General Updates for Internationals in Germany

Welcome to the ultimate resource for internationals in Germany! Whether you’re planning to move to Germany, have recently arrived, or have been living here for some time, this webpage is your go-to destination for the most up-to-date and essential information.

With this page, we aim to provide an overview of the most recent news concerning internationals in Germany, completely in English. You will find news chronologically on top while general FAQs and relevant links for further information are provided at the bottom.

With 💗 from Frankfurt and all the best – your Fintiba-Team!
(Watch our video message to you here)

News Ticker

July 7th, 2023

+++ The Power of Integration: How Successful Integration Fuels International Students’ Career Aspirations in Germany +++

Mid last year, we asked more than 9,000 international students and expats about their integration situation in Germany and they provided interesting and eye-opening insights about the situation of internationals in Germany.

A key finding from the survey was that internationals were more inclined to stay and pursue a career in Germany after finishing their studies if they felt more integrated into the country. This is actually a win-win situation – the German labour market attracts qualified professionals and internationals get to start a career in a thriving economy. ⁠

To learn more about the integration journey of internationals in Germany as well as read the full study, click here: https://www.fintiba.com/blog/integration-in-germany

 

July 6th, 2023

+++ Frankfurt Foreigner Office: New Website with Paperless Applications to Combat Unanswered E-mails +++
The new website (frankfurt.de) is live online, making all administrative services available digitally so that it can be offered in a simpler and more comprehensible way. Only when all the required documents and information are ready can an application be submitted to the authority. This offer is also to be available to students by the end of the year.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/rhein-main/frankfurt/frankfurter-auslaenderbehoerde-20-000-unbeantwortete-anfragen-18994564.html

May 30th, 2023

+++Germany: 200 Euro Culture Voucher (Kulturpass)+++
From June 2023, all young people over the age of 18 in Germany can get a €200 culture voucher (Kulturpass) which can be used to enjoy cultural products, buy books or CDs and watch movies. Registration can be done through the website http://www.kulturpass.de.
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/suche/kulturpass-2142398

May 15th, 2023

+++Brazil, China, India, South Africa, USA: The German Chancellor Fellowship for Tomorrow’s Leaders+++
The online application is now open! In recent years, 25 to 30 percent of applicants have received a fellowship on average. The deadline for the online application is October 15th, 2023.
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/german-chancellor-fellowship

April 11th, 2023

+++Opportunity Card 2023: Working in Germany Is Made Easier+++
The German cabinet has introduced the “Chancenkarte” (opportunity card) to make Germany more attractive for qualified workers. The “Chancenkarte” offers foreigners opportunities to work in Germany and make it possible to switch to a different type of residence title such as for educational purposes.
https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/DE/2023/02/fachkraefteeinwanderung-laenderanhoerung.html

March 30th, 2023

+++Germany: The 49-Euro Ticket is here+++
One ticket throughout Germany:
– Valid from 1st May 2023
– Can be purchased from 3rd April
– Can be canceled on a monthly basis
– Special discounts for student groups vary according to federal states
https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/deutschland-ticket

February 10th, 2023

+++Germany: Germany is the most attractive non-English-speaking country for international students+++
While the United Kingdom and the Universities of Netherlands (UNL) are considering curbing the number of international students, Germany establishes welcoming schemes for students by actively expanding the English-taught programs and offering a one-off payment of 200 euros as a relief package.
https://www.bmbf.de/bmbf/shareddocs/faq/200-euro-einmalzahlung-fuer-studierende.html

January 6th, 2023

+++University: Latest Global Employability University Ranking+++
17 German universities are on the ranking list of TOP 250 universities worldwide for employability based on international employers’ point of view.

Graduate skills are the No.1 driver of employability in 2022. Subject specialization and academic performance rank second and third.
https://www.employability-ranking.com/2022-ranking

December 30th, 2022

+++Germany: New Rules and Reforms to be Introduced in 2023+++
The 49-euro monthly ticket for nationwide will be introduced in 2023; besides, midi-jobbers are not obliged to pay full social contributions up to 2,000 euros since 1st. Jan. 2023.
https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/das-aendert-sich-zum-jahr-2023-100.html

December 15th, 2022

+++Industry Report: International Students in Germany 2022+++
Although the number of exchange or other visiting students who do not intend to graduate in Germany dropped by half due to Covid-19, the total number of international students at German universities continued to rise, with approximately 440.564 international students enrolled in Winter semester 2021/2022, as Wissenschaft weltoffen 2022 and Statista reported.
https://www.wissenschaft-weltoffen.de/content/uploads/2022/11/wiwe_2022_web_en.pdf

October 13th, 2022

+++International Students: Germany is Among the Top OECD Countries for Students to Stay After graduation+++
38% of students from non-EU countries stay in Germany for the long term, which represents one of the highest retention rates in an international comparison. Over 50% of those of stay are Chinese, and many of those from Cameroon, India, and Brazil take on German citizenship.

They represent an important resource for the German labour market, according to the Federal Statistical Office:
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/studierende-bleibequote-deutschland-101.html

September 15th, 2022

+++Germany: Mini-jobbers And Students Can Also Get The 300 Euro Energiepauschale (EPP)+++
Those who are studying and at the same time have a part-time or full-time job and are thus subject to income tax are also eligible for the EEP. Even a mini-job is enough to get the flat-rate energy allowance with the next tax return at the latest.
https://www.chip.de/news/Letzte-Chance-So-kommen-auch-Rentner-Minijobber-und-Studenten-an-300-Euro-Energiepauschale_184367604.html

September 5th, 2022

+++Germany: Deutschland Edition E-Paper: Better Work – New Ideas+++
Deutschland Edition magazine reports on the big topics affecting Germany. It reports on Fintiba as a representative business of the diversity and internationality in Germany and has made the access to a university course easier for over 150,000 young people.

Read the e-magazine with the link below and discover the New Work in Germany:
https://interactive.deutschland.de/epaper/epaper-Deutschland-Edition-1-2022-ENG/index.html#20

July 28th, 2022

+++Europe: Erasmus Increases Funds to Universities+++
A budget of €272 million will be allocated to the European Universities initiative, out of which 44 European Universities with 340 higher education institutions in Europe are expected to benefit by cooperating on education, research, and innovation.

By bringing together about 1,300 associated partners from different NGOs, cities, enterprises, and regional authorities, the European Universities are able to increase the quality of higher education institutions across the EU.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/erasmus-increases-funds-allocated-to-university-alliances-from-e5-million-to-e14-4-million/

July 15th, 2022

+++Fintiba: Join Our Free Webinars to Prepare Your Journey to Germany+++
BIST DU BEREIT? Fintiba offers the following webinars to help you get ready for your German adventure:

1st Webinar: The German Student Visa Application from A to Z
Monday, 18th July 2022
13:30 to 15:00 (Central European Time)

2nd Webinar: All You Need to Know Before You Travel to Germany
Tuesday, 2nd August 2022
13:30 to 15:00 (Central European Time)

Register now for our next live session:
https://fintiba.com/get-ready-for-germany/

July 4th, 2022

+++Deutsche Bank: Deutsche Bank Stops Blocked Account Service for German Visa+++
After five years of fair competition in helping international students prove their financial means for the German visa application, Deutsche Bank has discontinued its blocked account service as of July 2022. This makes Fintiba the only provider opening blocked accounts directly at a German bank.

Find out more on our website:
https://fintiba.com/deutsche-bank-blocked-account-alternative/

July 1st, 2022

+++UNIVERSITY: Germany’s Bavaria Faces Criticism for Its Plans to Introduce University Fees for Non-EU Students+++
The Bavarian State of Germany is planning to introduce tuition fees for non-European students, and Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW) has objected to the decision profoundly.

DSW points out that financing studies is one of the main challenges 325,000 international students in Germany face, and by introducing a new tuition fee, Germany not only can lose international students but also put at risk the country’s locational advantage which is the expulsion from tuition fees.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germanys-bavaria-faces-criticism-for-its-plans-to-introduce-university-fees-for-non-eu-students/

June 17th, 2022

+++SCHOLARSHIP: Apply for the Fintiba 2022 Scholarship+++
Get the chance to receive one of our awards aimed to help international students coming to Germany:

1st award: € 3,000.00

2nd award: € 2,000.00

3rd award: € 1,000.00

In addition, 10 of the best applicants would receive a one-time bonus award of a €50 top-up for their Fintiba SIM card, provided by our partners from Ortel mobile.

Apply Fintiba 2022 Scholarship with the following link:
https://fintiba.com/about-fintiba/fintiba-scholarship/2022-scholarship/

June 16th, 2022

+++CORONA: Germany Lifts COVID Entry Rules for All Travellers+++

“As of Saturday, June 11, 2022, all COVID-19 entry restrictions to Germany are provisionally lifted. From this date, entries to Germany are again permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visiting trips),” the statement of the Federal Foreign Office reads.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-lifts-covid-entry-rules-for-all-travellers/

June 3rd, 2022

+++Germany: Most Beautiful Train Routes With €9 Monthly Ticket+++
Following the 9 Euro ticket plan for public transport, Deutsche Welle has compiled a list of some of the most beautiful train routes, presented below:

• Ravenna Bridge in the Black Forest
• Upper Middle Rhine
• Moselle River route
• Lindau on Lake Constance
• Munich to Salzburg
• Hamburg to Sylt
• Dresden to Decin, Czech Republic
• From Gera to Cheb over the Göltzschtal Viaduct
• Munich to Tegernsee Lake
• Berlin to the Baltic Sea

https://www.dw.com/en/most-beautiful-train-routes-to-travel-with-germanys-9-ticket/g-61847301

May 20th, 2022

+++India: Indo-German Cooperation in The Field of Higher Education and Research+++
In May, Germany and India have agreed a migration and mobility partnership. Both Participants aim to facilitate joint research and development, technology cooperation and industry-wide collaboration. Akos Kiraly anticipated a further increase in the field of engineering and IT from India in the market.
https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/975228/2029828/6a4f226c3e696417d110e0651ea26d77/2022-05-02-joint-declaration-ger-ind-data.pdf?download=1

May 12th, 2022

+++India: Indians Will Be Able to Apply Online for Schengen Visas After 2026+++
About four years from now, Indian passport holders will be able to obtain a Schengen visa to visit any of the 26 Schengen Area member countries. “It is high time that the EU provides a quick, safe, and web-based EU visa application platform for the citizens of the 102 third countries that require short-term visas to travel to the EU,” the Commissioner said.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/indians-will-be-able-to-apply-online-for-schengen-visas-after-2026/

May 5th, 2022

+++Germany: Germany Needs International Students+++
As reported by DAAD, international students are important for the German labor market because Germany needs skilled workers who cannot be found in Germany alone. Therefore, more people from other countries must be attracted to study and work in Germany. It’s also noteworthy that the German government has reduced the minimum salary required for EU Blue Card eligibility.
https://www2.daad.de/der-daad/daad-aktuell/de/70155-deutschland-braucht-internationale-studierende/

April 25th, 2022

+++Scholarship: 300 Euros Per Month with Excellent Networking Opportunities+++
At TUM, more than 5,900 students have received financial support over the past 10 years. From TUM’s perspective, just as important as your grades are your willingness to embrace responsibility, contribute to society, and forge your own path in life.

The next application round starts on June 20, 2022. If you are interested, check the following link:
https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid/scholarships/tum-scholarships/deutschlandstipendium

April 11th, 2022

+++GERMANY: 9-Euro Public Transport Ticket from June 2022 +++
From June to August 2022, all citizens can get a public transport ticket for only 9 Euros per month. The ticket will be valid nationwide on buses & trains, will be offered for three months, and will bear the epithet “9 for 90”: anyone who wants to travel by bus and train will pay only 9 Euros per month for the public transport for 90 days – a total of only 27 euros.
https://www.bahndampf.de/angebote/oepnv-9-euro-ticket-2022

March 29th, 2022

+++UKRAINE: Information for Refugees from Ukraine+++
Refugees from Ukraine can enter Germany without a visa and receive a wide range of assistance, including access to education. For students who studied in Ukraine and want to continue their studies in Germany, you do not have to apply for asylum. You will also receive a residence permit that allows you to study in Germany.

Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community listed the frequently asked questions about entering Germany from Ukraine and residing in Germany, please check it here: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/ministry/ukraine-war-eng/faq-ukraine-artikel.html

Federal Ministry of Education and Research listed questions about studies and recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Germany, please check it here:
https://www.bmbf.de/bmbf/shareddocs/faq/informationen-fuer-gefluechtete-ukraine.html;jsessionid=2A1E0D98044C875026931F3D476A141E.live721#doc671996bodyText2

March 10th, 2022

+++FINTIBA: Join Our FREE Orientation Session for International Students+++
Many international students looking to study in Germany “do not feel adequately prepared for starting their studies”, according to a new report by DAAD.

These results suggest international students would benefit from a holistic support structure that not only considers academic matters but also typical challenges of student life, like housing, finances, and getting into contact with other domestic students. Fintiba offers a free orientation session for international students to answer your burning questions on 17. March 2022 from 13:30 Central European Time. Register with the following link:
https://fintiba.com/get-ready-for-germany/

March 3rd, 2022

+++UNIVERSITIES: Still Looking For A Place To Study In The Summer Semester? +++
The German universities list the courses for which they can still offer free places in the summer semester 2022 online.

Prospective students can find out about current capacities until 30. April. It contains basic information about a study offer, application deadlines and contact details. Access is free of charge and does not require registration.

Check the available study programs with the following link:
https://www.hochschulkompass.de/studienplatzboerse.html

February 23rd, 2022

+++FINTIBA: Join Our FREE Orientation Session for International Students+++
Are you ready for your studies in Germany? Join Fintiba’s orientation session on 3rd March for international students to get all necessary information you need for a smooth start in Germany.

Register with the following link:
https://fintiba.com/get-ready-for-germany/

February 12th, 2022

+++GERMANY: Useful Information for International Students to Start Summer Semester 2022+++
Sommer Semester 2022 will start in months and prepare yourself with following info:

Preparation: How well do I have to speak German? Where do I have to apply?
On Arrival: Register with the authorities, enrol at the university, etc.
During Your Studies: Make sure you have fun and get in touch with other students!
Finishing Your Studies: But what happens next?

Check it our here:
http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/home/

February 04th, 2022

+++GERMANY: Germany Removes 13 Countries from List of High-Risk Areas+++
On January 30, the following countries have been removed from the list of high-risk areas:

Angola; Burundi; Eswatini; Kenya; Lesotho; Malawi; Namibia; Rwanda; Zambia; Zimbabwe; South Africa; The United Republic of Tanzania; Uganda.

It means that those travelling to Germany from the 13 countries listed above can enter the German territory even if they are not vaccinated nor recovered from COVID-19, without being obliged to quarantine.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-adds-12-more-countries-to-list-of-high-risk-areas-removes-another-13/

January 19th, 2022

+++GERMANY: More International Students in Germany – Despite The Pandemic+++
At least 330,000 international students are currently enrolled at German universities.

International students had been permitted to enter Germany since the entry ban was lifted in June 2020 and no tuition fees have both played a role in maintaining Germany’s attractiveness among international students. Germany could overtake Australia as the third most popular study destination.
https://thepienews.com/news/minimum-of-330000-in-germany-in-winter-202122-semester/

January 12th, 2022

+++CORONA: Essen virologist: “Omicron will be like flu”+++
Light at the end of the tunnel: Future Corona variants will not become more dangerous, but more harmless, says the Essen virologist Ulf Dittmer. This is already becoming apparent with Omikron. The virologist stressed, “We can be glad that most Germans were sensible and already got vaccinated last year.”
https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/themen/coronavirus/corona-omikron-grippe-vierte-impfung-100.html

January 5th, 2022

+++GERMANY: Current Vaccination Status+++
61.8 million people (74.3% of the population) have received at least one vaccination dose so far. 59.4 million people (71.4 %) have already been fully vaccinated. 33.4 million people (40.1 %) have also received a booster vaccination. This third “booster” dose is now considered important for effective protection against the more contagious virus variant Omicron.
https://impfdashboard.de/

December 27th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Corona Waves Will Flatten Out in The Future+++
Corona waves will decrease in 2022, according to Jena infectiologist Mathias Pletz. “The waves will become flatter and flatter, even if new variants come along, because there is simply already a certain basic immunity.”

The basic problem with Corona, he said, was that the virus hit a population with no immunity at the beginning of the pandemic. “It was like throwing a match into a puddle of gasoline.” Looking at the Omicron variant, an optimistic scenario now, he said, is that the mutant encounters a largely boosted population and the results are very mild.
https://www.rnd.de/gesundheit/infektiologe-zu-2022-corona-wellen-werden-kuenftig-abflachen-WU2SS2OT2VO62OGUSVXBJL6VNY.html

December 21st, 2021

+++UNIVERSITY: A First Look Back at Two Months of Presence Courses+++
Prof. Bernd Skiera from Goethe University is certain that the corona pandemic has positively fueled the didactic discussion overall; he wants to ideally bring together the two realms of present and online teaching and maximize their respective potentials.

However, the return to presence courses was unanimously welcomed. Students come together on campus and meet in the corridors; communication is simply completely different. How do you feel about the present seminar and online courses?
https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/studium/universitaetsleben-zurueck-im-analogen/

December 17th, 2021

+++FINTIBA: DAK Health Insurance for Professionals and Foreign Expats+++
As an Employee, you may not need a blocked account thanks to your salary, but you must have health insurance in Germany. Fintiba launched DAK for Professionals health insurance to help foreign expats start off their professional careers on the right foot and support them in getting insured as employees.
https://fintiba.com/app/product/8

December 15th, 2021

+++DAAD: Apply for TheMuseumsLab 2022 Program, Join the Funding Program for Museum Professionals from African and European Countries+++
TheMuseumsLab is a platform for joint learning, exchange, and continuing education on the future of museums in both Africa and Europe. Sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office, 50 Executives from African and European museums will be selected to join this five-month-long project.
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/themuseumslab-2022/

December 9th, 2021

+++VACCINATION: Get Booster Vaccination Now in the Universities+++
Many Universities now offer free opportunity for first, second and third vaccinations (“boosters”). External interested people are also welcomed to be vaccinated there. Here are some examples:

Philipps-Universität Marburg offers vaccination in the former university library, Wilhelm-Röpke-Straße 4. The mRNA vaccine from Pfizer/Biontech or Moderna will be used.

TU Dresden offers vaccination directly on the campus (Lecture Hall Centre, Bergstr. 64, 01069 Dresden) from 29.11. to 22.12. for all members!

University of Kassel offers vaccination at the Holländischer Platz campus on 11.12.2021 from 10.00 a.m. to 2.35 p.m.
https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/aktuelles/aus-der-hochschule/jetzt-impfen-lassen

December 6th, 2021

+++DAAD: Scholarship Options Offered for Different Majors and Degrees+++
If you want to apply for a DAAD scholarship or maybe you already have received your letter of award, you will certainly ask yourself how it is possible to start a scholarship in the Corona-induced pandemic situation.
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=3&back=1

December 2nd, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: Career Service Online Job Shadowing for International Students +++
The project of the International Office and Career Service at Goethe University builds a bridge to the German job market for international students with and without a refugee background through online job shadowing, career coaching and application portfolio checks as well as a diverse range of workshops in the areas of study techniques and “future skills”. A good half of the participating students have met with one or more professionals online and shared their experiences with the program. All feedback has in common that they found the job shadowing informative and helpful for their career orientation.
https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/studium/online-job-shadowing-des-career-service-fuer-internationale-studierende-im-vollen-gange/

November 25th, 2021

+++Christmas markets 2021: 2G rule apply everywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia +++
In order to reduce the risk of infection, cities in NRW rely on the 2G rule state-wide: Anyone visiting the Christmas markets must therefore be recovered or vaccinated; proof of a negative corona test alone is no longer sufficient. For the market visitors this means: When buying, for example, food, drinks, arts and crafts or Christmas articles, they must always show their proof of vaccination or convalescence.

Furthermore, NRW will deploy additional staff for checks. The Christmas market’s security personnel at night now also assist with checks during the day.
https://www.waz.de/region/rhein-und-ruhr/weihnachtsmaerkte-nrw-planungen-laufen-veranstalter-hoffen-id232825199.html

November 26th, 2021

+++Corona: Corona vaccines for children+++
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the green light for the approval of the Corona vaccine from the manufacturers Pfizer/Biontech for children five years and older in Europe. It will be the first Corona vaccine approved in the EU for children under 12. From the end of December, five- to twelve-year-olds will also be vaccinated against the corona virus.
https://www.hessenschau.de/gesellschaft/biontech-zulassung-grosses-interesse-an-corona-impfungen-fuer-kinder,corona-kinder-impfen-100.html

November 22nd, 2021

+++CORONA: Long lines at open vaccination services +++
Long lines formed again from last Friday at almost every open vaccination center in Germany. No appointments are given at the open vaccination teams at all, everyone must join the queues. Beginning Nov. 25, appointments can be booked for the 24 central vaccination centers at http://www.impfen-sh.de.
https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswig-holstein/Druck-auf-Ungeimpfte-sorgt-fuer-lange-Schlangen-bei-Impfteams-,impfen754.html

November 19th, 2021

+++CORONA: When, where and for whom is the third vaccination available? +++
In Germany, everyone is entitled to a booster vaccination. As a rule, this is the third vaccination, which is given at the earliest six months after the second vaccination. On Thursday, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (die Ständige Impfkommission) presented a draft resolution in which it recommends booster vaccination for everyone over the age of 18.
https://www1.wdr.de/nachrichten/corona-impfung-faq-auffrischungsimpfung-100.html

November 11th, 2021

+++CARNIVAL: Carnival despite Corona: The 11.11 is celebrated+++
Thousands of people in Cologne and Düsseldorf want to celebrate the start of Carnival on 11 November. Only vaccinated and recovered people have access. It is arranged with the North Rhine-Westphalian state government for the 2G rule to prevail throughout Cologne on Thursday.
https://www.dw.com/de/karneval-trotz-corona-der-1111-wird-gefeiert/a-59770527

November 8th, 2021

+++ EUROPE: EU’s top health authority suggests avoiding travel to majority of EU countries as winter holidays approach+++
Not long before the winter holidays, the COVID-19 situation has started to worsen among the European Union countries, causing inconveniences for those planning to travel to another Member State.
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eus-top-health-authority-suggests-avoiding-travel-to-majority-of-eu-countries-as-winter-holidays-approach/

November 2nd, 2021

+++CORONA: Booster vaccination+++
In Germany, the first Corona booster vaccinations have been available since September. As a rule, this is the third vaccination, which is given no earlier than six months after the second vaccination. In principle, everyone in Germany is entitled to a booster vaccination.
https://www.tagesschau.de/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-story-43501.html

October 29th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Abolition of mandatory masks on buses and trains would be counterproductive+++
The Federal Ministry of Transport has spoken out in favor of retaining the Corona mask requirement on local public transport and long-distance trains. The hygiene and safety measures for public transport in the spring of 2020 had proved their worth.
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/blog-coronavirus-102.html

October 22nd, 2021

+++GERMANY: corona updates+++
Despite rising infection figures, Health Minister Spahn wants to phase out the epidemic emergency at the end of November. The heads of government of the federal states are now pushing for uniform Corona rules nationwide.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/mpk-laschet-corona-101.html

October 19th, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: 3G rules without test centers+++
The universities of Frankfurt, Kassel, Giessen, Marburg and the Rhine-Main University of Applied Sciences in Wiesbaden and Rüsselsheim have opted for the 3G (geimpft, genesen und negativ getestet) model. Only vaccinated, recovered and negatively tested students can participate in face-to-face events.

