All you need to know about study in Germany during COVID 19
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: June 2021
TL;DR: Planning to study abroad during the COVID 19 pandemic can be a challenging task. Regulations and travel restrictions for international students are constantly changing. The German embassy has been granting study visas to Malaysians going to study in Germany. Let’s read and find out the things you shall know before studying in Germany.
Updated: 14th June 2021
Planning to study abroad during the COVID 19 pandemic can be a challenging and confusing task. Regulations and travel restrictions for international students are constantly changing, and the latest information is not always easily available.
If you are planning to further your studies in Germany but still have many unanswered questions, this article will be able to shed some light on this complicated process to study in Germany during COVID 19.
Are German universities accepting international students during COVID 19?
Yes! Not only are university doors open (virtually) to international students, universities are experiencing a slight increase in international enrollment during this COVID 19. German universities are optimistic about its upcoming winter semester this 2021 as they see the number of degree-seeking students increasing. However, classes are still currently conducted online for most universities until the situation improves, hopefully by winter semester 2021.
Can I get a visa to study in Germany?
The German embassy has been granting study visas to Malaysians going to study in Germany in the midst of COVID 19. In other words, if you meet all the requirements, getting a visa should not be a problem. Over the past year, we have assisted more than 50 students to fly over to Germany during the pandemic. Another 30 German Educare students will depart to Germany this October. Hence, with proper guidance and preparation, you should be able to receive a student visa.
What are the regulations for traveling to Germany?
Germany categorizes countries into three types of risk areas:
- areas of variant of concern,
- high incidence areas,
- and basic risk areas.
Countries are evaluated based on a two-step assessment:
1) countries/regions in which there were more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous seven days,
2) qualitative and other criteria to determine the presence of increased risk of infection for countries above or below this threshold.
General travel regulations
Registration required:
Travellers from a risk area will have to fill up the digital registration prior or latest on entry at www.einreiseanmeldung.de. They will have to keep the confirmation of registration with them to be checked by the carrier (rail, bus, ship or plane). Border control officers like the Federal Police can also request to check it.
Obligation to furnish proof:
Travellers from a risk area that is not a high-incidence area or area of variants of concern must carry their negative test result with them on entry. Their carrier (rail, bus, ship or plane) can request to see the test result and deny people who do not have it.
Travelers who spent time in a high-incidence area must present proof of vaccination or proof of recovery to their carrier (rail, bus, ship or plane).
If entering Germany following a stay in a basic risk area, travelers must present a negative test result or proof of vaccination or proof of recovery within 48 hours of entry. The proof must be uploaded via the travel portal at https://einreiseanmeldung.de.
Obligation to quarantine:
Travellers who have spent time in a risk area must make their way directly to their home – or other place of accommodation at the destination – upon arrival and remain isolated there for ten days (home quarantine).
Persons who have spent time in an area of variants of concern prior to entry must quarantine for 14 days.
Ending quarantine:
Quarantine at home may be shortened if proof of recovery, proof of vaccination or a negative test result is submitted via the Federal Republic of Germany entry portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de. Quarantine can be ended in each case from the time the negative test result has been submitted.
If you have spent time in a high incidence area prior to entry, the relevant test must not be conducted earlier than five days after entry.
Following a stay in an area of variants of concern, the duration of quarantine may not be shortened.
Travelers from areas of virus variants of concern will not be allowed to travel to Germany whether by rail, bus, ship or plane.
For Malaysian students
You must present a negative COVID 19 test result or proof of full COVID 19 vaccination. This proof must be uploaded to the Digital Registration on Entry form, and the test result must be no more than 48 hours old upon entry.
Do I have to self-quarantine upon arrival in Germany?
Since you are entering from a high-incidence area, you are required to proceed directly to your destination in Germany upon arrival and self-isolate for 10 days. During this quarantine, you may not leave the accommodation or receive guests. However, you may be able to get a reduction of the quarantine period by submitting your proof of a negative test result after at least 5 days’ stay.
REMINDER:
The travel restrictions and regulations are very fluid and may change in a short period of time. Please always check for the latest information regarding entry restrictions, testing, and quarantine regulations in Germany.
Are international students in Germany eligible for the COVID 19 vaccine?
Yes, all international students with a German registration certificate or German health insurance will be eligible to receive the COVID 19 vaccine. The vaccines are free of charge and all costs will be covered by your health insurance. In terms of how soon you will receive a vaccination, from 7th June onward, everyone above age 12 in Germany is allowed to register for vaccination, with the priority system lifted for most of the states. You can find out how to register for vaccination depending on the state you are in.
How should I conduct myself in Germany?
Mouth and nose must be covered with a mask in public and crowded places such as public transport and in shops. If you have any COVID 19 associated symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, or fever, get in touch by phone with a doctor. Other general advice includes frequent handwashing with soap, sneezing into the elbow, and keeping a distance from others and avoiding physical contact. Be mindful that different locations may have varying regulations set by the local authorities. Keep yourself updated and don’t be shy to check with your university’s student services or international student office.
Should I still study in Germany?
Your study plans do not have to be stalled because of COVID 19. With proper planning and updated information on hand, your journey to start your degree in Germany can be smooth and safe. If you are still unsure, do reach out to us and we will be happy to talk to you.
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