Studying at JLU from A to Z

A  |  B  |  C  |  D  |  E  |  F  |  G  |  H  |  I  |  J  |  K  |  L  |  M  |  N  |  O  |  P  |  Q  |  R  |  S  |  T  |  U  |  V  |  W  |  X  |  Y  |  Z 

A

Accommodation

JLU students can apply for a place in a hall of residence through the Studierendenwerk Giessen. It is recommended that you apply early and search the private housing market at the same time, as places are limited. Information on rental contracts, shared flats, halls of residence and rental costs can be found here on the website: Where to Live in Giessen — JLU

 

Administrative procedures

International students should complete important administrative procedures before and after their arrival, such as registering with the city office, contacting the Immigration Authorities, or applying for health insurance. Further information can be found here: Necessary Visits to the Authorities Before and After Arrival — JLU

 

Admission

Admission will be granted once your application documents have been reviewed and all admission requirements have been met. If you have any questions about the application and admission process for international students, please contact: international.admission

 

Admission requirements

To study at JLU, students need to provide certain documents, such as a recognised school-leaving certificate, proof of language skills, and, if required, subject-specific qualifications. The subject-specific requirements can be found on the website of the respective degree programme under the "Application" tab. For questions, please contact: international.admission

 

Application

Information on the application process for international students and the application deadlines can be found here: Application for Admission to JLU

 

Application Portal (GUDE)

GUDE is JLU’s online application portal. Here, you can submit applications (as a student with German degree or as a lateral entrant), update your personal details, apply for a leave of absence, request certificates, and apply for exmatriculation (de-registration from university). Click the link to access the portal: GUDE Portal

 

B

Blocked Account

A blocked account is a bank account into which international students deposit a certain amount of money to prove that they can cover their living expenses. More information can be found here: Federal Foreign Office – Blocked Account Information

 

C

Career Preparation (Career Services)

The Career Services support JLU students on their path to professional life. Each semester, a comprehensive range of workshops and events is offered, in which students from all departments can participate. In personal consultations, conducted in cooperation with the Campus Team of the Federal Employment Agency in Giessen, students can get guidance on application phase, entering the job market, and career planning. Further information is available on the website: Career Services — ZfbK

 

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) offers prospective students and current students advice and personal support on the following topics: choosing a degree programme, organising your studies or changing your subject. It is the central point of contact for all study-related questions. Further information and contact details can be found here: Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB) — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Children (or Studying with Children)

Students with children receive support at JLU, e.g. through counselling, childcare and flexible study conditions. Further information can be found here on the website: Kinder - Studierendenwerk Gießen

 

Chip Card (or "Student ID")

The chip card serves as your student ID, library card, and payment card on campus. You can find all the relevant information on this website: Student Card / Student ID — JLU

 

City Registration

You must register your new address at the city office within two weeks of moving to Giessen/your place of stay during your studies at JLU. The registration confirmation is required for many other official procedures, such as applying for a residence permit or opening a bank account. More information is available on this website: Registration with the Municipal Authorities — JLU

 

Core Competencies (also "Study Skills" or "Key Skills")

→ see Study Skills

 

Course Catalogue (eVV)

The electronic course catalogue lists all courses offered in a semester, including times, locations and instructions. This allows students to create a timetable and plan their exams. You can access the course catalogue via this link: JLU - Vorlesungsverzeichnis WiSe 2025/26

 

D

De-Registration

De-registration ("Exmatrikulation") is the formal process of leaving the university, for example after completing your studies or if you drop out. It can be requested online through the GUDE portal: Withdrawal of Matriculation — JLU

 

Disability / Chronic Illness

JLU offers counselling and compensation for disadvantages for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. More detail can be found here: Disabled Representatives — JLU

 

E

Electronic Systems

Depending on the purpose, various digital platforms are available for students studying at JLU. You can register for courses and access course materials via Stud.IP. FlexNow allows you to manage exams, view grades, and track your academic progress. With GUDE, you can complete applications, re-registrations and certificates online, while ILIAS serves as a learning platform for materials, assignments and online courses. These systems are central tools for organisation, exam preparation and digital communication during your studies. Details and instructions can be found here: Elektronische Systeme — JLU. Please note, however, that not all students use the systems in the same way. Usage depends on the chosen field of study.

