The academic year is divided into two semesters:

• the winter semester (WiSe) from 1 October to 31 March
• and the summer semester (SoSe) from 1 April to 30 September.

In the winter semester, the lecture period lasts approximately from mid-October to mid-February and comprises 14 weeks. In the summer semester, the lecture period lasts approximately from mid-April to the end of July and also comprises 14 weeks.

You can find the current semester dates here.

The International Office will assist you with the necessary formalities involved in moving to Vechta as well as with the steps for enrolment during the introductory weeks (Smoother Start Programme).

Registration and residence permit

Newly arrived students are required to register their residential address at the Bürgerbüro (citizen’s centre) of the city of Vechta. Students from non-EU countries also have to apply for a residence permit at the district of Vechta.

Bank account

For smooth and cost-effective payment transactions (e.g., payment of rent and semester fees), we recommend that exchange students open a German bank account. Students do not have to pay account maintenance fees at most local banks in Vecha.

Health insurance

German health insurance is generally required for enrolment at the university. There are some exceptions: For students from an EU country, the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is accepted for studying in Germany. (Exception: If you have a part-time job or are doing a paid internship/placement in Germany, you must have a German health insurance.) For students from Turkey, the AT/11 form is recognised for studying.

In Germany, there are statutory and private health insurance companies.

The contribution for statutory health insurance currently amounts to about EUR 100 per month. This covers almost all costs of medical treatments, which are settled directly between the health insurance company and the doctors. This means that you only have to show your insurance card when visiting the doctor and you do not have to advance any money for the treatment. The statutory health insurance companies in Germany are obliged to insure students at the student rate up to their 30th birthday. If you are 30 or older, on the other hand, you have to choose a private health insurance company, as the statutory health insurance company will no longer accept you. We recommend a statutory health insurance, if this is possible for you.
 
Private health insurance companies calculate premiums based on a health check. If you are privately insured, you have to pay for the consultations yourself, but you will get the money back from the health insurance company when you submit the bill there. Exactly which costs are covered depends on the insurance company.

If you choose private insurance, you will need an exemption for enrolment. This is a certificate stating that the insurance is sufficient. Statutory health insurance companies issue this certificate. Please note that only a few private insurances meet the requirements for an exemption and you cannot rely on the fact that an insurance that was accepted for fellow students a few years ago will still be accepted today.

Students can, with the approval of their home university, extend their stay for a second semester. All that is required is the transfer of the semester fee.

In order to remain enrolled for a third semester, an additional application must be submitted to the Admissions Office.

Within the framework of cooperation with partner universities, we regularly offer scholarships for exchange students.

The semester fee is about EUR 300 per semester for exchange students and includes the semester ticket (to use local buses and trains).

Rent costs currently range from EUR 170 to approximately EUR 350 per month. A rent of EUR 200 results in costs of living of approximately EUR 770.

The following list details the monthly costs that will incur while you study at the University of Vechta and is to help you plan your budget. However, the figures are only approximate values, which may vary depending on your own needs. The semester fees are not included here.