Beginning of studies for international students

What is the status of my application?

Please check the status in our application portalExternal link.

Is my enrolment completed with the application for enrolment? 

No, please read "Preparing your enrolment" in the chapter Enrolment. To start and complete your enrolment, follow steps 1-7 in the same chapter.

When should I transfer my semester contribution?

Please make the transfer only after arrival in Jena. See step 3A in the chapter Enrolment.

Which health insurance should I mention in my application for enrolment?

If you have not got a German statutory health insurance yet, please enter no data. Please see more on this in #2 in the chapter Before Arrival and step 3C in the chapter Enrolment.

Has my application for enrolment been received?

Please check the status in our application portalExternal link.

Can I enroll (pay the semester contribution) or study online or from outside Germany?

Please do not do this. Please read all about the Enrolment below.

Can I get an enrolment certificate for my visa application?

Please use your admission letter for the visa application. An enrolment certificate is issued only after enrolment has been completed, see steps 1-8 below.

Which official contact person should I mention in my visa application?

Dr. Britta Salheiser, Internationales Büro der Universität Jena, Fürstengraben 1, 07743 Jena, incoming@uni-jena.de, +49 (0)3641 9-401521.

What should I do if my visa is granted late?

Please read the first subchapter in Enrolment. In case you cannot make it to Jena by 24 October 2025 (winter semester 2025/26) or 17 April 2026 (summer semester 2026) at the latest, you cannot be enrolled. In this case, please reapply for the next semester. 

Is there a scholarship for me and how can I apply?

Scholarships are not automatically provided with admission. You have to apply for a scholarship between 6-12 months before it starts. Please read all about financing your studies in #4 in the chapter Before Arrival.

I don't have a room yet. What should I do?

Please search on the private market, in the cities near Jena. For more information, see #3 in the chapter Before Arrival.

How do I get a Welcome Buddy to help me?

Please see #6 in the chapter Before Arrival.

Do I need a blocked account?

All degree-seeking students from outside the EU will need a blocked account, see #2 in the chapter Living in Jena.

Can I enroll without a permanent address in Germany?

Yes, the University accepts a temporary Germany address for enrollment and does not need the official registration certificate. So if you live in a hostel or with friends, please provide this address. For the registration at the Residents Registration Office/Citizens Service you will need a certificate (Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung) from your regular, permanent accommodation provider. Registration should be made within 14 days after moving in (or at the next appointment available). See #1 in the chapter Living in Jena. 

How do I get a semester ticket?

After completing your enrolment, you will get your semester ticket (see step 6 in the Enrolment chapter)  (valid from 1 April/1 October); until then please buy local transport tickets, e.g. the VMTExternal link weekly ticket. The DeutschlandticketExternal link may be cheaper than a monthly or regional ticket, but remember to cancel it by 10 April/October. Learn more

Where can I print documents?

If you (or friends) have got a thoska with credit on it, you may use the copy machines on campus or in the Computer Centre. Otherwise, take a USB drive (or send an email) to any of the copy shops (at Krautgasse, Schlossgasse, Unter der Kirche). Coin-operated copiers are located on level 0 in the main library building (Bibliotheksplatz 2) and in the Law, Economics and Social Sciences sub-library (Carl-Zeiss-Straße 3). Maybe a friend has got a printer?

How can I pay at the canteen without my thoska?

See the information about the thoska in step 7 in the Enrolment chapter.

Where can I leave my bags after arrival?

Baggage lockers can be found at the Paradies stationExternal link.

Will anybody pick me up at the airport?

Jena does not offer this service. Please us the information about Travelling to Jena below to plan your journey.

Please read carefully the instructions you received with your admission. Only when your application file is complete will we prepare your enrolment in the International Office (steps 1-7 below). If you live outside Germany, make steps 3-4 (semester contribution payment, address form, health insurance) only after arrival in Germany, i.e. not when sending the application for enrolment.

1. Complete the application for enrolment in the Friedolin 2.0 portalExternal link
2. print it,
3. sign it and
4. send it together with the documents (checklist on page 1-2) by air/courier post to the University. The address and the deadline are written on the first page of the application form.

Enrolment can start only 2 workings days after the submission of your complete enrolment application with the required documents (copies of diplomas etc.).

Visa necessary?

