Last updated on August 10, 2020.

Applicants

Concerning TOEFL:

Applicants to the M.Sc. Optics & Photonics program for the Fall 2020 semester may apply with their TOEFL Take Home Edition scores. 

Students

Information on how the lectures will be taught is provided via ILIAS. This is the primary source of information.

On ILIAS, you can find all letters from the KIT and KSOP on the issue (careful, they are being uploaded by date and not updated) as well as useful links for staying informed, grocery deliveries and things to do while in quarantine.

Information concerning financial aid:

Students that have been hit financially by the current COVID-19 crisis may also apply to an interest-free loan (“Studienkredit”) by the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). The loan of up to 650€ per month is available for national and international students, the duration of support is determined individually.

IMPORTANT for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

The application for international students is only possible within the period May 16^th, 2020 – February 15^th, 2021! The funding period begins at the earliest on July 1^st, 2020 and at the latest on March 1^st, 2021. If funding has not started in March 2021 at the latest, no further funding is possible. For this purpose the application must be received in full by KfW on February 15^th, 2021 at the latest.

Further information can be found in German  and partly in English .

The toll-free service number (0800-539-9003, Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm) will help you if necessary in English. First there is a tape announcement, after which you have to enter "eins" (one) by pressing the telephone-button “1” or by language, after that you will be connected to an employee.

Concerning internships:

• Internships are postponed for the moment.
• Instead of an industrial internship, a research internship at an institute of the KIT faculty is possible.
• An industrial internship will be recognized if it has been completed to at least 2/3.
• If you have planned to start your internship soon, get in touch with your future supervisors to check what the local regulations are.

Concerning deadlines:

• The maximum study duration will be extended if necessary.*

* Only applicable to students in the current corona situation if the end of the course is outside of the maximum duration of the study through no fault of their own.

Concerning exams:

• As of April 20, 2020, oral examinations will be permitted again, provided that not more than five persons are present.
• In special cases, oral examinations by video conferencing will continue to be possible after April 19, 2020.
• There is no information yet on new dates for postponed or cancelled exams.
• Oral online examinations will be the absolute exception.

Concerning Master's Thesis:

• An extra prolongation of the Master's thesis submission deadline is possible upon request directed to the KSOP examination office (jurana hetterichLyx3∂kit edu)
• If you have planned to start your masters’s thesis soon, get in touch with your future supervisors to check what the local regulations are.

Kindly inform yourself regularly on the websites of KIT about potential short-term changes of academic education operations, in particular on the FAQ website of the Crisis Unit .

On-Campus Housing at the International Department

How can I reach the Accommodation Office during the pandemic?

We are still there for you during our open office hours from Monday to Friday between 8.30 am to 12.00 pm and from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm. You can reach us by phone at +49 721 608 47888 or you can contact us via email at: living∂idschools.kit.edu.

Is it possible to to get a rent reduction while I am abroad and not occupying my room?

• There is an existing contractual agreement which must be officially terminated. If the contract is not terminated, the contractual conditions must be fulfilled.
• Please note, that your monthly rent cover all amenities and therefore, it is not possible to reduce the rent or cease payments. Regardless of your current location, the rent is to be paid on an ongoing basis, even if your room is currently unoccupied.

I am not able to pay the rent due to corona-related circumstances. What can I do?

• Please contact the Accommodation Office immediately if you face significant difficulties in being able to pay the rent. The payment agreements can be extended upon review. If the rent is not paid in time and we were not informed prior about your circumstances, a late fee will be charged.

I was abroad - What do I need to know?

• Please inform us in advance of your planned return by email.
• All persons entering the country will be informed in detail about the current regulations by the Accommodation Office of the ID before entering the country. The regulations are subject to change on a short basis.
• People sharing a kitchen will receive the relevant information regarding the procedures and the rules. We trust that all residents will abide by these rules so that it is possible to share a kitchen.

Is it still possible to move in or out at the moment?

• Yes of course. We have adapted our processes for moving in and moving out in terms of distance and hygiene regulations.
• It is possible to organize the move-in and move-out contact-free upon request. This means that you transfer the deposit and the rent before your arrival, hand over the keys using our key safe (in case of risk areas after providing a test result) and place the rental contract, amongst other forms, in your room prior to your move. You will receive further information from us via email.
• - When moving, you can put your keys into our letterbox next to the Accommodation Office. We will inspect your room after you have complete your move. We will transfer the deposit to your bank account following the room inspection. In case repairs need to be carried out, the appropriate amount will be deducted from your deposit, as well as open invoices.