October 17th, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: offline face-to-face courses for winter semester 21/22 +++
In the winter semester of 2021/2022, universities in North Rhine-Westphalia will once again become places for personal encounters and academic exchange. Teaching is to be conducted in the form of face-to-face courses. In justified cases, courses can still be held in digital form as an exception.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-end-free-covid-testing-in-october/a-58822085

October 11st, 2021

+++GERMANY: no more free COVID testing since +++
Since 11. October, Germany stops paying for rapid coronavirus tests to encourage more people to get vaccinated. Unvaccinated people will be required to take tests. Currently 65.2% of citizens have received a full vaccination, and Germany is and will be a welcoming destination for international students and researchers.ike.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-end-free-covid-testing-in-october/a-58822085
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations?country=OWID_WRL

August 20th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Germany’s States  Bring in Uniform ‘Covid Health Pass’ system+++
In a bid to encourage vaccinations, and stave off the fourth wave, German states were tasked with bringing in an expanded ‘Covid health pass’ system. The 3G rule means that anyone entering most indoor spaces now has to be geimpft – vaccinated, genesen – recovered, and getestet – tested against Covid-19. It came into place across the 16 states on August the 23rd, although a few regions implemented it slightly earlier. Here’s what it looks like. What is it and why do I need to know?
https://www.thelocal.de/20210823/germanys-16-states-bring-in-uniform-covid-health-pass-system/

August 5th, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: Back To Teaching in Presence in Autumn at Universities in Hessen+++
At Hessian universities, face-to-face teaching is to become the norm again in the upcoming winter semester. This was made clear by Science Minister Angela Dorn on Wednesday. The principle is: “As much normality in university life as possible and responsible”. Together with the state’s universities, the ministry has developed key points for teaching. Among other things, they state that seminars and artistic and practical courses should be held on campus. Large-scale events, on the other hand, would not be a priority.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/rhein-main/im-wintersemester-wieder-praesenz-an-hessens-hochschulen-17469454.html?fav_ressort=rhein-main

July 26th, 2021

+++GERMANY: How Will it Continue at The Universities after 3 Corona semesters?+++
Students have already spent three semesters under Corona conditions. How should it continue? In Bremen, for example, only vaccinated students are allowed back into the lecture hall. However, complete face-to-face instruction as early as the winter semester seems rather unlikely at most German universities. This is the result of a survey by the newspaper “Welt am Sonntag”. According to the survey, 92 per cent rely on a combination of face-to-face and digital formats.
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/corona-universitaet-impfung-100.html

July 24th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Webinar on Changes in Higher Education System In Germany Since Covid-19+++
You want to study in Germany and are wondering how university life has changed since the start of COVID? In this webinar, you will get an overview of the changes in the higher education system in Germany.
It takes place on the 29th of July and is free to register.
https://www.mygermanuniversity.com/webinar/2021-07-29/covid-19-update/152

July 15th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Half of  German Population Has Been fully Vaccinated+++
Vaccinations are the most powerful tool against the pandemic: they reliably protect against severe disease with covid-19 and they prevent a large proportion of infections. But when will there be enough vaccine for everyone? How do vaccinations affect the number of infections? And how quickly does Germany vaccinate compared to other countries?

July 8th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Vaccination Campaign For Trainees And Students+++
Young people aged 18 to 27 can get vaccinated against the coronavirus during a special campaign. On the Mainz university campus, the first young people lined up as early as 6.00 a.m. to get the Biontech prick, two hours before the start of the vaccinations, according to Rhineland-Palatinate DRK board member Manuel Gonzalez. Up to 1000 young people were to be vaccinated against the coronavirus on the first day at the six sites in Kaiserslautern, Koblenz, Landau, Ludwigshafen, Trier and Mainz. The state government has provided about 30 000 doses for the one-week campaign: 5000 doses per location and around 1000 per day. The second vaccinations are to follow in five weeks.
https://www.ffh.de/nachrichten/hessen/wiesbaden/233775-corona-update-fuer-wiesbaden-und-mainz.html?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=twitter&utm_content=corona-update-fuer-wiesbaden-und-mainz

June 15th, 2021

+++GERMANY: More Relaxed Corona Situation is Expected For  Coming Months+++
“For the current summer, based on the current data, we expect a moderate infection incidence, similar to last year,” explained Jan Fuhrmann from the Research Centre Jülich, who calculates possible pandemic courses. “On the one hand, the now predominant virus variants are more contagious than last summer, on the other hand, an increasing proportion of potentially infectable people are protected by vaccination.” Forecasts for the autumn are not yet possible, he said. “That would be pure speculation,” Fuhrmann emphasises.
https://www.aachener-zeitung.de/nrw-region/juelicher-forscher-erwartet-maessiges-infektionsgeschehen_aid-59493481

June 13th, 2021
+++GERMANY: SME’s Are Facing Corona Boom+++
German SMEs are gradually shaking off the Corona crisis. Currently, more than one in four companies are planning to hire new employees in the next six months. In some sectors, such as the electrical industry, the figure was as high as 44 per cent, in the chemical and plastics industry, it was about one third. This is the result of a representative survey by DZ Bank and the Federal Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR), who speaks of a “post-Corona boom”.
https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Mittelstaendler-erwarten-Post-Corona-Boom-article22617965.html

May 27th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Education Minister Says Students in Germany Must Get Priority for COVID-19 Vaccination+++
The Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek said that students should get priority in COVID-19 vaccination in order to start facilitating measures at higher education institutions across Germany and allow students to return to in-person classes for the winter semester.
https://www.studying-in-germany.org/education-minister-says-students-in-germany-must-get-priority-for-covid-19-vaccination/

May 12th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Travel: Flixtrain to Restart Service In Germany and Add New Routes+++
As parts of Germany reopen for travel throughout the month of May, Germany’s Flixtrain is also getting back on track with new routes, or restarting services put on hold amid the pandemic. Flixtrain has not operated in Germany since the start of November when the Bundesrepublik first introduced a lockdown. It is now relaunching and widening its service ahead of the summer months and in hopes of offering travellers another option to the federally-owned Deutsche Bahn.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/flixtrain-ice-konkurrent-faehrt-nach-langer-corona-pause-wieder-17337156.html

May 11th, 2021

+++GERMANY: J&J`s to Make Covid 19-Vaccine Available To All Adults+++
Millions of people will be able to be vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine in the coming months without belonging to a priority group, German health ministers decided on Monday. Here’s what you need to know about the shots from the American manufacturer.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-make-jjs-covid-19-vaccine-available-all-adults-2021-05-10/

May 10th, 2021

+++EUROPE: The Cautious Return of Cultural Events in Europe+++
From festivals to theatres, several European countries have begun to lift COVID restrictions and allow cultural events to take place with an audience again.
https://www.dw.com/en/the-cautious-return-of-cultural-events-in-europe/a-57450112

 May, 7th 2021

+++GERMANY: Astra Zeneca is Released For All Adults+++
In Germany, all adults will be able to get vaccinated with AstraZeneca in their doctor’s office in future, provided there is nothing to prevent it from a doctor’s point of view: the federal and state governments have lifted the prioritisation.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/astrazeneca-priorisierung-aufgehoben-101.html

May, 3rd 2021

+++EUROPE: EU Plans to Open Borders to Vaccinated Tourists From Non-EU countries+++
The European Union should open its external borders to vaccinated travellers from non-EU countries, the EU Commission has proposed, but entry should be restricted if there are outbreaks of dangerous Covid variants.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210503/eu-proposes-to-open-borders-to-vaccinated-tourists-from-outside-bloc/

May, 2nd 2021

+++GERMANY: Bavaria Plans to Open for Tourists In May+++
On Monday Bavarian state premier Markus Söder (CSU) announced that the southern state would allow soon allow hotels, primary schools, and several cultural institutions in areas with low infection rates to reopen.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210503/bavarian-state-premier-announces-plan-to-reopen-schools-and-cultural-life/

April 30th, 2021

+++GERMANY: German Universities Optimistic About Internationalisation Even During COVID+++
A new survey of 171 German higher education institutions found that universities generally embraced digitalisation in the 2020/21 academic year and a significant number entered into new international partnerships to deliver programmes to international students. Respondents indicated that up to half of new degree-seeking students were turned away from Germany because of visa issues. But optimism abounds, with strong majorities believing both that internationalisation is going to be just as important – if not more – at their universities after COVID and that a quick recovery will happen once travel restrictions ease. Germany’s universities are optimistic about the future and pleased to have increased digital initiatives abroad during COVID, according to a new survey of staff at 171 higher education institutions by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The survey was carried out in February 2021.
https://monitor.icef.com/2021/04/german-universities-optimistic-about-internationalisation-even-during-covid/

April 29th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Germany breaks European Record by Giving a Million Covid vaccines in a Day+++

Germany gave the coronavirus vaccine to 1.1 million people in one day, Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Thursday, a new one-day record for a European country in a massive ramp-up of the vaccination campaign. With 1.089 million vaccinations on Wednesday, Europe’s largest economy had for the first time vaccinated more than one percent of its population in 24 hours, Spahn said. “This shows how much we have picked up the pace,” he said of the accelerated vaccination pace after a slow start to the campaign late last year.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210429/germany-gives-over-a-million-covid-jabs-in-a-day/

April 27th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Corona vaccinations Possible for everyone in Germany from June at the latest+++
Corona vaccinations are to be possible for everyone in Germany from June at the latest – i.e. without the previous prioritisation with a fixed order.
“This does not mean that everyone can then be vaccinated immediately,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in Berlin on Monday after consultations with the state premiers. “But then everyone can apply for a vaccination appointment, and they will be given according to supply.” For the ever-increasing number of vaccinated people, relief from Corona regulations is also on the horizon – among other things, for entry into Germany or access to shops. The federal government is planning an ordinance on this.
https://www.zeit.de/news/2021-04/26/kreise-merkel-gegen-gleichstellung-von-test-und-impfung

April 24th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Webinar of DAAD on Studying in Germany+++
If you want to study in Germany and still have open questions on applying for universities or financing your studies you can ask all of these at the webinar of DAAD. You can register for free:
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/

March 16th, 2021

+++HEALTH INSURANCE: Relevant Information on Vaccination Updates for International Students+++
As the vaccination process accelerates, questions arise and you may have wondered how the vaccination process is organised for you as an international student in Germany. We have compiled the most important information about the COVID-19 vaccine for you.
https://fintiba.com/covid-19-vaccination-in-germany/

March 10th, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: Updated Guidelines by the Ministry of Health for a Gradual Reopening of University+++
Many students do not expect any changes to the current situation in the 2021 summer semester. However, thanks to the available testing possibilities, these can be introduced in the summer semester of 2021. The fact that corona testing can now be carried out quickly and at low thresholds makes it possible to increase attendance at universities and colleges again. It is, therefore, possible for university and college administrations to provide for quick tests of students, especially for face-to-face courses and examinations. The BMBWF is currently working on a corresponding legal basis. It is at least as important, however, that students can once again come to the libraries, reading rooms, learning zones and also lecture halls, which stand unused in between, to learn, work and exchange together. The BMBWF has revised and updated its existing COVID guidelines in accordance with the new requirements in the summer semester of 2021. However, the decision on how to specifically design its operation is, of course, still the responsibility of the respective university and higher education institution management.
https://www.bmbwf.gv.at/dam/jcr:6eb8f6bc-9c55-4a9e-820b-7f328b75d620/WF017-21%20Durchstarten%20im%20SS%2021_BF_EN.pdf

March 4th, 2021

+++GERMANY: This Is The Five-Step-Plan Out of Lockdown+++
After almost ten hours, a decision has been reached: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of the federal states have agreed to extend the coronavirus lockdown until March 28. But some restrictions are also being eased – more quickly than expected.
https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/german-expat-news/germany-extends-lockdown-until-march-28-clear-reopening-steps-meantime

February 22th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Vaccines Can Be Quickly Adapted to New Corona Variants+++
According to experts, the current Corona vaccines can be adapted relatively quickly to possible new virus variants. At least for mRNA vaccines, a change of the construct is possible within six weeks and the production of millions of doses within another six weeks, said Klaus Cichutek, President of the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), which is responsible for vaccines. He claimed that there are proposals from the EU Commission for legal regulations.
https://www.spiegel.de/consent-a-?targetUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiegel.de%2Fwissenschaft%2Fmedizin%2Fcorona-impfstoffe-gegen-mutanten-koennen-schnell-angepasst-werden-a-4e6f3877-5122-4537-9701-8760777715cb&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.de%2F

February 10th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Germany Projects Year-Over-Year Enrolment Growth For Winter 2021+++
Based on a recent survey, German higher education is projected to have held and even slightly increased, its foreign enrolment in the current academic year. The result is attributed in part to a greater proportion of students continuing on to advanced degrees this year.
https://monitor.icef.com/2021/02/germany-projects-year-over-year-enrolment-growth-for-winter-2021/

February 6th, 2021

+++UNIVERSITIES: Digital Support for International Students+++
International students face numerous cultural, linguistic, and individual challenges, especially at the beginning of their studies at a German university. Universities must support international students in overcoming these challenges to contribute to their academic success.
The model project TUCinterdigital was launched at Chemnitz University of Technology this year. This program aims to support international students as they face cultural, linguistic, and individual challenges. The project is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)’s STIBET II program with funds from the German Foreign Office for three years.
https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tu/pressestelle/aktuell/10565/en

February 4th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Curevac Wants to Develop Vaccine Against Variants+++
German vaccine maker Curevac plans to work with British pharmaceutical company Glaxosmithkline to develop more mRNA vaccines that protect against mutated variants of the coronavirus. “This new collaboration builds on our existing links with Curevac,” Glaxosmithkline (GSK) chief executive Emma Walmsley said, according to a statement on Wednesday. “It represents us combining our scientific expertise in mRNA and vaccine development to accelerate the development of new covid-19 vaccines.”

February 1st. 2021

+++GERMANY: Biontech to Deliver 75 Million More Vaccine Doses+++
Before the vaccination summit of the federal and state governments, the German vaccine manufacturer Biontech announced that it would deliver up to 75 million additional doses of its vaccine to the European Union in the second quarter. This is possible due to higher production capacities. The British-Swedish manufacturer Astrazeneca also plans to deliver more vaccine to the European Union in the first quarter than announced. Nine million doses would be added, making a total of 40 million doses, EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced. That is half of the originally envisaged quantity of 80 million doses.

January 28th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Incidence Below 100 For the First Time Since October+++
For the first time since the end of October, the so-called 7-day incidence is below the threshold of 100, according to figures released by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). 98 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants were reported to health authorities in Germany within one week, the RKI reported on Thursday morning. This means that the number of new infections reported within 7 days has roughly halved since the peak just before Christmas – the 7-day incidence was 197.6 on 22 December. The policy target is a 7-day incidence of less than 50.

January 24th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Stricter Rules for Entering Germany in Effect+++
Stricter rules on entering Germany have been in effect since midnight on Sunday for more than 20 countries with, particularly high corona infection rates. These high-risk areas include the neighbouring Czech Republic, the holiday destinations Portugal, Spain and Egypt as well as the USA. Anyone who wants to enter from there must be able to show a negative corona test (PCR test or laboratory or rapid tests of comparable quality) at the border.
https://www.dw.com/en/traveling-germany-coronavirus/a-54124541

January 21st, 2021

+++GERMANY: “Tough Restrictions Are Paying Off”+++
It is “good news” that the daily number of new infections and occupancy rates in intensive care units are finally falling, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told politicians in Berlin on Thursday. “This shows that the tough restrictions that people in Germany have had to live with for weeks are starting to pay off.”  As the RKI announced on Thursday, the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days has now fallen to 119, the lowest level since 1 November. Despite declining numbers of corona cases, Merkel made an urgent appeal to extend the lockdown well into February.

January 18th, 2021

+++Stricter Mask Rules for Public Transport in Germany+++
The federal government and states are set to impose stricter mask rules for people travelling on public transport.
https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/german-expat-news/ffp2-masks-curfews-home-office-germany-considering-new-lockdown

January 15th, 2021

++GERMANY: Current Information For Travellers+++
Find out to what you should pay attention when holidaying abroad, what regulations apply and what persons arriving in Germany after spending time in a risk area need to know.
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus/current-information-for-travellers.html

January 14th, 2021

+++FINTIBA: How FIntiba Ease The Way To Germany+++
Last year Germany has become the most popular non-English-speaking country for international students. However bureaucratic hurdles and unforeseeable events like the Corona pandemic put a lot of obstacles in the way and seem to jeopardize the dream of studying in Germany. Delays in the visa process often lead to delayed arrivals and subsequent challenges for a successful study start. At Fintiba we have made it our mission to accompany international students and to facilitate their way to Germany. Following we provide insights into the situation of Germany as a study destination in Corona times and explain our wide range of digital solutions to reduce the hurdles international students might encounter on their journey. We share tips and hints and explain how our solutions are being built around the current requirements of speed and safety in order to succeed in coming to Germany in difficult times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45jtgetwmfs&feature=youtu.be

January 11th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Biontech to Deliver Two Billion Vaccine Doses This Year+++
Mainz-based Biontech and its US partner Pfizer plan to produce up to two billion doses of their Corona vaccine in 2021. This is according to documents submitted by Biontech to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Previously, the companies had targeted 1.3 billion doses. The higher production is conditional on improvements and expansions at the current sites, as well as additional suppliers and contractors for manufacturing.
https://www.dw.com/en/covid-vaccine-biontech-plans-2-billion-doses-this-year/a-56198054

January 8th, 2021

+++GERMANY: What to know about Germany’s New Two Test Strategy for Arrivals from Foreign ‘Risk Zones’+++
The rules on what happens when you arrive in Germany from a coronavirus ‘risk area’ are changing – yet again. Here’s what you should know.Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders have agreed on new rules for people arriving in Germany from areas classed as coronavirus risk zones. Here are the new and existing rules.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210107/explained-germanys-new-two-test-strategy-for-travellers-from-foreign-risk-zones

January 7th, 2021

+++GERMANY: Current Travel Restrictions+++
What is the current situation regarding entry into Germany? Are there any travel restrictions and what quarantine regulations have to be considered
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/visa-und-aufenthalt/_Aktuell? You can find the current regulations on the page of the federal foreign office:

+++EUROPE: Second Vaccine Approved in EU – Delivery Starting Next Week+++
The second Corona vaccine to be approved in the European Union is the product of the US manufacturer Moderna. This was decided by the EU Commission on Wednesday on the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) announced in Berlin: “We expect to start delivery of the first doses next week.” Moderna also announced that the first deliveries to European countries would probably take place next week.
https://apnews.com/article/eu-authorizes-moderna-vaccine-925e91f8de26c517d18fd6b99458a132 

December 21st, 2020

+++GERMANY: According to Survey conducted by DAAD for WS 20/21: Germany Increasingly Popular as a Place to Study Despite Corona+++
The number of international students at German universities has continued to rise in the current winter semester. According to a quick survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), 330,000 international students are currently enrolled. Despite Corona, the number of international first-year students only decreased by around one per cent and remains at around 78,000, according to DAAD projections.
https://www.presseportal.de/download/document/733163-auswertung-daad-schn-frage-ws2020-21.pdf.

December 16th

+++FINTIBA: Change of Regulations on Health Insurance Coverage+++
Many international students have not managed to arrive in time for the start of their semester this year. Therefore, the regulation regarding health insurance coverage in the governmental health insurance system has been amended to reflect the situation of international students. You might be affected by these changes if you had not been able to arrive in time for the winter semester. Please check here what’s new,  if the changes apply to you and what you have to do:
http://tpz6.mjt.lu/nl2/tpz6/mh8tp.html?hl=enhttp://tpz6.mjt.lu/nl2/tpz6/mh8tp.html?hl=en

What is new?

Usually, the health insurance coverage starts with the 1st day of the semester and fees are due from then on. This winter semester, students that have not been able to arrive in time will only need to pay fees from the day of arrival in Germany onwards. Overcharged fees are being returned.

What do you need to do? 

In case you belong to the group of international students that were not able to arrive in time for the winter semester due to the pandemic, please do the following:

• Contact DAK Gesundheit, your insurance provider, at: fintibasupport@dak.de
• Confirm that you arrived / will arrive late for the semester due to the Corona situation
• Attach a copy of your flight ticket as proof

 

December 14th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Is it Possible to Travel Over Christmas within Germany Under New Rules?+++
At the moment rules are being adapted constantly in order to decrease the number of corona cases. Many people are especially wondering how the limitations on travelling during Christmas are organized. In the following article you will find answers to your questions.
https://www.thelocal.de/20201214/christmas-is-it-possible-to-travel-within-germany-under-new-rules

December 4th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Migration To Germany is Changing+++
Germany is a country of immigration, one in four has a migration background. While asylum applications have been declining in recent years, more people are coming to Germany to study, for example. Hundreds of thousands are considered to be so-called foreign students.
https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Migration-nach-Deutschland-wandelt-sich-article22209511.html

December 2nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: COVID-19 Vaccination Progress+++
The three pharmaceutical companies CureVac, Biontech and IDT Biologika, funded by the German government, show an “impressive development”, said Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek at a press conference on the status of vaccine development. Only eight weeks after an initial interim assessment of the state of research, the companies have made breathtaking progress, said the Minister: “We can hope that we will hear positive news from Biontech in the next few days,” said Karliczek. Approval of a vaccine would be “the first ray of hope at the end of the tunnel”. However, several good vaccines are needed to really get the pandemic under control. “We hope that all three funded companies will also bring their vaccines to approval”.
https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/german-federal-government-informs-about-the-corona-crisis

November 29th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Corona Emergency Aid for Students Extended Until March 2021+++
Students who have got into financial difficulties due to the Corona pandemic can apply for so-called bridging assistance for the entire winter semester 2020/21.
Depending on their financial situation, they can receive 100 to 500 euros – which they do not have to pay back.
But please be aware that the application must be submitted anew every month.
https://www.rnd.de/wirtschaft/corona-uberbruckungshilfe-fur-studenten-bis-marz-2021-verlangert-so-viel-geld-wird-ausgezahlt-2CGOWMVKTBCMROIWHY5EOE5BUA.html

November 23rd, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Campus Evening At Univerity of Kempten+++
Getting a taste of university air is almost impossible at the present time. This is why the Kempten University of Applied Sciences organised another online event last Thursday. Numerous prospective students were able to gain an insight into the university at the Campus Evening. Many other universities are organizing similar events. For more information check the news or event section of the university of your interest.
https://www.trendyone.de/news/campus-evening-an-der-hochschule-kempten

November 22nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: Coronavirus digest – Germany May start Vaccinating in December+++
The first coronavirus immunization centres could be in use by next month, German Health Minister Jens Spahn has revealed. UNICEF says 2 billion doses could be shipped to poor countries in 2021. DW rounds up the latest
https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-digest-germany-may-start-vaccinating-in-december/a-55696560

November 19th, 2020

+++GERMANY:  Corona Measures Show Effect+++

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the stabilisation of new coronavirus infections in Germany is linked to the containment measures taken. The stabilisation of the figures at a high level is an indication that it is slowly becoming apparent that the strict rules are taking effect, said Ute Rexroth, head of the RKI location centre. The population is adhering to them and the measures are working. However, the number of cases is still too high despite the slight relaxation. On Thursday, the health authorities reported 22,609 new corona infections within 24 hours.

