Guest researcher at the HdM

Contact points and contact persons

The International Office of the Hochschule der Medien serves as a contact point for international guest researchers and employees (post docs, professors) and their families. It advises you on all non-academic matters and sees itself as a central point of contact before entry, on arrival, during and at the end of your stay, as well as after your departure.

In addition to its own services, the International Office liaises with the university's service centres and all important institutions outside the university.

The International Office at Hochschule der Medien is located on Nobelstraße 10, first floor, office rooms 123-125, in 70569 Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany.

You can contact us by e-mail or phone (+49 711 8923-2691) to arrange an appointment.

You need to think about that:

Checklist for your entry

Passport

You will need a passport or equivalent identification document that must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Visa

Before you plan a stay in Germany, you should clarify whether you need a visa.
In general, foreigners need a visa to enter Germany if they want to research and teach there. Exemptions and facilitations from this requirement apply to citizens of an EU or EEA country and nationals from countries with which the European Union or the Federal Republic of Germany have concluded special agreements. A list of countries and detailed information can be found on the homepage of the Federal Foreign Office.

The visa is for entry and must be replaced by a residence permit at the relevant immigration office. Depending on the duration and purpose of your stay, you will need a Schengen visa (research stay of up to three months), a national visa (stay of more than three months, authorisation to work) or a researcher visa (researchers from non-EU countries).

Entry without a visa
If your stay is longer than three months, either a certificate of freedom of movement or a residence permit (Switzerland, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, USA) must be obtained from the relevant immigration office. foreigners authority in Germany.
Entry with a visa

Financing

Confirmation of your funding (salary from your home country/proof of scholarship) in German or English.

Copy of certificate

If applicable, a certified copy of your school leaving certificate, university degree certificate, doctoral certificate in German or English.

Passport photos

Several biometric passport photos for the various ID cards that will be issued to you during your stay.
Important: Please note the passport photo requirements of the Federal Foreign Office

Marriage certificate and birth certificate(s), if applicable

If your spouse and/or children are travelling with you, you will need your marriage certificate and birth certificate(s), preferably with a German translation.

Confirmation of health insurance

A confirmation of your health insurance, if the insurance cover also applies to Germany (please remember that you must provide proof of health insurance for yourself and your family from the first day in Germany in order to obtain a residence permit).

Liability insurance / private accident insurance

If you have taken out liability insurance or private accident insurance in your home country, please check whether this also applies to Germany.
Please bring the relevant documents with you.

International vaccination certificate

International vaccination certificate, a declaration of any special or previous illnesses (any recent x-rays) and any medication currently required.

International driving licence

The right clothes

Remember to pack the right clothes!
The weather in Stuttgart is very changeable. There are four seasons, but even in summer there is often rain and cool temperatures.
You should definitely bring clothes that are also suitable for cooler temperatures and rain.

Possibly adapters / transormers

The electrical connections in Germany are designed for 220-240 volts, 50 Hertz alternating current and for Euronorm plugs.
You will therefore need to bring adapters and transformers if your appliances have other technical parameters.

Checklist for your stay

Registration at the citizens' office

Please note that you are required to register in Germany, i.e. you must register at the Citizens' Registration Office within 14 days of entering the country. This also applies to family members travelling with you. You can access the registration form here.

In addition to the registration form, you will also need your identity card/passport and a confirmation from your landlord. This must be completed and signed by the landlord. The landlord's signature confirms that you actually live at the address given.

Taking out health insurance or other insurance

Germany has a comprehensive social insurance system. This is based on the so-called solidarity principle. Social insurance consists of health, long-term care, unemployment and accident insurance. Every employee with an employment contract must pay social security contributions, which are deducted directly from their salary. Scholarship holders are exempt from social security contributions, with the exception of health insurance. Detailed information on social insurance can be found on the Euraxess website.

In addition to health insurance, we also recommend liability insurance.

Stay with an employment contract from the university

School or kindergarten

Enrolment of children in school or kindergarten, if applicable

PASSENGER CAR

Car registration, if applicable

Language course

Registration for language course, if applicable

Links on the subject of living

Depending on the duration of your stay, there are various forms of accommodation available during your time in Stuttgart:

At Stuttgart Airport, "Flughafen/Messe" S-Bahn stop:
Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport

In Stuttgart-Vaihingen, "Vaihingen Bahnhof" S-Bahn stop:
IBIS Styles
Pullman Stuttgart Fontana
Hotel Vienna House Easy Mo. Stuttgart ex.Arcona MO Hotel
B&B Hotel S-Vaihingen

On campus or within walking distance of the campus, "Universität" S-Bahn stop:
Hotel Römerhof
Guest lecturer house of the Stuttgart Student Union

Between Stuttgart Media University and the main railway station, "Stadtmitte" S-Bahn stop:
Novum Hotel Boulevard
Novum Hotel Rega

In Stuttgart city centre, "Hauptbahnhof" S-Bahn stop:
MotelOne Stuttgart-Mitte
Hotel Rieker Novum

In Stuttgart city centre, "Stöckach" tram stop
Internationales Studierendenhotel

In Bad Cannstatt, "Bad Cannstatt" S-Bahn stop:
MotelOne Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt

Various accommodation providers:
AirBnB
Temporary accommodation
WGwanted
HC24 Stuttgart

For student groups:
Jugendherberge Stuttgart-International
Jugendherberge Bad Cannstatt-Neckarpark
Internationales Studierendenhotel