First, please check with the help of the Foreign Office portalExternal link if you need an entry visa if you want to study in Germany. Do not enter with a tourist/Schengen visa, because this is not valid for studying and cannot be changed into a student residence permit.

If you already have a residence title, e.g. for au pair or work, please clarify 5 months before the start of your studies with the responsible Immigration Office whether you can continue your studies at the University of Jena directly afterwards or whether you have to leave Germany beforehand and apply for a visa from abroad.

Your passport should be valid at least 6 more months.

Visa application

Make an appointment as early as possible. Please use your admission letter to apply for a student visa as soon as you receive it. Apply for your visa for studying or seeking a university place at the Consular Services PortalExternal link of the German Foreign Office. Please note:

• You need to upload your passport, admission letter, proof of financial ressources, health insurance, language certificates, motivation letter.
• Applications are processed in the order of registration. Processing may take between 2-12 months.
• We do not provide enrolment certificates until after enrolment has ben finished (see step 7 below). An information about the required language level can be quoted from the study programme description.
• If you are required to provide a university contact person in the visa application, please mention:
• Dr. Britta Salheiser, Internationales Büro der Universität Jena, Fürstengraben 1, 07743 Jena, incoming@uni-jena.de, +49 (0)3641 9-401521. 
• FAQExternal link

Proof of financial ressources

You should set aside approx. EUR 750-900/month to cover rent, health insurance, food, books, and personal items. You may find a respective table of costs in the Applicant's Guidepdf, 13 mb · de.

Applying for a student visa or residence permit, students should be able to prove sufficient financial means of EURO 11,904 or EURO 13,092 in the DSH course (2025) for the first year in a blocked accountExternal link. Please see our information about blocked accounts in our website on financing your studies.

Health insurance 

Applying for a student visa, you will have to show a health insurance for travel to Germany. You can freely choose this health insurance for the trip, but please also note the information provided by the German embassy.

For the enrolment other rules apply, see below. Some of the insurance providers mentioned there also offer travel insurances which are valid for visa applications.

Coming to Jena from another German university or changing your study programme:

It may be that your current visa is valid for the studies at your old university only (see the green paper in addition to your visa card) or for your old study programme. Complete your enrolment by 15 February/August and apply for your new residence permit right away.

• Changing the University: In this case, you must apply for a new student visa after enrolling at the University of Jena. However, if you were previously enrolled as a visiting student at another German university as part of an exchange programme with a university in another EU country, you must leave Germany, apply for a student visa at an embassy outside Germany and then re-enter. 
• Change of study programme (e.g. from guest studies or DSH course to regular studies, or change of subject): In the case of such a change, it is not always possible to stay without leaving Germany and re-applying for a visa. Please inform your local Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) about your plans before you make the change. Please note that changes from the DSH course to the Master's course or from the Master's course to the Bachelor's course will not be approved without detailed justification.

After enrolment

Visas are usually valid for 12 months. Please apply for a student residence permit at the Immigration Office below no later than 2 months before the visa becomes invalid.

You do NOT have an automatic room reservation with your admission to studies. You must search for your accomodation yourself; the University cannot help you with this. You will need a permanent address to register at the City Registration Office and to activate your bank account. Start searching at least three months before arriving. The housing situation in Jena is very difficult in autumns/winter!

Option 1: Apply for a room in the dormitory of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen

Apply for a furnished room in one of the  halls of residenceExternal link in any case, even if you have not received your admission letter yet.  ApplyExternal link by 15 January or 15 July. Make sure you remember to confirm your application and subsequent offer by e-mail, too. If you get an offer, please accept it, there will be no second offer, don't be picky. If finally you do not want to take the room, you can reject the offer before lectures start. 

Places are few and there is a high demand, therefore there is no guarantee you will be given a place in the halls of residence. Therefore, please also read the information about searching for private rental offers:

Option 2: Private rental, apartments, shared flats

Please be aware that it can be extremely difficult to find a private accommodation in Jena and that, if you are successful, it might be rather expensive. We therefore recommend that, from the start, you also look for accommodation in neighbouring cities (e.g. Weimar, Erfurt, Kahla, Gera, Apolda, Camburg, Stadtroda, Rudolstadt, Saalfeld) to where you can commute for free with your semester ticket. Many of our students commute every day. A train ride from Weimar takes about 15 minutes, from Erfurt 25-30 minutes only.

