+49-(0)30 43660386-10

Student Services

While studying in Berlin, you will have the opportunity to explore Germany’s most exciting city, located in the heart of Europe. The city has much to offer – history, culture, architecture, an international community and a great variety of food. Germany’s capital has something for everyone.

At German International University - GIU, we prioritize the well-being of our students, addressing both incoming and outgoing mobility. Whether you are arriving in Berlin to embark on your academic journey or preparing to venture out for an international experience, we are dedicated to ensuring your seamless transition. Our commitment extends beyond the confines of academic support, encompassing various aspects of student life.

GIU is also part of the Erasmus family. The European Commission awarded GIU the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, confirming the participation in the Erasmus+ program to promote the mobility of students and the cooperation of educational institutions.

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International Office

At the heart of GIU's commitment to global education and collaboration lies the International Office. GIU International Office serves as the central hub for facilitating and promoting international initiatives, encompassing both incoming and outgoing mobility, in order to ensure a seamless integration of students and staff from diverse backgrounds. As a pivotal component of the university's framework, the International Office is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected community.

Key responsibilities of our International Office include:

  • Student Exchange Programs: Facilitating and coordinating student exchange programs with partner universities worldwide, allowing students to immerse themselves in different academic and cultural environments.
  • International Collaborations: Cultivating and maintaining partnerships with renowned global institutions to promote collaborative research, joint academic projects, and faculty exchanges.
  • Global Mobility: Overseeing the mobility of both students and faculty members, promoting cross-cultural experiences and enabling the exchange of knowledge and expertise on a global scale.
  • Advisory Services: Providing advisory services to international students and scholars, offering support on matters such as visas, residence, and cultural adaptation.
  • Cultural Integration: Organizing events, workshops, and cultural exchange programs to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures within the GIU community.

For inquiries, assistance, or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to reach out to us:

German International University – International Office
Am Borsigturm 162, 13507 Berlin
Phone: +49-(0)30 43660386-12
Email: international@giu-berlin.de

Director of the International Office
Ms. Sarah Elsawaf
Office Hours: By appointment


Incoming Mobility


For those arriving at GIU, we provide comprehensive services, including orientation sessions before the semester begins, exciting excursions, and insightful company visits. These initiatives are designed to not only facilitate a smooth start in the city but also to enrich your overall experience during your stay.

Our service at GIU goes way beyond the study program and academic advising services. Be assured that our team accompanies and supports you once you are admitted as a GIU student, even before you arrive in Berlin. We will help you with all organizational and bureaucratic issues that you will face especially in the beginning.

Below you'll find crucial information about essential matters, including residence registration, banking procedures, medical support and more.

  • Residence Registration:

When and why do I have to go to the Residence Registration office?

You have moved to Berlin from abroad or from another community in Germany to Berlin or moved apartments within Berlin?

In all cases you have to register (by German Registration Law!) at the residence registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days after your arrival.

You can hand in the residence registration form at one of more than 40 residence registration offices in Berlin.

As soon as you are registered, you will receive a residence registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) which you will need for i.e. opening a bank account or for other purposes where you need to proof your residence in Berlin. So make sure to always keep a copy!

Which documents do I need for the residence registration?

  • Residence Registration form, filled out and signed available online
  • The apartment donor confirmation, filled out and signed by the landlord available online
  • Copy of Original Passport (if required with visa) or official ID card

How can the GIU support me in that process?

The GIU administration staff helps you with filling out the application form and affirms if all needed documents are complete.

Furthermore, your application will be handed in at the residence registration office near the GIU Campus and you will be informed once your registration confirmation is ready to be picked up on Campus.

  • Bank account

Why do I need a bank account?

A bank account is there to facilitate your financial affairs.

It is necessary for:

  • Receiving payments (i.e. support from your family, salary)
  • Doing transfers (i.e. payment of rent)
  • Having an easy overview of your financial situation

Which documents are needed to open up a bank account?

  • Original Passport (if required with visa) or official ID card
  • Residence registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung)
  • University enrollment confirmation (to be eligible for a student’s account)

How can the GIU support me in that process?

The GIU will support you in recommending online banks and bank branches located near the GIU Campus and affirm if all needed documents are complete.

  • Medical Support

Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany to cover the costs of medical treatment. The German health insurance system differentiates between public insurances (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) and private insurances (private Krankenversicherung).

All students in Germany must have a valid health insurance either from a private or a public health insurance There is free choice upon the type of insurance. There is differences in terms of monthly fees, cost coverage and reimbursement process.

