Refugee students from Ukraine
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Below we have compiled an overview of important information for people affected by the war in the Ukraine. The information will be updated continuously. In case you have any questions or comments, please contact us, we are here for you. We are aware that the current situation is also not easy for students with Belarusian or Russian citizenship. We are here for you, too. We are also happy to give funding advices to visiting academics who are affected by the war in the Ukraine. Please get in touch with the responsible contact person.
First points of contact
The city of Kassel has set up a service desk for the Ukraine in the city hall. At this office, those affected can register their residence, obtain a temporary residence permit and apply for social benefits.
The Federal Government Commissioner for Integration provides information on flight, entry, accommodation and asylum for people from Ukraine. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has set up an information page on entry for people from the Ukraine. Information provided can also be found in Ukrainian.
The federal state of Hesse also provides information on entry, right of residence and asylum as well as on support services in Hesse and has set up a hotline: 0800 110 3333 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, calls free of charge from the EU). This hotline is currently available in German and English.
The counselling service for refugee students at the International Office which is part of the department of Studies and Teaching at the University of Kassel offers information for refugees interested in studying at the University of Kassel.
Berit Hupke
refugees.welcome[at]uni-kassel[dot]de 0561 804-3277
Open consultation hours: Mon-Thu 1 – 3 pm in German and English. Where: Campus Center, Moritzstraße 18, room 2128a
On Tuesday and Wednesday, consultation hours can be offered also in Russian language.
Housing
On this page you will find an overview how to find accommodation. You can also use the following links:
https://elinor.network/gastfreundschaft-ukraine
The housing exchange #UnterkunftUkraine is offering accommodation from private individuals for refugees from Ukraine.
This webside also provides an overview about accomodation portals.
Enrolled students can apply for student dormitory at the Studierendenwerk. Also take a look at the Studierendenwerk´s private housing database.
Also, outside the opening hours of the Service Office for Ukrainian Refugees, people looking for accommodation are helped quickly. First points of contact (for rail travellers) are the station management at Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe station, as well as
- State Police, Tel: 0561 9100
- City Police, Tel: 0561 787 3061
- Federal Police, Tel: 0561 816 160
- Fire brigade, Tel: 0561 788 40
Funding
Refugees with Ukrainian citizenship who are regularly enrolled at the University of Kassel can receive BAföG. The maximum rate is up to 931 euros/month. Whether you are entitled must be checked individually. Please make an application at the BAföG office of the Studierendenwerk of the University of Kassel. However, this does not apply to refugee exchange students. They can receive benefits according to SGB II instead. An application must be made at the Jobcenter.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) regularly provides information about study and funding opportunities in Germany and already has two special calls for proposals that specifically target students who have fled Ukraine:
Within the framework of the program "EPOS: Master Scholarship Programme for Ukraine", refugee Ukrainians as well as students from countries on the DAC list who are currently in Germany can apply for scholarships to begin or continue their Master's studies in Germany in one of the program partner study programs of the EPOS program. Interested students can apply directly to the DAAD until 30.03.2023.
The second call for applications is specifically aimed dor refugee Master's students from the Sub-Saharan region whose studies in Ukraine were interrupted due to the war and who have fled to Germany. Within the framework of the "DAAD-Surplace/Third Country Scholarship Program", these students are to be given the opportunity to continue their academic career at a university in their home country or region. Interested students can apply directly to the DAAD until July 4, 2022.
Furthermore, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers support to students from all over the world through the Hilde Domin Programme. The programme serves to support students from all over the world who are denied the right to education in their country of origin. With this programme, these students have the opportunity to begin or continue their studies at a university in Germany in order to obtain a degree from a German university. There are two calls for apllication per year. In case of application with a planned start of studies in summer term 2024: Internal application deadline at the University of Kassel: 1.March 2023. Contact person is Berit Hupke: refugees.welcome[at]uni-kassel[dot]de; 0561-804-3277.
Another support option is offered by the Hessian Ministry: "HessenFonds for Refugees and Researchers at Risk". Ukrainian refugees with the §24 who are regularly enrolled at the University of Kassel are eligible for funding. The internal applicationdeadline is February 03.2023. Another application will be possible in August for start of funding in October 2023. If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact Berit Hupke. refugees.welcome[at]uni-kassel[dot]de; 0561 804-3277
The Studierendenwerk of the University of Kassel supports students of the University of Kassel in financial need. Please contact the social advising service of the Studierendenwerk.