November 17th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Growing Number of International Students at Bavarian Universities+++
The number of International Students at Bavaria’s universities has risen by more than 100 per cent. However, their share of all students has changed only slightly. This is the result of an evaluation by the Bavarian State Office for Statistics on the occasion of World Students’ Day.
https://www.idowa.de/inhalt.zum-weltstudierendentag-immer-mehr-internationale-studierende-an-bayerischen-hochschulen.0bbf7422-b673-4ff6-bfee-61bf4827d573.html

November 15th, 2020

+++Bundestag and Bundesrat Vote on Infection Protection Law+++
The new version of the Infection Protection Act is to go through the Bundestag and Bundesrat in a fast-track procedure this Wednesday. The main aim of the amendment is to provide legal backing for measures to combat pandemics which have so far been adopted by the government by ordinance, thus creating greater legal certainty. At 12.00 noon the Bundestag will debate and then vote on the second and third readings of the draft by the coalition factions CDU/CSU and SPD. The Bundesrat will then also decide on it in a special session at 15.00. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will possibly draw up the law on the same day so that it can enter into force.
https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/infektionsschutzgesetz-im-bundestag-union-und-spd-haben-es-eilig-streitpunkte-kritik_aid-54657317

November 12th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Fourth Largest Number Of International Degree Students Globally in 2019+++
Some 320,000 international students studying in Germany made up 10.5% of the country’s student cohort last year – allowing the country to overtake France in the global ranking of countries with the most international degree-seeking students. This is according to the Wissenschaft Weltoffen 2020, released by DAAD and the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, which also revealed that the number of students from MENA countries grew by 68% in the three years prior to 2019.
https://thepienews.com/news/germany-intl-degree-students-daad/

November 9th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Adaption of University Offers for Internationals using the example of Goethe University in Frankfurt+++
Universities must constantly adapt to the situation and change their services in order to offer the best possible support to international students. A good example of this is the University of Frankfurt, which for the first time was switching its orientation week to online and offering, for example, a free online German course or a chat against loneliness and voluntary help from other students for students in quarantine.
https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/studium/internationales-bewerber-bangen-um-ihr-auslandsstudium-an-der-goethe-uni/

November 8th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Corona Aids for Students Also in the Winter Semester+++
Federal Minister of Education Karliczek wants to extend the Corona aid for students, which was re-launched for the partial lockdown in November, to the entire winter semester.
https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/bundesbildungsministerin-karliczek-corona-hilfen-fuer.2850.de.html?drn:news_id=1192189

November 6th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Germany Remains One of the Most Popular Places of Study for Foreigners Worldwide+++
Around 320,000 international students were enrolled at German higher education institutions and universities in the winter semester 2019/20, as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Centre for Higher Education and Science Research (DZHW) announced on Wednesday. Compared to the previous year, this was an increase of around 18,000 students. This puts Germany in fourth place in the global ranking, ahead of France and directly behind the traditional host countries, the USA, Great Britain and Australia.
https://www.wochenblatt.de/news-stream/deutschland-welt/artikel/342225/deutschland-einer-der-beliebtesten-studienorte-fuer-auslaender

October 28th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Start of Study per WhatsApp+++
New regulations of the health administration also prohibit a mixture of digital teaching and classroom teaching was planned for months. The new regulations of the Senate put a stop to this on Tuesday in view of the massive increase in the number of infections. According to these regulations, from 2 November onwards, Berlin’s universities are only to hold face-to-face events if they cannot be implemented in digital teachings, such as laboratory internships.
https://www.neues-deutschland.de/artikel/1143737.wintersemester-studienbeginn-per-whatsapp.html

October 25th, 2020

+++GERMANY: German Hospital Federation Sees Hospitals Well Prepared+++
According to the German Hospital Federation, hospitals in Germany are prepared for an increasing number of Covid-19 patients. “The hospitals are highly alarmed without being hectic,” the chief executive of the German Hospital Association, Georg Baum, told the newspaper “Mannheimer Morgen”. There are currently more than 8,000 free intensive care beds, he said. Furthermore, not all patients who come to hospital with a corona infection need intensive medical treatment, Baum added. “Capacities will last for a long time before it becomes alarming.”

October 18th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Vaccine Already in Production+++
The Mainz-based pharmaceutical company Biontech has announced a breakthrough. The vaccine called “BNT162b2” works very well. Even mass production has already begun. They have now applied for the final approval process and are on the verge of “putting an end to this pandemic”.

October 7th, 2020

+++GERMANY: German Vaccine Before Approval+++
The corona vaccine candidate developed by the Mainz-based company Biontech enters the approval process. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will test the active substance BNT162b2 in a so-called rolling review process, announced Biontech and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, which is supporting the development. This procedure involves the ongoing submission and evaluation of clinical trial data. The EMA’s decision to start the process is based on the encouraging preliminary data from preclinical and early clinical trials in adults. This makes Biontech the first German company and, with AstraZeneca, the second company overall to be approved by the EMA for this process.

September 28th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Highly Effective Antibodies Against Coronavirus Identified+++
Researchers at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) have identified highly effective antibodies against the corona virus SARS-CoV-2. The researchers initially isolated almost 600 different antibodies from the blood of people who had survived a COVID-19 disease triggered by SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests enabled them to narrow down this number to a few particularly effective ones, which they then artificially replicated using cell cultures. The so-called neutralising antibodies identified bind to the virus, as structural analyses show, and thus prevent it from entering cells and multiplying. They are now pursuing the development of a passive vaccination.

September 16th, 2020

+++INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: #EducationIsNotTourism+++
International students all over the world are requesting German embassies to resume student visa application processing via posts on social media under the hashtag #EducationIsNotTourism.
https://collegenews.org/international-students-demand-from-german-embassies-to-resume-student-visa-application-processing/

+++DAAD: Semester Abroad in the Times of Corona+++
According to DAAD study results, 14% of the German universities surveyed state that “all or almost all” of the exchange students were unable to take up their planned semester in Germany. Countries most affected by entry restrictions are China, India and Italy. For more insights, follow the link:
https://de.statista.com/infografik/22776/auswirkungen-der-corona-pandemie-fuer-internationale-studierende-in-deutschland/

August 31st, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Tens of Thousands Apply to Study in Germany+++
Despite Corona, the interest of foreign applicants in studying in Germany is unbroken: As the Service Agency for International Student Applications in Germany, uni-assist, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) announced on Monday, almost 60,000 international prospective students from 183 countries of origin had applied for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Germany by the deadline on August 20. This means that the number of applications is around 80 per cent of the previous year’s figure and even exceeds the figures for the winter semester 2017/2018 and all previous years. Last winter semester, 74,000 people applied.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/karriere-hochschule/hoersaal/zehntausende-bewerben-sich-fuer-studium-in-deutschland-16930604.html

August 24th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Vacancy in Dormitories in Rhineland-Palatinate+++
The Corona crisis has changed the everyday life of students. This is also noticeable in the housing market. Many student residences in Rhineland-Palatinate are currently empty. “Usually 100 per cent of the dormitories are rented out and only every fifth applicant can be offered a room,” said a spokesperson for the Studentenwerk Vorderpfalz, which operates dormitories in Landau, Ludwigshafen, Worms and Germersheim. “The Corona crisis has practically reversed the situation for us. We had to reckon with a vacancy rate of about 40 per cent of the rooms for the winter semester because “digital students” no longer rent rooms”. This will probably not change until March 2021. We have reacted to the changed situation and adjusted the allocation guidelines. Short-term rentals are now also possible. “This means that there are currently very good chances for students to get a room with us.
https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/rheinland-pfalz-und-saarland/Corona-Krise-Leerstand-in-Wohnheimen-in-Rheinland-Pfalz-article21990578.html

August 20th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Interim Aid for Students Will be Extended+++
Students in emergency situations caused by a pandemic can also apply for a grant for September at the Studierendenwerke. The interim aid for students who are in particularly acute need and directly dependent on assistance as a result of the Corona pandemic will be extended. Affected students can also apply for the bridging aid in the form of a non-repayable grant from their student or student union in September.
https://www.bmbf.de/de/karliczek-ueberbrueckungshilfe-fuer-studierende-wird-verlaengert-12344.html?utm_source=hootsuite

August 18th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Maintaining the Internationality of German Universities+++
The German Rectors’ Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz – HRK) welcomes the fact that the interest of international students in studying at a German higher education institution continues unabated even in the current corona crisis. In the HRK’s view, the ability to apply for and approve visas in a timely manner is particularly crucial to ensure that international students can actually enter Germany for the 2020/21 winter semester. There is currently a debate going on about the fact that international students can only be granted an entry visa for Germany if they can prove that they are required to be present at a German university. In general, a residence permit in accordance with the Residence Act can be granted for the purpose of full-time studies or part-time studies.
https://bildungsklick.de/hochschule-und-forschung/detail/internationalitaet-der-deutschen-hochschulen-auch-in-der-corona-krise-erhalten

August 16th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Short-Time Work Has Proved Its Worth in Pandemic+++
Thanks to short-time working, the corona crisis has so far had comparatively little impact on the labour market in Germany. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 44.7 million people were still employed in Germany in the second quarter, 1.3 percent less than a year ago. However, the gross domestic product slumped much more sharply in the same period: by 11.7 percent. The total number of hours worked also fell far more sharply than the number of people in employment. According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), it fell by 10.0 percent, primarily because of the intensive use of short-time work.
https://industriemagazin.at/a/kurzarbeit-hat-dem-arbeitsmarkt-in-deutschland-sehr-geholfen

August 12th, 2020

++++UNIVERSITIES: Funding Opportunities From Other Organisations+++
International students can apply for a scholarship at various organizations. The largest group of scholarship providers are the 13 organisations for the promotion of gifted students, which are supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. They represent important social groups and have, for example, a political, religious or economic background. In addition, there are many other scholarship providers in Germany: smaller foundations often focus on specific subjects or cities. Universities also award scholarships. The majority of them offer the Deutschlandstipendium, which is used by foreign students to about twelve percent.
https://www.daad.de/de/studieren-und-forschen-in-deutschland/stipendien-finden/moeglichkeiten-der-foerderung/

August 10th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Paul-Ehrlich-Institut: Corona Vaccinations From The End Of The Year+++
The Paul-Ehrlich-Institute (PEI), which is responsible for the approval of vaccines in Germany, remains confident in the search for a corona vaccine. “I currently assume that approvals will be granted at the end of 2020 and beginning of next year, provided that the Phase III trial data are positive,” said PEI President Klaus Cichutek to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). So-called Phase III trials are used to test whether a vaccine actually protects against infection.
https://www.bild.de/news/inland/news-inland/coronavirus-news-ticker-aktuell-putin-tochter-testet-corona-impfstoff-70411946.bild.html

August 5th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Current Status Of The Corona Vaccine+++
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) expressed optimism on Tuesday that the search for a corona vaccine could lead to rapid success. He was confident that there could be a vaccine as quickly as never before in human history, the CDU politician said. “We have very promising candidates, very promising data. If this were to happen in the next few months, it would indeed be the fastest vaccine development in human history.”
https://www.swp.de/panorama/corona-news-impfstoff-aktuell-impfung-hoffnung-coronavirus-infektion-nvx-cov2373-novavax-nebenwirkungen-studie-who-spahn-50242331.html

August 3rd, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: University of Applied Sciences in Merseburg Wants to Teach In Presence In the Coming Semester+++
“From today’s point of view – nobody can predict the corona situation in eight weeks – we will work as far as possible with face-to-face events. This is especially important for the first semester students, who first have to get to know the university and the people there. “Only where presence is not possible should digital teaching continue to exist,” rector Jörg Kirbs declared, citing as an example basic lectures with up to 120 students. The university could offer a maximum of 30 seats in its lecture halls, provided that the rules of distance were observed.
https://www.mz-web.de/merseburg/neues-semester-mit-praezenzlehre-studenten-kehren-im-herbst-an-hochschule-zurueck-37124316

August 1st, 2020

+++GERMANY: Start for Free Corona Tests For Holiday Returnees+++
During the summer travel season, voluntary tests are to be started on a broad front among holiday returnees. Starting Saturday, all those entering Germany within 72 hours of arrival can be tested free of charge, even without signs of illness. Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn called for the new testing possibilities to be used. “Anyone returning from a trip should get tested – voluntarily and free of charge.”

July 28th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: These Funding Opportunities Are Available for Students+++
The corona situation makes it all the more important for prospective and already enrolled students to find out about funding opportunities. Some are dependent on income, others reward special achievements or are intended to cushion the impact of emergencies. Among other things, the Federal Government is helping with goodwill rules for BAföG and KfW student loans. Since June there has also been a corona bridging aid for students. It amounts to up to 500 euros per month, but according to current information, it can only be applied for until August. For the winter semester 2020/21, those affected, therefore, need other solutions to finance their studies. You can find further possibilities for support and financing here.
https://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/hochschule/bafoeg-stipendium-kredit-diese-foerdermoeglichkeiten-gibt-es-fuer-studenten/26040792.html

July 27th, 2020

+++GERMANY: German Airports Will Offer Free COVID-19 Tests to Returning Holidaymakers+++
Health Minister Jens Spahn announced on Monday that in future people coming into Germany from risk areas will have to undergo a compulsory coronavirus test. Germany already introduced testing for all returning travellers but this is the first time that tests will be mandatory for people coming from areas with high infection rates. Tests will be free of charge. Testing should “never be a cost issue for the individual” and also “not a social issue”, the politician who’s a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats said on German broadcaster ZDF on Monday evening. People returning from regions where there a high risk of contracting the coronavirus will soon be able to receive free tests at German airports. Travellers from non-risk countries can also voluntarily have themselves tested free of charge within 72 hours – not at the airport, but in doctors’ surgeries or health authorities.
https://www.dw.com/en/german-airports-will-offer-free-covid-19-tests-to-returning-holidaymakers/a-54310388

July 26th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Winter Semester in Hybrid Operation in Hamburg+++
Lectures and seminars will again be held at Hamburg’s universities in the coming winter semester provided the corona hygiene rules allow it. “The University of Hamburg will start operations as a so-called hybrid semester,” explained the spokeswoman of the University President, Claudia Sewig. Due to the distance requirements, the spatial capacities are considerably limited. In the Audimax, the largest lecture hall of the university, there could only be less than 200 seats instead of 1654 students. The official start of the semester was postponed by the ministers of education by two weeks to the beginning of November.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bildung/hochschulen-hamburg-hamburgs-hochschulen-wintersemester-im-hybridbetrieb-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-200726-99-925442

July 25th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany is On the Path to Economic Recovery+++
According to economists at leading financial institutions, the economy in Germany is on the road to recovery after the corona collapse. “The leading indicators are giving cause for optimism,” said Marc Schattenberg of Deutsche Bank in a survey by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The second quarter, which saw the peak of the corona crisis, was surprisingly robust.
https://www.zeit.de/news/2020-07/25/volkswirte-konjunktur-in-deutschland-auf-erholungskurs

July 24th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Financial Support Programs By Universities For International Students+++
Many International Offices currently award grants to international students who are in need through no fault of their own, such as, the University of Hannover or the University of Leipzig. You can find out which university offers what kind of support on the websites of the respective universities.
https://www.uni-hannover.de/de/studium/finanzierung-und-foerderung/finanzielle-beihilfen-fuer-internationale-studierende/

+++GERMANY: How To Get Tested for Coronavirus at German’s Airports+++
Travellers returning to Germany from a “risk area”, as classified on a continually updated list from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), need a negative coronavirus test. Otherwise, they have to go into a domestic quarantine for 14 days. Several airports throughout the country either offer these tests, or have plans to: There are currently tests available at airports in Frankfurt, Munich, and Cologne/Bonn. Free tests are also planned at all airports in Bavaria. Berlin also intends to offer tests at its airports, but there are not yet plans in Hamburg and Düsseldorf. Here’s what you need to know for each airport.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200723/how-to-get-tested-for-the-coronavirus-at-germanys-airports

+++GERMANY: Germany Sets Aside €52 Million in Scholarships For Freelance Artists: How and Where to Apply+++
A total of €8.5 million was originally planned to be set aside for freelance artists in the coming year, but now €52 million are earmarked in the budget of Culture Minister Monika Grütters. “The increase of €43.5 million in scholarships for 2020 and 2021 is our response to the difficult situation of the solo self-employed in the corona crisis,” Grütters said in a statement. “The scholarships are available to artists of all disciplines. They are usually generous, amounting to more than €1000 per month,” said Grütters. “Above all, they motivate creative people to engage in productive artistic activity,” Grütters continued. Up to five million self-employed people work in Germany, according to government estimates. Many of them have lost jobs or work due to the corona crisis in recent months.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200723/germany-sets-aside-52-million-for-freelance-artists-how-and-where-to-apply

July 23rd, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Procedure of Winter Semester+++
Many students wonder how things will continue in the winter semester. Will the lectures take place online, in presence or hybrid? So far there is no central approach; many universities are opting for a hybrid solution, such as in Karlsruhe and the University of Köln,  while others, such as the University of Leipzig, rely on face-to-face teaching. The winter semester begins on 01.10.2020. Introductory courses at the faculties and institutes will take place from 12.10.20 20 – 23.10.2020; lectures will not begin until 26.10.2020.
https://www.rundschau-online.de/region/koeln/uni-koeln-wintersemester-mit-mischung-aus-online–und-praesenzangeboten-geplant-37055602

July 22nd, 2020

+++GERMANY/CHINA: New German-Chinese Study on Antibodies+++
According to a study, in many cases, corona patients permanently have so many antibodies that a renewed infection with the virus can probably be fended off. This is the result of a still unpublished study on 327 Covid-19 patients in Wuhan, China, who are among the first infected people worldwide. In more than 80% of the patients, biologically active antibodies capable of rendering the virus harmless were still detected six months after their illness, said virologist Ulf Dittmer, Director of the Institute of Virology at Essen University Hospital.
https://www.zeit.de/news/2020-07/21/antikoerper-bieten-vermutlich-laengerfristig-immunitaet

July 21st, 2020

+++GERMANY: Update on Who Is Allowed to Travel to Germany From Outside The EU+++
As of Friday, July 17th, Germany was permitting citizens from the following eight non-EU countries to visit “without restrictions”, according to its Foreign Ministry: Australia, Georgia, Canada, Montenegro, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. Countries with high Covid-19 rates such as the US, India and Russia are not on the list. Travel within the EU opened up several weeks ago, but from July 2nd visits to Germany have been possible from outside Europe for a handful of countries with low infection rates. Germany continues to update its travel list every two weeks. Since June 15th anyone travelling from inside the EU, the Schengen zone or the UK has been allowed to enter Germany.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200702/which-countries-are-on-the-list-of-those-now-permitted-to-enter-germany

+++CHINA: Air Travellers to China Need Corona Test+++
Passengers on flights to China will in future have to present a negative corona test before they are allowed on board. The test may not be older than five days, the Chinese aviation authority CAAC announced. Airlines such as Lufthansa or Air France-KLM may again fly to China more often. To prevent more corona cases from being imported, the CAAC is now tightening the regulations. The authority had temporarily banned certain flights for several airlines after more than five passengers on individual flights tested positive for the coronavirus on arrival in China.

July 20th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Bavaria Plans Free Airport Corona Tests to Halt Virus at Border
The German state of Bavaria will soon start offering free coronavirus tests at airports for people returning from holiday, state premier Markus Söder said Sunday.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-07-germany-bavaria-free-coronavirus-airports.html

July 19th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Lufthansa Wants to Refund All Tickets by The End of August+++
Following the lockdown and a comprehensive flight plan change, Lufthansa intends to reimburse customers for all ticket prices for corona-related flight cancellations in the coming weeks. “Within the next ten to 14 days, we want to reactivate the automated processes. Then large triple-digit million amounts will be paid out each month,” announced Board Member Harry Hohmeister in an interview with the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”. “Nevertheless, it will still take four to six weeks to process all reimbursements for flights by the end of June.” So far, 1.4 billion euros have been paid out.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/handel-konsumgueter/lockdown-schaeden-lufthansa-will-ausgefallene-fluege-bis-ende-august-erstatten/26019036.html?ticket=ST-8109603-wL6lzYb5NqkelBCFhzwd-ap6

July 18th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Biontech Signs First Supply Agreement+++
The Mainz-based company Biontech and the US group Pfizer have concluded an initial supply agreement with Great Britain on a possible corona vaccine that is currently under development. Subject to regulatory approval or licensing, 30 million doses of the vaccine candidate “BNT 162” are to be delivered, probably in the years 2020 and 2021, the companies announced. Financial details were not disclosed.
https://www.merkur.de/welt/coronavirus-impfstoff-biontech-pfizer-liefervereinbarung-grossbritannien-zulassung-forschung-studien-zr-13837693.html

July 17th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Corona-restrictions Narrowly Limited+++
The German Association of Cities and Towns has welcomed the decision of the federal and state governments to react more precisely to local outbreaks of the corona pandemic in future. “Necessary protective measures and, above all, restrictions on movement must, however, be limited in time and space,” said the President of the Association of German Cities and Towns, to the German Press Agency. “In any case, they mean cuts in the daily lives of citizens and restrict basic rights. It is therefore good if we can act as precisely, flexibly and effectively as possible to interrupt chains of infection.

July 16th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Updates from the Federal Foreign Office on Current Student Visa Particularities in Germany+++
If you want to receive your student visa for Germany it is currently necessary to hand in a proof during the visa procedure that the studies cannot be completed abroad. This should be submitted as a document, if necessary also in the form of an e-mail, from the respective university. In addition to the usual notification of admission, the university must now confirm that the student’s presence in Germany is required, and from when. In general, the final processing of student visa applications is now once again possible everywhere. However, the corona situation is different in many countries, so this also affects the work of some visa offices, and unfortunately, there may still be restrictions in the services offered by visa offices. Wherever possible, student visas are already being issued again (e.g. in China, where the demand is quite high).  Language students can only o enter the country if they want to attend a preparatory language course for their studies and already have an admission from a German university. Participants of an “isolated” language course are unfortunately not yet allowed to enter. Furthermore, it is important that the quarantine regulations of the respective federal states are observed in parallel with the entry restrictions and their exceptions. When entering from a risk area designated by the RKI, a quarantine is generally required first.

July 15th, 2020

+++USA: German Students Are Allowed To Stay in USA+++
The US government wanted to expel foreign students if the universities only offered online teaching.
But now the threatened expulsion of many foreign students from the USA is off the table. The US government is withdrawing a planned visa regulation, which was intended to force foreign students to leave the country if they only attended online courses in the winter semester. This is according to the minutes of the hearing of a federal court in Boston, which dealt with the case on Tuesday (local time). The immigration authority ICE had announced the controversial regulation last week.
https://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/politik/deutsche-studierende-duerfen-doch-bleiben-2946/

July 14th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: How Potential Students Find the Best University In Corona Times+++
The start of the study is subject to reservations in the corona crisis. Many questions are open, the quality of online teaching often unclear. So high school graduates still find the right university.
https://www.wiwo.de/my/erfolg/hochschule/studieren-in-der-coronakrise-wie-studienanfaenger-die-beste-hochschule-finden/25990404.html?ticket=ST-3902343-j3R9B9VCfM1bFSP67yj7-ap4

+++UNIVERSITIES: Karlsruhe Cooperative State University Focuses on “Hybrid Winter Semester+++
Due to the corona pandemic, the winter semester at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University in Karlsruhe is to take place in a hybrid form. This means that the teaching will be held in a mixture of classroom lectures and digital form.
https://meinka.de/duale-hochschule-karlsruhe-setzt-auf-hybrides-wintersemester/

July 13th, 2020

+++GERMANY: German Vaccine Developer Already Very Far+++
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an accelerated approval procedure for two potential vaccine candidates against coronavirus for the Mainz-based company Biontech and the American group Pfizer. These are the most advanced variants of a potential RNA vaccine called “BNT 162b1” and “BNTb2”. For the USA, Biontech and Pfizer recently presented initial results for a drug candidate, specifically for “BNT 162b1”. The companies called these results “encouraging”, and several experts had also spoken of positive results.
https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/news/artikel/2020/07/14/fda-genehmigt-beschleunigte-zulassung-zweier-corona-impfstoffe

July 12th 2020

+++GERMANY: Extension of Compulsory Mask Wearing+++
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier has named a criterion for an end to the obligation to wear masks in the retail sector: the decrease in the number of new daily corona infections in Germany to under 100. “As long as we have an average of several hundred new infections every day, it will have to stay everywhere where the minimum distance of 1.5 metres is not observed,” the politician told the daily newspaper “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”.
https://www.faz.net/agenturmeldungen/dpa/minister-zu-frueh-fuer-abschaffung-der-maskenpflicht-16856565.html

July 11th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES:  University of Magdeburg-Stendal Plans Winter Semester With Students On Campus+++
While the summer semester is slowly coming to an end, the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal is planning for the coming winter semester. The campus should then fill with students again – at least according to the current state of affairs.
https://www.mdr.de/sachsen-anhalt/magdeburg/nach-corona-anwesenheit-hochschule-magdeburg-stendal-wintersemester-100.html

+++GERMANY: Expansion of Corona Tests Shows Effect+++
The new regulations on the expansion of corona tests are having an effect, according to Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn. “We test a lot, we prefer to test too much when in doubt, but we always test systematically,” said Spahn. Within four weeks, the number of tests nationwide has increased by more than half. Last week, almost 500,000 patients were tested – around 175,000 more than a month ago. “Thus, chains of infection could be quickly interrupted after local outbreaks of the virus.”