All students, who decide for a private health insurance, have to opt out from a public health insurance and sign an exemption form within the first 90 days after arrival.

Students from countries which have a social security agreement with Germany

Students from EU countries and from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey do not need to take a health insurance policy in Germany. They only need to bring proof of health insurance from their home countries. Get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from your insurance company.

Students who have private health insurance at home which they want to use in Berlin

Students with private insurance from their home country need to bring a confirmation in English or German stating that it covers all costs in case of medical treatment. With this document they can choose any public health insurance and ask for exemption from the obligatory German health insurance. A travel insurance is not sufficient for this purpose.

Please note:

  • Patients with private health insurance will be billed personally; they have to pay the bill for medical treatment themselves and can later submit the bill to their insurance company to get the amount reimbursed.
  • Please note: private insurances do not cover the costs for regular health checkups or medical treatment of diseases that existed before entering Germany.

How can GIU support me in that process?

GIU will support you in explaining the differences between private and public health insurance, handling exemptions and assist if you need help in liaising with the health insurance, doctors or the hospital.

  • Life in Berlin

Berlin is the hub of Europe and one of the most vibrant cities around the world. Experience Berlin’s rich history, cosmopolitan architecture and diverse cultural scene.

Berlin, the city of youth, has a strong international community and world-class universities, making it a leading platform within the arena of higher education.

For more info, please visit berlin and visit berlin

  • Public transportation

BVG (public transportation guide)

The public transportation network consists of underground metro, busses, trains (S-Bahn) and trams. The penalty for not having a valid ticket is 60€. The Berlin tariff area is subdivided into zones A, B & C.

Please note: Beware of tricksters! Please buy your tickets only at official outlets.

  • Traveling

From Berlin, you have easy and affordable access to all nearby European cities. Depending on the destination, you can travel by bus, train or plane. Close to Berlin, there are interesting German cities such as Hamburg, Leipzig and Dresden which can best be reached by bus or train. Within Europe, the closest cities to Berlin are Prague (best to be reached by bus or train) and Budapest (best to be reached by plane).

Travel preparation tips

  • Book well in advance as bus, train and plane tickets as well as accommodation will be much cheaper
  • Always carry a copy of your passport (in case you lose your passport)
  • Make sure not to store all your money in the same place, i.e. always store your cash and credit/debit card in a different place
  • Take confirmations of all your previously arranged bookings/reservations with you

Traveling by bus

Traveling by bus is by far the cheapest way of traveling both within Germany and to most European cities. All busses depart from “Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof" (ZOB) The most popular bus lines are Flixbus, BerlinLinienBus and Eurolines. Make sure to ask for student’s discounts.

Berlinlinienbus Offers connections to all major German cities as well as to some European destinations. For more info and tickets https://www.fernbusse.de/fernbus-anbieter/berlin-linien-bus/

Eurolines Offers connections to all major European and German cities. For more info and tickets click here

Traveling by train

Berlin "Hauptbahnhof" offers an extensive network of train connections to almost everywhere in Germany as well as to European cities such as Prague, Paris and Vienna. “Deutsche Bahn” continuously offers ticket contingents at discounted prices and cheaper online deals through its website. Make sure to book well in advance to get one of these cheaper deals.

For more info click here

Traveling by plane

The major airport “Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg” (Welcome to BER) is located southeast of the city center and can easily be reached by public transport (train, S-Bahn). It is served by both major airlines and low-cost carriers.

To search for cheap flights, click here


Outgoing Mobility

If you are planning to undertake an international exchange or study abroad program from GIU, our team is here for you. We offer guidance and assistance in navigating the organizational and bureaucratic aspects associated with outgoing mobility. From pre-departure preparations to your return, we strive to make your global academic pursuits as rewarding as possible.

In this context, GIU provides administrative support to all qualified for international mobility, i.e. students, faculty members, and staff, which includes below key tasks:

  • Facilitating the creation and submission of Learning Agreements, ensuring that academic plans align with the requirements of both GIU and the host institution,
  • Providing guidance on the selection of courses and helping students understand the credit transfer process,
  • Providing information on budgeting, cost of living in the destination country, and offering guidance on available financial resources,
  • Providing information to mobility participants on insurance policies and coverage during their time abroad,
  • Providing resources and assistance to facilitate the integration of participants into the cultural and professional fabric of the host country,
  • Establishing robust communication channels for emergency support, extending to all individuals participating in outgoing mobility.

Campus Facilities

o All time accessible PC Pool/ WLAN
o Cafeteria & Recreation Lounge
o Copying/ Printing
o Library
o Lockers
o Quiet Study Area