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* General updates and news for internationals in Germany
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GENERAL UPDATES FOR INTERNATIONALS IN GERMANY
August 28, 2023
Carolin Dorra
For Students, General Information
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)
Click on the button to load the content from Mailjet.
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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
January 6th, 2021
+++EUROPE: EU Medicines Agency Gives Green Light to Second Covid-19 Vaccine+++
The European Medicines Agency has given its approval to the Moderna Covid-19
vaccine paving the way for it to be rolled out across the EU. On Wednesday the
European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced it had approved the Moderna vaccine in
the fight against Covid-19. It follows approval last month for the
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is in the process of being rolled out across the
EU. The final authorisation for the Moderna vaccine will need to be granted by
the EU Commission. The approval also clears the vaccine for use in Norway and
Iceland, which are signed up to the EU’s procurement scheme.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210106/moderna-eu-medicines-agency-gives-green-light-to-second-covid-19-vaccine?utm_source=piano&utm_medium=onsite&utm_campaign=71&tpcc=de-latest
January 5th, 2021
+++GERMANY: These Are The New German Lockdown Rules+++
The new year also brings new corona rules for Germany. Please find an overview
here with a summary of what Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of
Germany’s 16 states agreed after a meeting on Tuesday, January 5th.
https://www.thelocal.de/20210105/explained-these-are-germanys-new-tighter-lockdown-rules-january-2021
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
+++GERMANY: Visa Processing For International Students in Germany+++
According to the Foreign Office, we can inform you that the visa offices will
again accept and process visa applications from students, albeit to a limited
extent. This is in anticipation of the relaxation of EU entry restrictions,
which are expected to come into force in July and which will also provide for
students to be covered by the exemptions. Provided that these plans are
implemented, the applications that have now been accepted again could also be
decided on as of July, so that students can finally receive visas again and
enter Germany.
+++GERMANY: Flights from Frankfurt Increase Again in June+++
With the lifting of the travel warning issued by the Federal Foreign Office for
many European countries, the number of flights available at Frankfurt Airport is
also growing. At the end of June, flights to 175 destinations are planned again,
50 of which are intercontinental, the airport operator Fraport announced.
Fraport expects a gradual expansion of the flight offerings in the coming weeks
when the summer holidays begin in some German states. “Due to the corona
pandemic, however, traffic volumes will continue to be significantly below the
previous year’s level overall.
https://www.rundschau-online.de/fluege-ab-frankfurt-nehmen-im-juni-wieder-zu-36878446#:~:text=Mit%20der%20aufgehobenen%20Reisewarnung%20des,Flughafenbetreiber%20Fraport%20am%20Freitag%20mit.
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, 15th, 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 6th+++
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
+++FINTIBA: New Article with dedicated Information on Corona and Blocked
Account+++
We created an article within our Fintiba help centre responding to the most
asked questions on handling blocked account issues in these times, whether is
about closing your account or health insurance concerns. Please find all
relevant information here:
https://help.fintiba.com/hc/en-gb/categories/360002436119-COVID-19
+++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 18th 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
What should I know if I am planning a trip to Germany now?
Please keep yourself up-to-date with the latest travel information for Germany
on the website of your German embassy as well as of your destination airport
(e.g. Fraport for the international airport of Frankfurt).
When entering Germany, suspicious cases are handled by the responsible
authorities. The German government has now implemented a general registration of
air travellers from China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran. Exit cards must
also be filled out for cross-border train and bus traffic. Carriers have also
been obliged to distribute information on disease prevention to all passengers
in cross-border transportation (flight, ship, train, bus).
How should I behave when I am in Germany?
Measures to fight the spread of coronavirus are subject to local regulations.
These may include quarantine measures in case of confirmed infection with
COVID-19. So far, there are no specific federal restrictions. However, it is
recommended to avoid public events with a higher number of participants
(depending on federal restrictions but avoiding bigger gatherings of peoples
generally recommended). In general, international advice to reduce the spread of
the coronavirus should be followed. This includes regular and thorough
handwashing with soap for 20-30 seconds, sneezing in the elbows or a quickly
disposable handkerchief or tissue, keeping a distance from other people and
avoiding shaking hands. Further information and details can be found on
the World Health Organization’s website.
Students should contact their university and inform themselves about the
situation in their respective federal state and location to check how a safe
presence at the university can be guaranteed. It should also be investigated
whether stays can be postponed or, if necessary, replaced by virtual formats.
(source: DAAD)
Students coming to Germany from an area at risk are recommended to observe a
14-day quarantine to minimize risks of contagion. If this means that you may
miss out on exams or studies, please contact your examination office. You will
have to present formal documentation that you are coming from an area of risk
and are missing your studies/ exams because of the quarantine. You can find a
current overview of areas at risk on the pages of the Robert Koch Institute.
