Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contents
Required Application Documents ............................................................................... 3 What are the Admission requirements? .................................................................. 3 Do I need a motivation letter? ................................................................................. 3 Do I need a recommendation letter and what should it look like? ........................ 3 Where should I send my application documents? .................................................. 3 Is it mandatory to accomplish a TOEFL or IELTS test? ......................................... 4 Application Process .................................................................................................... 4 What is meant by "Certified copy of qualification for university entrance"? ........ 4 Can I send my documents now without the APS certificate and provide it later if I am admitted? .......................................................................................................... 4 Is there any chance of transferring or considering my previous admission for KSOP to the upcoming semester? .......................................................................... 4 I want to apply for the winter term but in the online application is only an option for the summer term. ............................................................................................... 4 When does the program start and is there an application deadline? .................... 4 When does the winter term usually start?.............................................................. 5 Will I be guided and offered help when I arrive in Karlsruhe?................................. 5 Are German language skills mandatory? ................................................................ 5 Where can I check my application status? ........................................................... 5 How do I apply for the KSOP scholarship? ........................................................... 5 What can I do to strengthen my profile before applying for the course? .............. 6 Accommodation in Karlsruhe ...................................................................................... 6 Could you provide me any information on the general cost of living in Germany? 6 What sort of accommodation is available in Karlsruhe and what would be the likely cost? .............................................................................................................. 6 Accommodation in and around Karlsruhe ............................................................. 7 Financial Issues and working objectives ..................................................................... 8 What is the cost of the program per year? Would a scholarship offer any financial support towards this on top of the 800 per month? .............................................. 8 Are there opportunities to work at the KSOP institutes to earn some money? ...... 8 Might there be opportunities to work outside of the semester dates assuming an internship or thesis project is not scheduled? ......................................................... 9 Which scholarships could I apply for? ..................................................................... 9 How do I apply for the KSOP scholarship? ........................................................... 9 1

KSOP Inscription ........................................................................................................ 9 When do we receive an answer about the scholarship? ........................................ 9 What is your last deadline for handing in the TOEFL or IELTS examination score? .............................................................................................................................. 10 What happens if I am late to attend the program, e.g. if I have trouble with my visa application? ........................................................................................................... 10 Preparation of arrival ................................................................................................ 10 Its the first time I leave my country to Europe. Is there anyone from my country who may help me? ................................................................................................ 10 What transportation should I use when I arrive at Frankfurt/Munich airport and how do I get to Karlsruhe? .................................................................................... 10 How do I get to the International Department when I first arrive at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)? .......................................................................... 10 Which are the most important documents I should bring with me to Karlsruhe? . 11 What are the first necessary steps I have to do by the time I arrive at Karlsruhe? .............................................................................................................................. 11 Enrollment at the KIT ................................................................................................ 11 Which documents do I need for the enrollment at the KIT University?............... 11 Is it necessary to have a health insurance? ........................................................ 12 Where should I go to register myself as a foreigner to the new city and for Visa extension?............................................................................................................. 12 Living in Karlsruhe .................................................................................................... 12 Is it necessary to learn the German language before or with the program? ........ 12 Is the student card working as a tram ticket? ...................................................... 12 What are common supermarkets, bars and shopping malls in Karlsruhe? ...... 12 Where can I buy a second hand bicycle? ............................................................ 12 Important Links .................................................................................................... 13

Required Application Documents

What are the Admission requirements?

Appropriate qualification for university entrance on a Masters level: Above Bachelor degree or an equivalent degree in the field of science or engineering. If the Bachelor degree is not yet available at the closing date for applications but will be completed before the registration, candidates can apply with a preliminary transcript of records. Evidence of adequate knowledge of the English language is required: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 570 p.b./ 260 c.b. / 88 i.b. points or better, or IELTS band 6.5 or better. It is possible to replace the TOEFL or IELTS test by a certificate of your university stating that you have completed your studies in English. German language skills are no precondition for the program. Chinese applicants: please insert an APS certificate

Do I need a motivation letter?

Yes, please state your reasons and motivation to apply for the M.Sc. in Optics & Photonics. The letter should not be longer than one page.

Do I need a recommendation letter and what should it look like?

You should include at least two letters of recommendation of professors from your current university. The letters must be attached in a sealed envelope or sent to the KSOP Office by the authors directly via email.

Where should I send my application documents?

