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Medical Insurance and Studienkolleg

Well, this is certainly interesting – studying in a Studienkolleg gives you roughly the same status as a person doing a language course. You’re a student, but your position is slightly changed. The major difference has been the medical insurance, which is a requirement for all students in Germany. “Standard” students can pick any insurance there is in Germany, while Studienkolleg and language course students have to stick to a private insurance.

This usually comes out to be cheaper, but your coverage is limited to accidents/pain/aches/broken limbs. You can’t go and get a fancy tooth implant. Then once you’re done with your year of studies, you can take up a normal insurance like everybody else.

The Leipzig Studienkolleg provides support for its students in this respect, I was able to fill out a form and give it up to the same person and had the inner nuts and bolts explained to me. I couldn’t recommend it enough, if only for the support (among many other things!)

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After Admission

Continuing my series on preparatory college education in Germany with a post on admission and the entry process.

This is all just a guideline to keep in mind, a bit of personal experience to help you on your way to a German preparatory college, known in Germany as Studienkolleg. The procedure and manner of doing things will probably differ from state to state, but it’s good to keep track of things you need to be doing. There was plenty a time I felt lost about the mere progression of things – you couldn’t find solid, practical information! When do you open a bank account? Do you need insurance? Which documents should you have on you before you arrive to Germany?

Give my post about studying in Germany a read, it’s a good start.

Invitation

I received a letter in the mail about the decision of the university to enroll me on their course conditionally – condition being that I complete the two semesters of Studienkolleg. I was given a small pamphlet with examples of both exams, German and Math, with additional information on their website. It’s now about two-three months before the exam date, enough to apply for a visa and study for the upcoming exams.