How can I terminate my rental contract?

• You can terminate your rental contract according to its terms and conditions (usually a three-month’s notice). We need your termination in written form by e-mail (living∂idschools.kit.edu) or by letter (put it in the letter box next to the accommodation office).

Are there general hygiene rules at the ID?

• When entering the building you must disinfect your hands. We've provided disinfectant at all entrances.
• Please keep a distance of 1.5 meters and avoid physical contact at all times.
• If it is not possible to remain at 1.5 meters distance, you must wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
• Please refrain from touching your face. Use the inside of your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
• People with cold-like symptoms are prohibited from attending all events.

What precautions have been taken against the spread of the virus in the dormitory?

• Maintaining a healthy and safe environment lies with the tenants of the dormitory.
• There are disinfectant stations at the entry areas. Tenants are responsible for providing disinfectant materials for private areas.
• Facemasks are not mandatory in private areas as long as a distance of 1.5 metres between individuals is upheld.
• The cleaning team will continue to provide thorough support in cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen facilities.
• New tenants and returnees will receive disinfectants upon arrival (once).

Is a test required for new residents and returnees in the ID dormitory?

• Persons entering Germany from high-risk areas are required to supply a Covid-19 test to the ID before arrival (living∂idschools.kit.edu).
• If you are unable to provide a Covid19 test, you will be required to book a hotel room until you are able to provide a test.
• Countries that are considered high risk areas are announced on the official website of the Robert Koch Institute.

What do I need to know about entering Germany from a risk area?

• Persons entering Germany from a risk area are obliged to stay in quarantine for 14 days.
• Please contact the Karlsruhe Ordnungsamt (Office of Public Order) immediately, informing them of your return. Please mention your name, address, date of return, place of departure, date of birth and provide short details of any coldlike symptoms you are experiencing. The Karlsruhe Ordnungsamt is available daily at +49 721 115 or by email at polizeirecht∂oa.karlsruhe.de.

How can I be exempted from the quarantine requirements?

• You can be exempted from the quarantine if you are able to provide proof that you tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of entering Germany.
• You additionally are required to provide a doctorissued medical certificate testing for Corona virus symptoms and confirms the validity of the test. Please note that a mere test result is not sufficient, the doctor’s note must also be provided.
• The German authorities will only accept tests from pre-approved countries. The Robert Koch Institute provides an overview of all countries with approved Covid-19 tests.Please refer to the section “What options do I have to get tested” for additional information.
• Submit your medical certificate and the test to the Karlsruhe Ordnungsamt(polizeirecht∂oa.karlsruhe.de)indicating the date and time of entry to Germany, your name, address, departure location, date of birth and a confirmation you will remain in quarantine until you officially are no longer obliged to stay under quarantine. Please forward the official e-mail from the Ordnungsamt to the Accommodation Office once your quarantine restrictions are lifted(living∂idschools.kit.edu).

What options do I have to get tested?

• Get a COVID 19 test in your home country:
  • It is possible to be tested for corona in your home country 48 hours before entering Germany.
  • Please note that the test must be approved by German authorities. The county in which the test was taken must be on the list of preapproved countires. The Robert Koch Institute website provides an overview with all countries approved for testing by Germany.
• Get a COVID19 test at Frankfurt Airport:
  • If you have to wait at the airport late at night for the test, please book a hotel room. You must present the test result to the International Department before your arrival.

Are tests free of charge?

• Since August 1, 2020 a test is mandatory in Germany for persons coming from a high-risk area.
• The tests are also free of charge for people who come from low-risk areas if they have been tested within 72 hours of entering Germany.

What happens if my test comes back positive test for coronavirus is positive?

• Students who tested positive will be required to stay in a separate quarantine area within the ID.

The KIT coronavirus FAQ

• Visit here for the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology's coronavirus FAQ: https://www.kit.edu/kit/english/25911.php

General

Did you stay in a risk area in the past two weeks?

List of risk areas. 

