find a job.

You can apply for a residence permit as soon as you have an offer of a job that matches your qualifications.

As a rule, you have to leave Germany if you can't find a job, but changes to immigration law could make this easier in the future.

A change is possible, but should be made in good time and all relevant documents must be submitted in good time.

I was pleasantly surprised by the space for creativity and personal input that is welcome in every project. The opportunity to make personal choices, mixed with a variety of courses and professional equipment, allows beautiful and fulfilling works to emerge.

You get the chance to become part of an interesting international community. The contact with people from all over the world brings novelty and drives valuable initiatives and connections. It was a unique learning experience that has definitely impacted my creative journey and my life as a whole.

Josefa, exchange student from Chile

The Erasmus exchange programme at SRH Berlin offered me an extraordinary opportunity to broaden my horizons and gain new insights into the world. As an international student, it was an unforgettable experience to immerse myself in a new culture and academic environment that challenged me personally and academically.

The exchange programme allowed me to discover the beauty and uniqueness of Berlin, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture and diverse people. I had the privilege of experiencing first-hand the way of life, customs and traditions of the German people, which helped me to appreciate and understand different perspectives and ways of life.

Ömer, exchange student from Turkey

Application & support

We are happy to help you with your exchange semester at SRH University! Don't hesitate to contact our International Office at any time if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with the support you need.