Contact person:
Andrea Heissler-Keinath
Welcome to NGU!
Contact person:
Andrea Heissler-Keinath
Nürtingen-Geislingen University (NGU) welcomes students from all over the world to its campuses in Nürtingen and Geislingen. We not only offer you an excellent education, but also ensure that your stay is as pleasant as possible. For a glimpse of student life, check out our international playlist on
YouTube.
As a prospective international exchange student, you are on the doorstep of a remarkable adventure - studying and living in Germany. While the journey is exciting, navigating the myriad of rules and regulations, from application to arrival, can be challenging. We encourage you to read the following information carefully; you may find answers to many of your questions.
We wish you a fruitful and enjoyable stay ahead.
Course Catalog
Before exploring the course catalog for exchange students, offering a range of courses in various subject areas at bachelor's and master's levels, we recommend reviewing our course selection guide to make well-informed choices.
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General information
What's different?
In other countries, there are other ways of doing things or things that are just different. Here you will find some differences that can help when you arrive.
Bank
In Germany, banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. However, if you have a checking account you can also withdraw cash from this account at one of the ATMs located at every bank.
Shops
All the shops are closed on Sunday and public holidays. During the week, supermarkets are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some supermarkets may be open until 10 p.m. Smaller stores, book stores, boutiques etc. are normally open from 8 or 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. They might be closed from 12.30 a.m to 2.30 p.m. Bakeries and butchers open at 7 a.m. already. They close at 6 p.m. and are often closed during lunchtime. Please check the opening hours. No store is open 24 hours a day.
Waste Separation
A large part of the waste generated in Germany is reused and composted, which saves resources and protects nature. Germany is even on its way to becoming the world champion in waste separation. In German households, it’s common to have four separate trash bins: one for organic waste, one for plastic, one for paper, and one for everything else. More info can be found here: Waste separation
Punctuality
Germans are very punctual, and even a few minutes late can be an offense. If you are going to be even slightly late, call ahead and explain your situation. Be five to ten minutes early for important appointments.
Living Expenses
On average, you will need around 1.000 Euros per month to cover your living costs as a student in Germany. However, some students manage on less than 1.000 Euros a month while others spend more. How high the cost of living turns out to be in practice will depend on your lifestyle and the city you choose. Source: Study in Germany
Monthly costs: Accommodation in dormitory € 256 plus one-time deposit € 600 |
| Broadcast fees (mandatory) € 18,63 |
| Food € 200 |
| Clothes € 80 |
| Public transportation (optional) € 58 |
| Personal expenses € 150 |
| Books and materials € 33 |
| Telephone € 35 |
| Health Insurance for non-EU-members € 145 |
Money Matters
When planning your journey to Germany you should take into account that banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. However, the exchange offices at the airport are open at the weekends or in the evenings. Here you can exchange foreign currency.
During the first days of your stay in Nuertingen or Geislingen you will need a considerable amount of money in cash for extra expenses such as
- rent approx 256€/month for the first month i.e. September or March
- processing fee for a residence permit approx 100€ (not for EU citizens/scholarship holders)
Make sure that this money is easily available (e.g. cash) during the first days of your stay. If you use bank cheques, you have access to the money only about 2 weeks after the transfer on your account. All major credit cards can be used to withdraw money from the ATMs (automated teller machines) but this usually involves additional costs. Credit cards are not widely accepted in stores and restaurants. But you can basically pay everything with an EC card (electronic cash and debit card) that is connected with a European bank account. We arrange appointments to open a bank account during the orientation days. A German/European bank account is needed for the monthly payments such as the rent and the AOK health insurance. You get an EC card which can be used for cashless payments or withdrawing money from the cash machine (ATM). The banks we recommend offer a current/checking account (Girokonto) without fees for students.
For regular expenses you might be required to give permission for automatic withdrawal. Rent for the following month is automatically deducted within the first week of a month. The monthly AOK health insurance contribution is automatically deducted on the 15th of the following month. Make sure your account always has enough money for these regular expenses.
Nowadays, you can easily get online banking for your account if you ask for it. Every bank account comes with 3 numbers, the account number (Konto-Nummer), the routing number (Bankleitzahl) and an international bank account number (IBAN). You should know the IBAN number for money transfers.
