Student Guide

Depending on your nationality, you may need a student visa before travelling to Germany. We recommend checking the requirements that apply to you as early as possible and applying through the relevant German embassy or consulate in your home country.

To apply for a German student visa, you may need:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• Two passport photos
• Your Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences admission and visa invitation letter
• Proof of sufficient financial resources and, where required, proof of tuition fee payment
• Proof of valid health insurance
• Evidence of your academic and language qualifications
• Any additional documents required for your country, such as an APS Certificate where applicable

Visa processing times can vary depending on your country and the German embassy or consulate handling your application. Students are advised to apply as early as possible and allow sufficient time before their planned travel date.

Once you arrive in Germany, you may also need to register your address and apply for a residence permit, depending on your nationality and immigration status.

Finding long-term accommodation in Berlin can take time, so we recommend starting your search as early as possible. While waiting for your visa decision, you can begin researching accommodation options and preparing the documents you may need to secure a tenancy.

Students are strongly advised to consider temporary accommodation for the first 3–6 months while they settle into Berlin, attend viewings and secure longer-term accommodation.

Accommodation options

You may wish to consider:

• Student residences and co-living spaces
• Short-term private rentals
• Temporary sublets
• Shared flats (WG – Wohngemeinschaft)

Accommodation websites

We recommend using trusted accommodation platforms, including:

• WG-Gesucht
• Studenten WG 
• Homelike 
• HousingAnywhere 
• Insider Apartments 
• Neon Wood
• The Social Hub
• The Fizz
• Fritz Tower
• Village M
• The Base
• No 3 Apartments
• Die Zimmerei
• Insider Apartments
• Stay Too

Important housing tips

• Never transfer money before viewing a property or verifying the landlord.
• Do not pay deposits or rent before receiving the keys.
• Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Use trusted accommodation platforms and keep communication on-platform where possible.
• Read your tenancy agreement carefully before signing.
• Ensure your accommodation allows you to complete your Anmeldung (address registration).

Please research accommodation providers carefully, as rental scams can occur. Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences cannot accept responsibility for agreements made with third-party accommodation providers.

Once your student visa has been approved (if applicable) and your passport has been returned, we recommend booking your flight to Berlin as soon as possible. Be sure to arrive in time for Welcome Week, registration, and the start of your programme.

Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences is located at:

Salzufer 6
10587 Berlin
Germany

The university is easily accessible by Berlin’s public transport network. From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), you can reach the campus by train, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, or bus. We recommend allowing extra time for immigration procedures, baggage collection, and onward travel to your accommodation.

You can use the following websites to plan your journey:

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): https://ber.berlin-airport.de/en.html
• BVG Journey Planner (Berlin public transport): https://www.bvg.de/en
• Deutsche Bahn (train travel): https://int.bahn.de/en

You will receive information from Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences about your registration and enrolment before the start of your studies. Please read all communications carefully and follow the instructions provided.

For registration, please make sure you bring:

• Your passport
• All required education documents in hard copy, including any outstanding documents issued later
• Proof of health insurance
• €10 in cash
• A profile picture prepared beforehand

Please make sure you have all required documents ready to help make your registration process as smooth as possible.

International students will take part in Welcome Week, designed to help you settle into life at Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences and prepare for the start of your studies. During this time, you will receive important information about the University, student services, and life in Berlin.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is an opportunity to meet fellow students, academic staff, and support teams before your classes begin. You will take part in a range of activities designed to help you settle into university life and become familiar with your new surroundings.

During Welcome Week, activities will include:

• Information sessions
• University registration
• Programme introductions
• Safety training
• Social activities

Welcome Week is also an opportunity to become familiar with the University and connect with other students before teaching begins.

Welcome Week is an important part of your transition to university and provides an excellent opportunity to become part of the Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences community.

We strongly advise that you pay your remaining fee from your home country as soon as you receive your visa and before you travel to Germany. Settling all due payments prior to arrival will allow you to focus on your studies and to enjoy your student life. Without paying your tuition fees, you may not receive your timetable and may have restrictions applied to your university facilities.

Please pay your fees based on your offer letter. You can easily pay your tuition and fees online via Flywire, our preferred payment partner. Flywire provides a secure global payment network that simplifies paying your fees from your home country and countries around the world. Payment options can include bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets and more, typically in your home currency for most countries. As a newly enrolling student, you will receive a direct link in your offer letter directing you to the correct payment method for your deposit. Please do not search Flywire directly via their website as this can potentially take you to an incorrect payment portal. Before visiting to make your payment, please ensure you know the deposit value you are due to pay.

If you would like to discuss your tuition fee payment, please refer to your offer letter for contact details.

Before travelling to Germany, make sure you have received your student visa, if required, and that all the information on your visa is correct.

Before you travel

Please ensure that:

• Your passport is valid for the duration of your journey
• The details on your student visa, if applicable, are correct and match your passport
• You have copies of your admission letter, proof of health insurance, proof of financial resources, and any other documents required for your journey

After you arrive in Germany

Depending on your nationality and immigration status, you may need to apply for a German residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Berlin.

You should also complete your Anmeldung (address registration) and apply for your residence permit as soon as possible. The webinar advises students to apply no later than three months before their visa expires.

You may need to provide:

• Proof of health insurance
• Certificate of enrolment
• Valid passport
• Your current visa, if applicable
• Your tenancy agreement and, ideally, proof of Anmeldung
• Passport photos
• Residence permit fee

A student residence permit in Germany is usually issued for up to 1–2 years and must be renewed before it expires if you wish to continue living and studying in Germany.

We strongly encourage you to arrive in Berlin in time for Welcome Week and the start of your programme. However, we understand that visa processing or other circumstances may sometimes delay your arrival.

If you expect to arrive late, please inform Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences as soon as possible.

First Year students:

You can attend classes online for up to four weeks if your arrival is delayed. You must arrive in Berlin no later than 1 November 2026.

MBA students:

You can arrive as late as 15 November 2026.

If you are unable to arrive by the applicable deadline, you will be deferred to the next available intake. For most programmes, this will be Fall 2027, while MBA students will be deferred to Spring 2027.

For more information about preparing for your arrival, please visit the Student Guide for Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences.

You can find guidance on topics including:

• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Student visas and residence permits
• Registration and enrolment
• Frequently asked questions
• Student support services

Contact details

If you have any questions before you arrive, please contact the appropriate team below:

• Admissions: whitecliffe@oxfordinternational.com
• Oxford International Pre-Arrival Team: Pre-Arrival@OxfordInternational.com