July 10th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Strengthen Production of Protective Equipment in Europe+++
Germany’s head of state Frank-Walter Steinmeier has spoken out in favour of producing more medical protective equipment in Europe again. The corona pandemic has shown how susceptible international supply chains can be to disruption. Germany can consider itself lucky to have a medical technology manufacturer of world renown in its own country, which also responded quickly to the pandemic, said the Federal President. Dräger had considerably expanded its production capacities at its headquarters in Lübeck after the company had received a major order from the German government for 10,000 ventilators in March.
https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/coronavirus-in-germany-informations

+++UNIVERSTIES: Back To Presence Semester at “Freie Universität Berlin”+++
Unlike many other universities in Germany, the Free University of Berlin does not want to spend another digital semester starting in autumn. For the period from October 1st, the FU is heading for a “presence operation under pandemic conditions,” said Vice President Hauke Heekeren on Wednesday afternoon in the academic senate of the university.
https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/zum-herbst-weg-vom-digitalsemester-mehr-praesenzbetrieb-an-der-fu/25990624.html

July 9th, 2020

+++UNITED STATES: Many International Students In USA Might Have to Leave Country Due To Visa Status Violations+++
German students in the USA face an uncertain future because of the new visa regulations in the Corona crisis. Students of foreigners in the USA are threatened with deportation if their universities only offer online courses in the winter semester. Alternatively, they should change to universities with attendance classes.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/usa-studenten-ausreise-101.html

+++GERMANY: What Study Applicants Need to Know About NC Quotes Now+++
The proportion of courses of study with restricted admission has fallen slightly for the coming winter semester. In some cases, anyone wishing to circumvent a Numerus Clausus only has to look in the neighbour town.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/karriere-hochschule/hoersaal/wintersemester-2020-21-nc-quote-an-deutschen-hochschulen-sinkt-16851661.html

July 8th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Coming To Germany – What Visitors Need to Know Now+++
Germany’s borders are open again. What do tourists have to consider when entering Germany? What corona requirements apply? Where can travelers obtain information? And what can they do in Germany? You can find an overview here.
https://www.dw.com/de/urlaub-in-deutschland-was-einreisende-jetzt-wissen-m%C3%BCssen/a-53862223

July 7th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Broad Majority Against Abolition of Mask Obligation+++
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has clearly rejected the abolition of the corona-induced mask obligation in shops. She has broad support from the parties and the states. “Wherever the minimum distance cannot be guaranteed in public life, masks are an important and, from today’s perspective, still indispensable means”, said government spokesman Steffen Seibert. This is necessary to keep the number of infections low and to protect fellow humans and oneself. “Whether on the bus, in the subway, or in retail stores, it should remain the duty to wear masks.”
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/merkel-rejects-calls-for-abolishing-face-mask-requirement-in-shops/1888113

July 6th, 2020

+++TURKEY: Soon Travel To and From Turkey Possible+++
The Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism, Thomas Bareiß, sees growing chances for lifting the corona-related travel warning for Turkey. If the situation is good – and it was good last week – they can prepare the openings relatively quickly. The Federal Government has now lifted the worldwide travel warning for 32 European countries. For Turkey and about 160 other countries, however, it will continue to apply until 31 August.
https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2020-07/tuerkei-reisewarnung-corona-lockerung-tourismus-bundesregierung

+++GERMANY: Bundeswehr Dogs are Trained to Detect Corona Infection+++
Service dogs of the German Armed Forces are to learn how to sniff out a coronavirus infection. The German Armed Forces and the Hanover Veterinary College Foundation (TiHo) are testing this possibility in a project involving ten four-legged friends of the German Armed Forces’ only service dog school near Ulmen in the Volcanic Eifel region. Sheepdogs, spaniels and retrievers are involved, as the Armed Forces Office announced. Sniffer dogs can not only detect explosives or drugs by the molecular composition of an odor, but can also smell various cancers and the threatening hypoglycemia of diabetics. The idea for the Corona project was also developed on this basis. “With a current hit rate of approximately 80 percent, the researchers in Ulmen are well on the way to successfully continuing the project,” explained the service dog school located in the middle of the forest. Reliable results should be available in a few weeks.

July 5th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: What The New Normality At Universities May Look Like+++
Ministries such as universities are often accused of being hesitant and cumbersome. The last few weeks have painted a different picture. Extensively and remarkably quickly, university operations were switched to online teaching and home office. The universities and colleges have thus made their contribution to the fact that Germany has so far coped comparatively well with the first wave of the pandemic. After all, university teachers and students are among the more mobile part of the population. Read more here about the differentiated discussion:
https://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/zeitfragen/wie-die-neue-normalitaet-an-universitaeten-aussehen-kann-2919/

July 4th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: 90.000 Euro for Students in Financial Difficulties in Mannheim+++
Graduates, supporters, and citizens of Mannheim have donated 160,000 euros for students in need and the expansion of the technical equipment at the University of Mannheim. According to the University of Mannheim Foundation, the foundation now plans to support 111 students with a “Corona Fund” with a total of approximately 90,000 euros. This is being done according to the will of the donors and means that the young men and women will receive a one-off grant of 800 euros.
https://www.morgenweb.de/mannheimer-morgen_artikel,-mannheim-90-000-euro-fuer-studenten-in-finanznot-_arid,1658821.html

July 3rd, 2020

+++EUROPE: Overview of Travel Permissions and Restrictions+++
On the website of theThe Federal Foreign Office you can find an overview map of the status of all travel warnings.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/covid-19/2296762

July 2nd, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: DAAD Report On Corona and The International Student Mobility in Germany+++
The effects of COVID-19 have been clearly felt at German universities in teaching and also in international student mobility. A recent survey of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) on the corona effects among German universities shows that worldwide travel restrictions have had a strong impact on the exchange, but digitization measures have been successfully implemented by almost all universities. Unlike in the USA, it was also possible to largely avoid dormitory closures. You can find the complete study here:
https://static.daad.de/media/daad_de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/der-daad/analysen-studien/daad_2020_corona_und_die_folgen_fuer_die_internationale_studierendenmobilitaet_in_deutschland.pdf

+++GERMANY: Virtual Fair For PhD and Postdocs in Germany+++
If you are interested in doing research in Germany you can register for DAAD Germany’s virtual career fair on 7 July 2020 to learn about career opportunities and research careers for PhDs and Postdocs. Find out more here:
https://www.research-in-germany.org/events/rig-events/2020/2020-07-07_Virtual_Fair.html

July 1st, 2020

+++EUROPE: EU Lifts Entry Ban for 14 Countries+++
The EU states have decided that from 1 July 2020 people from 14 countries will be allowed to re-enter the country. These are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay on the list. China is also mentioned – but the country has yet to promise that EU citizens will also be allowed to enter. The list is to be revised every two weeks.
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-agrees-to-reopen-borders-to-14-countries-extends-travel-ban-for-us-tourists/a-53986435

+++Germany: Frankfurt Airport Coronavirus test Center Opens+++
The scheme was launched in the hope of reopening air travel and “support a return to a new normal.” It could help travelers avoid quarantine at their destination. Frankfurt Airport opened a walk-in COVID-19 testing center on Monday. In cooperation with airport operators, Fraport and Lufthansa, biotech firm Centogene hopes the operation at Germany’s largest airport will serve as a “blueprint to opening international borders.” The scheme is expected to run until July 31 next year.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-frankfurt-airport-coronavirus-test-center-opens/a-53980153

June 30th, 2020

+++CHINA: APS Beijing Student Visa again On Upcoming Monday+++
As of Monday, July 6, 2020, the Beijing Academic Evaluation Centre will again accept visa applications for applicants who meet the following requirements: 1.) Belonging to the Beijing consular area 2.) Submission of a German university admission (language and study applicant visas cannot be accepted at the moment)
3.) Completed APS procedure with certificate or attestation (guest researchers and scholarship holders are requested to make an appointment directly with the visa office of the embassy) If you have already received a visa in the past and have not made use of it due to the coronavirus so that the validity of the visa has now expired, you are requested to contact the visa office of the consular section responsible for you. Please find more information on their website.
https://www.aps.org.cn/updates-zur-abgabe-von-visumantraegen-bei-der-aps

+++GERMANY: Data on COVID Vaccine Expected Soon+++
The Mainz-based biopharmaceutical company Biontech is receiving fresh money through an investment by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek, among others. In total, a private placement of shares with Temasek and other investors will bring in 250 million US dollars (222 million euros), Biontech announced in Mainz on Monday. Like many other companies, Biontech is also looking for a vaccine against lung disease Covid-19. At the end of April, the Mainz-based company became the first company in Germany to receive approval from the Paul Ehrlich Institute to test a substance on healthy volunteers. The first results are expected at the end of June or beginning of July.

June 29th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Virtual Fair Organized By DAAD on 17th of July+++
The DAAD organizes a virtual fair for all those who are interested in topics related to studying abroad. A wide-ranging program of lectures awaits you. The participation is free of charge. Register now! No matter if you are studying, doing an internship, or a short stay abroad, come by and get information about financing and organization! At the virtual fair, you can get information from experts and ask former correspondents questions about stays abroad.
https://reg.ubivent.com/register/studieren-weltweit

June 28th, 2020

+++EUROPE: Update Border Opening+++
Across Europe, governments have started to open their borders after weeks of closure during the coronavirus pandemic. With the summer holiday season fast approaching, people across Europe have started to wonder whether they will be able to get away this summer – and how far they will be able to go. The border situation remains a mixed picture across Europe, with each country imposing its own rules and its own timetable for re-opening. Given the pace of change, Euronews has compiled a handy guide to the situation in each European country.
https://www.euronews.com/2020/06/25/which-european-countries-have-opened-their-borders-ahead-of-the-summer-holiday-season

June 27th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: German University Profs Line Up For Teaching In Person+++
In an open letter, more than 2,000 academics made the case recently for bringing students back into real, brick-and-mortar lecture halls.
worldcrunch.com/coronavirus/in-germany-university-profs-line-up-against-online-teaching

June 26th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Financial Support For International Students In Berlin+++

The State of Berlin will provide additional funds of 5 million euros for students who are in need as a result of the Corona pandemic. This was decided today, Friday 26 June, by the Berlin Senate in its key points for further immediate and bridging aid to cope with the consequences of the corona pandemic. 2 million euros are to flow into the emergency fund of the Studierendenwerk Berlin to support international students at Berlin universities who have not yet been able to apply for federal aid.
https://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/2020/pressemitteilung.952144.php

 

June 25th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Success of international students at heart of 2025 strategy+++
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), responsible for internationalisation at German higher education institutions, has outlined its strategy 2025 and wants to improve the academic success of its international students, as well as increase the proportion of international students and researchers at campuses to 15%.
https://thepienews.com/news/germany-success-intl-students-at-heart-of-daad-2025-strategy/

+++GERMANY: Corona Warning App Starts to Work+++
The Corona-Warn-App of the federal government is now used by about 15 percent of the people in Germany. On Wednesday, the official download number was 12.6 million, the Robert Koch Institute announced on Twitter. According to experts, a noticeable effect in containing the pandemic can be expected from a usage rate of 15 percent. The threshold of 15 percent was exceeded with 83.2 million inhabitants in Germany with 12.48 million downloads.

+++GERMANY / EU: European Nations are Currently Haggling Over Two Potential Lists of Acceptable Visitors From 1 July On+++
European Union officials are racing to agree on who can visit the bloc as of July 1 based on how countries of origin are faring with new coronavirus cases. Americans, Russians and Brazilians, so far, seem to be excluded, China, as well as developing nations like Uganda, Cuba and Vietnam for example are will be allowed in according to draft lists seen by The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/world/europe/coronavirus-EU-American-travel-ban.html?referringSource=articleShare

June 24th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Surge in number of people learning German+++
German is now thought to have the same amount of learners as Spanish. The number of schools teaching German abroad grew from 95,000 in 2015 to 106,000 this year with more than 15.4 million people around the world studying the language,  according to a new survey.
https://thepienews.com/news/german-language-learners/

+++UNIVERSITIES: The Majority of Students in Germany Would Welcome a Return to Attendance Semesters+++
An extraordinary summer semester is coming to an end. For the first time, the attendance semester has become almost entirely a digital semester. 56.7 percent would like to see a transition to traditional forms of teaching for the coming winter semester, the company Studentenrabatt.com announced in Cologne on Thursday, referring to its own representative survey of 1,000 students.

June 22nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: Bundesbank President: “Things are Looking up Again”+++
In the Corona crisis, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann sees the German economy on a good path. “In recent months we have experienced the sharpest economic slump in the history of the Federal Republic,” Weidmann told the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung”. “The good news is that the low point is probably behind us by now and things are looking up again.” Weidmann said, however, that the significant slump in the German economy would be followed only by a “comparatively gradual recovery”.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/coronakrise-bundesbankpraesident-weidmann-es-geht-wieder-aufwaerts/25935708.html?ticket=ST-2740649-6Vgma2kIDMKkOZc4ADTY-ap1

June 21st, 2020

+++GERMANY: Holiday in Germany – What travelers need to know now+++
Germany’s borders are open again. What do tourists have to consider when entering Germany? What corona requirements apply? Where can travelers obtain information? And what can they do in Germany? An overview.
https://www.dw.com/de/urlaub-in-deutschland-was-einreisende-jetzt-wissen-m%C3%BCssen/a-53862223

June 20th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Saxony Wants to Make Major Events Possible from September Onwards+++
The Federal state Saxony wants to make major events possible again from September onwards under certain conditions. They want major events with more than 1000 participants to be able to start again from September with hygiene concepts and traceability. Last week, the federal and state governments had agreed that major events would remain banned until at least the end of October, but that exceptions would be possible. https://m.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/ab-september-bis-zu-1000-menschen-sachsen-will-grossveranstaltungen-unter-auflagen-erlauben/25938106.html

June 19th, 2020

June 18th, 2020

+++EUROPE: Progressive Governance Digital Summit+++
There is currently great uncertainty about the social, economic, and political consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is clear that the dynamics of the crisis will create a different world with different futures for individuals, communities, and places. For progressives, this is the moment to come together and discuss shared visions of what a post-COVID-19 world should and could look like. It is imperative for progressives to promote international solidarity in times of crisis: how to achieve it will be the central objective of #PGS20. Solidarity will also be the normative guideline for the breakout sessions, workshops, and leader’s panels of #PGS20, in order to prioritize common solutions to the crisis. Further, the aim is to support the weakest and vulnerable and their communities at the local, national, and global levels. Based on these conversations it is intended to develop political concepts fostering Transformation, Democracy, Leadership and Europe+
https://progressive-governance.eu/agenda

+++GERMANY: Second Approval Granted for Corona Vaccine Study+++
The Tübingen-based company CureVac can now begin clinical trials of its vaccine candidate. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institute (PEI) in Langen, Germany, said on Wednesday that the approval for this was granted. The first volunteers will be vaccinated in June as part of the phase 1 study. After the Mainz-based company Biontech, CureVac is the second company in Germany that is allowed to test a vaccine. According to PEI, 130 vaccine projects are underway worldwide, ten candidates are already in clinical trials, two in advanced phases 2 and 3.
https://innovationorigins.com/curevac-is-the-2nd-german-company-permitted-to-test-corona-vaccine-on-humans/

June 17th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Interim Aid for Students in Pandemic Caused Emergencies+++
Students in acute emergencies can apply for interim aid from Tuesday at 12 noon using a uniform online tool that is accessible nationwide. For this purpose, the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW), the umbrella organization of the German Studentenwerke, has created its own portal: www.ueberbrueckungshilfe-studierende.de

+++GERMANY: Big Events Will Probably Remain Prohibited Until End of October +++
Major events such as folk festivals, village, town, street, wine, shooting or funfair events are expected to remain prohibited until at least the end of October 2020.  The Federal Chancellor and the heads of government of the states have, among other things, taken this decision. If the incidence of infection remains as it is, the states also aim to return to regular schooling after the summer holidays at the latest. However, the proposed resolution is controversial. The chairing state of Bavaria proposes not to authorise any major events until 31 October. The Free State of Saxony and others, however, want to lift the restrictions earlier.
https://www.nordbayern.de/politik/grossveranstaltungen-sollen-bis-mindestens-ende-oktober-verboten-werden-1.10080007?cache=%3Fbctid%3D6052486872001%3Ftype%3Darticle%3FtabParam%3Drating%3FtabParam%3Dcomments

+++GERMANY: Invitation to the Virtual Long Night of Ideas on 19 June 2020+++
Discussion events, readings, and visits to the cinema, club, gallery, and sports hall – and all this from your living room? The Federal Foreign Office and its partners invite you to take part in the fifth “Long Night of Ideas”. How can culture play its central role even in times of Corona? How can it develop its own unique power even in times of crisis? The “Long Night of Ideas”, which takes place on 19 June – and for the first time completely virtually – will deal with these questions.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/themen/kulturdialog/lndi2020/2347650

June 16th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Corona-Warn-App is Available for Download+++
The official Corona Warning App of the federal government is available for download. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android smartphones and from Apple’s App Store for iPhones. The app is designed to give early warning to people who have been in contact with infected persons and is intended to help identify and break the infection chains. However, it does not protect users from becoming infected with the virus themselves.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/faq-corona-tracing-app-103.html

+++GERMANY: Exceptions on Travel Ban for International Students+++
The EU Commission wants to extend the ban on entry into the EU imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic until the end of June. From 1 July, the Commission then recommends a gradual opening of the EU’s external borders – depending on the corona situation in the respective third country. The Brussels authority left open which other states meet the criteria. In mid-March, all EU states, except Ireland, had agreed to initially ban non-essential travel to the EU. The entry ban had already been extended twice by 30 days each time and is currently valid until 15 June. Exceptions apply to EU citizens, doctors and nurses, among others. The EU Commission now wants to introduce further exceptions for countries from which free re-entry is not yet permitted from July onwards – for international students, for example. Each country can decide for itself on the entry restrictions. However, the EU Commission is trying to coordinate the procedure.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/eu-einreise-corona-101.html

June 15th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Over 300 Million Vaccine Doses Ordered+++
Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands have signed a contract with a manufacturer for at least 300 million vaccine doses against the coronavirus. All EU states that want to participate are to benefit. The pharmaceutical company had previously concluded similar agreements with Great Britain, the USA and India, among others, for a total of 1.7 billion vaccine doses. The vaccine in question is the COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222, developed at the British University of Oxford. It is to be tested in the coming months on a total of more than 10,000 adults in a study that began in May.
https://www.dw.com/en/eu-nations-sign-deal-for-coronavirus-vaccine/a-53797569

+++GERMANY: Lift Of Travel Warning For European Countries+++
Today, on June 15th, the Federal Foreign Office removed the warning against traveling for non-essential reasons to 27 European countries. These include popular holiday destinations for Germans such as Italy, Austria, Greece, France, and Croatia. However, four countries in the EU and the border-free Schengen area still have to wait for the travel warning issued on March 17th due to the spread of Covid-19 to be lifted.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200615/germany-lifts-travel-warning-for-27-european-countries

+++UNIVERSITIES: Advice On Your Studies in Germany+++
You would like to study in Germany and do not know yet which subject is the right one for you? Which study topics are you interested in? Which professional interests would you like to pursue? Here, the DAAD presents academic subject groups for your studies in Germany.
https://www.daad.de/de/studieren-und-forschen-in-deutschland/studium-planen/faechergruppen/

June 14th, 2020

+++GERMANY: German Border Control To End+++
The controls on Germany’s internal EU borders introduced during the Corona pandemic will end at midnight on Monday night (15 June). The controls imposed in mid-March have already been reduced since last Wednesday. As a result, people from Germany’s neighboring countries are once again allowed to enter the country without any particular reason. However, the controls for foreigners arriving by plane from Spain will not end until 21 June.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200612/germany-set-to-lift-land-border-checks-late-on-monday

June 13th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Financial Support for Students+++
As international students in Germany are gravely affected by the Corona crisis, you can find an overview below of efforts to help them.
As of June 2020, international students can apply for an interest-free loan from the state development bank KfW and receive a maximum of 650 euros a month from July 2020 up to and including March 2021. You can check out the conditions on the KfW website. In addition, students in financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic will soon be able to apply for grants of up to 500 euros a month via their local student unions. There are also several initiatives offered by institutions like the DAAD or by individual universities.
https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/knowledge/corona-crisis-financial-support-for-students

June 12th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Online Semester for Students-University of Duisburg-Essen Starts Study+++
The University of Duisburg-Essen is conducting an online semester study at universities worldwide. It wants to find out how universities are dealing with the corona crisis in comparison to Germany. Worldwide students currently cannot go to universities but have to learn from home.
https://www.radioessen.de/artikel/online-semester-fuer-studenten-uni-duisburg-essen-startet-studie-609693.html

+++GERMANY: Lifting Of Travel Warnings+++
For 28 European countries, the worldwide travel warning for tourists will be lifted this Monday, and for three others it is planned. For more than 160 countries, however, it will initially be extended until 31 August. This was decided by the German cabinet on Wednesday. After consultations with the twelve main holiday destinations of the Germans, however, Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas made it clear on Thursday that there could still be exceptions – for example for popular holiday destinations such as Turkey, which has already resumed air travel to Germany. Talks are now being held on this. They will check it out week by week.

June 11th, 2020

+++GERMANY: New Relaxations on Corona Measure Listed By State+++
The federal states relax the imposed corona restrictions. In doing so, however, they are taking different approaches – because the further procedure is now the sole responsibility of the federal states and their districts. What the federal and state governments have agreed on so far: The general contact restrictions will be extended until June 29. This includes that a maximum of ten people or members of two households may meet in public. Below you will find an overview of the current rules.
https://www.focus.de/finanzen/recht/corona-regeln-fuer-alle-bundeslaender-kontaktbeschraenkungen-in-vielen-bundeslaendern-deutlich-gelockert_id_11793149.html

June 10th, 2020

+++PAKISTAN: Fast Track Online Appointments+++
COVID-related closure of the German embassy visa section has made enrolment for winter semester in Germany critical. They have therefore set up a fast track online appointment system as of June, 15^th, 2020, for student visa applicants enrolled for master studies in Germany and holding a bachelor/first master grade of 3.8 CGPA or above. This also applies for applicants who already registered for regular visa appointment before.  Please check their online appointment categories under “Registration to apply for a Master’s program – Exclusively for students with a CGPA of 3,8 or above.” Appointments will be assigned immediately after re-opening of the visa section.
https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/service/2-study-visa-seite/1676104

June 9th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Invitation to the virtual Long Night of Ideas on 19 June 2020+++
Discussion events, readings, and visits to the cinema, club, gallery, and sports hall – and all this from your living room? The Federal Foreign Office and its partners invite you to take part in the fifth “Long Night of Ideas”. How can culture play its central role even in times of Corona? How can it develop its own unique power even in times of crisis? The “Long Night of Ideas”, which takes place on 19 June – and for the first time completely virtually – will deal with these questions.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/themen/kulturdialog/lndi2020/2347650

+++GERMANY: Professors and Lecturers demand a return To Face-To-Face Teaching+++
Not only at schools but also at universities there is growing pressure to gradually return to normal operation. In an open letter, around 2,000 professors and lecturers from German universities and other higher education institutions call for a return to face-to-face teaching.
https://www.zeit.de/campus/2020-06/hochschulen-corona-krise-professoren-studium-online-unterricht-rueckkehr-praesenzlehre

+++GERMANY: New interest-free loans for International Students in Germany+++
The coronavirus pandemic has hit many students hard, many of whom rely on part-time jobs alongside their studies. But now extra help is on the way. The application form for the interest-free loan of up to €650 per month has been available since May 8th for German students, whereas for Germany’s nearly 400,000 international students it opened at the beginning of June. Students can receive the loan – which is issued in payments of at least €100 per month – through an online application available on the website of state bank KfW. Please be aware that this is only a credit that has to be paid back afterwards.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200605/international-students-how-to-apply-for-new-interest-free-loans-in-germany

June 8th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Overview of Current Eases on Restrictions Per State+++
Following you can find the most recent updates on the eases of the measures taken against the coronavirus listed for every state of Germany.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/coronakrise-lockerungen-laender-101.html

+++GERMANY: Proven Efficacy of Masks+++
A study has confirmed the protective effect of masks against the coronavirus. The general obligation to wear a mouth and nose protector, for example when shopping or on public transport, apparently contributes significantly to the containment of the corona pandemic, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz announced. Scientists from four universities compared the development of infection rates in Jena, Thuringia, with those of comparable cities where masks were only introduced later. Jena was the first major city to make the wearing of a mouth and nose mask compulsory as early as April 6, and thus much earlier than in all other districts and independent cities in Germany. As a result, the number of registered infections in Jena rose only slightly.
https://rp-online.de/panorama/coronavirus/deutschland-studie-bestaetigt-schutzwirkung-von-masken-vor-corona_aid-51542783

+++GERMANY: Corona Warning App To be Presented Next Week+++
It was discussed for a long time: Next week the Corona app will be introduced. According to the German Minister of Health, it is supposed to meet strict requirements regarding data protection and energy efficiency. With the so-called tracing app, the German government wants to better recognize the infection chains of the coronavirus and ensure that the spread of the coronavirus does not increase again strongly if the app is made available for public use. If a user tests positive for Covid-19 and this status is recorded in the app, the other users are to be informed that they have been near an infected person in the past.
https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/spahn-corona-app-101.html

June 7th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Current Travel Instructions in Europe+++
The German government has decided to lift the worldwide travel warning for 29 European countries from 15th June. In addition, “full freedom of movement” in Europe is to be restored by July 1. Of course, tourist travel is only possible if the holiday countries also open their borders.