Student-ID Card
Exchange students will receive the NGU student card after enrollment is processed, the semester fee is paid, and proof of health insurance is provided. The student ID card is required for borrowing books, paying for meals, doing laundry, making printouts and copies, and is needed for final exams. It also grants discounts at some cinemas, museums, and other places, and allows free use of VVS public transportation after 6 pm, on weekends, and public holidays. A digital photo in JPEG format is needed for the card. Lost, stolen, or damaged cards must be reported to the Admission Office, and a replacement card costs 18 Euros.
Buddy Program
Each semester, NGU Nürtingen-Geislingen University hosts exchange students from partner universities. To help them settle in, we offer a buddy program that pairs exchange students with local students. A buddy can guide exchange students through administrative duties such as registering residence and opening a bank account, and helps integrate the newcomer into day-to-day student life. The international office organizes trips and events for exchange students and their buddies, encouraging them to explore the university and region together. Our goal is to ensure all new students feel comfortable at NGU from the start!
Enrollment
Enrollment is the process through which exchange students agree to study at NGU Nürtingen-Geislingen University for one or two semesters. Upon receiving the Admission Letter, exchange students are required to submit all documents mentioned below, via email to andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de by July 15 for fall/winter or January 15 for spring/summer term. Please adhere to the application deadlines and submit the complete enrollment documents and the applicable semester fee well in advance (at least 4 weeks before the deadline). Enrollment will be confirmed once we receive both the semester fee payment via bank transfer and all required documents. We do not accept checks of any kind. Payment processing may take up to 4 weeks unless funds are promptly received in our account. Please be aware that overseas banks may impose additional fees.
Check out the 'Fees' webpage for more details
Required documents:
- NON-EU Nationals: Proof of German Health Insurance (PDF-format, details provided by email)
- EU Nationals: Copy of European Health Insurance Card (valid for the entire duration of your studies)
- A copy of the payment receipt for the semester fee (e.g., bank transfer receipt or bank statement) including the reference number, account holder’s name and bank account number
- A recent photo in JPEG format for NGU student ID card
- Copy of passport in PDF format
Healthcare and Insurance
NGU Nürtingen-Geislingen University requires all exchange students to have valid health insurance. Before enrolling, provide proof of either German health insurance or an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for your entire study period (September 1 to February 28 for the winter semester, and March 1 to August 31 for the summer semester). Without this, you cannot be admitted. Since German health insurance may not start immediately, ensure you have travel insurance to cover you during travel, arrival, and any interim periods. Also, note that German health insurance does not cover repatriation, so secure travel insurance with repatriation coverage. Liability insurance is not included in health insurance, so it’s advisable to obtain it separately. For more details, please refer to the following websites:
Doctor's Visit
It's a good idea to find a general doctor in your neighborhood before you become ill. This way, you will know where to go when you need medical care. The Coordinator at NGU's International Office can help you find a nearby doctor. To access medical care and services covered by your health insurance, you will need to present your health insurance card at the doctor's office each quarter. Always consult your general doctor first. If you need to see a specialist, your doctor will provide you with a referral ("Überweisung"). In case of an emergency, you can go directly to the hospital. Remember, Germany has two main emergency numbers: 112 for fire brigade and ambulance services, and 110 for the police.
Medications
Medical drugs can be obtained from pharmacies (Apotheke). The co-payment for prescribed drugs is 5 to 10 Euros depending on the price of the medical drug.
Academic Calendar
The official academic year is divided into two semesters (spring/summer and fall/winter), each lasting 15 weeks. The spring/summer semester officially starts on March 1 until August 31, and the fall/winter semester officially starts on September 1 until February 28.