• Hostels and hotels pdf, 110 kb · dein Jena and the surrounding area for the first days
• See our Handbookpdf, 469 kb · de with further advice and useful links
• Use the private room platformExternal link 
• ask for finally unlet dormitory rooms in Jena, Weimar, Erfurt: wj@stw-thueringen.de 

Beware! There are fraudulent offersExternal link (DE) out there. You should not do the following:

• Transfer money ("advance payment", "deposit") before you have seen the room and received a contract.
• Transfer money abroad
• Accept location sight unseen
• Other tipsExternal link (DE)

Get advice: Podcast and workshops about room search

Listen to our podcast about the topic and please find the dates of the next workshops about the room search in the calendar (select Welcome Days in the filter), in which the WelcomeCafé team will give advice on how to search for a room.

Please be aware of the fact that you will NOT automatically receive a scholarship with your admission. Applications for scholarships must usually be made 6-12 months before starting your studies. Please do not start your studies without having secured your financial resources.

All non-EU citizens will usually have to prove their financial resources with a blocked account when applying for a visa or residence permit.

Please see our information about financing your studies.

Scheduling your arrival

Please be aware of the various dates for

• the lecture period and the Orientation Days (see below),
• the recommendation regarding enrolment  and its deadlines
• DSH Course: entrance test
• the enrolment (see below).
• the German intensive course of the University Language Centre (see below),
• arriving in your dorm. If you are living in one of the halls of residence of the Studierendenwerk, you should ask the responsible student dormitory residential tutor when you can move in to your room; ask your housing provider if your room is available earlier. Otherwise, please organize other accommodation (see "Accommodation" above).
• a pre-course/German course you might be attending before the beginning of the semester (1.4./1.10.):
• different timetables may apply on public holidays and at weekends. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, and German Unity Day on 3 October).

Travelling to Jena

1. If you cannot come by train/bus/car (Autobahn A4/A9) only, please fly to airports Leipzig, Munich, Frankfurt or Berlin which have a good and sometimes direct train or bus connection to Jena.
2. Take a train or bus directly to Jena or via Erfurt/Weimar/Leipzig. Schedules and tickets are available at: DB NavigatorExternal link, FlixbusExternal link. You may also consider booking a lift at https://www.mifaz.de/External link. Be careful through.
3. In Jena, take a bus or tram:  JeNahExternal link, VMTExternal link . Taxis (+49 3641 458888) are expensive.
4. The DeutschlandticketExternal link (58€) may be used on all local public transport (not IC/ICE trains, private coach or train services).
5. Baggage lockers can be found at the Paradies stationExternal link.

Learn more about transportation

Welcome Buddies (International Office mentoring programme) help international students after arrival with administrative procedures, the enrolment at the university and the registration at the city authorities, with everything you need to do to start your studies. Welcome buddies are usually available from late September until mid-October/late March - early April, before lectures start.

Please register for the Welcome Buddy programme two-three weeks before your arrival. You will receive the contact details of your Welcome Buddy after having sent your exact arrival date to the buddy management and approximately two weeks before your arrival in Jena. You may find further information regarding support.

• UniStartJena: the app for all new students of the University of Jena. Everything about your first semester.
• The University of Jena on FacebookExternal link, InstagramExternal link, TiktokExternal link and YouTube External link
• DB navigatorExternal link for public transport tickets, routes and timetables
• MeinJena (free wifi and more): MeinJena-AppExternal link
• 360 degree tourExternal link over Jena

You may buy prepaid SIM cards with internet credit at the airport, big railway stations and online.

We recommend that all international students continue to learn or practise German alongside their studies. You can do this inexpensively with courses at the University Language Centre.

Intensive course in September: learn some German before starting your studies

The Language Centre offers an intensive German course (on site) in September. Take part for only 80€. The best 10 participants get a refund. Registration: 4 August- 2 September 2025, mention your student or applicant number and select "student" status.

