Important Update: New Regulations on Changing Study Programs for International Students in Germany
As international students in Germany, we often change universities or study programs. However, this has raised some concerns due to new regulations.
Notice on Changing Study Programs
International students are now only allowed to change their study programs if they receive approval from the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) located in the city hall. If someone changes their study program without approval from the Foreigners’ Office, they may be asked to leave Germany.
Why Has This Regulation Been Implemented?
When you arrive in Germany and obtain a residence permit, it is specifically valid for a certain course and university. If you change the course or university, your residence permit will no longer be valid. In such a case, if you do not receive approval from the Foreigners’ Office, it will be considered a criminal offense.
What You Need to Do or What Will Happen Otherwise?
It’s simple. You must get approval from the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) for changing your study program within 14 days (2 weeks) of making the change.
Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to €1000 (according to §98 para. 2 no. 5 AufenthG). This regulation was modified on March 1, 2024.
Verification of the Law
To verify this notice, you can check the Residence Act (AufenthG), which has been updated. I will attach some screenshots of the relevant sections in the post for reference.
Is This a New Rule?
This is not a new rule. It has been in effect for a while, but the regulations have now been modified. When you email your university for de-registration (exmatriculation), you may receive a warning about this regulation, but sometimes it goes unnoticed.
Real-Life Example:
This issue has occurred before. One student, who changed from Energy Systems Engineering to Industrial Engineering, was asked to leave Germany shortly after making the change. However, he was able to resolve the situation quickly by booking a special appointment with the Foreigners’ Office.
Stay Alert and Follow the Rules
As an international student, you do not want to be forced to leave Germany or face a hefty fine. So, it’s important to follow the regulations and obtain the necessary approval before making any changes to your study program. By staying alert and adhering to the guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary trouble.
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New Regulations for International Students in Germany: Changing Study Programs
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