The NGU academic calendar does not always match perfectly with the academic calendar in some countries. Therefore, we show you some possibilities how to cope with it:
1. The next semester at my home university starts too early. What can I do? In exceptional cases, i.e. if your lectures start earlier at home and attendance is mandatory to reserve your seat, you can take the NGU exams at home
2. The time until my next semester starts at my university is too long? Why don’t you attend our study tours? The Marketing Study Tour takes place in July after the end of our examination period. The Study Tour Innovation for Sustainability takes place in September before the start of our orientation week. For more information, please refer to the website Study Tours
3. Alternatively, do a short term internship, or look for a student job, temporary job, holiday job etc. to bridge the time gap between your holidays and the semester start at NGU
For more information please contact Andrea Heissler
| Summer Semester 2025 |
|---|
| Orientation days: March 14 – 21, 2025 |
| Classes begin: March 24, 2025 |
| Classes end: July 11, 2025 |
| Examination Period: July 14 - August 1, 2025 |
| Holidays |
|---|
April 18: Good Friday |
| April 20/21: Easter |
| May 1: Labor Day |
| May 29: Ascension Day; May 30 lecture free |
June 8/9: Pentecost; June 10 - June 13 lecture free |
| June 19: Corpus Christi; June 20 lecture free |
| Winter Semester 2025/2026 |
|---|
| Orientation week: September 26 – October 2, 2025 |
| Classes begin: October 6, 2025 |
| Classes end: January 30, 2026 |
| Examination Period: February 2 - 20, 2026 |
| Holidays |
|---|
| October 3: Reunification Day |
| November 1: All Saints' Day |
December 25/26: Christmas |
| January 1: New Year's Day |
| January 6: Epiphany |
| Christmas break: from December 24, 2025 to January 6, 2026 |
Orientation Sessions
Our orientation sessions for exchange students start 7 days before lectures start. These days are designed to help the new students feel more comfortable in Germany and to give them time to register for classes, meet other exchange students and get to know the campuses. We even do a hiking tour to a waterfall and a trip to a nice place within Germany. Important note: Excursions with exchange students are on the student’s own risk. If students take part in the excursions and activities, the university cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or personal injury.
Entry and Travel Guide
Visa
Entry with or without a visa?
There are many different types of visa. Find out which visa regulations apply for your country.
Who does not need a visa: Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and from some other countries can enter Germany without a visa. Check it out here: Visa Navigator
Who needs a visa: As a rule, all other international students need a visa - especially if they want to stay longer than three months in Germany. Enquire in advance about the entry regulations which apply for your country! Once you arrive in Germany you must present your visa to the German Immigration Office where it will be converted to a residence permit for the purpose of studying. A visa for Germany is always issued for a particular purpose. Students apply for a student's visa. To do this you have to contact either the German Embassy or the German Consulate General in your home country.
Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa - you will not be able to convert it to a residence permit once you are in Germany! To study in Germany as an international student, you will need a visa and proof of sufficient funds. The visa process can take several months, so it is advisable to apply in good time. In most cases, you can schedule a visa appointment before receiving your admission letter, but you will need the official notification of admission at the time of your appointment.
To apply for a student visa, you must provide a valid passport, a notification of admission, and proof of financial resources. The German Embassy or Consulate General can inform you of any additional requirements. Be sure to check the specific documents needed for your visa application, the required financial proof, and the funding options available for your studies in Germany.
→ More information about Student Visa Germany and Blocked Account
Residence Permit
On the first day of orientation, all students must register their residence at the local administration office (Bürgeramt) in the town hall (Rathaus). Bring:
- Passport (with entry visa, if needed) OR
- Identification card (for EU citizens)
- "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" (landlord confirmation form)
Keep your registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) safe. Notify the Bürgeramt if you move or leave Nürtingen/Geislingen.
EU, EEA, and Swiss students do not need a residence permit. Non-EU students must apply for one at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) if they don’t have a visa for the entire study period. Required documents include:
- Registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung)
- Passport
- "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung"
- Biometric photo (biometric)
- Proof of AOK Health Insurance
- Letter of Enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
- Confirmation letter from your university or proof of financial resources
- Approx. 100€ for processing fees (scholarship holders excluded)
Registrations will be done during orientation, with buddies helping you complete the forms. For more information, visit: https://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/on-arrival.
When to arrive
All incoming students are strongly encouraged to arrive in Nürtingen by the Friday preceding the start of the orientation days. Orientation begins 7 days before the start of lectures. Important: Rooms are not available for move-in before September 1 or March 1. Students arriving before the official check-in date or outside the specified timeframe will need to arrange accommodations at a hostel or hotel for the night. The regular check-in dates for the residence hall at the beginning of September and March are as follows:
| Monday - Thursday: | 8.00am – 11.00am |
| 1.30pm – 3.00pm | |
| Friday: | 8.00am – 11.00am |
No move-ins on Saturday, Sunday, or public holidays.
How to get to Nürtingen
If you are flying to Germany, Stuttgart Airport is the most convenient gateway to Nürtingen or Geislingen. However, many international flights arrive at Frankfurt Airport, which is the largest airport in Germany. From Frankfurt, you have a few options to reach Stuttgart: By Air - You can catch a connecting flight from Frankfurt to Stuttgart. By Train - You can take a train from either the long-distance train station at Frankfurt Airport or from Frankfurt’s main station. Trains from the long-distance station may be direct or require a transfer. Alternatively, you can take the S-Bahn (suburban train) from Frankfurt Airport to the main station (a 10-minute ride) and then board a direct train to Stuttgart.
