Late Arrival – International Master's Students

What does "Late Arrival" mean?

International students are expected to be present in Bamberg by the start of the lecture period, at the latest by 12 April 2026 for the summer semester 2026.

Late arrival thus means arriving after that specific date.

If you cannot arrive on time:

  • Inform the Welcome Center and the person responsible for your study programme as early as possible

  • Arriving 1–3 weeks late may be possible, but anything beyond that becomes very difficult

Why is a Late Arrival problematic?

  • The standard period of study for master programmes is 4 semesters, with a maximum of 6 semesters

  • If you need more time to finish, you must provide a valid reason (e.g., doctor’s note) to extend your studies

  • Once enrolled, your semester counter starts – even if you’re not yet in Bamberg!

  • Remote/online learning is NOT an option

  • You may face potential problems with visa, residence permit, and finances

  • Highly problematic in case of a conditional admission

  • Worst case: you are officially in your third semester, but have never been to Bamberg

  • For students studying English & American Studies (both tracks): mandatory attendance of placement test 1 week before lecture period starts

What are my options if I will arrive late?

Option 1: You are NOT yet enrolled

  • Do not enroll unless you have a confirmed visa appointment or know when you will receive your visa.

  • A postponement of admission to the University of Bamberg is possible if the admission requirements for your study programme do not change for the summer semester 2026. It is therefore generally not possible to postpone admission. A formal application must be submitted again for the following semester.
     
  • Advantage: Your semester counter does not start, and you remain eligible to begin later.

Option 2: You are enrolled – De-register BEFORE March 31st

  • Send your de-registration request before 31 March (the postmark date counts):

    → contact Enrollment Office (Studierndenkanzlei) for more information: studierendenkanzlei(at)uni-bamberg.de  

  • This way, your first semester will not be counted

  • You will also receive your semester contribution fee back

Option 3: You are enrolled – De-register AFTER March 31st

BUT:

  • Your first semester will be counted

  • You will not receive a refund of your semester fee

Special Case: Conditional Admission

  • If your admission is conditional, you must pass a specific class or module within a certain timeframe

  • If your visa situation is unclear, do NOT enroll at the university

  • If you do not meet the requirement on time, you will be automatically de-registered – even if you are already in Bamberg

  • You cannot be re-admitted to the programme if this happens

Late arrivals pose significant problems, and each situation has to be considered individually. Therefore, we would be happy to advise you in a personal (online) appointment. Please contact us at: master.welcome-center@uni-bamberg.de

Late Arrival Letters are NOT issued for students in the International Software System Science Master's degree programme.