June 6th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Rules For Holiday Destinations+++
The German government is currently preparing to put an end to the worldwide travel warning for tourists from 15 June for 31 European countries, if the development of the Corona pandemic allows it. According to the plan, the warning is to be replaced by individual travel warnings that point out risks for each individual country. In addition to Germany’s 26 partner countries in the European Union, these include Great Britain, which has left the EU, and the four states of the border-free Schengen area, which are not members of the EU: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
https://www.swp.de/panorama/corona-urlaub-2020-regeln-reiselaender-oesterreich-schweiz-frankreich-portugal-spanien-griechenland-niederlande-belgien-daenemark-schweden-island-norwegen-tuerkei-zypern-kroatien-polen-aegypten-italien-46629882.html

June 5th, 2020

+++TURKEY: Turkish Airlines Starts International Flights on June 18th – Germany Will be Part of It+++
After the normalization process in Turkey has started after the measures against the corona virus, flights will resume at Istanbul airport – starting with domestic flights. While Turkish Airlines THY has announced that it will start flying from Istanbul to 34 cities to domestic destinations in Turkey on June 4, today, Tuesday, it was officially announced that international flights will start on June 18. And Germany is among them.
https://www.hurriyet.de/news_turkish-airlines-startet-am-18-juni-die-internationalen-fluege-deutschland-ist-dabei_143537617.html

June 4th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Winter Semester Will Be a Mix of Digital and Classroom Teaching+++
In the winter semester 2020/2021, the universities and colleges in Rhineland-Palatinate will offer a mix of digital and analogue services. Due to the corona requirements that will probably still apply in autumn, attendance courses will probably be limited, the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Science announced in Mainz on Wednesday. The universities should find individual solutions. It is not yet clear in which form examinations will take place at the end of the winter semester in February 2021.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/gesundheit/gesundheit-wintersemester-wird-mix-aus-digital-und-praesenzlehre-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-200603-99-287103

June 3rd, 2020

+++GERMANY: Lift of Coronavirus Travel Ban for 29 European Countries on June 15+++
The German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has confirmed that Germany will remove a travel ban on EU member states and some other countries from June 15. However, he stressed that this was not “an invitation to travel.”
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-lift-coronavirus-travel-ban-for-29-european-countries-on-june-15/a-53667506

+++UNIVERSITIES: Deadlines for applications to the University of Leipzig extended+++
Due to the corona crisis, prospective students have a longer time to apply to the University of Leipzig this year. For example, applications for undergraduate courses of study with restricted admission this year can be submitted until August 20, 2020 (otherwise July 15, 2020). This year’s first-year students can enroll in free-admission programs until 30 September 2020.
https://www.leipziginfo.de/aktuelles/artikel/fristen-fuer-bewerbung-an-universitaet-leipzig-verlaengert/

+++UNIVERSITIES: Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Provides Online Information About Courses of Study+++
At the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences many courses are running online because of the Corona Pandemic – this week there is also a student advisory service on the net. Today (03 June) and on Friday, the university will provide information about what it offers. Participation is free, but you have to register in advance by email.
https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/de/event/workshop-zur-studienorientierung-6

June 2nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: DAAD offers online option for scholarships+++
With the spread of the new coronavirus, physical mobility and thus a substantial part of scientific exchange has largely come to a standstill. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is, therefore, making increasing use of digital possibilities and is offering the option of starting scholarships online for the coming winter semester.
https://www2.daad.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/de/76808-daad-bietet-online-option-fuer-stipendien-an/

+++ Czech Republic opens borders with Germany again +++
The Czech Republic will reopen its border to tourists from Germany from 15 June. This is the decision of the cabinet in Prague, as announced by Health Minister Adam Vojtech. The basis is now a new traffic light model, which classifies countries according to risk groups. In addition to Germany and all other neighbouring countries of the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Croatia will also receive the green light. This also means that the previous restrictions for cross-border commuters will no longer apply. Foreigners from countries marked in red and orange must present a negative laboratory test for the coronavirus when entering the Czech Republic. These countries include Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. Germans are traditionally the largest group of foreign visitors to the Czech Republic.
https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/tschechien-oeffnet-grenze-ab-15-juni,S0gRmyp

June 1st, 2020

+++GERMANY: Code of Corona Warning App Made Public+++
The developers of the Corona warning app by the German government have disclosed the complete program code of the eagerly awaited application. “Over Pentecost, we published all remaining, not yet published source codes for the app on the developer platform GitHub”, explained spokespersons of Deutsche Telekom and SAP AG. This means that all the codes for the complete app are now available to the expert community.
https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/coronavirus-in-germany-informations

May 31th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Economic Stimulus Package Worth Billions Planned+++
The German government wants to help the economy in the time of corona back on its feet with an economic stimulus package worth billions. Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) is pushing for three measures in particular: the extension of the short-time work allowance from one to two years, a one-time family bonus of 300 euros per child, and a rescue package for the municipalities with reimbursement of old debts and compensation for the collapsed trade tax revenues.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-stimulus/german-economic-stimulus-plan-could-be-worth-75-billion-80-billion-paper-idUSKBN237099

May 30th, 2020

+++GERMANY: These Relaxations Come After Pentecost+++
Meeting of more than just two households, sports in the club and finally bringing the children back to the daycare centre. This will be possible in some federal states after Whitsun. In the fight against the corona pandemic, the federal states can decide on the gradual opening of public life largely on their own responsibility. After Pentecost, more things are allowed again in some countries. Here is the current state of relaxation in the Länder in selected areas of life.
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/coronavirus-lockerungen-nach-pfingsten-100.html

May 29th, 2020

+++GERMANY: City of Krefeld to Make Their Immigration Services More Digital, Faster and Comfortable+++
With the new service area of the municipal department of Migration and Integration, founded in 2018 in the building at the main station, the city welcomes immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and employees of international companies and foreign students to the local university centrally, barrier-free, service-oriented and respectfully as of this Monday. “The new front office is an important part of the new culture of welcome,” emphasized Meyer at the opening on Thursday.
https://www.wz.de/nrw/krefeld/neues-servicecenter-in-auslaenderbehoerde-soll-wartezeiten-verkuerzen_aid-51385009

+++UNIVERSITIES: Four German Universities Receive Financial Support For Outstanding Innovative Concepts+++
will each receive 100,000 euros for their continuing education concepts. According to the Stifterverband, the universities have developed outstanding strategies and innovative concepts for qualification formats for working people. After the first round of selection, ten universities presented their concepts to the jury. The four universities mentioned above finally won the funding competition.
https://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/management/hochschulen-erhalten-preis-fuer-weiterbildung-2819/

May 28th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Travel Warning to be Lifted+++
The worldwide travel warning issued by the Federal Foreign Office is still valid until 14 June. The Federal Government intends to lift this warning for 31 European states from 15 June – at least if the further development of the corona pandemic allows it.
https://www.abendblatt.de/vermischtes/article229112789/Corona-Reisewarnung-aufgehoben-Auswaertiges-Amt-Urlaub-Ausland-2020-Corona-Sommer-Italien-Mallorca-Spanien-Griechenland-Zypern-Last-Minute-Uebersicht.html

+++GERMANY: Federal and State Governments Extend Contact Restrictions Until Mid-Year+++
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all people in Germany must continue to exercise great restraint in meeting outdoors at least until the middle of the year. The contact restrictions will be extended until June 29th, as agreed upon by the federal and state governments on Tuesday evening. As early as 6 June, however, the states may allow further relaxation – for example, that in future a maximum of ten people or members of two households may meet in public.

May 27th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Leipzig Fundraising Campaign For International Students in Need Brings Over 40,000 Euro+++
The Leipzig fundraising campaign for international students in need, (SIS) has already raised more than 40,000 euros since its launch just a month ago. On Monday, 25 May 2020, the rector of the University of Leipzig and the chairman of the association “Hilfe für ausländische Studierende in Leipzig e.V.”, gratefully received a symbolic cheque for a donation of 2,000 euros from the sponsoring association of the Lions Club “Leipziger Ring e. V.” in the presence of Saxony’s Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow.
https://www.leipziginfo.de/aktuelles/artikel/leipziger-spendenaktion-fuer-in-not-geratene-internationale-studierende-bringt-bislang-ueber-40000-euro/

May 26th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany Calls For Opening  Of Internal EU Borders by June+++
The German government will vote on whether to lift its travel warning on 31 European countries by June 15. Italy’s foreign minister said the day that borders open again would be like another ‘D-Day’ for European tourism.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-calls-for-opening-of-internal-eu-borders-by-june/a-53567535

+++GERMANY: Saxony-Anhalt Also Relaxes Corona Restrictions+++
As in other federal states, several corona measures will be relaxed from Thursday onwards. Up to ten people will be allowed to meet in private. In addition, meetings of two households and close relatives and their partners are permitted, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced. Private celebrations such as weddings, bereavements, birthdays, school enrolments or youth consecrations will again be possible from Thursday with up to 20 participants. Seminars, general meetings, events of associations and parties as well as church and civil weddings and funerals can take place with up to 100 participants, from 1 July with up to 250 participants. Tourists are then allowed to enter the state again. Educational, cultural, sports and leisure facilities may reopen. In addition, the ban on visiting hospitals will be lifted.
https://www.welt.de/regionales/sachsen-anhalt/article208353791/Sachsen-will-Corona-Beschraenkung-ab-6-Juni-weiter-lockern.html

+++GERMANY: Open-Air Swimming Pools Open Again In Most Federal States++
The federal states have announced numerous further relaxations of their corona measures. In 12 countries, the open-air swimming pools are to be opened by 8 June at the latest – in some countries, this has already been done. Only in Bavaria, Hesse, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein is it still unclear when the pools will open. In all cases, the following applies: sales and hygiene rules must also be observed in open-air pools. In many places, for example, tickets should only be booked online to prevent queues at the ticket offices. In addition, the distance must also be observed in the water. Bathing in normal swimming pools is considered to be safe, as the water is chlorinated. Natural swimming pools, on the other hand, remain closed.
https://berlinspectator.com/2020/05/24/berlin-new-corona-rules-at-outdoor-swimming-pools/

May 25th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany Aims To Impose Social Distancing Rules Until July 5+++
Germany is reportedly planning to extend the social distancing rules until at least July 5 to keep the virus outbreak under control amid defiance by two states.
republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/germany-aims-to-impose-social-distancing-rules-until-at-least-july-5.html

+++GERMANY: Digital Conference of German Ambassadors+++
On 25 and 26 May the 18th conference of the heads of German missions abroad will take place, this year digitally. The focus will be on the German EU Council Presidency and how to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aamt/boko-2020/2344096

May 24th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Holiday Trips Soon Possible Again+++
Spain wants to open its borders to foreign tourists in July. “From July, the reception of foreign tourists will be resumed under safe conditions,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Saturday. Shortly before the announcement from Spain, Tui chairman Fritz Joussen had said that he wanted to start air traffic to Mallorca as early as June. Tui also wants to bring travelers to other countries again soon. Austria, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, and Bulgaria are very well prepared. Talks are currently being held with Turkey. Recently, there had been first progress in the consultations within the European Union to reduce travel restrictions before the summer holidays. After video conferences with the Germans’ neighbors and holiday countries, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) said he was confident that the worldwide travel warning could be lifted after June 14, at least for the EU.
https://www.ruhr24.de/service/spanien-urlaub-2020-mallorca-grenzen-offen-touristen-spanische-regierung-hoffnung-reisewarnung-13770219.html

May 23rd, 2020

+++CHINA: Restriction of Flights+++
China will continue to severely restrict international flights at least until October. This is reported by the Chinese media. Since the end of March, a “five-one rule” has been in effect, which allows only one flight per week per airline on a route to a country. This rule is now to be extended into the autumn.
According to reports, airlines must have their flight plans approved two months in advance before they are allowed to sell tickets.
https://www.airliners.de/china-corona-einflugbeschraenkungen/55549

May 22nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: Thuringia Wants to End Corona Restrictions+++
The state of Thuringia wants to end the general corona restrictions at the beginning of June. This would make state-wide regulations on minimum distances, the wearing of mouth and nose protectors, and contact restrictions a thing of the past. They will be replaced by local measures only if a certain infection rate is exceeded in a region. A limit of 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within one week is under discussion.
https://www.dw.com/en/thuringia-germanys-coronavirus-guinea-pigs/a-53559295

May 21st, 2020

+++GERMANY: Number of Infected Persons in Germany Continues to Decrease +++
In Germany, the number of people currently infected has fallen to 13,580.

+++GERMANY: Presence At University in Düsseldorf in Autumn+++
At the university in Düsseldorf students are expected to come back to the campus in autumn. Progress is also being made in corona research at the University Hospital.
https://rp-online.de/nrw/staedte/duesseldorf/duesseldorfer-universitaet-plant-im-herbst-wieder-praesenzvorlesungen_aid-51229449

May 20th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Restaurants Open Again, New Rules On Eating Out+++
After closing their doors in mid-March except for takeaway, most restaurants, cafes, and beer gardens around Germany are now back in business. While most share the same hygiene measures, such as maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters for guests who aren’t together, they have different rules. Some states require the collection of contact information in the event of a coronavirus outbreak, while others are only open outside.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200518/state-by-state-what-are-the-new-rules-for-eating-out-around-germany

May 19th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Semester Hack Hackathon Results+++
The summer semester 2020 takes place digitally. What does this mean for lecturers, students, university staff and the entire university system? Answers to urgent challenges such as the digitization of analog courses, the implementation of digital examinations, or the replacement of actually planned international mobility must be found within the shortest possible time. Almost 1,000 participants took part in the #SemesterHack, the nationwide online hackathon on digital higher education – organized by the Hochschulforum Digitalisierung (HFD), the AI Campus and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Get inspired by the ideas and find out which projects were awarded.
https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/de/online-hackathon

+++GERMANY: More Students To Receive The Germany Scholarship+++
The number of students with a German scholarship has increased further. 28,200 students received the grant last year, three percent more than in 2018, according to the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden on Tuesday. With the scholarship, which has been in existence since 2011, the Federal Government wants to support particularly talented or committed students. According to the Federal Office, the proportion of scholarship holders among all students remained at one percent. The law provides for an annual increase of up to eight percent.
https://www.faz.net/aktuell/karriere-hochschule/hoersaal/mehr-studenten-erhalten-deutschlandstipendium-16776960.html

+++GERMANY: Borders To Poland To Be Opened+++
The Polish government announced that the borders would be reopened on 15th June. On July 1, all remaining coronavirus restrictions could then possibly be lifted. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had only recently appealed to Poland to open the borders completely again soon. The German government is aiming at re-establish freedom of travel in the entire Schengen area as of June 15th.
https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/maas-urlaubsreisen-105.html

May 18th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Examinations in Presence at University Duisburg Essen+++
Under special conditions, exams and other examinations in presence at the University of Duisburg Essen are now possible again. The following pdf sheet informs students about requirements, procedures, and rules of conduct. https://uni-due.de/imperia/md/content/zentralverwaltung/merkblatt-praesenzpruefung-studierende.pdf

+++GERMANY: Initiative For Europes Economic Recovery+++
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and French President Emmanuel Macron are planning a Franco-German initiative for Europe’s economic recovery. Merkel and Macron plan to meet in the afternoon for a video conference and later present the plan to the public in a joint video press conference, according to the Federal Press Office. The plan is to focus on reviving the economy in Europe, which is suffering severely from the Corona crisis.
http://www.dtoday.de/startseite/nachrichten_artikel,-Merkel-und-Macron-planen-Initiative-zu-Belebung-von-Europas-Wirtschaft-_arid,726258.html

May 16th, 2020

+++GERMANY: ENtry Quarantine To be Relaxed+++
In the next few days, the federal states want to lift their general quarantine rules for travelers from neighbor countries introduced because of the corona pandemic. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is currently working on a new model regulation for the states, the ministry said on Friday. The states had agreed to it on Thursday after consultation with the Chancellor’s Office.  At present, many German states require that anyone entering Germany from a neighboring European country must go into quarantine for 14 days.

May 15th, 2020

+++FINTIBA: Free Webinar TODAY With Deutsch perfekt+++
Today at 2 pm (CET) we will be holding a second webinar with Deutsch perfekt on Youtube. They will be sharing inspiration about “Things you can prepare from home (while you are Corona-stuck on your way to Germany)”. Feel free to join the session via this link: https://youtu.be/eoBZNpXuGs0

+++CHINA: APS Procedure Changed in Favor of Students+++
The global corona crisis continues to have a strong impact on the mobility of international students. In order to enable you to continue to plan and conduct your studies in Germany despite the extensive restrictions, the APS has decided that the China procedure at the Academic Test Centre for a certain group of applicants will be temporarily changed to the new procedure with immediate effect until 30 September 2020. They have now waived face to face interview for ALL Chinese students until the 30th of September 2020 this year due to the corona situation. Although the APS certificate is still needed it has greatly reduced the limits for Chinese students applying for German Universities. More information you can find here: https://www.aps.org.cn/corona-bescheinigung

+++GERMANY: First Mensa To Reopen+++
On May 12th we started. The Mensa Golm of the Potsdam University was the first institution of the Studentenwerk Potsdam to open its doors since it was closed due to the Corona Pandemic. It can be visited between 9 am and 2 pm on weekdays with limited offerings and adapted security measures.
https://www.food-service.de/maerkte/news/re-start–studentenwerk-rostock-erste-mensa-bittet-zu-tisch–im-corona-modus-45299

May 14th, 2020

+++FINTIBA: Important Video Message From The Whole Team+++
The Fintiba Team has an important message for you! Check it out on our Youtube channel and find out what we have to say to you!

+++Worldwide 160 Vaccine Projects against Coronavirus +++
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) lists almost 160 projects worldwide that are researching a vaccine. Eleven of the potential vaccines are already being tested in clinical trials in humans, most of them are in Phase I: this means that a small number of healthy volunteers are vaccinated, primarily to test safety and tolerability and, to a lesser extent, efficacy. The most advanced research is carried out by CanSino, a Hong Kong-listed company, whose vaccine is already being tested in Phase II clinical trials. This means that, for the first time, the effectiveness of the vaccination is being tested on a larger trial group.

+++CHINA: China Flights Expected To Be Possible In June+++
Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said he could imagine that flights to and from safe regions in China would be possible again after the international travel warning expired on 15 June.

 +++ University of Magdeburg pays out 41,000 € to students +++
Because of the Corona crisis hundreds of students in Magdeburg got into financial difficulties. Now the university supports 90 of them.
https://www.volksstimme.de/lokal/magdeburg/corona-spende-uni-magdeburg-zahlt-41000-euro-an-studenten

+++UNIVERSITIES: Failed Exams Not To be Count at University of Saarland+++
Saarbrücken Saarland University would like to refrain from counting failed examinations in the summer semester and thus make the summer semester in the corona crisis easier for students.
https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/saarland/hochschule/studium-corona-krise-freischussregelung-fuer-studenten-der-universitaet-des-saarlandes_aid-51056531

May 13th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Relaxation Of Travel Restrictions+++
At the first German borders, the controls introduced due to the Corona pandemic are to be relaxed starting this weekend. This was announced by the Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer. At the border with Luxembourg, the controls are to expire on May 15th, i.e. on Friday. The federal government had reached an agreement with France, Switzerland, and Austria to continue the controls until 15 June. However, starting this weekend, all border crossings will be opened and only random checks will be carried out. According to Austrian Tourism Minister Elisabeth Köstinger the opening of the border between Germany and Austria will be possible from the 15th of June, restrictions on crossing the border will already begin to be eased from May 15th, enabling business trips and family visits to take place.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-austria-germany/austrian-german-border-to-reopen-from-june-15-austrian-tourism-minister-idUSKBN22P0U0

+++GERMANY: Information on DAAD Scholarships+++
If you would like to apply for a DAAD scholarship you can find information and answers to questions about application requirements and demands, preparation and writing of your application as well as the selection process here.
https://www.daad.de/de/im-ausland-studieren-forschen-lehren/stipendien-finanzierung/wichtige-hinweise-zu-daad-stipendien/

May 12th, 2020

+++GENERAL: Free Master Classes For Filmlovers During Corona Times+++
Here’s a note for all film enthusiasts out there who are busy staying at home and doing social distancing: Sundanceorg makes its entire Master Class offer available online free of charge, they also host interesting webinars and FAQ sessions which you can find in their online events. Sundance Insitutes is a global community for creators and artists around the globe. Information can be found here: https://collab.sundance.org/learn/master-classes

+++GERMANY: University of Leipzig Decides to Relax Rules for Students+++
As a reaction to the Corona crisis, the University of Leipzig has decided to relax the rules for its students. Students can now decide for themselves whether they want to have the current semester counted as part of the standard period of study or not. According to the university, those who want to cancel the semester can now apply for it. Whoever decides to do so avoids disadvantages in terms of BAföG and long-term study fees, among other things. At the moment it is not possible to study normally at the university. All lectures and seminars take place almost exclusively online. The university libraries are also only available to a limited extent.
https://www.radioleipzig.de/beitrag/uni-leipzig-beschliesst-lockerung-fuer-studenten-639677/

+++GENERAL: Film Festivals To Offer Movies Online For Free+++
As many film festivals can’t take place currently due to the coronavirus some of them have decided to provide the audience with a free cinema online.
The website of scope festival gathers them and you can enjoy from the comfort of your home: https://www.festivalscope.com/

May 11th, 2020 

+++GERMANY: Upcoming Changes of Measures This Week+++
Every week coronavirus restrictions are being loosened around Germany, whether restaurants being allowed to reopen under strict conditions or hotel for the international airport of Frankfurt).s welcoming guests again. Here’s you can find an overview of what to expect from each state.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200511/state-by-state-which-coronavirus-restrictions-are-being-loosened-from-monday-in-germany

+++GERMANY: Study on Covid- 19 Drug Progressing+++
A study on the drug Remdesivir to combat corona disease is making progress, according to the head of the Cologne study. The study is “in a very advanced stage”, Gerd Fätkenheuer, head of infectiology at the University Hospital of Cologne, told the newspaper “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. He heads the German part of the study of an international consortium researching Remdesivir
 https://www.statnews.com/2020/05/11/inside-the-nihs-controversial-decision-to-stop-its-big-remdesivir-study/

May 10, 2020

+++GERMANY: Chancellor Wants To Support Culture+++
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has assured the cultural industry of further support in view of the weeks of forced hiatus due to the Corona crisis. The goal is that the broad and diverse cultural landscape can continue to exist even after the pandemic has been overcome. Concepts should now be developed how hygiene and safety regulations could also open up theatres, concert halls, operas and other cultural venues. There are calls from the Bundestag and the industry for quick further help. She knows what we are missing and how many citizens are waiting to finally be able to experience your cultural offerings live again. Until then, they will try to support as best they can through their aid programs.