For detailed travel instructions, please refer to the PDF “Transfer from the Airports to Nürtingen”. For more information, visit Stuttgart Airport’s website at http://www.flughafen-stuttgart.de and Frankfurt Airport’s website at https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en.html. Tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines (TVMs) or service counters before your journey. For train and bus connections, consult the Deutsche Bahn website. For local bus and S-Bahn services, visit the VVS website.
Nürtingen from Stuttgart main station
Take the ‘MEX’ train to Nürtingen, with Tübingen as the final destination. This will be indicated on the display panels at Stuttgart Main Station. All trains pass through Bad Cannstatt, Esslingen, Plochingen, Wendlingen with Oberboihingen being the last stop before Nürtingen. The journey from Stuttgart to Nürtingen typically takes about 32 minutes. For the schedule, please check the DB website.
Geislingen from Stuttgart airport
First, you need to travel to Stuttgart Main Station. To reach the main station, take the suburban train U6 departing from Track 3 in the basement of the airport terminal. Trains on this route run approximately every 10 minutes and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Board the U6 train, which has "Gerlingen" as its final destination. Disembark at Stuttgart Main Station. From Stuttgart Main Station, there are several direct trains to Geislingen/Steige. You can choose between the Regional-Express or the MEX trains. The journey takes approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can take Bus 122 from the Stuttgart Airport Bus Terminal to Esslingen train station. From Esslingen, you can choose between the Regional-Express and MEX trains to Geislingen/Steige. For the schedule, please check the VVS website.
Geislingen from Stuttgart main station
From Stuttgart Main Station, there are several direct trains to Geislingen/Steige. You can choose between the Regional-Express or the MEX trains. The journey takes approximately one hour. For the schedule, please check the VVS website.
Public Transport
All facilities in Nuertingen are situated within walking or cycling distance of each other, the town centre and the train/bus station. It takes 20-30 minutes by foot to get from the newer building Schelmenwasen and the residence hall to the city centre and the city campus. There is also a bus station in front of the university building Schelmenwasen / residence hall. Bus no. 183 brings you down town. A ring-and-ride taxi service (Anrufsammeltaxi: AST) is operated in Nuertingen outside public transport service hours.
In Geislingen, everything is within walking distance - the university buildings, the residence halls, the train/bus stations and the city centre.
Public Transportation System
The German public transportation system functions very well. Buses run regularly within Geislingen and Nuertingen and the surroundings. If you want to go to major cities like Stuttgart, Ulm or Munich, you can take the train or long distance buses. Nuertingen and Geislingen belong to the regional transport network of greater Stuttgart (Verkehrsverbund Stuttgart: VVS) which makes Stuttgart and its suburbs easily accessible by train. With your Student ID Card you can ride buses and trains free of charge within that region on the weekends, public holidays and after 6 p.m. during the week.
Bike
As the university buildings and the residence halls in Nuertingen are apart you might consider to buy a second-hand bike. Please refer to websites such as: https://www.bikesale.de/, https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/, https://www.quoka.de/, https://www.markt.de/nuertingen/marktplatz/fahrraeder/.
Driving Licence
Foreign driving licences are valid for stays of up to six months in Germany. However, you may have to provide a German translation of your national licence or an international driving licence. After six months non-European driving licences are mostly no longer valid. Thereafter, you will most probably have to take the German driving licence. Germans drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit in cities is normally 50 kmh, sometimes 30 kmh. The speed limit on country roads is normally 80 kmh. On highways you have to obey the speed limits. If there is no speed limit you can go as fast as you like.
Accommodation
Exchange students can rent a room at the residence hall "Schelmenwasen 10" which is located on the outskirts of Nuertingen next to the university building CB1. To get downtown and to the city campus, it takes about 15 min. by bike or 20-30 min. on foot. During the day there is a regular bus and train connection from the nearby bus stop / train station to the city centre. Online application here:
Speexx Language Training
Speexx is a self-study language program available to all students and employees of NGU via the learning platform Ilias for the languages German, English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Great Projects for Integrating Great People!
The International Office at NGU Nuertingen-Geislingen University offers a range of projects to help international students settle into their new environment and to get to know local people.
Integration ProjectsInternational Student Club
The Inernational Student Club is a student initiative that promotes the internationalization of NGU, especially of its students. It is an exchange platform for international exchange students, outgoing students and in general for all interested students.
Scholarships
In Germany there are numerous scholarship programs - all with different intentions and students in mind.
