Formalities
Visa:
We recommend that you contact the local embassy or consulate of the prospective host country for information on visa regulations. Please note that as a foreign student you do not travel on a tourist visa. There are no simplified entry conditions for students!
As visa requirements may vary according to country, we recommend that applicants check whether or not they need to obtain a visa for their study abroad period. Prospective ERASMUS students should contact the consulates or embassy of the country of their host university as early as possible. Information is also provided by the Federal Foreign Office and by the Brussels branch of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Leave of Absence:
In order to maintain your status as a student and thus your student health insurance, you must apply for a leave of absence. Do not apply for a removal from the students register under any circumstance! You may only apply for a leave of absence for two semesters.
To be granted a leave of absence is advantageous in many ways:
- During an officially approved leave of absence (e.g. due participation in the ERASMUS programme), you don't have to pay any study fees. An application form can be found on the web pages of the registrar's office. Please complete the form and hand it in in person at the International Office so that we can officially confirm the circumstances giving rise to the request for leave.
- The social security fee will be lowered during the time of your approved leave of absence.
- The so-called mobility contribution (i.e. the costs for your public transport ticket) is not applicable for students on leave of absence.
- Any qualification obtained during your leave on absence for an ERASMUS study abroad period will be recognised by RWTH Aachen University.
Even if you refrain from applying for a leave of absence (for whatever reason), you can apply for reimbursement of the mobility contribution fee. You can obtain an application form at the Students' Union (AStA). Please take into account the applicable deadlines. Please note that you also need an official statement by the International Office confirming your absence from RWTH Aachen University.
If you would like to take leave of absence, you will have to fill out the application form (.pdf in German). on the form, you will have to state the reasons and give details. The information given below is designed to help you fill out the form correctly:
There is one disadvantage to obtaining a leave of absence: if you come back earlier than expected, you are not allowed to take any exam before your leave of absence expires. Please clarify this issue with the responsible person at your faculty.
Certificates
In the context of study abroad, the Internation Office can issue the following certificates on/for:
- Child Benefits Office
- Leave of absence, exemption from having to pay the public transport pass ("Semesterticket")
- Tax Office, Bafög Office
- Foundations
- Certificates needed for the cancellation of certain contracts: gym/fitness studio, cell phone contracts, etc.
- Visa application
- District Recruitment Office ("Kreiswehrersatzamt")
- Partner universities or offices abroad (e.g. applying for housing benefits in France)
If you need any other certificate for study abroad, please write us an email or see us during office hours. Please note however that we do not issue certificates which need to be signed by academic staff.
Further Information
Insurance
Please note that the financial support provided by the ERASMUS exchange programme does not include health insurance coverage. The European Commision is not liable for any accidents, damages or losses occurring during your study abroad period. Thus it is recommended that you take out additional health insurance and travel insurance for the duration of your stay abroad.
You must keep health and accident insurance in your host country. In Europe, you will need Form E 128 to show proof of health insurance coverage. Please ask your health insurance agency for the form. For stays abroad outside of Europe, your should inquire about the health and accident insurance regulations of your host country.
Recognition of your University Qualification Abroad
Within exchange programmes, both credit transfer and recognition of university qualifications is usually agreed on between RWTH and your host university. Please contact your faculty for information on formalities. Outside of formal exchange programmes, you should resolve any questions with your host university.
Recognition at RWTH of Qualifications obtained Abroad
As stated above, most usually, both credit transfer and recognition of university qualifications are agreed on between RWTH and your host university. Please contact your study or faculty advisor for more details on this issue. If you study abroad as a "free mover", i.e. outside of any formal exchange programme, it is highly advisable that you get in touch with your faculty advisor to resolve credit transfer matters prior to your departure.
Residents Registration Office: Notice of Departure
According to the Local Residents Registration Act residents who intend to leave the country for a period of more than three months will have to file a notice of departure (Abmeldung) with the local Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). This also applies if the rental agreement in Aachen has not been suspended or terminated. Please note that residents who fail to comply with this law may be penalised with a fine.