If you have been accepted for a room by Studierendenwerk Thüringen, ask whether you might be able to move in as early as September. Alternatively, look for short-term accommodation (see above: 3. Accommodation/room search)

There are also free self-study programmes:

• Deutsche Welle: https://learngerman.dw.com/en/learn-german/s-9528External link
• Goethe-Institut: https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/ueb.htmlExternal link
• Watch TV/films, for example: https://www.ardmediathek.deExternal link 
• Listen to the radio, for example: https://www.sputnik.de/home/index.htmlExternal link 

• Passport or identity card, valid at least 6 months
• Vaccination records
• Admission letter to study at the University of Jena
• Erasmus students: Certificate of Arrival/Attendance (you will receive this from your home university)
• Smartphone with SIM card and internet credit
• Laptop
• Clothes for all weather conditions (from -10° up to +40°)
• Debit or credit card (for the semester contribution payment (see enrolment step 3A) and other payments) 
• At least EUR 1,000 in cash for the first 4-6 weeks.

The International Office offers workshops before enrollment begins to prepare you for your start of studies. Here you can also ask questions. The following topics will be covered:

• Dormitory application
• Visa application
• Financing your studies
• Arrival organization
• Welcome Buddy programme
• Enrolment
• Orientation days
• Welcome days
• Information material
• FAQ: all other questions you wish to ask.

You can find details about the pre-arrival workshops for degree-seeking students and DSH course participants on 16 July und 10 September 2025 in the calendar.

Please take part with a computer/laptop with a camera and microphone.

We do not offer a recording or pdf of these workshops, because you may find all information on this website here.

Guest (exchange) students please note the dates of their special workshops.

Germany and Thuringia: Language and Culture

The Study in Thuringia platform offers two courses on Language & Culture and Everday Life. The courses are free of charge and have a modular structure. https://study-in-thuringia.de/courses/External link 

Dates and important deadlines:

• The summer semester 2025 began on 1 April 2025 and will end on 30 September 2025. Lectures started on 7 April 2025 and finish on 11 July 2025.
• The winter semester begins on 1 October 2025, lectures start on 13 October 2025. Note: Thursday, 3 October 2024, is a public holiday; public institutions like the University and all shops are closed.
• The Study Orientation Days (STET) take place between 1-10 October 2025.

Recommendation: Start your enrolment (= submission of documents according to steps 3-4) before 2 October 2025 in order not to miss the Study Orientation Days and seat allocation for the lectures. See chapter 2, STET.

DSH course participants please start your enrolment only after the entrance test on 29 September 2025 and by 10 October 2025. Please note the special instructions you will receive after admission and at the entrance test.

Why the dates are important: 

Only after starting your enrolment (= submission of the correct documents according to steps 3-4) you will receive your PIN for the registration at the University Computer Centre (step 5, Campus login). This is technically possible on the following day only. You will need this login to register for courses in the Friedolin portal (= building your time table; see chapter 2, STET) and for activating your semester ticket.

You will receive your student ID thoska a few days after completing steps 3-4.

What happens if you miss these dates:

If you start your enrolment after 8 October 2025 (winter semester 2025/26), you may still register for courses but without guarantee to get a seat in courses with restricted admission. You may have to ask the lecturers whether admission is still possible in courses with restricted admission (Admission is no longer possible in German courses of the Language Centre or the DSH course). After the start of lectures, the University cannot provide the full Welcome Service such as Orientation events, Welcome Buddies, WelcomeCafé or integrative events. The University does not help with searching for accommodation and this is more difficult after the start of semester. Important: If you enrol after the recommended date, it may happen that you do not get a place in all courses this semester, i.e. that you cannot successfully complete the semester and that your study time is therefore extended. This can later lead to problems when it comes to extending your residence permit or financing your studies.

Enrolment is not possible:

• after Friday, 24 October 2025, 12 a.m., because the University cannot ensure a regular study course after that. This date is set by the Enrolment Regulations of the University.
• If you cannot obtain a visa or cannot enter Germany in time due to travel restrictions, please let us know: incoming@uni-jena.de and please reapply for the next year. We have no influence on the granting of visas. 

If you have questions:

Please first read all the information in this website carefully.

If your cannot find our answer here, please

• ask your Welcome Buddy (Have not got any yet? Then register here) or
• ask the WelcomeCafé Team at the WelcomeCafé at the International Centre (Johannisplatz 26), 29 September - 10 October 2025, Mon-Fri, 13:00-15:00 (except 3 October 2025) or
• write an email to us at incoming@uni-jena.de
• please use the UniStartJenaapp for all new students of the University of Jena. Everything about your first semester.