Ukrainian refugees who are enrolled as regular students, can receive BAföG from 1.6.2022. The maximum rate is 931 euros/month. Whether you are entitled to BAföG must be checked individually and depends, among other things, on your age, your previous studies and your assets. Please contact the BAföG office of the Studierendenwerk of the University of Kassel.
Study
The application deadline for the winter term is 15. July each year. The application deadline for summer term is 15.January each year. You have to apply online via uni-assist. Information about requirements, application and admission can be found under the following link.
The following link provides an overview of all undergraduate courses (Bachelor). Please note that all undergraduate courses are offered in German which means that you have to provide a German language proficiency certificate.
This link provides an overview about all graduate programmes (Master). A few Master programmes are taught in English. A list can be found here.
Ukrainian refugees who are enrolled as regular students, can receive BAföG from 1.6.2022. The maximum rate is 934 euros/month. Whether you are entitled to BAföG must be checked individually and depends, among other things, on your age, your previous studies and your assets. Please contact the BAföG office of the Studierendenwerk of the University of Kassel. Furthermore you can register for a place in one of the Studierendenwerks´ student dormitories.
The Refugee Counseling Service will support you on the way to your studies. Refugees from Ukraine are also advised by the Educational Counselling Guarantee Fund University on the possibility of taking up/continuing higher education studies in Germany.
If you have already studied in Ukraine, you can enrol for 1-2 semesters as an exchange student at the University of Kassel. In order to do so, you need to have confirmation of supervision from a professor in a subject-related field and at least basic language skills in the language of instruction. In this context, you must also document and discuss suitable subject-related study options for at least 10 to 15 credits. As an exchange student you have official student status, however, you will not receive a degree. After the exchange programme, you can apply for a regular degree programme via uni-assist and transfer your achievements as credits. It is important to note that the requirements for changing to a regular degree programme are the same as those for an application without previous enrolment in the exchange programme. Further information on the requirements and application for the exchange programme can be found here. As an exchange student with the Ukrainian citizenship you might have the possibility to receive financial benefits according to SGB II from 1. June 2022. You are asked to submit an application to the Jobcenter.Furthermore you can get a place in one of the student dormitories. For any questions please contact: exchange@uni-kassel.de
With the ukranian high school diploma you must have completed one or two years of study in Ukraine before applying to a German university; You can check your certificates on Anabin (only in german available). In case that you have not studied before, you will first have to complete the Studienkolleg. The application deadline for admission to the Studienkolleg is 30.04.2023. For an application at uni-assist, a German language certificate at level B1 is required.
Of course, the above-mentioned study opportunities also apply to Belarusian and Russian prospective students. We are aware that the current situation is not easy for you either and look forward to receiving your application.
Guest students can attend selected courses at the University of Kassel and receive a university account. As a guest, you can use the library and the cafeteria. As a guest student, however, you do not have student status and there is no examination procedure. This may be an option for you, for example, if you have not yet studied at a university in your home country.
You would like to study in Germany or continue your academic career in English, but you are currently unable to provide the transcripts required for enrolment? Maybe Kiron Open Higher Education is the right choice for you. All information can also be found in Ukrainian.
The application deadline for the winter term is 15. July each year. The application deadline for summer term is 15.January each year. You have to apply online via uni-assist. Information about requirements, application and admission can be found under the following link.
The following link provides an overview of all undergraduate courses (Bachelor). Please note that all undergraduate courses are offered in German which means that you have to provide a German language proficiency certificate.
This link provides an overview about all graduate programmes (Master). A few Master programmes are taught in English. A list can be found here.
Ukrainian refugees who are enrolled as regular students, can receive BAföG from 1.6.2022. The maximum rate is 934 euros/month. Whether you are entitled to BAföG must be checked individually and depends, among other things, on your age, your previous studies and your assets. Please contact the BAföG office of the Studierendenwerk of the University of Kassel. Furthermore you can register for a place in one of the Studierendenwerks´ student dormitories.