Irrespective of potential symptoms, persons, who stayed in a risk area identified by the Robert Koch Institute in the past two weeks, should avoid unnecessary contacts for a period of two weeks after their return from the risk area and, if possible, work at home in agreement with their superior.

In this case, do not enter the premises of KIT and do not contact fellow students / colleagues personally e.g. to hand over work documents. Observe the rules of self-isolation at home. The paramount objective of this preventative measure is to interrupt the potential chain of infections. For more information please visit the KIT website .

Feeling ill?

Please call your general practitioner (Hausarzt) or the health department by phone in case:

• you feel ill and you are unsure about the symptoms,
• you are returning from holiday and have been in a high risk area ,
• or you have had contact with suspected corona cases.

Don’t go to the hospital directly without prior notice. Corona tests are done e.g. as “drive-in”, for which you need to have an appointment organized by your general practitioner or the health department. Thereby long waiting times are prevented.

COVID-19 Hotline Phone Numbers (also English speaking)

• 116 117 any time day and night
• Health department: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 6 pm: 0711 904 39555
• City of Karlsruhe: 0721 133 3333, Mondays to Fridays 8 am to 6 pm, weekends 9 am to 4 pm

Further important information:

• Hygiene measures 
• FAQ Relating to the Corona Virus 
• Detailed information of KIT medical service 

1. Details About the Program

What is the curriculum like?

What are the specializations offered?

Does the program include an internship or work-placement scheme?

What are my job perspectives after graduating?

Will I be guided and offered help when I arrive in Karlsruhe?

What are the costs? Are there scholarships? 

 

2. Application Process

What are the general admission requirements?

Application: What do I have to send to Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics?

Information about the letters of recommendation.

Where can I check my application status?

Is there any chance of transferring or considering my previous admission for KSOP to the upcoming semester?

What can I do to strengthen my profile before applying for the course?

I already have a Master degree. How do I apply?

I am currently a university student and want to join Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics.
How do I apply and what about credit transfers?

My official results are not out yet! Can I apply?

When does the program start and is there an application deadline?

I want to apply for the winter term but in the online application is only an option for the summer term.

 

3. Language Requirements

What are the language requirements?

Are German language skills mandatory?

Can I send my documents now without the APS certificate and provide it later if I am admitted? 

What is your last deadline for handing in the TOEFL or IELTS examination score?

What is the TOEFL Institution Code?

 

4. Scholarships

What are the costs of the Master program? Are there scholarships?

How do I apply for the KSOP scholarship?

When do we receive an answer about the scholarship?

What can I do to strengthen my profile before applying for the course?

 

5. Dates & Deadlines

When does the winter term usually start?

When does the program start and is there an application deadline?

What is your last deadline for handing in the TOEFL or IELTS examination score?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Curriculum like?

Here you can find out what the Curriculum looks like. The Module Manual describes the structure and courses in detail.

 

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What are the specializations offered?

During a 2-year master course you can specialize in following majors:

• Optical Systems
• Biomedical Photonics
• Solar Energy
• Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy
• Photonic Materials & Devices

For more information on the related research to the specializations, please refer to the “Research Areas “. For an overview of the specializations, please refer to "Module Handbook," chapter "Studies Plan," 3rd Semester, which you can find as a download link on the right side of the Curriculum Master Program website.

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1. First Steps & General Information

I have been admitted to KSOP, how do I accept my study place?

Where do I find the Admission Letter?

Can I pay tuition fees from abroad?

I would like a receipt of payment from the university. How do I get this?

The Pre-Arrival Guide

It’s the first time I leave my country to come to Europe. Is there anyone from my country who studies at KSOP that can help me?

 

2. Visa

What are the visa requirements to enter and stay as a student in Germany?

What happens if I am late to attend the program, e.g. if I have trouble with my visa application?

 

3. Bank Account

Blocked Bank Account: What is it?

How to open a blocked bank account?

How to open a German bank account?

 

4. Enrollment at KIT

Which documents do I need for the enrollment at KIT?   

When is the deadline for the enrollment at KIT?

Do I have to bring my language certificate to enrollment?

Can I submit the degree certificate after enrollment?

Is health insurance mandatory for enrollment?

What is a liability insurance?

