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FAQ about Studying and Student Life at Marburg University
Have you been searching for a specific piece of information on the university website? You’ll probably find the answer in our collection of frequently asked questions!
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Application
How can I apply to the University of Marburg as an international applicant?
International applicants can find all relevant information on our application, admission, and deadlines overview page.
Which degree courses are held in English?
You can learn which degree courses are instructed in English on the respective degree course website. Click on "admission requirements" at the respective degree course and you can see the language of instruction.
Is my certificate recognized in Germany?
Information on recognition of foreign educational degrees can be found through anabin – The Information Portal on Foreign Educational Qualification.
Language skills
How well must I be able to speak German?
For information on German language requirements and the DSH exam, visit our overview page on required German skills.
How can I participate in a German course?
Language courses are offered by the Central Hessian University Study Preparatory Center (Studienkolleg Mittelhessen) or by the Language Center of the University of Marburg. Only the Central Hessian University Study Preparatory Center holds examinations for German language testing for university admissions (DSH).
University enrollment
How does university enrollment work?
Your letter of acceptance will provide details on when and where you can register. Be sure to bring all the required documents listed in the letter, as registration cannot be completed without them. After successful registration, you will receive your student ID. Exchange students can also complete their registration during the orientation program.
How do I pay the semester contribution?
If you participate in our orientation program, you do not need to pay the semester contribution from your home country. You can complete this payment with our assistance during the program in Marburg. If you do not participate, you must wire the contributions and fees before enrollment. Bank account details are available on our contributions and fees page.
Please be sure to include your last name, first name, and matriculation number (which can usually be found on your letter of acceptance) as the reference for your wire transfer. The current semester contribution can also be found on our contributions and fees page. Exchange students pay a contribution discounted by 50 euros.
Entry and visa
Do I need to apply for a visa for entry to Germany?
Find everything you need to know about entering Germany and visas on our visa, permit, and registration page.
I have not received my visa, what can I do now?
If you are unable to enter the country and have already enrolled, you can deregister. Find all relevant information on our deregistration (exmatriculation) page.
If you plan to come to Marburg for the next semester, please email application@uni-marburg.de (for undergraduate programs) or master@uni-marburg.de (for master's programs) for further information.
Semester contribution and re-registration
Arrival
How do I get to Marburg from the Frankfurt/Main airport by rail?
You can find information about arriving in Marburg on our travel and public transportation page.
Semester ticket and bicycle rental service
What is the semester ticket and in what area is it valid?
You need a semester ticket to take the bus to Marburg. It is printed on your student ID, which you receive after enrollment. The ticket is valid from September 1 to March 31 for the winter semester and from March 1 to September 30 for the summer semester—always starting one month before the official semester begins. It covers the entire RMV region, including local transportation in Marburg and many rail routes across Hesse. You can find more information on our travel and public transportation page.
How can I rent a bicycle in Marburg?
In Marburg, you can rent a bicycle on demand from providers like 'nextbike.' Bikes are available at various stations across the city, where you can rent and return them easily. Find out how it works and check prices on the nextbike website.
Financial expenses
What financial expenses can I expect in Marburg?
Find out about the expected living costs in Marburg on our finance and funding page.
Opening a bank account
How can I open a bank account in Marburg?
To open an account, you will need a passport and a German address. You can verify your student status by presenting your letter of acceptance or enrollment certificate. If you participate in the orientation program, assistance with opening an account will be provided during the program.
Residence search
How can I find housing in Marburg?
Find helpful tips for finding housing and useful contacts on our housing page.
How do I apply for a dormitory spot at student services?
Registration of place of residence
How do I register my place of residence?
You must register your place of residence within one week of arriving in Marburg. If you move within Germany, you are also required to re-register. Likewise, you must de-register when leaving Marburg. Registration, re-registration, and de-registration can be done at the city office.
For office hours and required documents, visit the City of Marburg's website.
Residence permit
Do I need a residence permit for Germany?
Find information about residence permits on our visa, permit, and registration page.
Health insurance
Do I have to have health insurance in Germany? If yes, how?
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. For detailed information about health insurance requirements, visit our health insurance website.
How do I provide proof of health insurance for enrollment?
Health insurance must be verified during enrollment. Visit our website for proof of health insurance to learn how to complete this process successfully.
Orientation program
What does the orientation program offer?
The orientation program helps future students settle in at Philipps University and in Marburg. Find more details about our welcome and orientation services on the International Office website.
Students-account/Internet account
What is the Students-account and when does it become available to me? How can I use the Internet at the university?