 

Email

Every student receives a personal JLU email address, which serves as the official communication channel of the university. Important notifications about exams, courses, administrative matters, as well as information from lecturers or departments, are sent to this address. Using your JLU email address is therefore essential to ensure that you stay informed about everything important related to your studies. Please use this email address when communicating within JLU. You can access your student email here after having set-up your student account.

 

Enrolment

By applying for enrolment, you are accepting your place at the university. Only after completing enrolment will you be officially considered a student at JLU and have access to all university services. Further information can be found here: Enrolment — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Enrolment Certificate

The certificate of enrolment is an official proof of enrolment, for example for authorities, employers, or banking matters. It can be downloaded via GUDE.

 

Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications (anabin)

You can view the evaluation of your foreign educational certificates on the information portal for foreign educational qualifications (anabin): anabin: Infoportal zu ausländischen Bildungsabschlüssen.

 

Examination Office

The Examination Office manages exam registrations, grades, transcripts, and certificates. Each department has its own Examination Office. Contact information for the respective faculties can be found here: Prüfungsämter und -ausschüsse — JLU (website only available in German) or on the websites of your faculty.

 

F

Financing

Even though there are no tuition fees in Hesse, planning your studies also involves considering how you will finance your studies and your living expenses. Here you will find information on the expected expenses during your studies in Germany as well as suggestions on how you can cover the costs of studying and living: Lebenshaltungskosten — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Flexnow

Flexnow is JLU's central examination and grade management system. Students can use it to register for examinations, view their academic achievements and track their study progress. You can access the platform here. Ask your department whether and how you can use Flexnow.

 

Foreign Language Courses

The Center for Competence Development (ZfbK) offers semester-accompanying language courses at different proficiency levels. You can find more information about the current course offerings here: Fremdsprachenkurse — Sprachkurse (webiste only available in German)

 

G

German Language Courses

JLU offers both evening German courses alongside your studies and intensive German courses to prepare you for your studies, ranging from beginner level (A1) to advanced level (C1.2). Further details on the course programme can be found on the following websites:

Evening courses: German Evening Courses — Language Courses

Intensive courses: German Intensive Courses in Preparation for Academic Study — Language Courses

 

German Language Proficiency

For a German-language degree programme, students must demonstrate sufficient German language skills and submit a respective certificate (e.g., DSH, TestDaF, telc C1). More information on the required German language proficiency can be found here on our website: German-Language Prerequisites for Application/Admission and Matriculation — JLU

 

Guest Student

Guest student status allows you to attend selected courses at JLU without enrolling. Further information is available here: Gasthörerstudium — Stabsabteilungen (website only available in German)

 

H

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. Proof of insurance must be provided upon enrolment. Options are available from statutory or private providers. You can find all the details here: Notes on the Health Insurance Certificate — JLU

 

Higher Semester (Lateral Entry)

Students can enter a higher semester directly after recognition of previous achievements. This is possible if academic achievements have previously been completed at another university in a related degree programme and have been recognised by the relevant examination office at JLU. Please note the special conditions for recognition in medical subjects and teacher training programmes. Further information is available here: Bewerbung für das höhere Fachsemester — JLU (website only available in German)

 

I

Immigration Authorities

The Immigration Authorities are the central point of contact for international students to apply for visas, residence permits and extensions, and to complete important formalities for their stay in Germany.

 

International Calendar

The International Calendar highlights upcoming information events, seminars and cultural events for all international students and interested individuals. You can access the International Calendar here: International Calendar — JLU

 

IT Service Centre (HRZ)

The HRZ provides IT services for all JLU students and employees of JLU. These include on-campus Wi-Fi access, software licenses, email accounts, server access, and technical support. For more information and the contact details of the HRZ Helpdesk, please visit the following webpage: IT Service Centre of Justus Liebig University Giessen — IT Service Centre

 

J

Job Search

Each semester, JLU offers numerous career preparation workshops in German and English. The complete programme can be found here: Career Services — ZfbK - Centre for Competence Development. Current job vacancies can be found on the Career Services job portal on Stud.IP, on the Stud.IP notice board or on the JLU job portal. Part-time jobs for students can be found via the job exchange platform of the Studierendenwerk Giessen.