May 9, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany Offers Covid-19 Grants and Loans for Students+++
Germany has announced €100 million worth of grants and additional loan support for students in the country suffering due to financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Students are permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, which helps with the cost of living. On April 30th, the federal minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek announced all students would be able to receive interest-free loans of up to €650 a month via state-owned development bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau. Additionally, the ministry would provide students with “particularly acute emergencies” with non-repayable grants. The €100m would be distributed to students by the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW).

May 8, 2020

+++GERMANY: Borders to Austria To be Reopened Before Summer+++
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz expects the border between Germany and Austria to open before the summer. He cited the low levels of infection with the coronavirus in his own country and stressed that the opening of the border was important not only for tourism but also for commuters. It would also help families who are currently separated by entry restrictions.

+++GERMANY: According to Chancellor Merkel First Phase Of Coronavirus Pandemic in Germany Behind Us+++
Germany has emerged from the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, as she announced a further loosening of the lockdown and social distancing: https://www.thelocal.de/20200506/first-phase-of-coronavirus-pandemic-in-germany-behind-us-says-merkel

+++GERMANY: Test Of Safety Of Masks+++
Researchers of the TU Berlin testes how safe selfmade face masks are: https://twitter.com/i/status/1258011127725735939

May 7th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Interest in Studying in Germany Grows as Covid-19 Response Praised+++
While an increasing number of students who would have been heading to the UK and the US this autumn say they are considering changing their study plans, many are turning to destinations such as Germany that have responded better to the coronavirus pandemic.
https://thepienews.com/news/interest-studying-in-germany-grows-as-covid-19-response-praised/

+++GERMANY: Digital Studies, What the Corona Crisis Means for Universities and Students+++
Online lectures and tutorials as video conferences: For many, the corona crisis currently means more leisure time, but financial worries and fears about the future are just as common. With the following article, they are about to find out We have asked around how well the digital study day is going.
https://t3n.de/news/digitales-studium-coronakrise-1274080/

+++GERMANY: Key Dates For Exiting The Lockdown+++
As Releasing of the Lockdown will slowly take place, the German capital has unveiled a plan for reopening public life. Here you will find some key dates to know.
https://www.thelocal.de/20200507/berlins-coronavirus-lockdown-exit-plan-the-key-dates-to-know

May 6th, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Hackathon About To Start Now!+++
The SemesterHack with HSFDigital and KICampus has started and the registration is still open. The challenges are online.
Over 600 hackers, 150 mentors and 100 godparents are already taking part, 2.500€ prize money is waiting. Happy Hacking! https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/sites/default/files/dateien/2020-05_SemesterHack_Challenges.pdf

+++UNIVERSITIES: CHallenges of Adaptation and Digitalization in Universities+++
The digital semester at German universities began in April. It changes teaching and learning, especially for students. Which effects the change has and how it is to be managed you can read here: https://www.zeit.de/campus/2020-04/digitales-semester-coronavirus-studium-goethe-universitaet-frankfurt

+++GERMANY: Further Relaxations On Restrictions+++
All shops are allowed to reopen in Germany and cultural sites are to be opened again. More details on what is possible again and what will be extended can you find in this article: https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article207770755/Corona-Das-sind-die-Lockerungs-Plaene-fuer-Schulen-Restaurants-Konzerte.html

May 5th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Number of infections Continues to Decrease+++
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shares good news about the number of transmitted infection cases as it continues to decrease. Last week, between 700 and 1600 cases were reported to the RKI daily. On Monday there were 685. The reproduction rate is estimated at 0.71 – which means that every infected person transmits the disease to an average of 0.71 people. However, the RKI emphasizes that the figures are only a snapshot. The recommendations that have been in place so far had to be followed in order to keep the number of infections low. “Keeping distance is the new daily routine”. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/gesundheit/coronavirus/ca-22-000-aktive-corona-faelle-in-deutschland-bundeslaender-planen-lockerungen-16754683.html

+++GERMANY: State wants to promote the Digitalisation of higher education+++
Studies are becoming more digital during the corona crisis. The state of Lower Saxony and the Volkswagen Foundation want to make the state’s universities and colleges the drivers of digitization of studies, teaching and research, also in comparison with other German states. A new eight-million-euro program in addition to the state budget should support the efforts of the universities and initiate a strategy process.
https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bildung/hochschulen-hannover-land-will-digitalisierung-der-hochschulen-voranbringen-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-200505-99-941380

May 4th, 2020

+++GERMANY: Saxony Favors opening of Restaurants from 15th of May+++
Cafés, pubs and restaurants which have been closed for weeks because of the Corona pandemic should, according to the will of Saxony’s Minister of Economics Martin Dulig, quickly have clarity as to when they can reopen their doors. If the development of infection figures allows it, he proposes opening the outdoor areas under strict conditions on May 15.  He proposes to test whether the security precautions are working before everything clashes over the Pentecost weekend. He wants to suggest the 15th  of May to the Minister-President in view of the next federal-state switch on May 6th.

+++GERMANY: Reliable  Antibody Test Developed by Pharma Company+++
The pharmaceutical company Roche in Penzberg has developed a test to prove Corona antibodies. The antibodies tests which have already existed so far, often count as inaccurate. According to internal information by Roche, there has been a breakthrough. Thousands of patients have already been tested with the new procedure. According to a Roche spokesman, the precision of the test is very reliable. Whether a patient has caught the Coronavirus or not can be proven with a certainty of almost 100 percent. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/roche-s-covid-19-antibody-test-gets-fda-emergency-use-approval-1.1430435

+++GERMANY: Reopenings in May+++
Hairdressers and barbers are expecting a wave of customers when salons in Germany reopen on Monday after a seven-week long compulsory break during the corona crisis. According to Chancellor Angela Merkel, also church services will be possible again. That is what she agreed on with the prime ministers. Playgrounds, zoos, galleries and museums could also be reopened with some restrictions. The federal states will make the final decisions.

May 2nd, 2020

+++GERMANY: Ease On Restrictions+++
The federal state of Saxony-Anhalt is relaxing the contact restrictions that have been in place for six weeks. From Monday on, five people are allowed to be together, even if they do not live in the same household, the state government decided on Saturday. Until now, only one person was allowed to accompany a person outside the house.

+++GERMANY: Financial Help For Students+++
Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek (CDU) wants to help students through the corona crisis with emergency loans. Starting May 8th, students can apply for an initially interest-free loan of up to €650 per month from the state development bank KfW. Please see more information at https://www.theafricancourier.de/education-opportunities/german-and-foreign-students-can-apply-for-emergency-credit-from-8-may/

April 29, 2020

+++GERMANY: How To Use Your Face Mask Correctly+++
As wearing a mask is currently mandatory in entire Germany it might be helpful for you to know how to use it right. Zeit.de has created a nice infographic on how to use water a face mask correctly and what else to consider: https://interactive.zeit.de/2020/starterkit/static/ZON-corona-how-to-mundschutz-0416.802adbc7.pdf

+++GERMANY: Germany Extends Global Travel Warning Until Mid of June+++
The German government is extending the global travel warning until the middle of June. Germany issued the warning in March advising against non-essential travel abroad. It was originally extended to May 3. However, the German Foreign Office proposed to extend the travel warning “until further notice”, but at least until June 14. The proposal does not reveal yet if travel will be possible after this date and during the summer holidays, which in some federal states begins at the end of June.

+++GENERAL: Stay Fit At Home With Free Online Workouts+++
The peloton app offers now 90 days of taking full advantage of their wide online workout offer. With 10+ workout types streaming on-demand you can discover new ways to conquer your goals, on your time: https://www.onepeloton.com/app

April 28, 2020

++++Decision Requested on Financial Help For Students+++
The Presidents of the German Rectors’ Conference and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) today called for a quick decision by the federal government in favor of German and international students in financial need as a result of the Corona crisis. Please find the details of the request here: https://www2.daad.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/de/76460-hrk-und-daad-fordern-rasche-bundesloesung-fuer-in-not-geratene-studierende/

+++Austria: Hotel and Restaurant Opening in May+++
Austria will lift the strict exit restrictions from May. However, persons who do not live in a common household must keep a minimum distance of one meter. In addition, from May onwards assemblies of up to ten people will again be permitted. Demonstrations will also be possible again under certain conditions. For the time being, the measures are valid until the end of June. From 29 May onwards, hotels will be allowed to reopen, and from 15th of May onwards even restaurants – subject to compliance with rules.

+++GENERAL: Online Tool For Combatting the Effects Caused By the Corona Situation+++
The Coronamat was brought to life by the Berlin-based think tank iRights.Lab. Those of you who are looking for ideas and inspiration can find a colorful and broad mix of information and entertainment. What can you do right nowt, how can you fight boredom, cabin fever, idea jams, or social distance? More than six hundred lovingly selected tips are designed to help people better keep to and overcome the initial constraints – by inspiring, cheering up, and entertaining. Be ready to get entertained and to have a laugh. This website might make your day! Check it out at www.coronamat.de.

+++CULTURE: Free  Live Opera Performances At The Vienna State Opera House+++
Do you want to enjoy the emotion of an opera from the comfort of your home? The Vienna State Opera House offers free live streams of their performances.
Check out their shows here: https://www.staatsoperlive.com/live

April 27, 2020

+++GERMANY: Compulsory Mask Wearing Nationwide+++
In all federal states except Schleswig-Holstein, a mask obligation has come into force as of today. The regulation differs from state to state but mostly applies in shops and public transport. https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/corona-mundschutz-103.html

+++GERMANY: Number of Cases To Decrease+++
The number of new daily infections has been decreased so far by around 40%. According to the RKI, about 114,500 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the meantime, which is an increase of about 2500 compared to the previous day. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/germany/

+++GENERAL: Shakespeares Globe Offers Free Theatre Performances Online+++
If you are a theatre lover you might like the current offer of the shakespearesglobe. There are lots of free and exciting ways to virtually-attend productions online and stay connected to Shakespeare’s Globe at this time when their buildings are temporarily closed.
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/watch/?fbclid=IwAR13g6U0JAPLP22bQOXzt_ifP-wcJJnWbtfKAOVSL_gfqATK1VgULl5j-wk#love-in-isolation

+++GERMANY: Good News Needed in Times of Corona +++
Two students ensure a positive dose in times of crisis with the newsletter “Vitamin Positive”. The two founders pay particular attention to using reputable sources and only referring to daily news. Apart from being up to date and serious, there is one thing that is particularly important to them. “The message must trigger a positive feeling in us, that can be projects of the heart or nice gestures”. So if you want to focus on positive news in between all the grueling news and at the same time practice your German, then you should register here for the free newsletter: https://vitaminpositiv.de/newsletter/

April 24, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Press Review of International Universities Regarding Corona Situation+++
How do you find out about the consequences of the corona crisis in universities worldwide? With the new press review of the DAAD Competence Center International Science Cooperation. Weekly updates under https://www.daad.de/de/infos-services-fuer-hochschulen/kompetenzzentrum/registrierung-pressespiegel-internationale-hochschulwelt/

+++GERMANY: New Corona Aid Package from Government+++
In Berlin, the coalition parties approved an additional aid package worth billions. It will help employees, businesses and students. The number of persons infected with the Corona virus in Germany just hit 150,000. Find more information on all elements oft he new aid package here: https://berlinspectator.com/2020/04/23/germany-150000-infections-confirmed-new-corona-aid-package-on-the-table/

+++GERMANY: Decisions on Relaxation of Corona Requirements not Until May 6^th+++
According to Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), the federal and state governments will probably not decide on further relaxation of corona-related restrictions until May 6th. Merkel said after the EU summit in Berlin, that the effects of the opening of stores could only be estimated 14 days later. Other loosening would come into effect even later. So far it had been expected that decisions on further steps could be made as early as the end of April.

April 23, 2020

+++FINTIBA: How does Corona Change Your Study Plans?+++
How are international students on their way to Germany currently affected by the Corona-situation? You can help us by participating in our survey to provide a picture of the major issues international students face at the moment! Fintiba would like to know how international students handle the current situation n order to know how we can support you. Please take 2 minutes to let us know what’s on your mind. We will share the results with you and provide you with a present to prepare you for your time in Germany. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?d=N8QY70wQ5EO1AGpLQgsM0WLAraYgF_FAkGqwG8grDatURE9DRkdUMTBCMlcyNFMzUzNBSFlHTTdWWi4u

+++ GERMANY: Face Masks to Be Made Compulsory Across Germany in Fight Against Coronavirus+++
All German states have this week announced that face masks will be mandatory on public transport and in some cases, in shops.It is understood that all types of masks are allowed, including homemade ones. Other types of face coverings such as scarves are also acceptable as long as they cover the nose and mouth.https://www.thelocal.de/20200303/whats-the-latest-on-coronavirus-in-germany-and-what-do-i-need-to-know

+++STUDYING: Free Online Courses in Informatics and Business Administration+++
Business studies basics never hurt – no matter whether you want to make a career change, go into business for yourself or simply polish up your general knowledge. On this website, you can now access a course, which usually costs 50€, free course free of charge until 13.05. Just make sure to enter the code “elearning” in the field “Rabattcode”. https://www.oncampus.de/enrol/?id=80 If you want to gain some informatic basics you can register for several lectures here: https://bit.ly/3eGyxyQ, https://bit.ly/2xO0lAH,  https://bit.ly/34RtO9f

+++GERMANY: Learn German Online for Free According To Your Level and Interests+++
The news platform Deutsche Welle offers free language courses according to your needs and interests. You can first do the test for checking out your level and then take the dedicated courses. Courses are supported by numerous video and podcast content, so you can be sure learning German this way is a lot of fun and prepares you perfectly for your time in Germany from the comfort of your home. www.learngerman.dw.com

 April 22, 2020

+++FINTIBA: How does the Current Situation Affect Your Study Plans?+++
Especially for international students in Germany or those who are about to come to Germany, the current situation has major implications on their future (study) plans. We at Fintiba would like to know how the situation does look like for you at the moment and how your study plans became affected. We would like to invite you to share your experience with us in our survey. We will spread the results afterwards so that you can get an idea of how your fellow students deal with the current challenges. Please find our survey here and feel free to share it with your co-students.

+++Latin America: Study In Germany Virtual Fair+++
Even though there are difficult times at the moment Germany will remain an open country and welcome students from all over the world. If you would like to become part of this international community and you are interested in studying or taking a short course in Germany, you should check out the Study in Germany – Virtual fair and meet German university representatives. During the virtual fair, you can take the chance to visit their booths and have a personal chat, check out the info material, and watch information videos. The event is to take place on the 9th of May. More information and the free registration you can find here: https://www.ubivent.com/register/sig-latam-2020

+++GERMANY: Compulsory Mask Wearing+++
The federal government may have only issued a “strong recommendation”, but a number of federal states in Germany are taking it upon themselves to make wearing a protective mask obligatory. An overview of which state is planning what – and when.
https://www.iamexpat.de/expat-info/german-expat-news/face-masks-are-compulsory-these-states-and-cities-germany

+++GERMANY: Germany Approves Human Vaccine Trials+++
Germany’s first human trials of a coronavirus vaccine have been given the green light. It’s only the fourth vaccine of its kind in the world to get approval for clinical testing. More information you can find here: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-latest-germany-approves-human-vaccine-trials/a-53204428

+++GERMANY UNIVERSITIES: Large Majority Of Universities  Well Prepared For The Start Of Semester+++
Due to the special situation of the corona pandemic, the Stifterverband conducted a special survey in early April 2020 in addition to the annual university barometer survey. Please find the results here: https://www.hochschul-barometer.de/aktuell

+++North Rhine-Westphalia Allows Opening Under Conditions for Large Department Stores+++
North Rhine-Westphalia will also allow large department stores to open from Monday under certain conditions. The sales area must be limited to 800 square meters, says Agriculture Minister Andreas Pinkwart. This would allow, for example, Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof, Media Markt Saturn or Peek & Cloppenburg to open their doors again. Furniture stores are allowed to open in NRW without any space restrictions.

April 21, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany Cancels Oktoberfest Due to Coronavirus+++
Germany’s Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, has been canceled due to the coronavirus crisis, the southern state of Bavaria said on Tuesday.

+++INDIA: 70% of Students Want to Continue Study Sbroad+++
Some 70% of prospective international students from India want to continue with their applications to study overseas, a survey by Mumbai-based ed-tech startup Yocket has found. Only 1% answered that they wanted to remain in India and begin their studies. While a fifth of respondents said it was “too early to decide”, only 9% suggested they wanted to defer their admission. A mere 1% answered that they wanted to remain in the country and begin their studies in India. More details you can find here: https://thepienews.com/news/india-70-want-to-continue-application-despite-covid-19/

April 20, 2020

+++GERMANY: Shops Reopening+++
The curfews remain in place. But those who go shopping will have a greater choice again starting today. Most shops will be open again. However the easing of the restrictions varies from state to state – and not all of them will be back today.
https://apnews.com/7dd7d778e8a3fe1df478f9b5270c1a0c

+++GERMANY: Bavaria to be the First Western State in Germany to Introduce Compulsory Masks+++
In addition to Saxony, Bavaria will soon make masks mandatory in shops, buses and trains. No matter how big a shop is – in Bavaria, from next week on, all shops will be obliged to wear mouth and nose protection. The same applies to public transport: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/maskenpflicht-bayern-101.html

+++GERMANY: Corona as a Chance for DIgitalization of Universities+++
The President of the Association of Leading Technical Universities considers the corona crisis an opportunity. He hopes for an “enormous digitalization push” for the universities. You can see the full interview here: https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/interview-mit-wolfram-ressel-corona-ist-die-chance-fuer-die-digitalisierung-der-hochschulen/25750128.html?ticket=ST-1480747-10Qp4bbntKZVwBzBOaOK-ap6

April 18, 2020

+++GERMANY: FIrst Federal State Introduces Compulsory Mask+++
The East German state of Saxony is the first in Germany to make masks mandatory for public transport and retail. The regulation will apply from Monday, said State Premier Michael Kretschmer (CDU) in Dresden. To cover nose and mouth, it does not have to be an expensive FFP2 mask, a simple cloth or scarf is sufficient, the head of the government emphasized. Kretschmer said that if one allows additional contacts of people in so many areas, a mask obligation is “the right answer”. Starting Monday, some restrictions to contain the Corona pandemic are to be relaxed in Saxony.

April 17, 2020

+++GERMANY: Most Recent Updates on Travel and Visa Restrictions+++
Due to the coronavirus outbreak most countries have imposed travel restrictions or taken other steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19. They were set at least until 15th of April and have now been extended. For further details on restrictions and border controls please read here:
https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/civil-protection/coronavirus/coronavirus-faqs.html#doc13797140bodyText3
For other travel restriction details and information on visa facilitation please check the link of the Federal Foreign Office:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268

+++GERMANY: Volunteer Work Recognized by Universities+++
Child care by nursing staff, neighbourhood help or other volunteer services during the Corona period – those who do this can earn ECTS points for it at some universities in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate! To let you know whether your university will credit you for your voluntary work, check out this link. These universities in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate explained that they can reward you for helping others: https://www.dasding.de/06-vor-ort/diese-unis-rechnen-corona-ehrenamt-an-100.html

+++GENERAL: Working and Studying at Home with Ergonomic Expert Advice+++
Many of us have to work and/or study from home now and are looking for the best way to sit in front of their computer without being struck by back pain after a short time. So we want to provide you with some expert advice to have an ergonomic working enviroment.
https://time.com/5821252/back-pain-work-from-home-tips/

+++CHINA: Embassy Opening+++
The legal and consular section of the embassy will only be open on the following days from 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the coming weeks: Tuesday, 21.04., Thursday, 23.04., Monday, 27.04., Wednesday, 29.04. The opening hours of the passport office (application and collection) remain unchanged.
https://china.diplo.de/cn-de/vertretungen/botschaft/-/1213924

April 16, 2020

+++UNIVERSITIES: Limited Opening of Universities in the Near Future+++
The universities will start the semester digitally next week. Examinations and laboratory courses could soon partly take place on campus again. After a telephone conference with the heads of the federal states, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the further course of action for dealing with the corona pandemic. According to the announcement, the contact restrictions will be extended for the time being until May 3. After that, schools and also universities can partly switch back to face-to-face contact under certain conditions imposed by politicians.
https://www.forschung-und-lehre.de/politik/baldige-oeffnung-von-hochschulen-nur-sehr-begrenzt-zulaessig-2697/

+++GERMANY: Virtual Testing of the Effects of Corona Measures+++
Researchers at the University of Hohenheim have developed a new tool. This tool enables users to simulate the effects of different corona measures. The online model of a virtual city will be used to simulate the influence of certain measures on the effects of a virus pandemic. With just a few mouse clicks, the user can determine which restrictions are imposed – and what consequences these have – on the speed of infection and the number of potential victims. With the expandable model, it is possible to send groups of people into domestic quarantine, close schools or exclude only infected students from classes, improve hygiene conditions or increase the number of beds in hospitals. Every measure can influence the number of serious cases and deaths, as well as the length of the pandemic. The Hohenheim scientists hope that this will help to gain a better understanding of the complex interrelationships and make political decisions easier to understand.
https://inno.uni-hohenheim.de/corona-modell

+++GERMANY: Eases on Restrictions+++
Schooling in Germany is to resume on 4th of May, starting with the final classes, the classes that will take exams next year and the top primary school classes. The federal and state governments agreed on this on Wednesday. An agreement was also reached during the talks with regard to major events. Due to the corona pandemic, they are to be prohibited until August 31. Soccer matches are also affected. Concrete regulations, such as the size of the events, are to be made by the states. Shops with a sales area of up to 800 square meters will be open again from Modnay, 20th of April. Hairdresser salons are allowed to reopen on 4th of May. The states can approve this under conditions regarding hygiene, access control and avoidance of queues. The contact restrictions in the fight against the coronavirus, which have been in place for weeks, will be extended until 3th of May. Please read here for further details: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/coronavirus-einschraenkungen-lockerungen-101.html

+++CHINA: Extension on Visa Ban+++
The German embassy in China has announced an extended visa ban for 30 days since yesterday evening. You can find all details on the restrictionshere: (German) https://china.diplo.de/blob/2331554/98545d1c61ae5b63dd468bc6b36dd0d1/pdf-faq-covid-data.pdf, (Chinese) https://china.diplo.de/blob/2332962/7036523a4f92dd63dbac1e5fd7b6a75b/merkblatt-covid-data.pdf

April 15, 2020

+++GERMANY: Call for Eco-Economic Stimulus Package+++
After the Corona crisis the economy must recover – but sustainably: This is what politicians, company heads, trade unions, associations and experts from all over Europe are calling for. On Tuesday they published an appeal, which has also been signed by the German Environment. The massive investments and plans for recovery at all levels should make climate protection and the preservation of ecosystems a central part of economic policy. https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/germanys-national-academy-sciences-stresses-need-climate-friendly-coronavirus-recovery

+++GERMANY: Most Supportive Government in Corona Times+++
The deep knowledge Group London has created a ranking showing the most supportive governments in the times of the corona virus with Germany being on first place.
https://www.dkv.global/governments-ranking.

+++GERMANY: First Reopenings+++
In North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state, schools are to reopen gradually after the Easter holidays. One week later, it is expected that the first children will also be allowed to return to the day-care centers. This makes North Rhine-Westphalia the first federal state to announce a concrete timetable on how the strict conditions for containing the corona virus could be eased – even before the coordination with the federal government and the other states on Wednesday.