Please read carefully the instructions you received with your admission. You will have to send an enrolment application and documents to create a student file. Only when your application file is complete will we prepare your enrolment in the International Office (steps 2-7 below). Steps 3-4 (semester contribution payment, contact data, health insurance) should be made only after arrival in Germany.

1. Complete the application for enrolment in the Friedolin 2.0 portalExternal link,
2. print it,
3. sign it and
4. send it together with the documents (checklist on page 1-2) by air/courier post to the University. The address and the deadline are written on the first page of the application form.

Enrolment can start only 2 workings days after the submission of your complete enrolment application with the required documents (copies of diplomas etc.).

You can see the status of your enrolment in the Friedolin 2.0 portalExternal link,

• Status "Request for enrolment" = your application has not yet arrived
• Status "Application for enrolment in progress" = your application has arrived but is not yet complete, see details in the portal and steps 3-4 below  
• Info "missing documents" = your application is not complete, see details in the portal and steps 3-4 below 
• Status "Enrolled" = your application is complete, but you may still have to wait for your PIN and thoska (steps 5-7), please read messages in the portal and your emails

Note on the semester contribution and the health insurance (M10):

• please pay your semester contribution only after arrival, see step 3A below.
• if, at the time of applying fo enrolment, you have not got a German health insurance yet, please indicate this in the application (select no health insurance yet). If you have one, we can check the M10 only after you have completed steps 3-4 below.

Visit the WelcomeCafé at the International Centre (Johannisplatz 26), 29 September - 17 October 2025 (except 3 October), Mon-Fri, 15:00-17:00.

Here you will get your printed Enrolment Guide, helpful answers and guidance about the enrollment, and you will meet nice people.

Please also use the UniStartJena app for new students of the University of Jena.

All students of the University of Jena have to pay the semester fee. The semester contribution is not a tuition fee. The contribution includes

• the fee for the Studierendenwerk Thüringen,
• the semester ticket for the public regional transport in Germany,
• the culture ticket,
• the Thoska and
• the contribution for the student council.

WHEN SHOULD I PAY?

Please pay only after you arrive in Germany, DSH course participants after passing the entrance test.

HOW CAN I PAY?

Cash payment is not possible. You have two other options for payment:

OPTION 1 = Card payment - the quick and easy method 

• Where? - at the International Office during the office hours
• How? - with MasterCard, Visa, Visa Electron, VPay, EC debit/giro card, Apple/Google Pay (mobile phone). If you have not got such a card yourself, you may also ask a friend whether you may use theirs.
• Bring with you: card/phone, card PIN and passport/personal ID. Keep the payment proof for yourself.

OPTION 2 = Bank transfer - the slower method

• Why is it slower? - The bank transfer and allocation of your money to your student account will take up to one week.
• When? - Please transfer the money after arrival in Jena only.
• From which account? - German or SEPA bank account (you may use a friends'; note the information about opening a bank account below.).
• Which proof? - To allocate your payment, the University needs a bank transfer statement in German or English which must contain the sum, reference code, university IBAN, booking date, name of the account holder and his/her IBAN. Hand in your proof as requested in step 4 below.

For the winter semester 2025/26 please transfer 325,05 € to this account:

• Recipient: Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Bank: Deutsche Bundesbank
• IBAN: DE09 8200 0000 0083 0015 03
• SWIFT/BIC: MARKDEF1820
• reason for payment: 252-applicant number-799, first name last name
  (for example: 252-123456-799, Max Mustermann). 

All new students have to submit their current postal address and contact data in Germany. This can be a temporary address, for example, if you stay with friends (and submit your new address after every move). If you have given a German address in your enrolment application, we still need the address form with your current, valid German semester address.

Fill in this form after arrival, after having checked what exactly is written at your mailbox:

• pdf [pdf, 131 kb]pdf, 114 kb · de or
• in the centre of the Study Guide brochure or
• paper form (both on display opposite room 0.17, Fürstengraben 1).

Please note:

1. Fill in your current data, after moving into your German accommodation.
2. If you do not know your student number yet, leave it empty.
3. Write in the form what exactly (names, numbers) is written on your mailbox. Make sure your name is on the mailbox.
4. We do NOT need your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) from the Bürgerservice.
5. Hand in the paper form, not by email. See step 5 below.

In addition, you may also submit the Emergency contact formpdf, 125 kb · de (data of your contact persons whom the student administration may contact in case of emergency). 