Non-EU applicants: Akad. Auslandsamt Karlsruher Institut fr Technologie (KIT) D-76128 Karlsruhe Germany EU applicants: KSOP - Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics Schlossplatz 19 D-76131 Karlsruhe Germany

Is it mandatory to accomplish a TOEFL or IELTS test?

It is possible to replace the TOEFL or IELTS test by a certificate of your university stating that you have completed your studies in English.

Application Process
What is meant by "Certified copy of qualification for university entrance"?
In every country you need to fulfill requirements so that you can study at a university, e.g. a high school diploma. In some countries pupils need to complete high school and take an extra test which qualifies them to study at a university.

Can I send my documents now without the APS certificate and provide it later if I am admitted?
Yes, you can send your documents now together with a letter stating that you will send the APS certificate later. As soon as you receive the APS certificate you can send it to us.

Is there any chance of transferring or considering my previous admission for KSOP to the upcoming semester?
Unfortunately there is no possibility to defer your admission to the next term. You need to apply again as the letter of acceptance is only valid for one intake.

I want to apply for the winter term but in the online application is only an option for the summer term.
If required information is missing in the drop down list of the online application form, please leave the field blank or choose the most appropriate option. Afterwards please add the right information handwritten on the printout of the form. Also please add on the printed application form that you are applying for the winter term 2013/14.

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

The program starts only in the winter term. The application deadline is July, 15th each year.

When does the winter term usually start?

The winter term starts at the beginning of October. For more information please see: http://www.kit.edu/study/index.php

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

There will be an orientation week for 1st semester students. It is organized by the KSOP Office and several student representatives in order to ease the administrative steps, schedule your time table as well as to get to know your study colleagues, the city and the campus.

Are German language skills mandatory?

German language skills are no precondition for the master program.

Where can I check my application status?

You can check your application status on the website where you filled out the online application form: https://movein-uni-karlsruhe.moveonnet.eu/movein/portal/login.php?_language=en

How do I apply for the KSOP scholarship?

After submitting your Master application online and via postal mail, you can apply for financial support at the same time. The application for the KSOP scholarship should be sent together with the complete application. Single scholarship applications without related application for the Master program are not accepted. Please attach a scholarship-related letter of recommendation Extra-curricular activities must not be proofed in form of a certificate, you can also mention those in your CV or letter of motivation. Only complete scholarship applications will be further processed. Letters of recommendation can be sent separately by the authors to Ms. Miriam Sonnenbichler: sonnenbichler@ksop.de

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

To strengthen you application you can get more background knowledge in optics & photonics, eg. by doing an internship in a related company or participate in a related research project or workshop. Also it is important to have good recommendation letters from your professors and to show your motivation related to Optics & Photonics in your motivation letter. Please be aware that very good grades and a profound knowledge in mathematics is mandatory for all applicants. We do not expect that you fulfill the GRE PHYSICS as an entry criteria. You can find a list of necessary application documents and selection criteria on the KSOP homepage: http://ksop.idschools.kit.edu/non-eu_applicants.php

Accommodation in Karlsruhe
Could you provide me any information on the general cost of living in Germany?
You should calculate from 500 to 800 Euros, depending on your accommodation and life style.

What sort of accommodation is available in Karlsruhe and what would be the likely cost?
Student housing and private living are available. The student residences have long waiting lists. Therefore we suggest you to register there early and to look for a flat on the private market in addition. In the city of Karlsruhe you should calculate around 200 250 Euro for a single room in student residences 250 350 Euro for a room in a shared flat 300 400 Euros for a one-person appartment 500 600 Euros for a flat for two persons Outside of Karlsruhe it could be cheaper. Please check the following link list to get an overview of the accommodation offers in and around Karlsruhe.

Accommodation in and around Karlsruhe

Since the accommodation situation in Karlsruhe is quite tense, we recommend you to apply for several housing options as soon as possible. University of Karlsruhe residences and private student residences:

Studentenwerk International Department (long waiting list!) Hans-Dickmann-Kolleg (HaDiKo) Hans-Freudenberg-Kolleg Insterburg ABH & RSH Hermann-Ehlers-Kolleg YOUNIQ residence list of further student residences (Adressen und Verzeichnisse)

Online ads:

