Late Arrival

What does "Late Arrival" mean?

International students should be in Bayreuth for the start of the lecture period. “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 relevant contact person for your degree programme as early as possible.
international students please also inform the Welcome Center.
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?

SUMMERSEMESTER

WINTER SEMESTER

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 Semester Hide

..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 Semester Hide

..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.