The Refugee Counseling Service will support you on the way to your studies. Refugees from Ukraine are also advised by the Educational Counselling Guarantee Fund University on the possibility of taking up/continuing higher education studies in Germany.
If you have already studied in Ukraine, you can enrol for 1-2 semesters as an exchange student at the University of Kassel. In order to do so, you need to have confirmation of supervision from a professor in a subject-related field and at least basic language skills in the language of instruction. In this context, you must also document and discuss suitable subject-related study options for at least 10 to 15 credits. As an exchange student you have official student status, however, you will not receive a degree. After the exchange programme, you can apply for a regular degree programme via uni-assist and transfer your achievements as credits. It is important to note that the requirements for changing to a regular degree programme are the same as those for an application without previous enrolment in the exchange programme. Further information on the requirements and application for the exchange programme can be found here. As an exchange student with the Ukrainian citizenship you might have the possibility to receive financial benefits according to SGB II from 1. June 2022. You are asked to submit an application to the Jobcenter.Furthermore you can get a place in one of the student dormitories. For any questions please contact: exchange@uni-kassel.de
With the ukranian high school diploma you must have completed one or two years of study in Ukraine before applying to a German university; You can check your certificates on Anabin (only in german available). In case that you have not studied before, you will first have to complete the Studienkolleg. The application deadline for admission to the Studienkolleg is 30.04.2023. For an application at uni-assist, a German language certificate at level B1 is required.
Of course, the above-mentioned study opportunities also apply to Belarusian and Russian prospective students. We are aware that the current situation is not easy for you either and look forward to receiving your application.
Guest students can attend selected courses at the University of Kassel and receive a university account. As a guest, you can use the library and the cafeteria. As a guest student, however, you do not have student status and there is no examination procedure. This may be an option for you, for example, if you have not yet studied at a university in your home country.
You would like to study in Germany or continue your academic career in English, but you are currently unable to provide the transcripts required for enrolment? Maybe Kiron Open Higher Education is the right choice for you. All information can also be found in Ukrainian.
German language courses
The International Language Centre/Study Centre (ISZ) of the University of Kassel offers courses at various levels for enrolled students during the semester. Admission of guests (e.g. persons with guest student status) is possible upon request, depending on availability of places. These courses start the week after Easter (19.4.), please direct questions regarding registration to: deutschlernen@uni-kassel.de.
Furthermore, the ISZ offers free German courses for refugees interested in studying. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) a free German course at beginner level will start in mid-May. Keep up to date about future courses at the Language Centre's page and contact: ukraine[at]uni-kassel[dot]de.
Access to free Integration courses is possible. An application for an integration course can be made at the responsible regional offices of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. An application for admission to an integration course can be submitted directly to a BAMF regional office - see the following application form. Integration courses and course locations can be found via the following page. Interesting may also be the free learning portal of the VHS ( A1-B1 level).
Those who already have German language skills at level B 1 can participate in a job-related German course to acquire language level B 2 via the Labour Agency.
Access to free Integration courses is possible. An application for an integration course can be made at the responsible regional offices of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. An application for admission to an integration course can be submitted directly to a BAMF regional office - see the following application form. Integration courses and course locations can be found via the following page. Interesting may also be the free learning portal of the VHS ( A1-B1 level).
Those who already have German language skills at level B 1 can participate in a job-related German course to acquire language level B 2 via the Labour Agency.
Psychological help
Enrolled students can visit the psychological advising centre of the Studierendenwerk. Other important contact points and emergency contacts can be found in this document.
Alternatives to study
The educational advising service of the Kassel-Marburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce provides advice on the way to apprenticeships.
Please note: With regard to questions that do not relate to a study course, the University of Kassel can only provide limited support.
If you have a foreign school or vocational qualification, these can be recognised in Germany. On this page you will find information. Help on the possibilities if and how your certificates as well as qualifications are officially recognised in Germany can be found at the mobile recognition advising service of INBAS in Kassel.
Please note: With regard to questions that do not relate to a study course, the University of Kassel can only provide limited support
Information for supporters
Anyone who would like to offer help can contact the Freiwilligenzentrum Region Kassel.