Studenten AG Studenten Wohnungsmarkt WG-Gesucht

Hostels / hotels in Karlsruhe: Youth hostels : If you need to stay at the Youth hostel for some time until you have found another accommodation, please contact the OSKar students as they are members of the German Youth Hostels. For groups of at least 4 people there are special conditions. Hotels: http://www.karlsruhe.de/stadt/tourismus/uebernachtung.de (for English, click the British flag in the menu bar just under the picture of the palace) Gstehaus am Karlstor: http://www.hotelkarlsruhe.de Hotel am Gottesauer Schloss: http://www.hotel-gottesau.de/ Bed & breakfast rooms: http://www.karlsruhe.de/stadt/tourismus/tourismusservice/uebernachtung Other possibilities: Bulletin boards - in der Mensa / in the student cafeteria - in einzelnen Instituten / in some of the institutes Newspapers - Sperrmll (immer Freitags / every Friday) - Karlsruhe Anzeiger (Mittwochs und Freitags / Wednesdays and Fridays) - BNN (Mittwochs- oder Samtagsausgabe / Wednesday or Saturday edition) Agencies 7

- Fair-Schlafen Zimmervermittlung Frlenweg 6 76287 Rheinstetten 0721 - 951 3704 Zimmer@fair-schlafen.de EUR 50-60 pro Monat (zustzlich zur Miete) / per month (in addition to the rent) Your can find further information on housing and rentals on http://www.justlanded.com/english/Germany/Housing-Rentals

Erasmus Mailing List Karlsruhe You can subscribe to the Erasmus Mailing List Karlsruhe: https://www.lists.uni-karlsruhe.de/wws/subscribe/erasmus-in This list is organized by the student group AK Erasmus (www.ak-erasmus.de -> Mailinglisten -> Subscribe Erasmus-In). It is for undergraduate and Master students. If you inscribe, you will receive quite a lot of emails by other students. Sometimes they just invite to parties or they want to sell something (anything from cooking pot till bikes are available) and sometimes also rooms for rent are sent around this list. You can also send an email to this list if you need something (bike, room).

Financial Issues and working objectives

What is the cost of the program per year? Would a scholarship offer any financial support towards this on top of the 800 per month?
There are no program costs. You just have to pay a semester fee of 100 Euros. The scholarship of 800 Euros is enough to cover your living costs.

Are there opportunities to work at the KSOP institutes to earn some money?
Yes, KSOP institutes offer jobs as student assistants. As soon as you started your studies in Karlsruhe, you can apply directly at the institutes. Usually you can earn up to 400 Euros for 40 hours per month. However, this is up to the institutes how much they can offer to you. Also your work there will give you an insight into the KSOP research activities. Another option is to find a working student job in a company in Karlsruhe. As Karlsruhe is a real student city, companies also offer these work options.

Might there be opportunities to work outside of the semester dates assuming an internship or thesis project is not scheduled?
During the semester break exams and the internship are scheduled. But in Germany internships are paid from 500 to 700 Euros usually. And if you receive the scholarship, this will be on top.

Which scholarships could I apply for?

Have a look at the general scholarships available on: http://ksop.idschools.kit.edu/external_scholarship_providers.php Funding of the DAAD: https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/12359-findingscholarships/ With explanation of the application process: https://www.studyin.de/en/community/chat/--22170

How do I apply for the KSOP scholarship?

After submitting your Master application online and via postal mail, you can apply for financial support at the same time. The application for the KSOP scholarship should be sent together with the complete application. Single scholarship applications without related application for the Master program are not accepted. Please attach a scholarship-related letter of recommendation Extra-curricular activities must not be proofed in form of a certificate, you can also mention those in your CV or letter of motivation. Only complete scholarship applications will be further processed. Letters of recommendation can be sent separately by the authors to Ms. Miriam Sonnenbichler: sonnenbichler@ksop.de

KSOP Inscription
When do we receive an answer about the scholarship?
The decisions will be made by the middle of August.

What is your last deadline for handing in the TOEFL or IELTS examination score?
The latest deadline is the end of the first semester, but we prefer to receive the English certificate together with your application for the KSOP program.

What happens if I am late to attend the program, e.g. if I have trouble with my visa application?
In some cases the KSOP office can decide to extend the arrival date for the incoming students, but the latest arrival might be 2-3 weeks after the lectures have started and only if there is a certain problem, e.g. with the visa process.

Preparation of arrival
General information on your stay in Germany: http://www.justlanded.com/english/Germany

Its the first time I leave my country to Europe. Is there anyone from my country who may help me?
As soon as you have accepted the study place, you will receive contact details of a senior student from your country or region (KSOP buddy), who will guide you and answer your questions.