 

K

Key Skills (also "Core Competencies" or "Study Skills")

Key skills or core competencies are interdisciplinary skills — such as presentation, communication, and time management skills — that are important for both academic studies and professional life. The Center for Competence Development (ZfbK) offers courses to help you acquire or improve these skills. You can find the full course programme here: Study Skills — ZfbK - Centre for Competence Development

 

L

Language Requirements

Proof of sufficient German or foreign language skills may be required for your application. Further information is available on the respective degree programme website and on the following website: Foreign Language Proficiency — JLU

 

Lateral Entry (Higher Semester)

If you have already completed coursework at another university or in a related study program, you may be able to start your studies in a higher semester. To do this, your previous academic achievements must be officially recognized by the university. This process can shorten your study time and prevent you from repeating modules you have already completed. You can find further information here: Bewerbung für das höhere Fachsemester — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Leave of Absence (Semester Off)

A leave of absence ("Urlaubssemester") is an officially approved leave from your studies, for example for personal or health reasons. Semesters of leave are not counted as regular semesters of study. You can find more information here: Beurlaubung / Urlaubssemester — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Lecture Period / Semester Break

The lecture period covers the active courses of a semester, while the lecture-free period is reserved for examinations, internships or free study time. Students should find out about dates early on in order to optimise their study planning. The lecture periods can be found here: Term Dates — JLU.

 

Library

The University Library of Giessen (UB) offers access to books, online resources and study areas. Further information on opening hours and locations can be found here: Home Page — University Library.

 

Living Expenses

The cost of living in Giessen for students is around 1,000 € per month, covering rent, food, health insurance, transportation, and leisure activities. International students should take this into account when planning the financing of their studies. You can find more information on costs and financing here: Costs and Financing — JLU.

 

O

Orientation Week / Days (StEW/StET)

The Orientation Weeks for Undergraduate Students (StEW) and the Master Orientation Days (StET) are organised by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) and the respective departments and take place before the start of each semester. The StEW offer you the opportunity to discuss key questions about starting your studies in small groups with mentors and fellow students. Further information can be found here: Orientation Week for Undergraduate Students — JLU. More information about the Master Orientation Days can be found here: Orientation Days for Master's Students — JLU.

 

Orientation Week for International Students (OWIS)

The Orientation Week for International Students (OWIS) is organized by the International Office to help international students get off to a smooth start at JLU. Information sessions are offered on topics such as electronic systems at JLU, German courses and residence permits. You can find the OWIS programme here: Orientation Week for International Students — OWIS-Programme

 

P

Part-time Study

Part-time study allows students to reduce their course load, for example due to family, work, or health reasons. It can include flexible study planning, extended study periods, and adjusted exam schedules. For more information, please visit: Teilzeitstudium — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Programme Change

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) and the Registrar's Office provide advice on changing your field of study within or outside JLU. For more information, please visit: Fachwechsel / Studiengangswechsel — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Psychological Counselling

Students can access confidential support for personal, social, or psychological issues. There are two points of contact at JLU who offer counselling free of charge. Here, you can find information on the psychological counselling of the Centre for Competence Development and here, you can find more information on the counselling offered by the AStA (student union). 

 

Pursuing a Doctorate

A doctorate is an advanced academic qualification leading to a doctoral degree. Information on doctoral programmes, supervision and funding can be found here: Doctoral Studies at JLU

 

R

Refugee and Endangered Students

The International Office at JLU offers advice and support for refugees and people at risk. Further information can be found here: Services for refugees and people at risk — JLU

 

Re-registration

To re-register for the new semester, you must transfer the semester contribution to JLU by the end of the re-registration period. As soon as the conditions are met, the Registrar's Office will automatically re-register you.

 

Residence Permit

The residence permit regulates legal residence in Germany. Before entering Germany to study, you must apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country (exceptions are possible). Once you have entered the country with a visa, you can have your visa converted into a residence permit at your local Immigration Authorities.

 

Residence Permit Extension

International students in Germany may need to extend their residence permit if they plan to stay beyond the validity of their current visa/permit. For the extension, you will need to submit certain documents: proof of enrolment, proof of financial means, and sometimes additional documents such as health insurance or accommodation confirmation. Applications for extension of the residence permit must be submitted to the local Immigration Authorities. In some cases, the Immigration Authorities require an official statement about the progress of your studies from the university. This qualified statement (Stellungnahme) is issued by the International Office. 