Your insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay at the University, i.e. from the first day of the semester (1 April/October) until the day of the de-registration. Register after arrival in Germany/Jena.

Students of under 30 years of age:

A German public health insurance is standard for students under the age of 30. In Jena, there are:

• AOKExternal link: Ludwig-Weimar-Gasse 4, 07743 Jena (email)
• BARMERExternal link: Holzmarkt 1, 07743 Jena (email)
• TKExternal link: Steinweg 24; 07743 Jena (email)
• DAKExternal link: Löbderstraße 7; 07743 Jena (email)
• When registering with the health insurance company, please mention the "sender number" H0000923 of the University of Jena.
• The health insurance company will register your status "M10.1" electronically with the university. You do not have to hand in any documents to the University. We can check the M10 only after you have completed steps 3-4.

However, if you have got a statutory EU health insurance (EHIC) or a private insurance (for example provided by your scholarship  such as DAAD), you must apply for exemption from the obligation to have a statutory German health insurance (or buy one). Contact a statutory the insurances (e.g. AOK, Barmer, DAK or TK, see above) and submit to them a photocopy of the following items:

• passport/id card,
• admission letter,
• European Halth Insurance card or substitute certificate or private health insurance contract,
• your complete German address (you may use the form of step 2 above).
• When registering with the health insurance company, please mention the "sender number" H0000923 of the University of Jena.
• The health insurance company will register your status "M10.2" electronically with the university. You do not have to hand in any documents to the University.

Note: Please make sure that you have sufficient insurance coverage. The university does not cover any costs in case of illness.

Students over the age of 30, Participants in the DSH-Course or Study College, Guest Doctoral Candidates:

... should also have a health insurance (and must show a proof when applying for a residence permit). You can only be voluntary members of the public health insurance system. The alternative is a German private insurance such as Care StudentExternal link, Educare24, External linkYoung Travel ProfiExternal link (Hanse-Merkur/Advigon), Mawista StudentExternal link, Vela optimalExternal link or Travel Secure YoungExternal link (Würzburger). Make sure you choose the health plan which also covers rehabilitation, pregnancy and psychotherapy. Some also offer combinations with Travel, liability and accident insurances.

You do not have to hand in any documents to the University.

Do you need a doctor?

Please see the information about finding a doctor and studying with a disability or chronical illness.

Registration at the University Computer Centre

You must register at the University Computer Centre; the use of your uni-jena.de email address is mandatory.

You receive the PIN for registration by email from the International Office after submitting the proof of paying the semester contribution and your German postal address form (step 3 A and 3 B above).

One day after receiving your student ID number and your PIN, register at https://portal.uni-jena.de/iam/login?dswid=6151External link (select the language at the top right-hand corner). It is not ossible to register on the same day for technical reasons. Note down your login and password! 

After registration, you...

• may change the password,
• must activate and use your University’s mailbox at https://exchange.uni-jena.de/External link (mandatory)
  • Login: FSUJENA\URZ-Login (e.g. FSUJENA\ab12cde) and password
  • WikiExternal link about the mail service
• use the University’s course and examination management portal Friedolin 1.0External link.
• print student certificates from Friedolin 1.0External link.
• activate your semester ticket.
• use the WiFi on campus and in student dormitories (fees).

Free internet access is available in the city

• after registration in the MeinJena appExternal link
• in the computer room at the International Centre (“Haus auf der Mauer”, Am Johannisplatz 26, Jena).
• in internet cafes all over the city.

Wifi hotspots (eduroam access) are available in all main university facilities. But you can only access them with private computers after registering in the University Computer Centre. In order to use the internet in halls of residence (€10/month), you also need to register at the UCC first in order to be able to gain access from the Studierendenwerk.

After activating your cmapus login (step 5), you may activate your semester ticket for the public regional transport all over Germany. You will need a smartphone with internet access for this. Please find more information about the semester ticketExternal link and the DeutschlandsemesterticketExternal link . Before receiving your semester ticket, please buy a ticket for the local transport VMTExternal link. 

Once you have submitted all of the documents that are required for enrolment purposes to the International Office (see above), we will process them, finalize your enrolment and order your student ID card thoska be produced.

A few days later we will inform you by email when you can come and get your thoska during our office hours.

Information about all thoska functions can be found here.