What transportation should I use when I arrive at Frankfurt/Munich airport and how do I get to Karlsruhe?
The easiest way to travel in Germany is by train. On every airport you may find an information desk of the German train system called Deutsche Bahn. There they will help you to find a train connection to Karlsruhe and you can buy the ticket. You can also search for a train connection in advance on: http://www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml. You should avoid using a Taxi since they might be much more expensive than you are used to.

How do I get to the International Department when I first arrive at Karlsruhe Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)?
Below you find various ways to get there by tram from Karlsruhe central train station. The exact times of departure are available on the website of the Karlsruher Verkehrsverbund: http://www.kvv.de/index.php Please take: Tram line 6 (direction Daxlanden), tram line S1,S11 (direction Hochstetten), tram line or tram line S4 (direction Bretten or Heilbronn). These trams leave the station about every 10 minutes. You must get off the tram at Marktplatz 10

and then walk about 2 minutes to the International Department, as seen on the map: Google Maps Please make sure to buy a ticket for the tram (EUR 2.20 per ride, available from ticket machines at stops or from the driver).

Which are the most important documents I should bring with me to Karlsruhe?
EU Students official admission letter passport Original certificates of B.Sc. degree or university diploma 2 passport pictures Non-EU Students official admission letter VISA, passport Original certificates of B.Sc. degree or university diploma 2 passport pictures Chinese, Vietnamese and Mongolian students also need an APS certificate of their graduation degrees from the German embassy in Beijing, Hanoi or Ulan Bator

What are the first necessary steps I have to do by the time I arrive at Karlsruhe?
We will inform you about all necessary steps at the orientation week together with the help of KSOP senior students. However the main basics will be: apply at the city-and foreigner office, open a bank account, contact a health insurance, and buy a mobile phone.

Enrollment at the KIT

Which documents do I need for the enrollment at the KIT University?
Please take with you: (but dont worry you will be informed about all necessary steps in advance) Admission Letter from KIT 1 passport-size photograph Originals of your application certificates with original translations (please bring also your transcript of your degree) If available: certification of sufficient health insurance with a recognized German insurance company (if not available, you can sign a contract with a health insurance company as soon as you arrive in Karlsruhe) Or: Certificate of waiver from a German recognized health insurance company, in case that you have a health insurance plan with a private company or if your insurance at home can be applied in Germany (this can also be checked with a local health insurance company as soon as you arrive in Karlsruhe) 11

Certificate of de-registration (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung) if you already have been registered with another German university Non-EU students: Passport with Student Visa

Is it necessary to have a health insurance?

Yes. In fact it is a prerequisite for the enrollment in KIT but you will have the possibility to contract one directly during the introduction week.

Where should I go to register myself as a foreigner to the new city and for Visa extension?
The closest city office from KSOP is the city center one: http://www.karlsruhe.de/b4/buergerdienste/oa/bbmitte.de and the Foreigner office is: http://www.karlsruhe.de/b4/buergerdienste/oa/ala. But dont worry about the registration, well assist you with that during the introduction week.

Living in Karlsruhe
Is it necessary to learn the German language before or with the program?
No, you do not need any German knowledge to study in KSOP. However for your daily life and your job perspectives in Germany it is very helpful to take the German language courses as a key competence during the 2 years of study.

Is the student card working as a tram ticket?

Yes, during the weekends and after 6 pm from Monday to Friday but you need to print out your matriculation certificate from the KIT student portal and have it with you, which is available after the semester has started.

What are common supermarkets, bars and shopping malls in Karlsruhe?

The most known supermarkets in Germany are: Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka. The biggest shopping mall in Karlsruhe is the Ettlinger Tor. You can find their locations on their websites or just ask a senior KSOP student.

Where can I buy a second hand bicycle?

Fahrradhaus Kramer: Hardtstr. 9 Mikes Bike Station: Sophienstr. 180 12

Rad & Tat: Waldstr. 58 Schfer: Gritznerstr. 1 Strebel & Co.: Zirkel 23 Sdstern: Erbprinzenstr. 4-12 Newspapers Quoka: http://www.quoka.de/karlsruhe/ Eukalyptus Ebay

Important Links
Blogs from international students in Germany: http://networkedblogs.com/wkQ0E Information about studying and working in Germany: http://www.study-in.de/en/ Chat-Series: Ask our Experts! http://www.study-in.de/en/chat/ Studying in Germany: http://www.justlanded.com/english/Germany http://www.young-germany.de/topic/study http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/ http://www.young-germany.de/topic/work

Working in Germany:

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