In general, non-EU citizens require a visa to enter Germany!
The visa regulations depend on your nationality so it is essential that you contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country regarding up-to-date information.

→ Please check for further information our visa fact sheet

Citizens from UK, USA, Republic of Korea, Japan, Brazil:
In case you want to enter Germany without visa and apply for a residence permit please mind to bring your financial security statement with you.
We will arrange your contact to the local foreigners' registration office once you are here.

Statutory health insurance is mandatory for enrolment at a German university.

You need health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Germany covering all costs that may arise in the event of illness or injury. We need proof of such insurance coverage. Please submit an insurance certificate “Versicherungsbescheinigung zur Vorlage bei einer Hochschule” (Insurance certificate for submission to a university) to us.

→ Please check for further information and contacts our Health Insurance Info Sheet.

Beside health insurance we strongly recommend personal liability insurance and travel insurance for your stay in Germany. Personal liability insurance will cost about 50 EUR for the entire year.

In order to reach Bad Mergentheim, we recommend to fly into Frankfurt.
However, any other airport would work as well.

The train ride from Frankfurt Airport to Bad Mergentheim takes about 3:00 / 3:30 hours. There are trains every hour. You will have to change trains at Wuerzburg Main Station and also at Lauda. The train ride (normal fare without any reduction) will cost approx. 45 EUR. For discounts by booking tickets through the internet, please check here: Cheap Train Tickets | Timetables for Germany & Europe - Deutsche Bahn

We can also arrange a transfer service for you. If you would like to book a pick-up service from the airport, please contact us at least 3 weeks before your arrival in Frankfurt. The transfer costs 220 EUR to 240 EUR per car for up to 5-8 people (depending on the amount of luggage you have).
Please provide us with your flight number and a mobile number so that the driver can contact you at the airport.

We will arrange housing for all students who have chosen this option.
The accommodations are always located in downtown Bad Mergentheim and within walking distance of the campus.
You can usually move into the accommodation we arrange for you on the Saturday before the official start of the program.

As soon as we have finalized your accommodation, we will send you further details.
Each of you will receive information by e-mail including the address, the binding move-in date, a brief description of your room and information on your monthly rent.

If you would like to find accommodation yourself, you are of course welcome to do so. 
Please also take a look at the following website: Die Nr.1 für WG-Zimmer - Der Marktplatz für Wohnungen und Zimmer. WG-Gesucht.de

Here is an overview of the costs to be expected during your semester:

• Housing: approx. 300 – 450 EUR per month plus a refundable deposit
• Student Services Fee: 59 EUR / Semester
  (payable via wire transfer, you will get an invoice with bank details after arrival)
• Residence permit: approx. 50 EUR (citizens of USA and Republic of Korea without visa)
• Food: lunch at several restaurants in Bad Mergentheim with lunch tickets 2,70 EUR/ticket (approx. 6,50 – 11,50 EUR/meal)
   
• Students in the International Program of Business will also have to pay excursion fees of approximately 250 EUR

Study itself is tuition-free, supported by the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, and the majority of travel/program costs are sponsored by DHBW.

Please note: According to §29 Abs. 5 Satz 3 of the State University Law, you are required to attend lectures regularly, as well as to participate in the required performance assessments and exams. In case you are sick and cannot attend lectures, you are required to inform the Head of Department CC International Office (contact details on our website).

We recommend opening an online bank account with one of the following providers. Please find out in advance which bank suits you best and is available to you.

Wise: The international account | Money without borders | Wise Germany

N26 The Mobile Bank | Spend, save, and invest in one app

Monese: The peace-of-mind money app alternative to banks

Please note that most supermarkets in Germany offer cash withdrawals when you pay for your shopping with a debit card.

Please mind: in Germany all shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays!