Do I have access to the university again?
Yes. Students may enter the university buildings to
- attend courses or examinations held on campus,
- visit the University Library,
- use the approved study and lounging areas/spaces,
- go to scheduled counselling appointments or use other services offered on campus.
- go to scheduled appointments offered by the faculties to inspect graded examinations, or
- use the services offered by Düsseldorf Student Services.
Please reduce the time you spend inside the buildings to a necessary minimum.
You need a 3G certificate to use the canteen in building 2 and to gain access to buildings 3–7 and 9.
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How do I meet the 3G requirements?
You meet the 3G requirements if…
…you have been vaccinated.
You must be fully vaccinated and must have received the final dose at least 14 days previously.
The vaccine(s) you received must be one or more of the following:
- Comirnaty by BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH
- Spikevax by Moderna Biotech Spain, S.L.
- Vaxzevria by AstraZeneca AB, Sweden or
- COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen by Janssen-Cilag International N.V.
…you have recovered from COVID-19. You have recovered status if
- the infection occurred at least 28 days and no more than 6 months ago, or
- you have recovered from the illness and have been vaccinated once.
Please note that you must have received a vaccine that is approved in Germany (see above).
…you have been tested. You are considered tested if you can present a certified negative test result from a rapid antigen test or a PCR test certified by a recognised laboratory, either of which must have been conducted no more than 24 hours previously.
Individuals who do not wish to be vaccinated are required to pay for testing themselves. The university does not cover testing costs or offer supervised self-testing.
A self-test you have taken will not be recognised.
A PCR test or a rapid antigen test conducted no more than six hours previously is only required in cases where people come together to sing without wearing masks.
If you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you still need proof of testing. For the time being, free rapid antigen tests funded by the Federal Government will continue to be available to you.
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I received a vaccine that is not approved in Germany. What can I do?
We recommend seeking medical advice regarding a booster vaccination.
Until you have received such a booster vaccination, you are required to provide proof of testing. If you have been administered a vaccine other than the four kinds approved in Germany, certified rapid antigen tests will continue to be free of charge for you until 31 December 2021.
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Where can I find the central 3G checkpoint and what are its opening hours?
Verification of the required 3G certificate takes place Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 17:00 in building 7.
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What do I need to remember with regard to the 3G checks?
Please present your 3G certificate at the central 3G checkpoint before your first course or appointment of the day and be prepared for random identity checks. You will then receive a wristband coloured according to the day of the week (“day wristband”), which is valid from the time it is handed out to the end of the same day as long as you wear it on your arm. Please note that once removed, the wristband loses its validity.
If you have been fully vaccinated or have recovered status, you can choose between a day wristband and a permanent immunisation wristband (recognisable by its special colouring). The immunisation wristband is also valid only for as long as you wear it on your arm.
You may conceal the wristband if you like, unless it is being checked. If you would like to conceal it, you can do so by covering it with clothing or other wristbands.
We recommend carrying the evidence with you as a digital certificate in the CovPass app, the Corona-Warn-App or as a QR code in paper form. However, it is of course also possible to present your vaccination record or other suitable paper-based proof.
Please make sure to bring official proof of identity (ID card or passport). Random identity checks will be carried out as part of the verification process, especially in the run-up to courses and examinations as well as to events open to the public.
In buildings with restricted access, you are required show your wristband to security or university staff members upon request; please also present it to the person in charge of your course without being asked when entering the room. Please make sure to keep the minimum distance to everyone around you during admission.
If you do not present a wristband and/or proof of identity, we will have no choice but to exclude you from the course.
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2. Organisation of studies
I began my studies at HSD in winter semester 2021/22. Where can I get information and tips for new students?
The
Faculty Student Committees (student representatives) usually organise introductory events for new students (the so-called freshers’ week). They are also here to help students of the respective faculty throughout the semester.
For other helpful tips, also regarding a digital start of your study programme, please go to
www.hs-duesseldorf.de/erstsemesterinfos (German only).
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Can I make face-to-face appointments with the Student Affairs Office/Student Support Centre? Where can I hand in documents personally?
Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, face-to-face services by the Student Support Centre are still suspended.
Please submit any enquiries concerning the Student Affairs Offices, Admissions Office, Student Advisory and Counselling Service (ZSB), Psychological Counselling Service (PSB), International Office (IO), Disability Services (ABS) or Family Support Centre to the respective facility via e-mail or telephone.
Contact details of the counselling services
To hand in documents, please use the letterbox in front of the main entrance on Münsterstraße 156, building 4.
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3. Courses and examinations
How can I inspect my graded examinations?
Inspecting examination papers shall generally be made possible.
Please first talk to the respective examiner directly.
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Are courses and examinations in winter semester 2021/22 held on campus again?
Yes, faculties have started teaching and conducting examinations on campus again. Alongside our bachelor’s and master’s programmes, this also applies to the continuing education opportunities we offer. However, some courses are still held in digital format. Please refer to the information provided by your faculty.
Please note that you need a 3G certificate to attend courses on campus.
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Am I required to wear a mask during courses and examinations held on campus?
Yes, you are required to continuously wear a mask during courses and examinations.
This does not apply to lecturers or individuals giving presentations nor to examiners and examinees during oral examinations, provided they keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres to one another.
If it is possible for all participants of a course to maintain the minimum distance of 1.5 metres to one another, the person in charge may allow everyone to take off their masks.
The person in charge may allow participants to take off their masks if required
for physical exercise.
The person in charge may allow participants to take off their masks if required
for playing wind instruments.
Singing without wearing a mask may only be permitted by the person in charge if all participants are either immunised or have taken a PCR test or rapid antigen test conducted no more than six hours previously.
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What do I need to keep in mind with regard to the minimum distance during courses and examinations held on campus?
Since only individuals who have presented a 3G certificate are allowed to attend courses and examinations, you do not necessarily have to keep the usual minimum distance. Nevertheless, wherever possible, please observe the commonly known rule on social distancing and spread out in the room as much as possible.
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Is the information regarding on-campus courses and examinations that is relevant to me available at a glance?
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Who can I talk to if I have questions about my studies or how to organise them?
Depending on the question you have, there are different people you can contact.
All HSD advisory and counselling units and service centres are here to help you.
The Student Advisory and Counselling Service (ZSB) provides confidential, open and unbiased advice on all student affairs.
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Points of contact within the faculties
Some faculties have their own Faculty Advisory and Counselling Service or contact persons for different study programmes, e.g. study programme directors.
You can find all faculty bodies here: https://www.hs-duesseldorf.de/hochschule/gremien/fachbereiche (German only)
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Points of contact in student government
Members of the Faculty Student Committees (German only) are the peer counsellors for all students of a faculty for any questions about studying. They can provide helpful tips, e.g. on how to organise your studies.
The AStA (student union) (German only) not only represents the student body, but also campaigns for the interests of all HSD students.
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Where can I find events to meet other students outside of my studies?
Various central facilities offer further education or personal development opportunities. In addition, there are events which focus on students getting to know one another.
Overview of cross-faculty offerings at HSD (German only)
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Who can I talk to if I have doubts about my studies, e.g. due to the form of study during the pandemic?
The Student Advisory and Counselling Service can help you when you have doubts about your studies. You can either ask for individual counselling and advice or participate in events where you can share your experience with others.
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Who can I talk to if I cannot motivate myself (any longer) to study (online)?
The Psychological Counselling Service can give individual and confidential advice and also provides support through workshops, e.g. on study-life balance and self-management.
There are numerous counselling and advisory units and service centres at HSD to support you throughout your studies.
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I am struggling financially as I no longer have a student job due to the coronavirus pandemic
In emergency situations, the AStA (student union) provides interest-free loans (German only) upon presentation of your ID card/passport and student ID card.
You can also get advice on the financing of your studies from the Student Advisory and Counselling Service (ZSB).
If you are looking for a side job or an internship, our Career Service (German only) can support you in your search and guide you through the application process.
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5. International exchange opportunities for students
Outgoing mobility
Can I apply for a period abroad at a partner university?
Definitely! The International Office nominates students at all partner universities and supports you in the planning of your stay. However, since the pandemic situation is constantly changing, please be prepared for some last-minute changes, e.g. when rising infection rates require the host country to modify its entry and quarantine regulations or force the host university to suspend the exchange at short notice. The International Office will of course let you know about any changes and point out current sources of information if needed.
Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Can I apply for an internship abroad?
If you obtain an internship abroad, whether or not you may enter the host country will depend on the regulations that are in place there. Please refer to the website of the consulate of your destination country, but also to the web pages of the Federal Foreign Office.
Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Can I also apply for a scholarship during the coronavirus pandemic?
Both the ERASMUS and the PROMOS programme still provide financial support for students on their periods abroad – whether for studies or an internship. So does the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through its UAS.International programme. Funding is only suspended if the Federal Foreign Office issues a “severe” travel warning.
Get in touch: outgoing@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Exchange students (incoming)
Can I apply for an exchange at HSD?
Yes, HSD welcomes all exchange students who have applied by the closing date. Please note the information regarding the application procedure on the website of the International Office.
The IO informs exchange students by e-mail about everything they need to be aware of with regard to the coronavirus pandemic.
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Will the courses I take during my exchange at HSD be held online or face-to-face?
The decision on how courses are held at HSD will depend on the pandemic situation and the applicable government regulations.
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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What do I have to consider when coming to Germany?
Entry regulations are constantly changing. Please check the current entry requirements in good time and regularly on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. You can find more information and important links on the website of the International Office. The IO will inform you about the current entry regulations before the start of your exchange and is available to answer any questions you may have.
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Do I have to self-isolate upon my arrival in Germany?
Please note that quarantine regulations change regularly. We ask you to regularly check the regulations currently in place. You can find the most important links regarding this topic on the website of the International Office. We recommend that you come to Düsseldorf early in case you are required to undergo home quarantine after your arrival.
The International Office is available to answer any questions you may have.
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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How can I organise food supplies if I have to self-isolate?
The International Office has prepared a guide to organising food during quarantine. You can find it on the IO’s website. Please let the International Office know as soon as possible if you are required to undergo home quarantine.
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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What should I do if I suspect I might have contracted COVID-19?
Please stay at home and avoid contact with others. Call the Corona Hotline of the City of Düsseldorf (T: +49 211 89 96090) and inform the International Office at HSD. Please stay calm – we are here to help you. If your symptoms get worse, please call the emergency medical service (T: 116 117) or, in case of an acute emergency, the emergency number (T: 112).
Get in touch: incoming@hs-duesseldorf.de
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International students
What do I have to consider when coming to Germany?
Entry regulations are constantly changing. Please check the current entry requirements in good time and regularly on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Feel free to contact the International Office if you have any questions.
Get in touch: internationalstudent@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Is there any financial support available for international students?
There is currently no emergency fund. Irrespective of the pandemic, the International Office awards the following scholarships:
For refugees: Beginning of Studies Grant and Studies Grant
Get in touch: refugee@hs-duesseldorf.de
For international students in the final phase of their studies: Completion of Studies Grant
Get in touch: internationalstudent@hs-duesseldorf.de
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I will soon have been abroad for more than six months. What happens to my residence permit?
Your residence permit for Germany loses its validity if you stay abroad for more than six months at a time. Due to the worldwide travel restrictions, there is one exception: If you are abroad and have no way to return to Germany within six months, you can apply for an extension of the deadline. This application must be submitted to the responsible foreigners’ registration office before the deadline and can be made informally, e.g. by e-mail.
Get in touch: internationalstudent@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Is the International Office still offering preparatory courses?
Yes, you can apply for the new courses until 31 Oktober 2021. They will probably start from January 2022 in a hybrid format, depending on the pandemic situation.
Get in touch: refugee@hs-duesseldorf.de
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Where can I find information on the application procedure for international applicants in times of the coronavirus crisis?
We have put together important information and changes due to the pandemic for you on our FAQ page.
Get in touch: degreeseeking@hs-duesseldorf.de
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6. Facilities for students
What regulations apply inside the University Library?
You do not need a 3G certificate to use the University Library. For more information on the services offered by the University Library,
please click here.
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Are counselling services for students available?
Information on counselling services
can be found here (German only).
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Are AStA (student union) and the faculty student committees offering their services on campus again?
Please check the respective websites of
AStA (German only) and the
faculty student committees (German only).
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Is the canteen open again?
The canteen has been open since 4 October. It offers a limited range of meals.
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Does university sports take place?
Yes, university sports takes place again. For more information,
please click here (German only).
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