 

5. Living in Karlsruhe

How do I get to Karlsruhe and Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics?

Where are lectures taking place?

How accessible is Karlsruhe?

How accessible is KSOP (Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics)?

First steps at KIT

Do I get assistance once in Karlsruhe?

What is the Erasmus Mailing List Karlsruhe?

Where should I go to register myself as a foreigner to the new city and for Visa extension?

What is a Welcome Package?

Is the student card working as a tram ticket?

Where can I buy a second hand bicycle?

Some useful links about life in Germany.

 

6. Finding accommodation in Karlsruhe

What kind of student accommodations are available in Karlsruhe and what would be the likely cost?

Where do I find accommodation in and around Karlsruhe?

 

7. Funding your studies in Karlsruhe

What is the average cost of living in Karlsruhe?

I have no scholarship, what can I do?

Are there opportunities to work at the KSOP institutes to fund my studies?

Are there opportunities to work during the semester break, assuming an internship or thesis project is not scheduled?

Where do I find a job in Karlsruhe?

How many hours am I allowed to work with a student visa?

 

8. Technical Preparation in Mathematics

Do I need a technical preparation in Mathematics?

Do I need preparation in Linear Algebra?

Do I need preparation in Differential Equations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been admitted to KSOP, how do I accept my study place? 

You will accept your study place through the enrollment at KIT in September/October.

You can find a link on your letter of acceptance where you can make an appointment for your enrollment at the International Student Office. This must be done in person as soon as you arrive in Karlsruhe.

After enrollment you have officially taken your place.

For us in the KSOP Office (where we coordinate the master "Optics & Photonics" and take care of you students) it is valuable to know in advance which students what to accept a place and which not.

Therefore, email us at admissions-KSOP∂idschools.kit.edu

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Where do I find the Admission Letter?

Open the Application Portal:

1. Click "my applications"

2. Login

3. Click "options" "view pdf"

You will not receive any further notification by post.

This admission letter is valid when applying for a visa.

 

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Can I pay tuition fees from abroad?

In the application portal you can find detailed information about this issue.

 

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I would like a receipt of payment from the university. How do I get this?

An official receipt is not available, in the application portal you can check if your payment arrived.

 

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The Pre-Arrival Guide?

The Pre-Arrival Guide leads you through the topics related to your arrival to Karlsruhe and your start of study in Karlsruhe. Please read it thoroughly and do not hesitate to ask the related institutions for further information.
 

 

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It is the first time I leave my country and come to Europe. Is there anyone from my country who studies at KSOP that can help me?

As soon as you confirm the study place at admissions-KSOP∂idschools.kit.edu, we will reply by sending you the contract of a senior student from your country or region. Your "KSOP buddy" will guide you and answer your questions.

 

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What are the visa requirements to enter and stay as a student in Germany?

For questions about visa requirements, please refer to page 2 of the Pre-Arrival Guide.

 

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What happens if I am late to attend the program, e.g. if I have trouble with my visa application?

In some cases, the KSOP office can decide to extend the arrival date for incoming students. The latest arrival allowed is 2-3 weeks after the lectures have started. We only accept emergency reasons e.g. with the visa process.

If you need assistance with your visa application, please let us know as soon as possible that you are looking for “Assistance Required in Reducing Waiting Time for Processing of Student Visa”

And e-mail us here: admissions-KSOP∂idschools.kit.edu with:

Your name

Your Date of birth

The name of the German Embassy

Visa application number (must be indicated)

Full name of person in charge of processing your application (if known)

 

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Blocked Bank Account: What is it?

Non-EU students must prove that they have sufficient financial resources to support their studies and stay in Germany.

Please confirm this issue with the German Embassy in your home country.

In addition, refer to page 6 of our Pre-arrival guide.

Information about blocked bank accounts.

 

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How to open a blocked bank account?

Please note that Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics CANNOT help you to open the blocked bank account.

It takes MORE than a week to open a blocked account and therefore you are advised to start applying for one immediately.

The German embassy in your country might be able to give your more information regarding which bank to contact.

 

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How to open a German bank account?

The KSOP Team will help you with this issue during the Orientation Week.

 

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Which documents do I need for the enrollment at KIT?

Please read here which documents you need to take with you to Karlsruhe.

 

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When is the deadline for the enrollment at KIT?