What do I have to do in case of (suspected) infection?
Should you experience symptoms of a cold after your arrival in Germany from an
affected area/ an area at risk, please stay at home and call a doctor (medical
on-call service: 116 117). Please relay that you have been to an affected area/
an area at risk. The doctor will guide you on the next steps.
Travellers should keep the contact details of their home country’s embassy or
consulate in Germany in case they need to contact these.
A short overview of what to do to help protect yourself and others is available
at the website of Auswärtiges Amt Leaflet on coronavirus: Protect – Recognise –
Act
Who can I call from DAK or MAWISTA for further information on the coronavirus or
in case of an emergency?
DAK Hotline:
Hotline Coronavirus
You can reach our experts at 040 325 325 800
MAWISTA Hotline:
For emergencies, the MAWISTA phone service is available 24hs: +49 89 624 24 –
496
Which number can I call in my region for medical information on Corona?
The German embassy has asked us to spread these emergency numbers for every
state in case of emergency.
How can I contact my embassy in Germany?
On the website of the Federal Foreign Office you can find a list of all foreign
embassies in Germany with their addresses and contact numbers. Please find it
here:
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/vertretungen-anderer-staaten
Where can I find information on the recent changes in the different states of
Germany?
Please find below a list of the respective health ministries of each state with
updated information on restrictions and closures. Most of their information is
provided in German, however some states such as Hessen offers dedicated
information in English.
Baden Württemberg:
https://sozialministerium.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/gesundheit-pflege/gesundheitsschutz/infektionsschutz-hygiene/informationen-zu-coronavirus/
Bayern: https://www.stmgp.bayern.de/
Berlin: https://www.berlin.de/sen/gpg/
Brandenburg:
https://msgiv.brandenburg.de/msgiv/de/start/themen/gesundheit/oeffentlicher-gesundheitsdienst/informationen-zum-neuartigen-coronavirus/
Bremen:
https://www.gesundheit.bremen.de/sixcms/detail.php?gsid=bremen229.c.32718.de
Hamburg: https://www.hamburg.de/coronavirus/
Hessen:
https://soziales.hessen.de/sites/default/files/media/staatskanzlei/2020_3_17_corona_broschuere_englisch.pdf
Mecklenburg Vorpommern:
https://www.regierung-mv.de/Landesregierung/wm/Aktuelles–Blickpunkte/Wichtige-Informationen-zum-Corona%E2%80%93Virus
Niedersachsen: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus
Nordrhein Westfahlen: https://www.land.nrw/corona
Rheinland Pfalz;
https://msagd.rlp.de/de/unsere-themen/gesundheit-und-pflege/gesundheitliche-versorgung/oeffentlicher-gesundheitsdienst-hygiene-und-infektionsschutz/infektionsschutz/informationen-zum-coronavirus-sars-cov-2/
Saarland: https://www.saarland.de/SID-7C9CCDDE-52232CAD/corona.htm
Sachsen: https://www.coronavirus.sachsen.de/
Sachsen Anhalt:
https://ms.sachsen-anhalt.de/themen/gesundheit/aktuell/coronavirus/
Schleswig Holstein:
https://ms.sachsen-anhalt.de/themen/gesundheit/aktuell/coronavirus/
Thüringen: https://www.landesregierung-thueringen.de/corona-bulletin/
Which Hotline can I call for psychological help?
The BDP Corona Hotline is realized by the voluntary work of psychologists and
the Professional Association of German Psychologists. (BDP). The hotline is
aimed at all those who are psychologically burdened by the corona crisis
situation, for example by suffering from domestic isolation, lacking social
support, losing structure in everyday life or being uncertain about how to
proceed. To support them, professional psychologists offer telephone counselling
in this special situation.: 08007772244
https://www.bdp-verband.de/aktuelles/2020/corona/bdp-corona-hotline.html
In March Helios Kliniken GmbH launched a Germany-wide hotline for questions
about the corona virus. Since then, more than 11,000 callers have been
contacted, advised and, if necessary, referred to a smear test centre. In order
to cover the increasing need for psychological support, Helios has now expanded
the team behind the hotline to include psychologists, among others: 0800 8 123
456
https://www.helios-gesundheit.de/unternehmen/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/detail/news/neues-angebot-der-helios-hotline-corona/
„Telefonseelsorge” is a general German helpline which you can call whenever you
need counselling on any issue. It can also be reached from abroad via online
phoning. Additionally they offer the free option to call +49-800 1110111 /
+49-800 1110222 through a phone with German simcard. All numbers are completely
free of charge. https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/?q=node/7651
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!
About Germany, Fintiba, health care, Health Insurance, International Students,
Student support, Studying in Germany
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