Eating in the canteen: As long as you do not have your own thoska, you can a) pay for food or drinks with EC (maestro)/Visa/Master Card at the guest price or b) ask other students if they can pay for you with their thoska (you will give the money back to them in cash).

Enrolment certificates are available only after step 1-5 of the enrolment have been completed.

You may print student certificates for the Immigration Office, your bank or other institutions from Friedolin 1.0External link after registering for your campus login (see step 5 above).

For more information, see Living in Jena.

Students who receive an Erasmus grant from their home university should hand in the form confirming the day of arrival (start of guest study period) to the International Office (mailbox next to office 0.18 UHG) immediately after arrival.

You will receive this form from your home university. The IO Jena will fill in the form and send it to your home university via email. The form will remain in your student file.

We, on prinicple, confirm the first day of the semester (1.10./1.4.) as the start date and the day of exmatriculation as the end date. Please clarify possible effects on your scholarship with your home university; you may also need to use your travel documents as an additional proof for your home university.

Please do not forget to hand in the departure form (confirmation of the day of departure or duration of stay) before leaving Jena.

• The summer semester 2025 began on 1 April 2025 and will end on 30 September 2025. Lectures started on 7 April 2025 and finish on 11 July 2025.
• The winter semester begins on 1 October 2025, lectures start on 13 October 2025. Note: Thursday, 3 October 2024, is a public holiday; public institutions like the University and all shops are closed.
• The Study Orientation Days (STET) take place between 1-10 October 2025.

Make sure to arrive before the Orientation Days. 

See all dates in detail.

Note the dates of public holidays in ThuringiaExternal link. On public holidays, the University and shops (except at airports, big train stations, gas stations) are closed.

This IMPORTANT! With your enrolment, you are NOT automatically registered four your courses. You must build your timetable and register for modules and exams yourself. You learn how to do this during the STET (study Orientation Days).

DO NOT MISS: Study Orientation Days ("STET") 1-10 October 2025

You should complete your enrolment and register at the University Computer Centre at least 1 day before, see above.

The STET will offer central information about organizing your studies and subject-specific information about your study programme. You may find all this at: Orientation Days. 

VERY IMPORTANT: Friedolin 1.0 introduction. Watch the training videos: https://www.uni-jena.de/en/STET_Friedolin! They tell you:

• How and where to find courses and modules in Friedolin 1.0External link,
• When and how to register for courses and modules,
• When and how places are allocated, what you should do if you missed the seat allocation on 6 and 9 October 2025, see "dates" at https://friedolin.uni-jena.de/External link,
• How and when to register for exams.

If you have missed the Oriantation Programme and for questions and advice, please contact your subject-specific academic advisor or Central Student Advisory Service. Their contact details can be found in the study programme description. You may also ask students of the Student Representative Council (Fachschaftsrat); you may find their contact on the website of the StuRaExternal link or of the Faculty/Institute/Study Programme (tipp: ask advanced students!).

The International Office offers undergraduate students a subject-specific academic mentoring programme to ensure your study success.

Guest (exchange) students please note the information regarding ECTS and the portal Onleila, course and exam registration in the course information for guest students

The results of the DSH exam in July and September 2025 and the DSH course entrance test in September 2025 will be sent to participants by email in due time.

Learn/practice German - for study, job search, social interaction. Please note

• the German courses offered by the Language Centre and
• the registration (mandatory!, until 7 October 2025) and
• the placement test on 7 October 2025 online (mandatory!)
• the enrolment for courses is possible only after taking the placement test (exception: students without any prior knowledge), takes place on 10 October 2025.
• Registered participants will receive more information from the Language Centre by email.

The Campus Europa courseExternal link combines German language course (B2-C1) with German and European studies.

There are also courses in many other languages at (almost) all levels, no placement test there. Use the time to discover the world this way and get into conversation with other students!

Studying at a German university may be very different from what you expect or are used to. Please ask lecturers and fellow students if you have any questions or are unfamiliar with certain learning techniques. There are also various offers of help:

• Tutorials in the department (see Friedolin or ask your lecturers)
• "Studierbar": workshop series and method tips
• Writing Centre de: materials and support services for learning to write scientifically/academically 

For digital or hybrid studies, orgainzing your studies or examinations, or collaborating with other students, there are several tools.

The Welcome Days and many other events help you to get to know the University and city of Jena and make new friends quickly.