April 14, 2020

+++GERMANY: Germany Ranked as One of the Safest Countries During Corona Crisis+++
According to the analysis of a British think tank, Germany is the safest country in Europe in the Corona crisis. According to a comparison by the Deep Knowledge Group (DKG), Germany is in second place worldwide. Only Israel gets off even better. The tDKG, based in London, continuously examines data from various countries. Apart from that, not a single country from Europe is among the top 10. DKG founder Dimitry Kaminsky told “Der Spiegel”: “Germany was extremely efficient in view of its initially high infection rates and has successfully stopped the further spread of the disease without reaching the level of other countries. As a result, Germany will have considerable economic advantages after the pandemic”. https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/im-laender-vergleich-liegt-deutschland-sehr-weit-vorn-a-ebae15df-eca1-4daf-ae5b-8efcad11ee28

+++GERMANY: Student Associations Demand Optional Semester+++
The upcoming summer semester is to be considered an “optional semester” according to the wishes of student representatives. In addition to the suspension of the standard period of study and the voluntary use of courses, they are setting up petitions for the postponement of all deadlines and the right to repeat examinations. Universities are very keen to switch teaching to online formats. Nevertheless, many students will not be able to provide the required services in the foreseeable future. As a solution, it is suggested that the summer semester should not be included in the standard period of study. This would reduce financial disadvantages, for example in the case of Bafög.
https://www.rnd.de/politik/studenten-petition-fordert-kann-semester-wegen-corona-WC4XR5QYSH5DOEFZZL3UIIDAWM.html

+++GERMANY: Science Academy Leopoldina: Recommendations on Return to Normality+++
The Leopoldina Academy of Science has recommended a return to normality – including school openings and compulsory masks in public transport.  The scientists’ statement published on Monday states, among other things, that it is a prerequisite for this, however, that infections are stabilised at a low level and that the well-known hygiene rules are observed. According to the opinion, other parts of public life could also be gradually returned to normal under certain conditions, for example the retail trade, the hotel and restaurant industry and public authorities. However, private and business travel as well as social, cultural and sporting events could also take place again. Chancellor Angela Merkel had described the Leopoldina study as “very important” for the further course of action. Merkel intends to hold a switching conference with the prime ministers on Wednesday  to assess the situation in the corona crisis after the Easter holidays. https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/coronavirus-in-germany-informations

+++GERMANY: Call for Participation: Online Hackathon Digital Higher Education in Times of Corona+++
The summer semester 2020 will take place digitally. This challenge requires new approaches and solutions for studying and teaching, which can be found in individual seminars, at the entire university and also across the board at federal level. With the online hackathon on digital higher education in times of Corona, the “Hochschulforum für Digitalisierung” wants to take up suggestions from the universities and pick up already successfully implemented examples like the #WirVsVirus-Hackathon and work together with the university community on innovative solutions for study and teaching in times of Corona. According to current plans, the hackathon is scheduled to take place between 3 and 17 May. The aim of the hackathon is to create added value for study and teaching at the participating universities already during the summer semester 2020, focusing on the perspectives, needs and ideas of students and teachers. https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/de/news/wir-hacken-das-digitale-semester

April 13, 2020

+++GERMANY: Positive Effects Of Restrictions Over Easter Weekend+++
The Easter holidays were considered a test if people will stick to the Corona measures. Several states expressed satisfaction, only a few violations had been reported.  Travel traffic almost came to a complete standstill.

April 12, 2020:

+++GERMANY: German EU Council Presidency becomes Corona Presidency+++
According to Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, the fight against the coronavirus will be the defining issue of the German EU Council Presidency. “Lessons must be learned from the crisis, for example by improving EU civil protection and the joint procurement and production of vital medical supplies.” He added that the EU will have to take a more proactive approach to the crisis. As soon as things will start to go back to normality, one of the first tasks will be to gradually and in a coordinated way reduce restrictions on free travel and the internal market.” Germany will take over the EU presidency in the second half of this year. https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/-/2332252

April 11, 2020

+++Europe: EU finance ministers agree on rescue package against corona crisis+++
In the Corona crisis, the EU finance ministers have agreed on aid worth billions for endangered states, companies and jobs. The Eurogroup, which brings together the finance ministers of the 19 member states sharing the single currency agreed on Thursday to a common emergency plan to limit the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the European economy. They reached a deal on a response plan worth more than €500 billion. https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/09/coronavirus-eurogroup-finance-ministers-agree-on-500-billion-emergency-fund

April 10, 2020

+++WHO: Public statement for collaboration on COVID-19 vaccine development+++
As part of WHO’s response to the outbreak, a Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint has been activated to accelerate the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics for this novel coronavirus. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/13-04-2020-public-statement-for-collaboration-on-covid-19-vaccine-development

April 9, 2020

+++GERMANY: New Corona Hackaton+++
Sign up at HackCOVID.org to join the weekly anti-coronavirus hackathon! Many organizations on the frontlines of this medical war desperately need all the help they can get as soon as possible. Our mission is to combine technology, medicine, entrepreneurship, and education to DEFEAT CORONAVIRUS.

+++GERMANY: Studying In Germany+++
For the time after the crisis: Would you like to study in Germany? What does it cost you to study? What are the costs of living and how can you finance it? The DAAD provides you with some details: https://www.daad.de/de/studieren-und-forschen-in-deutschland/studium-planen/ausbildungs-und-lebenshaltungskosten/

+++GERMANY: Volunteering where Help Is Needed+++
Many people would like to help in the current situation, whether in the care sector, on a voluntary or private basis. Portals like http://wirwollenhelfen.com, http://helpunity.eu or www.wirhelfen.eu arrange between those seeking and offering help.

+++GERMANY: Panic Buying To Slowly Decrease+++
According to the Federal Statistical Office, in the Corona crisis, hamster purchases in Germany are gradually decreasing. There is still an increased demand for certain everyday goods. However, as a special evaluation of experimental data by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows, sales figures for selected products were in the meantime in some cases significantly below the figures for the previous month. More details can be found here: https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2020/04/PD20_130_61.html

+++GERMANY: Interview On the Upcoming Digital Summer Semester+++
On April 20, the summer semester begins without attendance. Only at the University of Frankfurt, almost 600 professors become students again. The following articles shows an interesting interview with Sarah Voß-Nakkour, who is organizing the leap into digital: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/karriere-hochschule/hoersaal/wie-wird-die-virtuelle-lehre-an-der-uni-frankfurt-organisiert-16717382.html?GEPC=s3

 +++GERMANY: Money Saving Advices+++
The current situation is not only a challenge for many of us from a health, social and psychological point of view but also financially the situation might be challenging for many of us.  Finanztipp provides constantly updated financial tips covering various areas in the time of Corona. https://www.finanztip.de/coronavirus/

April 8, 2020

+++Europe: Austria to Ease Coronavirus Lockdown Starting Next Week+++
Austria is set to be one of the first countries in Europe to ease its lockdown against the coronavirus outbreak. The conservative-led government announced plans on Monday to start reopening non-essential stores next week, after reaching a downward trend in the growth rate of new infections. The government will also extend a requirement to wear face masks in supermarkets to include public transport and stores that reopen. https://time.com/5816129/austria-rollback-lockdown/

+++GERMANY: Shorter waiting list for student residences+++
Due to the Corona Pandemic, the waiting list for places in Berlin’s student residences is currently being shortened. Many international students are currently unable to begin their semester abroad in the capital and have therefore renounced their promised room. The situation in other university cities is comparable, according to the German Student Union. “As of today, there is no sign of a substantial, significant drop in occupancy in the more than 1700 dormitories of the Studentenwerke”, says General Secretary Achim Meyer auf der Heyde. The situation may vary from one location to another. “But overall, students who do not want to or cannot use their dormitories due to the Corona pandemic are being replaced by students on waiting lists. More information on that topic you can find here: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/wohnen-berlin-folge-von-corona-kuerzere-warteliste-der-studentenwohnheime-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-200404-99-589486

+++GERMANY: Creative Ideas for Home: Interactive Cooking Online+++
Foodboom, a recipe platform has launched a content idea that combines entertainment and practical benefits while offering added culinary value. With the format “Home Office Lunch – Come and cook with us!” he Food-Startup shares a shopping list in advance via Instagram. With the ingredients, anyone can then switch on the video format and cook live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 am: https://www.instagram.com/foodboom/

+++CHINA: Embassy Opening+++
The Embassy’s legal and consular section will only be open on the following days from 8.00 to 11.30 a.m. in the coming weeks: Thursday, 09.04., Wednesday, 15.04. and Friday, 17.04. On Monday, 06.04.2020 (Feast of the Dead), Friday, 10.04.2020 and Monday, 13.04.2020 (Easter Holidays) the Consular Section, Passport and Visa Office will be closed: https://china.diplo.de/cn-de/vertretungen/botschaft/-/1213924

April 7, 2020

+++GERMANY: Donate by Receiving a Free Snackbox For Staying At Home+++
In view of the current situation, many initiatives, companies and organisations are coming up with creative approaches to provide us with small pleasures even in difficult times. A very nice example is the initiative Home Care Hero, which provides you with a small goodie box and donates 1 Euro to #WIRVSVIRUS with every package. It is absolutely free and you can order it here: https://www.hocahero.de/

+++GERMANY: Platform For Volunteer Help is Online+++
The platform freiwillige-helfen-jetzt.de has been starting from today on. The website helps to bring volunteers and organization looking for help together during the corona situation. Please find more information directly on their website: www.freiwillige-helfen-jetzt.de

+++GERMANY: Discussion About Loosening the Lockdown+++
The German Ethics Council has called on politicians not to refuse to enter into the debate on ending the current pandemic restrictions. This debate could and should be welcomed by everyone, including politicians, as an expression of the open society. The current communication strategy of many politicians on possible loosening was is in need of improvement. At the moment, it is still too early for relaxation, but it is never too early for a public discussion on opening perspectives. More information on this discussion you can find here: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/ethikrat-fordert-diskussion-ueber-corona-lockdown,RvSYY3W

April 6, 2020

+++Germany: Universities Summer and Winter Semester Adaptions+++
The federal states have agreed on a joint approach of the 2020 summer semester due to the spread of the coronavirus. The semester dates for the summer semester 2020 will not be postponed. The summer semester 2020 will be an unusual one, but it will not be a lost semester. The aim is to create necessary framework conditions for the universities to ensure that teaching and research operations run as smoothly as possible.. The lecture times for the summer semester 2020 can be arranged flexibly. The dates for the application and admission procedure for undergraduate programmes for the winter semester 2020/2021 will be adjusted. Lectures at universities and universities of applied sciences in the winter semester 2020/2021 are to begin uniformly on 01.11.2020. The opening of the application portals at the Foundation for University Admissions for the winter semester 2020/2021 will be postponed. The opening should take place on 01.07.2020 at the earliest. The application deadlines will be specified within the next two weeks. For more information please visit: https://www.kmk.org/aktuelles/artikelansicht/kmk-sommersemester-2020-findet-statt.html

+++GERMANY: Website for Volunteer Work in Health Sector+++
The German federal minister for family affairs Franziska Giffey announces that the platform on which volunteers can register for work in care centres is to go online on Tuesday. The website www.freiwillige-helfen-jetzt.de will then be activated. They want to persuade tens of thousands of helpers, who are currently unable to perform their service due to the current situation, to take part in the Corona crisis mission. They could work in hospitals, nursing homes or in the food supply of needy people.

+++CHINA: Embassy Opening+++
The Embassy’s legal and consular section will only be open on the following days from 8.00 to 11.30 a.m. in the coming weeks: Tuesday, 07.04., Thursday, 09.04., Wednesday, 15.04. and Friday, 17.04. On Monday, 06.04.2020 (Feast of the Dead), Friday, 10.04.2020 and Monday, 13.04.2020 (Easter Holidays) the Consular Section, Passport and Visa Office will be closed: https://china.diplo.de/cn-de/vertretungen/botschaft/-/1213924

April 4, 2020

+++GERMANY: Universities –  Summer Semester to Take Place Everywhere+++
Normally the summer semester at German universities would have started this week. Due to the Corona crisis, the start was postponed. But even if it becomes different: The summer semester at universities and colleges is to take place this year throughout Germany despite the corona crisis. According to information from the Hamburg Senate, the science ministries of the federal states had agreed on a common framework for the organization of the summer semester. At some universities, the semester has already begun, at others, the start has been postponed: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/coronavirus-universitaeten-beginn-sommersemester-101.html

April 3, 2020

+++GERMANY: Hotlines for Psychological Help +++
At the moment due to the crisis, things might feel different and strange for many of us and especially international students who cannot visit their homes right now might feel lonely and sometimes even depressed. There are several hotlines with experts who are there for you in these times and who are happy to help you over the phone with just conversations or tips where you could ask for help. Please see a list of them in our FAQ section.

+++GERMANY: Train Ticket Exchange for Vouchers+++
During the Corona crisis, Deutsche Bahn offers its customers a number of options for postponing or cancelling their journey. Customers with tickets booked until 13 March 2020 can use tickets booked until 13th of March 2020 with travel days until 30th of April 2020 flexibly until 30th of June 2020, the train connection is no longer applicable. Or those who no longer wish to travel can have their ticket converted into a voucher. All tickets booked online or mobile can now be converted into a travel voucher online. This option is valid for the above-mentioned booking and validity period for all super saver and economy tickets for long-distance travel as well as for some regional transport offers, such as the cross-country ticket or some country tickets. DB customers can find the exchange portal at bahn.de/auftragssuche.

 +++GERMANY: Studentjob Opportunities+++
You might be looking for a student job which you can do during the crisis. In many industries jobs are currently being lost, in others, workers are desperately sought. Job portals like zenjob, Absolventa, Jobmensa or Jobverde and the initiative by the government for jobs in agriculture help you to find the right job.

++GERMANY: Short-Time Work Model+++
Around the world, several new challenges have emerged with the new coronavirus, one of them being the worldwide economic situation. There are several approaches to relax the situation and Germany has resorted to the use of a familiar method: The short-time working model acting as a worldwide role model. For more details, Deutsche Welle has set up an interesting article: https://www.dw.com/en/short-time-work-a-vital-tool-in-germanys-economic-armory-against-coronavirus/a-52952657

April 2, 2020

+++GERMANY: DAAD Financial Benefits+++
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) gives information on financial benefits from DAAD during the coronavirus crisis for international scholarship holders who are in or were planning to come to Germany for an internship, a period of study, or a research stay: https://www.daad.de/en/financial-benefits/

+++GERMANY: Universities Summer Semester 2020+++
The summer semester has started, but currently, only the Fern-Uni Hagen can really start. Other universities start with lectures at the earliest after the Easter holidays. But how can that look like? For more information please have a look at the link https://www.tagesschau.de/regional/nordrheinwestfalen/wdr-story-33367.html

+++GERMANY: Restrictions for Easter Holidays+++
Due to the corona pandemic, people in Germany are recommended to refrain from travelling and visiting over Easter because of the Corona pandemic. Chancellor Merkel and the Prime Ministers extended the exit restrictions until the 19th of April. In Germany, people will have to be prepared for strict restrictions on contact over Easter as well. This means that the urgent recommendation of politicians to keep private contacts to a minimum also applies over Easter.

+++GERMANY: Help for Harvest Work Needed+++
In view of the lack of seasonal workers in agriculture, Federal Minister of Agriculture Julia Klöckner has called on German citizens to participate voluntarily in the harvest. She pointed out that the federal government had extended additional income limits for harvest assistance and had decided on further easing of labour laws. Almost 42,000 people have already responded to the campaign www.daslandhilft.de, in which her ministry is participating. But 300,000 helpers are needed.

+++GERMANY: Increased Number of Care Beds+++
Due to the corona crisis, hospitals in Germany have increased the number of intensive care beds from 28,000 to 40,000. The number of intensive care beds with respirators had increased from about 20,000 to about 30,000. Hospitals are confident that a device will be available in the next two weeks for all Covid-19 patients requiring ventilation.

April 1, 2020

+++GERMANY: Universities+++
In order to see which measures are taken by which university please see the frequently updates table provided by the free association of students https://www.fzs.de/wordpress//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/%C3%9Cbersicht-Hochschulen-Umgang-mit-Corona-Virus-2020-03-31.xlsx

+++World Health Organization: Online Courses on COVID-19+++
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a number of online courses in 16 different languages on different areas of the COVID-19 topic: https://openwho.org/courses

+++GENERAL: Fake News Due to April Fool’s Day+++
April Fool’s Day is annual custom on April 1 consisting of practical jokes and hoaxes, which are often exposed by shouting “April fools” at the recipient. Mass media can be involved in these pranks, which may be revealed the day after. However, in the current situation, we are all asked to refrain from making up stories about the coronavirus topic on April 1st this year. This will minimize the danger that the fight against the virus will be complicated by false information on the subject.

March 31, 2020

+++GERMANY: New Corona Test Possibilities+++
Researchers in Frankfurt am Main have developed a faster corona test method, according to the Hessian state government. With this, several samples can be tested at once. Thus, the number of tests per day in Germany could be increased from the current 40,000 to 200,000 to 400,000 without loss of quality.

+++GERMANY: Restrictions+++
The interior ministers of the federal and state governments demand the restrictions on public life in the fight against the epidemic to be maintained, as we are only at the beginning of the pandemic and must not cancel the necessary measures to interrupt the chains of infection at an early stage. The German federal minister of the interior, Horst Seehofer therefore urgently appeals to all citizens not to let up and to continue to adhere to the contact restrictions as this is necessary to save lives. The chairman of the conference of interior ministers, Thuringia’s interior minister Georg Maier, warned that the contact restrictions must first show effect. Bavaria has already extended its initial restrictions until 19 April. According to the Bavarian minister-president the measures imposed by the politicians showed first effects and the curve of infections is flattening out a bit. Nevertheless, he said that the debate initiated by some politicians about an exit from the protective measures was premature and came at an inopportune moment. https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-corona-montag-101.html

+++GENERAL: Caution with Home Infection+++
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the risk of infection in the home. Because strict exit restrictions have been introduced in many countries to contain the coronavirus, in most parts of the world, most infections now take place at home. Everyone in the home should be very vigilant about their health. Suspicious cases must be quickly identified and separated from other family members. Confirmed cases must be isolated and family members who may have been infected must remain in quarantine. Only if this was guaranteed could a relaxation of the strict initial restrictions be considered. Each country would have to find a practicable way to implement such measures.

March 30, 2020

+++DAAD INDIA & CHINA: Online Events +++
Given the current situation, the DAAD is offering several online events or interaction possibilities. You can use these to learn more about study and research in Germany – from the comfort of your home. DAAD India: https://www.daad.in/en/2020/03/24/daad-online-event-line-up/ , DAAD China: https://www.daad.org.cn/de/event/webinar-study-in-germany/

+++GERMANY: Stuttgart Free Deutsche Bahn Bike Rental+++
From Monday, 30 March, in Stuttgart the 1,500 bicycles of the bicycle rental system operated by Deutsche Bahn can be used free of charge for one hour. The offer is initially valid up to and including Monday, April 13, 2020, during which time the 450 pedelecs can also be rented free of charge for 30 minutes. Bikes can be borrowed and returned as usual at the stations, via the RegioRadStuttgart app, directly via the station terminal or with the polygoCard.

+++CHINA: Embassy Opening+++
The Embassy’s legal and consular section will only be open on the following days from 8.00 to 11.30 a.m. in the coming weeks: Monday, 30.03., Wednesday, 01.04., Friday, 07.04., Tuesday, 07.04., Thursday, 09.04. The opening hours of the Passport and Visa Office will not change. https://china.diplo.de/cn-de/vertretungen/botschaft/-/1213924

+++WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: The Biggest Myth Busters on COVID-19+++
There are many myths going around these days about the Covid-19 virus. The World Health Organization has collected the most spread ones and is clarifying on their truth. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

March 29, 2020

+++INTERNATIONAL: WHO Messenger Service With News on COVID-19+++
The global health organization has set up a messenger service keeping you updated every day about the latest news on the coronavirus. News are available in four different languages, the activation of this service is very easy. Please find all relevant information here: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-health-alert-brings-covid-19-facts-to-billions-via-whatsapp#.XoGvDwIr4os.twitter

+++INTERNATIONAL: Information on How To Recognise Disinformation+++
In these times there are a lot of information going around and it’s often hard to tell which one you can trust. The European Parliament has published an article aut the topic of disinformation and how to possibly prevent it: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20200326STO75917/disinformation-how-to-recognise-and-tackle-covid-19-myths

March 28, 2020:

+++GERMANY: Universities Digital Teaching Summer Semester+++
Some of the universities have announced that they possibly cannot cancel the entire summer
semester and are looking for workable solutions to continue the sessions. They are looking at offering digital teaching from around their campuses. Students can continue their summer sessions by attending the online classes from the comfort of their homes. Please check the website of your university for detailed information.

+++GERMANY: University Application Winter Semester+++
International Students who have received their admission for summer semester 2020 are being advised by some of the universities to defer their studies to next semester, i.e. winter 2020/21, as most universities are currently not operational. They are unable to provide concrete information as to when the students can start their summer semester. Please visit your respective university website for more details. The Technical University of Munich, for example, has issued a statement stating that for students who have received admission for this summer will be valid for winter semester 2020/21. They can submit a new application via their online portal and seek admission. Students who have not applied yet should know that due to the ongoing situation concerning Covid-19 pandemic, many universities have also extended their winter semester application deadline by a few more weeks. Please check their websites for detailed information.

March 27, 2020

+++FINTIBA: Solution on Legitimation Issues+++
As some of you have trouble with your legitimation process due to closures of legitimation institutions, we are happy to confirm that we have a solution for all customers who are stuck in legitimation and cannot get access to their money. Please contact support@wp.fintiba.com and we will assist you with solving the issue.

 +++GERMANY: Universities Overview Measures+++
The FSZ provides us with an overview of closures and postponements for many German universities and links for further information: https://www.fzs.de/wordpress//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/%C3%9Cbersicht-Hochschulen-Umgang-mit-Corona-Virus-2020-03-19.xlsx

+++GENERAL: Another Inspirational Idea for Staying At Home+++
You are interested in science and research? This website presents several Citizen Science projects in which you can easily participate from your couch. Thanks to the ongoing digitalisation, the “wisdom of crowds” and joint research can now be increasingly implemented online and enable cooperation between scientific institutions and citizens more easily than ever before. All you need is a computer or smartphone. Have fun browsing and researching! https://www.buergerschaffenwissen.de/zuhause-mitforschen

+++THAILAND: Processing of Visa Requests+++
The German Embassy in Bangkok continues to process applications. Within a few days they have received over thousand requests for consular certification for visa extensions. Up to 16 staff members continue to process the incoming requests every day. Hundreds of personalized certificates have already been sent out. Please understand that the processing may take a few days. They do what they can to ensure that there are no problems with immigration. The telephone lines of the Thai Embassy are also open on weekends. https://bangkok.diplo.de/th-de/service/aktuelle-informationen/2320408

+++CHINA: Travel Restrictions+++
The civil aviation administration has released a notice on Further Reducing International Passenger Flights during the Epidemic Prevention and Control Period: starting from this Sunday (29.03.2020), each Chinese airline is only allowed to maintain one route to any specific country with no more than one flight per week; each foreign airline is only allowed to maintain one route to China with no more than one weekly flight: http://www.caac.gov.cn/en/XWZX/202003/t20200326_201748.html

March 26, 2020

+++GERMANY: New Corona Test Possibilities+++
The technology group Bosch has developed a rapid test for the detection of the COVID 19 virus. The new method provides results within two and a half hours. The newly developed test is to be available in Germany from April onwards, with other European and non-European markets to follow: https://www.deutschland.de/de/news/coronavirus-in-deutschland-informationen

++++CHINA: Embassy Restrictions+++
The travel restrictions within the 30-day travel ban expressly do not apply for third-country nationals who hold a long-term residence permit for an EU Member State or residence permit or long-term visa, e.g. for pursuing studies or taking up employment, provided that they are returning to their place of habitual residence. That means that students who have been to Germany and come back to their home country, are allowed to enter Germany within the 30 days ban. However, for students at their first time of getting German VISA may not be able to enter: https://china.diplo.de/cn-zh/service/

+++CHINA: TestAS Appointments+++
The academic examination board (APS) points out that the information of the TestDaF Institute regarding the postponement of the April TestAS date to June 6, 2020 (https://www.testdaf.de) is not valid for participants in China. At this point in time, no alternative date is planned for China and it must be assumed that the next date will not take place until October. If an alternative date can be offered for China, it will be published on their website immediately: https://www.aps.org.cn/coronatermin

March 25, 2020

+++GERMANY: Universities+++
The deadline for the submission of house and finishing work was again extended to 4 weeks after the original deadlines. All information about the current status at the Goethe University can be found here: http://uni-frankfurt.de/corona
For updated regulations at other universities please check their newsletters and websites.

