Late Arrival - International Students
What does "Late Arrival" mean?
International students should be in Bayreuth for the start of the lecture period. For the Summer Semester 2026 this is the 13 April 2026 at the latest.
“Late Arrival” therefore means arriving in Bayreuth after lectures have begun.
If you are unable to arrive on time for the start of lectures:
- please inform the Welcome Center and the relevant contact person for your degree programme as early as possible.
- in exceptional cases, arrival with a delay of 1-3 weeks is possible, but not ideal. To ensure a smooth start to your your studies, please arrive on time.
- the University of Bayreuth does not offer any support for arrivals that are even later!
Should you be unable to arrive during the specified period of 1 to 3 weeks after the start of lectures this semester, we recommend that you apply in a timely manner for re-admission for the next intake semester so that you can begin your studies under favorable conditions.
What problems arise if I arrive late?
STANDARD STUDY DURATION
- Bachelor's programmes 6-8 Semesters, often with a maximum duration of 8 semesters.
- Master's progammes 4 semesters, with a maximum duration of 6 semesters.
- If you require more time for your studies, you will need a valid reason (eg illness proven by a medical certificate) to extend the period of your study.
STUDY ORGANISATION AND ATTENDANCE
- As soon as you are enrolled, your semesters are counted - even if you are not yet in Bayreuth!
- Complusory attendance - No online or remote study.
- Worst case: You are officially in your third semester and still have not arrived in Bayreuth.
ACADEMIC LEGAL ASPECTS
- Highly problematic in case of conditional admission eg module requirements, language certificates, documents etc.
- For some degree programmes, there are mandatory events at the beginning of the lecture period without which the degree programme cannot be started.
- Some degree programmes cannot be started without safety or laboratory training.
INSURANCE / VISA / FINANCE
- Even when you are not in Germany, you must still pay the costs for German health insurance. The contribution obligation begins when you sign the insurance contract. If you enter Germany at a later date,
the contributions accrued since the contract was signed must be paid retrospectively. - You may face problems with your visa, residence permit and finances.
I will not be in Bayreuth on time - what are my options?
We have listed the options available to you if you are unable to arrive in Bayreuth on time.
Please read carefully to determine the best course of action for your current situation.
If you would like to defer the start of your studies to a later semester, please also apply for new admission for the next possible semester in which you can begin your degree programme. To do so, you will need to reapply in your applicant account on the CAMPUSonline portal.
If you are already enrolled, and re-enrolment does not result in any disadvantages for you, you do not need to reapply.
You are not yet enrolled
Do NOT enrol if you cannot guarantee your arrival by | Advantage: |
If you have been admitted to a degree programme and If this is no longer possible, please contact |
|
You have enrolled for the first time in the Summer Semester 2026
If you are already enrolled, you can cancel your enrolment. You can find out how to apply for withdrawal from enrolment under De-Registration.
Withdrawal from enrolment by 14 April | Advantages:
|
Withdrawal from enrolment from 15 April to 11 May | Advantages:
BUT:
|
Withdrawal from enrolment AFTER the 11 May | BUT:
|
We strongly advise withdrawal from enrolment as soon as possible if you are unable to attend the following events in Bayreuth:
• (mandatory) Introductory Events
• Safety amd Laboratory Instructions
• Orientation Week (international students)
If you remain enrolled despite being unable to arrive on time, experience shows that you are likely to encounter significant academic and organisational challenges that could seriously undermine your chances of success.
You are still not in Bayreuth, and first enrolled in the Winter Semester 2025/2026..
- ..in a study programme that also starts in the Summer SemesterHide
-
..in a study programme that also starts in the Summer Semester:
You have since withdrawn from enrolment:
Then please reapply for the Summer Semester 2026.
You are still enrolled:
Then please re-enrol for the Summer Semester and arrive ideally by the 1 April 2026 at the latest.
International students can therefore ensure that they can participant in the Orientation Week and other mandatory events at the beginning of the lecture period ensuring a successful start to their studies in Bayreuth.
BUT - Please note, if you remained enrolled, or withdrew from enrolment after the 10 November 2025:
- Your first semester will be counted.
- When you enrol or re-register for the Summer Semester 2026, you will already be in your second semester.
- Deadlines for examinations and admission requirements are active! These must be fulfilled by the end of the first year. If they are not, you will be unable to continue into the third semester resulting in the discontinuation of your studies.
- ..in a study programme that only starts in the Winter SemesterHide
-
..in a study programme that only starts in the Winter Semester:
You have since withdrawn from enrolment:
Then please apply for the Winter Semester 2026/2027.
You are still enrolled:
Then DO NOT re-register for the Summer Semester 2026. Please reapply for the Winter Semester 2026/2027. Depending on whether the Winter Semester has already been counted as your first semester or not, you will receive a new admission for either the first or second semester.
BUT - Please note, if you remained enrolled, or withdrew from enrolment after the 10 November 2025:
- Your first semester will be counted.
- When you enrol or re-register for the Winter Semester 2026/2027 you will already be in your second semester.
- Deadlines for examinations and admission requirements are active! These must be fulfilled by the end of the first year. If they are not, you will be unable to continue into the third semester resulting in the discontinuation of your studies.
How do I obtain a new admission for a later semester?
Please note: To obtain re-admission, you must reapply for the semester in which you wish to begin your studies within the regular application deadlines using your existing CAMPUSonline accounts. You will need to upload all your application documents again. Admission is usually granted as long as there have been no significant changes to the admission criteria and that the programme continues to be offered.