• The Welcome Days  take place from 31 March - 30 April 2025 and 29 September - 30 October 2025. Join in!
• Find all events of the Welcome Days in the calendar. (Filter "Welcome days")
• Visit the WelcomeCafé at the International Centre for advice, workshops, meeting nice people, having fun. The WelcomeCafé is open 29 September - 17 October 2025, Monday-Friday 15:00-17:00, except 3 October.

The UNISPORT offers a huge variety of sports classes and other sports possibilities to stay fit and healthy all year round. Save money by registering for the UNISPORT Card!

After your registration you can subscribe for any UNISPORT Card class you want. The subscription is possible 1 week prior the beginning of the class. 

Have you missed the registration deadline? Try and ask the trainer at the first meeting whether you may take part, after all (no guarantee).

Any questions? Feel free to contact us Hochschulsport.hilfe@uni-jena.de

The University of Jena has an international campus: students and scientist from over 100 countries from all continents study and work here. Everyone can expect mutual consideration, openness and tolerance from everyone else.

Intercultural competence is a key competence. The Trainings are aimed at students who

• are eagerly planning their next stay abroad or 
• already study today as an incoming student in Jena or 
• take care of foreign students as a mentor or 
• simply intend to work in an international context in future days or 
• are just interested in enhancing their intercultural competence out of pure curiosity.

The International Office of the University of Jena offers you a free intercultural training.

For all information about the next trainings (summer/autumn 2025) and on how to register please see the calendar (filter by "training"). Dates will be published in spring.

The Student Health Management offers workshops and advice.

The Unisport de offers manifold courses to stay fit physically.

Don't stay by yourself! - Here are a few tips where to meet people and spend your free time nicely.

Psychological support is offered by the StudierendenwerkExternal link and the Mental Health First Aid.

The University offers diverse support and adsvisory services which will help you to study successfully and enjoy your time in Jena.

Within 14 days after entering the country (or at the next available date), you should register your residential address at the Citizens' Service Centre of your place of residence. To do this, you will need a housing provider certificate, which you will receive from your landlord.

In Jena, you must book an appointment onlineExternal link. If you live in another city, please ask your housing provider where to register.

Note: it is not necessary to hand in your registration certificate for enrolment.

For recurring payments like rent, health insurance, mobile phone/internet, broadcasting fee (see point 4 below) and much more you need an account.

If you are an EU citizen and have an account in the EU (SEPA), you can use it.

Please see our information about regular and blocked accounts in our website on financing your studies.

• Non-EU citizens whose entry visa is shorter than the planned stay must apply for a residence title for the purpose of studying at the latest 2 months before the expiry of the entry visa. 
• Non-EU citizens who were able to enter without a visa apply for a residence title for the purpose of studying no later than 6 weeks after entry.
• You may print student certificates (valid without stamp and signature) for the Immigration Office from FriedolinExternal link.
• Applying for a residence permit at the Immigration Office is possible only 2-3 working days after registering your address at the City Resident's Registration Office.
• If you live in Jena, send your documents for applying for a residence title to the Aliens' Registration Office of the City of Jena. Further informationExternal link.
• If you do not live in Jena, ask your registration office (Bürgerservice/ Einwohnermeldeamt) where your Aliens' Registration Office is located and how to register there.

If your appointment for collecting your residence permit is after your visa/old permit becomes invalid and before your leave Jena, request an earlier appointment by email. 

Every household has to pay the broadcasting licence fee, known as the Rundfunkbeitrag (previously GEZ), even if there is no television, radio or internet. The good news is that people living in a shared flat can divide the fee amongst the occupants. Watching television and listening to the radio are good ways to learn German. There are really great broadcasts. You can find more information on the licence fee hereExternal link. 

You may find the most relevant information about working as a student here.

Get advice and more information about your job search at the Career Point!

Our Website "Living in Jena" contains plenty of further information, for example about:

• financing your studies, working
• finding a doctor, studying with a disability or chronical illness
• important advice regarding liability insurance
• spending your free time and meeting people

Properly prepare yourself for your studies in Germany! In our four free courses (or course blocks) you will learn how to get off to a good start for your stay abroad.

From initial problems of everyday communication and study organisation to questions about study financing and career planning – our experienced testimonials are at your fingertips with important advice on every topic!