 

Restricted Admission / Numerus Clausus (NC)

The Numerus Clausus (NC) is an admission restriction for certain degree programmes with limited places. It is based on your university entrance qualification grade and can vary from year to year. More information can be found here: Zulassungsbeschränkungen — JLU (website only available in German)

 

S

Scholarships

JLU offers limited funding opportunities, including scholarships supporting international students and equal opportunity initiatives. Further details can be found here: Grants and Other Financial Support — JLU

 

Semester Abroad / Student Exchange Programm

A semester abroad gives you the opportunity to gain international experience and enrich your studies with new perspectives. JLU supports you through programmes such as Erasmus+ and global exchange opportunities with partner universities. You can find more information here: Studium und Praktikum im Ausland — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Semester Contribution

There are no tuition fees at JLU. Students only pay a semester contribution, which includes the student body fee and public transport ticket. More information: Semester Contributions — JLU

 

Semester Off (or "Leave of Absence")

A leave of absence ("Urlaubssemester") is an officially approved leave from your studies, for example for personal or health reasons. Semesters of leave are not counted as regular semesters of study. You can find more information about the leave of absence here: Beurlaubung / Urlaubssemester — JLU (website only available in German)

 

Sports Courses

⁣The Academic Sports Service (ahs) offers a variety of sports and fitness courses at affordable prices for students. You can find general information here: Information in English — Allgemeiner Hochschulsport. The current programme can be found here: Course offers | Kursportal Uni Giessen

 

Statement for the Immigration Authorities (see also "Residence Permit Extension")

International students often need a qualified statement for the Immigration Authorities to prove their student status and academic progress for the purpose of extending their residence permit. This statement from the university is issued by the International Office. If your local Immigration Authorities request a statement, please contact: international.students@uni-giessen.de. In some cases, the Immigration Authorities also directly contact the universtiy.

 

Student Account

All JLU students have access to digital services such as email, Stud.IP, FlexNow and library portals. After enrolment, you will receive instructions on activating your student account. More information here: Student Account — JLU.

 

Student ID (or Chip Card)

The chip card serves as a student ID, library card and payment card on campus. More information: Student Card / Student ID — JLU

 

Study and Examination Regulations

The study regulations define the content, modules, examinations and requirements of a degree programme. Students must comply with the regulations applicable to their programme.

 

Study Skills (also "Core Competencies" or "Key Skills")

Key skills or core competencies are interdisciplinary skills — such as presentation, communication, and time management skills — that are important for both academic studies and professional life. The Center for Competence Development (ZfbK) offers courses to help you acquire or improve these skills. You can find the full course programm here: Study Skills — ZfbK - Centre for Competence Development

 

T

Term Dates

You can find semester dates, lecture periods, deadlines, and an overview of important dates throughout the academic year here on our website: Term Dates — JLU

 

Tuition Fees

→ see Semester Contribution

 

U

uni-assist

uni-assist is a central application platform for international study applications in Germany. The preparatory German courses at JLU and many degree programmes require applicants to apply via uni-assist. You can access uni-assist here: uni-assist. Information on different application processes can be found here: Application Process — JLU

 

University Announcements (MUG)

The JLU newsletter (MUG) publishes official announcements, such as examination regulations, changes in academic procedures, and important administrative notices. For updates on the university’s official announcements, please visit the following website: MUG-Inhaltsverzeichnis — JLU (website only availbale in German)

 

V

Visa

The visa is the entry permit for international students. As a rule, it must be applied for at the German diplomatic mission abroad before entering Germany. There are differences depending on the country of origin and course of study. Further information is available here: Visa Formalities — JLU

 

Volunteering / Engagement

Voluntary engagement enriches your studies and helps develop personal skills. Students can get involved in areas such as university politics, the Refugee Law Clinic, or other student initiatives. The first point of contact is the Giessen Volunteer Centre (Freiwilligenzentrum).

 

W

Working while Studying

Information on student assistant positions and the legal framework for working as an international student can be found here: Legal Information — JLU / Working in Giessen — JLU