Documents

Visa Application
Students from European Union countries do not need a visa. All others need a special Student/Applicant visa [Studienbewerbervisa]. Please note that a tourist visa does not entitle you to enroll as a student. Visa applications are available here Link and must be directed to your local German embassy. Experience shows that visa applications take between 2 weeks to 4 months. Please make sure that your visa permits you to accept a "students job".
Travel preparation
The DAAD has compiled a checklist which may prove helpful to your travel preparations.
Air travel
To travel to Magdeburg by air, the most convenient airport is Berlin-Tegel Airport , which is approximately 120 km or a 2 hour train ride away. Similarly close (or distant) are Berlin-Schönefeld and Hanover airports, but they are not served by as many airlines. Germany's largest international airport is Frankfurt am Main . From there, regular train service to Magdeburg takes approximately 6 hours.
Train travel
Please consult the Deutsche Bahn website for schedules and prices.
Registration Formalities
Your visa is only a provisional residence permit. Within 7 days of your arrival, you must apply at the Foreigner Registration Authority in Magdeburg for a proper permit. You will need to present your passport, two photographs, your student identification, your admission letter, proof of financial support, proof of accommodation, and proof of health insurance. New students do not do this alone but are usually accompanied by a member of the programme or the IKUS International Students.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory. Students under 30 years of age may take out insurance with a public health insurance provider, such as Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, Techniker Krankenkasse, or Barmer Ersatzkasse. The cost is currently 51 per months. Ask the Office of International Affairs for more information. Please contact the Deutsches Studentenwerk for details.