+++GERMANY: Universities General Overview of Predicted Start of Summer Semester+++
The website of the “Hochschulforum für Digitalisierung” offers a nice overview of the postponed starts of the summer semesters for each German state:
https://hochschulforumdigitalisierung.de/de/news/deutschlandkarte-wann-startet-das-sommersemester-2020
While in the following article you find interesting information on a demand of three female professors who are calling in an open letter for the summer semester to be a “non-semester”. Although teaching should take place where possible, the summer semester should not be counted as usual. There should be no disadvantages for students who could not complete their studies due to the corona crisis.  So far, the letter has been signed by well over 1000 people and has already been sent to the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and the German Rectors’ Conference, among others. Please see the full article here: https://www.bento.de/future/corona-krise-sommersemester-2020-soll-nicht-gewertet-werden-fordern-forschende-a-01ab5f2f-f641-467a-9501-95f7ba2e3b3e

+++GERMANY: Robert Koch Institute on the Situation in Germany
The Robert Koch Institute comments on the fact that there have been relatively few deaths in Germany so far. This is partly due to the fact that broad testing has been carried out from the very beginning. Therefore, the virus was discovered comparatively early and there have been many mild cases. But they also informed we are still at the beginning of the epidemic and it is completely open how it will develop, so staying home is still the best we can do right now.

+++GERMANY: Goethe Institut Learning German+++
As a replacement for German lessons that are currently not taking place, the Goethe Institute offers a series of exciting articles that you can discover from the comfort of your couch. Play, listen, read, test your knowledge – click through! https://www.goethe.de/de/spr/ueb/ers.html, also Deutsch Perfekt, the leading magazine for learning German, offers nice exercises and articles to improve your German: https://www.deutsch-perfekt.com/deutsch-ueben

March 24, 2020:

+++FINTIBA: How to Enjoy the Time at Home – New Article+++
The best way we can cope with the circumstances at the moment is to make yourself feel like home and stay inside. We collected a couple of nice cultural, sportive and smart ideas on how you could use this quality time for yourself and make the best out of it. Happy discovering! https://fintiba.com/15-things-to-do-at-home/

+++EUROPE: Support Measures+++
EU countries have started cooperating to assist the member states hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak. Following an initial phase of the many countries isolating themselves from one another, according to broadcaster Südwestrundfunk Germany flew over seven tons of medical supplies to Italy. Meanwhile, hospitals in Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg have all taken in coronavirus patients from neighbouring countries: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-latest-world-adjusts-to-life-on-lockdown/a-52894285

+++GERMANY: Regulations of Fines+++
The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia will be the first to publish a catalogue of fines for violations of the new nationwide restrictions on movement implemented on Sunday. According to the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung people gathering in groups of more than two will be hit with €200 fines, and picnics and barbecues will incur €250.  Additionally, according to the report, those operating a bar, club or gym will be fined €5.000. For more information please see: https://www.waz.de/thema/coronavirus/mindestens-200-euro-strafe-nrw-beschliesst-bussgeldkatalog-id228760885.html

+++GERMANY: Additional Measurements+++
German states are putting in place various measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in refugee homes and accommodation. These include testing, quarantines and shutting common rooms. Classes and group care for children in homes have stopped. Several states, including hard-hit Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, are testing all new arrivals, with Bremen putting migrants in quarantine until the results are back. North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony are examining people on arrival for symptoms and asking for details about their journey. NRW is not accepting any new arrivals or transfers for the next two weeks.

+++GERMANY: New Restrictions+++
On Sunday, Chancellor Angela Merkel banned gatherings of more than two people throughout the whole country for two weeks. Restaurants and businesses that require close physical contact have been closed. People are also required to stay 1.5 meters away from each other in public. Germany is going to great lengths to avoid a total lockdown, which is still in the cards if people don’t respect the new rules.

March 23, 2020:

+++Germany: Emergency Aid Measures by the German Government+++
In order to support society and the economy during the corona crisis, the German government provides a large amount of money. To ensure that the aid reaches its intended recipients quickly, the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, is to consider the aid packages on Wednesday, with the Bundesrat, the German deliberative body that represents the country’s 16 federal states, following on Friday. One measure, for example, prevents landlords from evicting renters if they can no longer pay their rent due to the corona crisis. You can see the full list of actions to be taken here: https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cabinet-agrees-to-750-billion-euros-in-emergency-aid-measures-a-9905ff76-c22d-4a9e-a3d4-c44633daf94e

+++GERMANY: Train Connections+++
Throughout Germany, Deutsche Bahn’s rail traffic is largely stable. They still aim to maintain traffic as long and as well as possible. In case of tickets purchased by 13th of March, they can be used flexibly until 30th June on the same distance without being tied to a certain train or they can be exchanged for travel vouchers. FlixTrain tickets are now also valid on DB IC and ICE trains with immediate effect. Most of the travel centres throughout Germany will continue to be open at least from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information please visit the news portal of Deutsche Bahn: https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/pressestart_zentrales_uebersicht/Presse-Blog-zur-aktuellen-Lage-Coronavirus-und-Bahnverkehr-4966788

+++GERMANY: New Restrictions+++
Germany has not imposed a total curfew, but more than two people should not be outside together if they are not part of the same household. It is allowed to go for a walk with a friend, even if you don’t live together, however groups of three or more people are forbidden unless you are family or roommates. As chancellor Angela Merkel has announced on Sunday the minimum distance (1,5-2m) should maintain whenever possible. Generally, contact with other people should be kept to a minimum. Violations are observed by officials and the police, fines of individual amounts will be applied in the event of detected non-compliance. For daily updates please see the news portal of Deutsche Bahn: https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/pressestart_zentrales_uebersicht/Presse-Blog-zur-aktuellen-Lage-Coronavirus-und-Bahnverkehr-4966788

+++INDIA: Visa Regulations+++
Regular visa, e-visa or stay stipulation of all foreign nationals, which have expired or would be expiring during the period from 13th of March, 2020 to 15th of April, 2020, would be extended till midnight of 15th of April, 2020 on a free basis after making online application by the foreigner to the concerned foreigner registration in India. The exit of such foreign nationals, if so requested by them during this period, will be granted without levy of overstay penalty. The Indian Government has halted all international commercial scheduled flights for a week starting from 23rd March. Many carriers have already stopped their service between India and Europe. India has changed its entry requirements due to the COVID19 epidemic. All (e-) visas issued to foreigners were declared invalid until April 15, 2020. Exceptions to the entry ban only apply to holders of “Employment” and “Project” visas, but not to holders of “Tourism”, “Business” or “Journalist” visas.  German travellers in India can continue their stay on their visas. Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 are subject to change. Please see the continuously updated travel advisory for India on the website of the Federal Foreign Office (in German) as well as the updates of the Indian Bureau of Immigration .

+++CHINA: Embassy Opening+++
The Embassy’s legal and consular section will only be open on the following days from 8.00 to 11.30 a.m. in the coming weeks: Tuesday, 24.03., Thursday, 26.03., Monday, 30.03., Wednesday, 01.04., Friday, 03.04. The opening hours of the Passport and Visa Office will not change. https://china.diplo.de/cn-de/vertretungen/botschaft/-/1213924?openAccordionId=item-1213928-1-panel

 +++TAIWAN: Visa Processing+++
Due to the temporary entry ban imposed by the EU, only limited processing of visa applications is carried out at DI Taipei. The acceptance of C and D visa applications will be suspended for the duration of the entry stop. Visa-free entry into Germany is currently not possible. https://taipei.diplo.de/tw-de/-/2302636

+++PAKISTAN: Visa Regulations and Consulate Opening+++
As announced on their website last week, the Visa Section of the German Consulate General Karachi has been closed with effect from Thursday, March 19th to initially April 19th because of the decision of EU Heads of States and Governments on 17th of March 2020 to implement 30-day travel restrictions for non-EU nationals travelling from outside the EU. For applicants whose application is processed at the moment and who wish to withdraw their passport, the visa section of the German Consulate General Karachi will open on Wednesday, March 25th from 10 am to 3 pm. The visa section will only open for the purpose of passport withdrawal. No new applications or other requests will be processed. https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/-/2320286, https://twitter.com/Germany_Karachi

March 22, 2020:

+++GERMANY:  Order of Protection+++
The German government has introduced a ban on meetings with more than two people in public. This applies to all federal states in Germany. The federal and state governments have decided not to impose curfews and instead rely on a comprehensive ban on contact. Groups of max. two people are allowed to go outside. Running, taking a walk, doing sports outdoors will also still be permitted. The best you can do now for you and your surroundings is to stay at home.  In order to enjoy this time to the fullest and not to feel lonely, we will be providing you with tips and ideas for what you can do at home in a new Fintiba blog article this week. Until then you can visit this page, which lists many events that are currently taking place virtually, among others this could be yoga classes, theatre performances or concerts: www.dringeblieben.de

+++GERMANY: Closing Restrictions+++
Restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons are from now on closed nationwide. Food delivery, however, is still available, also some other shops offer delivery services, in order to see availability, check their websites and social channels. Doctors appointments might also be cancelled. Please call your doctor for detailed information.

March 20, 2020:

+++FINTIBA PLUS: Procedure for changing Arrival Dates+++
In case you are a Fintiba Plus member and you are aware that your semester start has been postponed or you are planning to reschedule your trip to Germany, please inform us about the changes via support@wp.fintiba.com. The new information will allow us to update your health insurance information within the package and ensure that you are still covered for your entire stay.

+++GERMANY: New Restrictions+++
We might possibly expect a lockdown in Germany as they already have in Spain or Italy, the situation will be observed over the weekend and based on that decided by the federal governments which measurements will be taken. Please find more information in this article: https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-weighing-strict-curfews-if-rules-violated-over-weekend-a-b7a39586-2557-4e6a-b712-7e24e1dea800

+++GERMANY: Updates on corona in the different states of Germany+++
Please check our FAQs for a list of the health ministries of each state for specific information on recent changes in each state.

+++TURKEY: Visa Restrictions+++
More than 15 German missions abroad had to close their visa offices to the public due to the current situation in the respective host country (also the German missions abroad in Turkey). In order to reduce the public traffic at the German missions abroad in Turkey, the acceptance of visa applications will be suspended for the time being from 18 March onwards. This does not currently affect applications submitted to the external service provider iData, in particular applications for Schengen visas (please refer to the service provider’s homepage for information on any changes https://idata.com.tr/de/de). This measure applies to applications submitted to all German missions abroad in Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir). In emergencies, please contact the respective mission at https://tuerkei.diplo.de/tr-de/vertretungen.

March 19, 2020:

+++Germany: Travel Restrictions for Newly Arriving Students+++
According to most recent information from the Federal Foreign Office, third-country nationals who have their main residence or domicile in Germany may return to Germany. Unfortunately, newly arrived students do not yet meet these requirements, especially as the number of university closures and postponements of the start of the semester are increasing and therefore the purpose of travel is to be questioned. The Humboldt University, for example, has been asking first-year students on their website already since days not to travel to Germany. We are not yet able to predict when the situation will improve. This is due to whether the entry ban will be extended and especially to the further course of the pandemic.

+++GERMANY: Universities:+++
The postponing of the start of lectures should not be connected with an extension of the course time in the summer semester.
However, this situation always depends on the overall situation in Germany and will be determined by further developmentsn. At the Technical University in Berlin for example they are already expecting a postponement until mid-May. Consequently it’s questionable whether the semester can still offer enough content or if it has to be cancelled completely. Please find more information in this article: https://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article228707587/TU-Praesident-Die-Frage-ist-ob-wir-das-Semester-absagen.html

+++GERMANY: Fintiba Customer Service and Legitimation Options+++
Fintiba will continue with providing their services and their customer support. While we are partially working from remote locations, we are providing all our services as usual. DAK offices will be closed, but you can still do your legitimation via post ident at post offices, in a local bank or your local city hall.

+++GERMANY: Money Access+++
While some banks are temporarily closing some of their branches, there are no restrictions on the supply of cash and the functionality of the payment systems. All monthy payouts will be processed as usual by Fintiba.

+++CHINA: Visa applicants+++
German embassy in China has informed several visa applicants that the embassy is going to pause the visa process until further notice due to the EU entrance restriction for 30 days. Visa applicants are free to wait until further results or withdraw their visa applications. The APS (Die Akademische Prüfstelle) has announced an entrance ban for EU to avoid unnecessary trips to China. From now on, until 15th April, the visa applications cannot proceed. However, the APS appointment is still working, the applicants can still apply for the APS examination now. Please see the website of APS for further information: https://www.aps.org.cn/coronatermin

+++INDIA: Visa and Residence Permits+++
In order to help preventing the outbreak of the Corona virus (COVID-19), the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany has announced to close its public traffic for visa and residence permits until further notice, coming into effect from Thursday, 19th March 2020 until Friday, 3rd April 2020. In the visa section there are no personal interviews of visa applicants and all appointments are suspended. The Consulate General remains open only for emergency cases and for application and collection of German passports. Other services are not being provided. Please find all relevant information on the website of the German Consulate https://india.diplo.de/in-en/vertretungen/generalkonsulat1/-/2320356

March 18, 2020:

+++GERMANY: Visa Regulations+++
According to currently available information, holders of German residence permits and valid national visas are exempt from the imposed entry ban, which is valid until mid-April. However, we always recommend checking the relevant websites or possible changes directly with your responsible embassy.
Due to the current situation, many foreign travellers have been stranded in the Schengen Area, with their visas and visa-free stay about to expire. Travel restrictions, cancelled flights and closed borders of most of the Schengen Countries will affect the number of these travellers to increase in the following days. The European Commission has explained that Schengen visa holders currently in the Schengen Area, can extend their visas, as the EU visa rules provide them with the right of stay extension due to force majeure. Please read detailed information here: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-commission-explains-what-happens-with-foreigners-unable-to-leave-due-to-travel-restrictions/

+++GERMANY: Universities:+++
According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) all university summer courses for summer 2020 have to be cancelled. No further commitments will be made until further notice. Individual Scholarships for studying in Germany will not be available for the summer semester 2020. For those who are already scholarship holders and are unable to return to their home country as a result of coronavirus travel restrictions, the support will be extended. Please find all information here: https://www.daad.de/en/coronavirus/

+++GERMANY: Foreign Offices+++
In most foreign offices in Germany from Wednesday, 18.03.2020, due to the coronavirus, visits are only possible by appointment. Appointment requests can mostly be done via website or by telephone to the responsible officer.
For all other requests, the responsible officer can be contacted by e-mail or telephone. For changes at short notice, please refer to the information on their dedicated websites.

+++FINTIBA: Money Access without Registration Certificate+++
In order to make sure to have access to your money, also in case you don’t have your registration certificate yet, we show you four different options of current accounts which you can simply open without the certificate. Please find these options in your Fintiba app in the section “Current Account”.

+++GERMANY: Universities and Health Insurance+++
Some universities, such as the university in Magdeburg switched to online enrollment so that you are still able to receive your enrollment certificate and activate DAK for the time of your studies. Please contact your university in Germany for further information on adapted procedures.

+++GERMANY: Travel Restrictions+++
Germany has shut its borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark. Goods and commuters will be exempt from the ban, said German interior minister Horst Seehofer. Travellers from outside the EU are being turned away from airports and borders, after the 27-country bloc imposed a 30-day ban to halt the spread of coronavirus. On the website of the Federal Foreign Office you can find daily updates and FAQ’s on the nationwide travel ban. In terms of the repatriation action they have announced for people who have a residence permit for Germany, live in Germany and have travelled from there on holiday, they try to find a solution within the limits of their capacities: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/

+++PAKISTAN: Embassy Opening+++
Taking into consideration the decision of EU Heads of States and Governments on 17th of March 2020 agreed to implement 30-day travel restrictions for non-EU nationals travelling from outside the EU, the Visa Sections and Consulates of the German Embassy Islamabad and of the German Consulate General Karachi will be closed with effect from Thursday, March 19th to initially April 19th. Emergencies will be processed. Please find detailed information here: https://pakistan.diplo.de/pk-en/-/2320286

March 17, 2020:

+++GERMANY: Train Connections+++
Domestic and long-distance traffic of the German railway company (Deutsche Bahn) started regularly on Monday with almost no restrictions. During the course of the day, the usual service in Germany was operating. At the same time, DB continues to maintain close contact with the federal states, the responsible authorities and its European partners. Please find more information in this press release. Deutsche Bahn also supports the German government in calling back the passengers from abroad to Germany. Airline boarding passes are now valid as train tickets for onward travel to the actual destination airport in the home country, initially until the end of the month. According to the CEO they provide fast and unbureaucratic assistance. Together with the federal government and the airlines, they offer security for all those who are now stuck abroad and want to come home. Please find the most recent information on the news portal of Deutsche Bahn: https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/pressestart_zentrales_uebersicht/Presse-Blog-zur-aktuellen-Lage-Coronavirus-und-Bahnverkehr-4966788

+++FINTIBA: Mawista & DAK Health Insurance+++
Both insurer cover 100% of the medical bills if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. This applies also if you get infected by COVID-19. They also pay for Corona-tests in case of a medical indication being present (i. e. a you have symptoms and visit the doctor who says to have a test). The test is not covered in case you want to get tested without a doctor initiating it. In case you assume an infection due to typical symptoms, please call your physician or (in case you stay in Germany) dial 116117 and for specific information on Mawista services you can call their 24 hrs emergency hotline at +49 89 624 24 – 496 and for information from DAK please dial 040 325 325 800 .
You can find all updates about the pandemic under https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus.

+++GERMANY: Universities+++
Many university buildings are closed with a few exceptions e.g. for departments with clinical tasks. Most universities offer live tickers, news portals and FAQ sections on their website keeping their students informed about recent changes in examinations, opening hours, digital services and deadline extensions.

+++GERMANY: Border Closure+++
The European Commission is planning to ban all non-essential travel in the European free trade zone Schengen, as more and more countries close their borders to contain the spread of the coronavirus. According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she wants to call on the heads of state and government to implement the measures today. In order to reduce the risk of infection by coronavirus, the federal government temporarily restricts cross-border traffic from France, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Denmark. Goods traffic remains possible, and commuters should also be able to continue to enter the country. Checks at the internal borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark have been carried out by the Federal Police since 16 March 2020. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she hoped that the border controls introduced by many EU countries in response to the coronavirus would be lifted quickly once the situation improves. Please find more information here: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/kontrollen-an-den-grenzen-1730742

+++GERMANY: Travelling+++
The German government issues a worldwide travel warning. Chancellor Merkel announced that from now on pleasure trips are forbidden. There will be no tourist travels domestically or abroad, travels with overnight stays are only permitted for work-related travel. The Federal Foreign Office has also launched a recall action for thousands of Germans who are stuck abroad due to travel restrictions in the Corona crisis. Please find more information here: https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/coronavirus-in-germany-informations

+++GERMANY: Closing Restrictions+++
Bars, theatres, museums, cinemas, leisure parks and non-essential shops will be closed, however supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, post offices and other shops considered important service providers will remain open. Nationwide playgrounds are to be closed. Restaurants will only be allowed to open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The 16 federal states will decide when these measures will come into effect, but the states have agreed with Merkel to adapt the changes as quickly as possible. The government wants to maintain the economic processes as far as possible: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-latest-french-president-macron-says-we-are-at-war-as-he-orders-lockdown/a-52788195

+++GERMANY: City Offices+++
Several public city offices should no longer be visited and are available to all customers by e-mail / post or telephone. For all matters that cannot be dealt with by e-mail / post / telephone, personal visits are only possible by appointment. In Essen, for example, all city offices will be closed from today until at least April 19, 2020. Anything that cannot be postponed can be clarified by telephone. This also means that you cannot renew your identity card now. But there are no fines if you show an old ID card in the next few weeks. The immigration authority in Essen still allows visitors, but with restrictions. If you have an appointment, you are only allowed to enter the building 10 minutes before. Without an appointment, no more than six people per subject area may enter the building. A security service will regulate the entrance on site.
Please check your local city offices for detailed information as the regulations are still applied differently depending on the region.

+++INDIA: Travel Restrictions+++
India has imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for citizens returning from China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Spain. Tourist visas have been suspended until April 15. Expanding compulsory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days for passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. This will come into effect 12:00 GMT on 18^th March, 2020 at the port of first departure.

+++CHINA: Travel Restrictions+++
Visitors arriving from Italy, South Korea and Japan and arriving in Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan or Guangdong must enter quarantine for two weeks. According to recent updates the list of countries included in the 14-day quarantine list has now been extended to Iran, France, Spain, Germany and the United States.

March 16, 2020:

+++ GERMANY: Border Closure +++
Borders between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Denmark are closed for non-essential travels from Monday, March 16th, 8:00 a.m. Deliveries of goods and commuters can cross these borders.

+++ GERMANY: Train Connections +++
The German railway company (Deutsche Bahn) has announced to reduce regional train connections. Long-distance traffic is not affected by this.

+++ GERMANY: Closing Restrictions +++
Most public events have been cancelled. Restrictions depend on different local regulations. Several foreign offices are closed for official hours and kindly ask for contact via phone. Supermarkets will stay open and be excluded from closing restrictions.
Hamburg: Hamburg has also banned gatherings regardless of the number of participants.
North Rhine-Westphalia: The NRW state government in Düsseldorf announced that almost all leisure, sports, entertainment, and educational activities in the state would be suspended. Starting on Monday, all bars, clubs, gambling halls, theatres, cinemas and museums in NRW will have to close.
Berlin: Berlin has banned gatherings with more than 50 people, which has led to the closure of clubs, pubs, theatres, cinemas, and gyms. Restaurants remain open.
Bavaria: Starting Tuesday, Bavaria will close all bars, cinemas, and public swimming pools, and on Wednesday, individual businesses will have to close.

For detailed information on the region in which you are planning a stay in Germany, please visit the website of the respective federal state.

+++ GERMANY: Universities +++
Universities have postponed the start of lectures at least until April 20th, 2020. Not all universities are closed. Some of them are still open, research is being carried out and staff can be present. However, examinations are to continue to take place. For the time being, this does not restrict the number of degrees. Lecturers are requested to prepare for the possibilities of digital teaching or to examine the expansion of digital teaching. Please inform yourself on the website of your university. Mostly you can find the latest information on changes due to Corona within the news section or directly on the homepage of your university. Some of them even have dedicated E-Mail addresses or crisis management teams which are in contact with medical centres and the authorities of the city. You can make use of services available online or via phone, and rather refrain from visiting in person.

+++ FINTIBA: Customer Care +++
Our customer support team is, of course, still there to help you with any questions you may have. We at Fintiba also work partly in home office. Nevertheless, we are still able to be there for you.

+++ INDIA: Outgoing Travels +++
Outgoing travellers are subjected to preliminary tests before immigration.

+++ INDIA: Visa for Germany +++
Students in India can still apply for a visa for Germany as most embassies and VFS offices are still operating.

+++ CHINA: German Embassy +++
The German Embassy in China continues its visa service and APS keeps working, more details can be found here: https://www.aps.org.cn/coronatermin

+++ CHINA: Blocked Account +++
Deutsche Bank continues to suspend the blocked account service. The only alternative for a German blocked account remains Fintiba.

+++ TAIWAN: German Embassy +++
German Embassies are still operating.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Relevant links for further information

(For regional information please visit the pages of the respective ministry and government)

Official website of the federal foreign office with important information on Corona:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268 

Official website with relevant information on Germany, running in cooperation with the federal foreign office providing updated news on Corona:
https://www.deutschland.de/en/news/coronavirus-in-germany-informations 

The government’s central scientific institution in the field of biomedicine, one of the most important bodies for the safeguarding of public health in Germany:
Robert Koch Institute

Official website of the world health organization with dedicated information on Corona:
World Health Organization on COVID-19

Hygiene recommendations provided by an initiative by the federal centre for health education:
Top 10 Hygiene Tips Poster (pdf, 542 KB) from the Federal Centre for Health Education

Recommendations on map overviews provided by the department of geography of the Technical University of Munich:
Online maps and analyses of the spread of COVID-19 (Chair of Cartography) 

 

Stay healthy, everyone! ✌