Zwei Studentinnen und ein Student sitzen an einem Tisch und unterhalten sich. Die Vogelperspektive zeigt den Tisch von oben, auf dem ein Ordner, Getränke und ein Laptop liegen.

During Your Studies

You are currently studying at the University of Mannheim and want to know what you have to keep in mind as international degree-seeking student? Then read through the following information. 

  • Study resources

    It is not always easy to find your way in a new academic environment. The University of Mannheim offers different resources to international students:

    Academic Practice Nuggets. Short videos addressingadvanced academic practices, such as “Time efficient and effective reading” and “How to critique”.

    Study Skills. These courses provide you with useful tips on academic writing and scientific research.

    studyconnect. A platform matching students to form learning groups.

    Teaching and Learning Center. Contact for everything about learning. Their website and offers are mostly in German.

    Learning and Study Techniques. Courses and techniques for learning methods, time management and self-management.

  • Changing programs

    If you are thinking about changing your program of study or university, we recommend attending a Changing Lanes presentation. If you hold a residence permit for the purpose of studying, some special regulations apply to changing your program or university.

    We are happy to advise you on any questions regarding this topic. 

  • Working and internships

    If you hold a German residence permit for the purpose of studying, you are generally allowed to work for 140 days (or 280 half-days) per calendar year. The foreigners’ office always has to be informed of long-term employments and must approve them. 
    The same applies to internships in Germany and abroad. Days worked as part of a voluntary internship are also counted towards the work days allowed. Vacation days, sick days and holidays, however, do not count.

    If you want to take an academic leave of absence in order to complete an internship, please go to Academic leave of absence for further information. Please keep in mind that your residence permit becomes invalid six months after you have left Germany.

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
     

  • Studying abroad

    If you are an international degree-seeking student at the University of Mannheim planning a semester abroad, you should check as early as possible if you need a visa for your host country and find out how to apply. 

    If you are not an EU/EEA citizen and hold a German residence permit for the purpose of studying, you have to notify the foreigners’ office of longer stays abroad beforehand and in due time. The foreigners’ office always has to be notified of your long-term plans and approve them. Please keep in mind that your residence permit becomes invalid six months after you have left Germany, even if it expires only at a later date. 

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions

  • Academic leave of absence

    Upon request, students can interrupt their studies, provided that they have an important reason for doing so.  Further information on requesting an academic leave of absence is provided here
    If you hold a German residence permit for the purpose of studying, an academic leave of absence requires the approval of the foreigners' office. The Foreigners' Office in Mannheim  does in most cases not permit an academic leave of absence due to an internship or semester abroad. If you are registered outside of Mannheim you must request approval from the foreigners' office of your place of residence beforehand and in due time.

    Please keep in mind that your residence permit becomes invalid six months after you have left Germany, even if it expires only at a later date.

    Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
     

  • Completing your studies

    If you hold a German residence permit for the purpose of studying, please keep in mind that this permit is directly linked to your status as a student. It usually becomes invalid two weeks after you have completed or dropped out of your program of study (disenrollment). Please note that, with regard to the right of residence, your program of study is deemed completed upon announcement of the grade of your last examination (usually on the portal).


    If you are not a citizen of the EU or EEA and want to stay in Germany for an extended period of time after the end of your studies, you will thus have to apply for a new residence permit at the competent foreigners’ office in due time.  


    If you are an international degree-seeking student wanting to work in Germany after your graduation, the Step by Step program of the International Office will assist you, for example in putting together your application documents. They also organize information events about working in Germany.  

    De-registration of residency

    You have to de-register as a resident of the respective town or city where you lived in Germany. If you have been living in Mannheim you will have to de-register at the residents’ registration office of the city of Mannheim (K7). You do not need an appointment for de-registration. You can de-register in person or via e-mail. For electronic de-registration please send an e-mail to: buergerservice.mitte(at)mannheim.de and attach the following documents:

    If you are member of a German health insurance, please ask the residents’ registration office for a confirmation of your de-registration. This confirmation has to be submitted to your German health insurance provider in order to terminate the membership.

I like that the University of Mannheim is very well equipped and tries to provide a relaxed study environment for its students. Its facilities include various libraries, the Learning Center, the Mensa, and sports courses.

Naira Ibrahim, student in the master’s program in Business Informatics, Cairo (Egypt) / Photo credit: Elisa Berdica

Contact:

Team International Degree-Seeking Students

Team International Degree-Seeking Students

University of Mannheim
Division II – Student Affairs
International Office
L 1, 1 – Room 108/109
68161 Mannheim
Opening hours:
Visit our offices without an appointment on Tuesdays from 9–11 a.m. (open office hours).