The University Computer Center (Hochschulrechenzentrum – HRZ) automatically creates free accounts for all students. These accounts are necessary to access the university's internet, use PCs at university facilities, and log in to various portals like Ilias and Marvin. For further details, please visit our digital services page. New accounts are typically available a few business days after enrollment.
Student orientation
Information centers – who can help me with which questions?
You can find contact details for the International Office on our support and contact points page for international students. If you're unsure who to contact, feel free to call our student hotline, 'Stud-i-fon'.
Questions about course content and examinations
Who can I contact with questions about course contents and examination matters?
For course-specific questions, please contact the respective departmental advisor or the examination office of your department.
Courses
How do I register for courses?
The Marvin portal is used to register for courses. Log in with your university account and go to "Course offerings" → "Display course catalogue."
Who do I contact if I have a specific question about a course?
In this case, it is best to contact the instructor who is leading the course or the corresponding departmental advisor.
What does ECTS mean? What are credits (CP)?
The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is a European system for credit transfer. Each course (e.g., tutorials, seminars, lessons, and lectures) is assigned a certain number of credits. The number of credits is based on the student workload, with 1 credit equal to approximately 30 hours of work. For more detailed information about ECTS, please visit the European Commission website.
Certificates
What semester documents and certificates are there? Where can I find them and when are they issued to me?
You receive your master data sheet and your semester ID after re-registration. You can download and print other certificates (enrollment certificate, Federal Student's Assistance Act (BAFöG) certificate, etc.) yourself in the Marvin portal under "My studies" → "Study service."
Illness
I am sick - do I have to report that somewhere?
If you cannot attend an examination due to illness, you must perform the following steps as soon as possible:
- Please observe the rules of your department and your examination regulations (german website)
- Let your instructor know (e.g. by email)
- Submit a medical certificate to the examination office of your department (so that the absence is not graded as a failure)
- Register for the next examination date as applicable
Dining halls, cafeterias, Ucard
How can I pay at the dining hall/cafeteria?
On the Studierendenwerk website, you can find an overview of the cafeterias and canteens in Marburg, as well as information on how to use your Ucard for payments. The Ucard also functions as a library card for the University Library and Departmental Libraries, as well as a copy card for the university’s copy machines. To use it as a library card, you must activate it at the University Library or the Departmental Libraries.
Library
What libraries are available and where can I find them?
The University Library, or Universitätsbibliothek (UB) in German, opened in the summer semester of 2018 and is located between St. Elizabeth Church and the old botanical garden. Lending is done via the Ucard. The UB also offers guided tours and training on various aspects of library use. Several departmental libraries are housed in the same building, while others are located within the respective institutes or departments.
Cell phone, Internet, TV, etc.
How do I get a German telephone number for my cell phone? How do I get Internet/TV at my residence?
For information on how to get a German telephone number for your cell phone, set up Internet/TV at your residence, or manage postal mail, please visit our website on internet, cell phone, TV, postal mail, etc.
Free time activities
What free time activities are available in Marburg?
In Marburg, you can choose from a variety of cultural and leisure activities or volunteer in a student initiative or university group. The Center for University Sports (Zentrum für Hochschulsport or ZfH – website in German) offers a wide range of sports and fitness programs.
Jobs
Can I have a job in Germany as an international student, in addition to studying?
As an international student, you can have a job in Germany alongside your studies. For more information, please visit our student jobs page.
Help in case of emergency
What are the emergency telephone numbers (police, fire department, etc.)?
All important emergency telephone numbers can be found on our emergency contact numbers page.
Exmatriculation
Do I have to deregister (exmatriculate) after completing my studies in Germany?
As an exchange student, you do not need to deregister, as your enrollment was for a limited period.
If you are not an exchange student, you must deregister after completing your studies. Otherwise, you will be deregistered 'ex officio' and will not receive a deregistration certificate, which may be required by other universities, administrative offices, or the pension fund for crediting your university education. Please find all relevant information on our deregistration (exmatriculation) page.
When do I deregister (exmatriculate)?
Exmatriculation is possible at any time upon request and takes effect immediately. However, you can also apply for exmatriculation during a semester, which will only become effective at the end of the semester, allowing you to maintain your student status until then. Please find all relevant information on our deregistration (exmatriculation) page.
Transcript of Records
Where can I get a transcript of records?
You can obtain a transcript of records from the examination office of your respective department.
De-registration of place of residence
When I leave Marburg, do I have to de-register my place of residence?
Yes, when you leave Marburg, you must deregister your place of residence at the city office. For more information, visit the City of Marburg's website.
Question not found
If you couldn't find the answer to your question, feel free to contact our student hotline, 'Stud-i-Fon,' or reach out to the staff at the International Office.