FAQ

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Application:

1. Do I need an English proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)?

-> No, you don't. Your skills will be assessed via the ability assessment. Certificates will not alter this. We mean what we say: Your English skills need to be very good. Should you be invited for an interview, English is an important factor in the committee's decision on admission/rejection. Your skills will be assessed against the Common  European Framework of Reference for Languages and need to be at least C1.

2. Do I need letters of recommendation by lecturers?

-> No, you don't. Pleae do not add any documents that are not requested.

3. What are the study fees for Medical Life Sciences?

-> There are no study fees for Medical Life Sciences. At most universities in Germany, studying is free of cost. At Kiel University, you only pay a one-time registration fee (55 EUR) and an administration fee at the beginning of each semester (ca. 260 EUR per semester, covering a semester pass for the whole of Kiel, Hamburg and the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein); it covers a study-related accident insurance as well.

 

Coming to Germany from abroad

1. Will I manage daily life despite not speaking German?

-> Yes, you will. At university and most civil service agencies like the town hall where you need to register people speak English. In many shops several staff members speak English as well, so daily life and your studies are not a problem. Usually, people are also quite helpful when you ask them something. To learn a few phrases of German cannot hurt, of course, and is appreciated by people.

2. What do I need to come to Germany if I am accepted for MedLife?

-> That depends on where you are from. If you are from an EU country, you do not need a visa. If you are from a non-EU country, you need to inform yourself at the German embassy/consulate in your home country which kind of visa you need and apply accordingly. The embassies have their own webpages, please consult them early on in your MedLife application process. Do not underestimate the time needed for going through the visa application process. To be in Kiel on time should you be accepted for the programme is essential. We do not accept late comers.

3. Insurances - do I need any?

-> Yes, you need to have a health insurance. This is usually very easy since you can register with one of the German health insurance companies. After having done that, you can enrol at the university. No enrolment without proof of being health insured. Currently (November 2022), monthly student tariffs for a health insurances are ca. 120 EUR, the big health insurers charge very similar tariffs.

4. What about the cost of living in Kiel?

-> Generally speaking, the cost of living is moderate in Germany compared to other countries in western Europe. Kiel as a medium-sized city is not that expensive, either. The biggest factor is the cost of accommodation. Accommodation is becoming more expensive and scarcer, but if you start early enough and apply at the halls of residence run by different agencies, you stand a good chance of getting an offer for a room. That is usually also the less expensive option compared to flats. Do not leave it until shortly before the semester starts. Coordination is willing to help, but we can't work miracles.
 

What makes things dearer currently is a high inflation rate, which is at >10%. Budget more EUR for food and energy, in particular.

 


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