Link to enrollment deadline.

 

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Do I have to bring my language certificate to enrollment?

Please check the Admission Letter. If it is not mentioned in the requirements than you do not have to.

 

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Can I submit the degree certificate after enrollment?

Please bring with you the certificates you have, then you will be able to submit the official diploma on a second moment. In order to do that you must get in touch with your contact person from the International Student Office, who is mentioned on the Letter of Admission.

 

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Is health insurance mandatory for the enrollment?

A health insurance is mandatory to complete the enrollment at KIT. During the orientation week, we will help you to take out insurance at one of the public insurance agencies during the Orientation Week.

More information about the student health insurance.

 

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What is a liability insurance? Do I have to have one?

Besides a health insurance, we recommend students to geta  private liability insurance.

More information about liability insurances.

 

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How do I get to Karlsruhe and Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics?

If you are landing in Frankfurt International Airport, there are high-speed trains that bring you to the Karlsruhe Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof).

From the Karlsruhe Main Train Station, you can take one of the following trams:

• • Tram S1 (direction Hochstetten)
  • Tram S11 (direction Neureut)
  • Tram 4 (direction Waldstadt)
     

Get off at  “Herrenstraße”, from there it is less than a 5-minute walk to Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics.

Buy a ticket for the tram at the ticket machines at the tram stops or in the tram (EUR 2.60 per ride availablefrom).

Taxis are available in front of the Karlsruhe Main Station at every hour.

For more details check the Directions.

1. Next steps after the graduation

What do I have to do after my graduation if I want to work in Germany?

Deregistration: What do I have to do if I won't stay in Karlsruhe anymore?

 

2. KSOP Ambassadors

What are the possibilities to stay in contact with KSOP?

 

3. Working in Germany

What are the tips on working in Germany?

Does the KIT offer support on finding a job?

Are there any job offers in the optical industry or institutes in or around Karlsruhe?

Does a career fair take place in the near future?

How do I apply for a job offer here in Germany?

On which portals can I search for job offers?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Next steps after the graduation

What do I have to do after my graduation if I want to work in Germany?

Blue Card
The Blue Card is a legal status and identity card for citizens of non-EU countries. It is issued for highly qualified people, who want to work in Germany and other countries in the European Union.

The requirements and more information can be found on www.bluecard-eu.de or either the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales) or the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge.

 

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Deregistration: What do I have to do if I won't stay in Kalrsruhe anymore?

You can find the information on deregistration and the formalities of the KIT here.

 

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2. KSOP Ambassadors

What are the possibilities to stay in contact with KSOP?

KSOP is proud for the continued cooperation with its alumni. They keep in contact as KSOP ambassadors. The goal is to help interested students with their application and, since they have successfully started their working life, they can help with finding a suitable job. You can look them up here and contact them via E-Mail or check their LinkedIn Profiles to find out where you might be successful with an application.

 

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3. Working in Germany

What are the tips on working in Germany?

On the website "Make it in Germany" you can find relevant information on working in Germany e.g. Visa requirements, job listings, living etc.

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Does the KIT offer support on finding a job?

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology offers advice for graduate students who are looking for a job via its Office for Relationship Management. The homepage has its own “Job Portal”.

The Office for Relationship Management also provides information about upcoming career fairs, ideas on how to improve your application and more.

Find more information here: http://www.rsm.kit.edu/3443.php

 

If you have an innovative idea and want to start something completely new, the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the KIT could help you in this case. You will find more information on their website.

 

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Are there any job offers of the optical industry or institutes in or around Karlsruhe?

Yes, there are a lot of. Our premium partners Bosch, ZEISS and Polytec offer jobs in and around Karlsruhe regularly.

Here you can find all the current job offers.

 

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Does a career fair take place in the near future?

Once a year the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) offers its career fair on the Campus South where you can get in contact with the industry. You can find the exact dates here.

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How do I apply for a job offer here in Germany?

The requirements for applications vary from country to country. On this site you can find useful tips and helpful application hints.

 

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On which portals can I search for job offers?

Here is a list of some portals where you can check on job offers:

www.jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de

www.stellenanzeigen.de

www.stepstone.de

www.yourfirm.de/stellenangebote/

www.absolventa.de

 

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