Support services
Support services for international students during their studies
Studying in a new cultural and academic environment can bring with it many challenges. In order to enable international students to have a successful and smooth study period, we offer targeted support services.
This page informs you about advice centers, events, funding opportunities and practical help that you can take advantage of during your studies.
Advice centers:
Do you have any questions or would you like to schedule a personal advising appointment?
Write us an e-mail!
Help and Advice on Discrimination
Unfortunately, discrimination is still part of our everyday lives. It should always be taken seriously.
There are various contact points inside and outside KIT that you can turn to.
Anti-discrimination office of the KIT
The Anti-Discrimination Office is an independent point of contact for all members and affiliates of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). We are committed to respectful, non-discriminatory coexistence on campus - regardless of origin, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.
To the anti-discrimination office of the KIT
International Student Hub
The International Student Hub offers international degree-seeking students comprehensive advice and support.
A visit is possible without prior appointment.
We answer questions about studying and living in Karlsruhe, refer you to the relevant offices if necessary, provide support with personal or organizational challenges and provide information on topics such as financing your studies and leisure activities.
The International Student Hub is located on Campus South.
Address:
Campus South, Building 01.90
Kaiserstraße 14
76131 Karlsruhe
Opening hours:
Every week from Tuesday to Thursday between 11:00 and 13:00 hrs.
Workshops for Latecomers
Start well informed at KIT! This fast-track workshop is your all-access pass. It summarizes the entire orientation program for international students and provides you with all the important information you need to get off to a seamless start.
We cover the four pillars of your successful start:
- Immigration & Enrollment: your guide to registering in Germany (residence permit, housing registration, health insurance, etc.).
- Home Sweet Home: Tips on finding accommodation.
- Academic Toolkit: Everything you need to know about the campus management system (CAS, KIT ILIAS, KIT e-mail).
- Social Life/Networking: How to build your social life in and around the university and Karlsruhe.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- The number of places is limited to 20.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus (please select one of the four dates there).
Workshop: Crossing Cultures
Intercultural competence means more than just being polite. In an increasingly diverse world, it is crucial to understand cultural differences - and to approach them with awareness and respect. This interactive workshop provides tools to reflect on your own cultural perspective, recognize potential misunderstandings and build confidence in communicating between cultures.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- Snacks will be provided.
- The number of places is limited to 20.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
Workshop: Everyday Life in Germany
New in Germany?
Join us to get tips for everyday life through shared experiences and ideas.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- Catering is provided.
- The number of places is limited to 20.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
Workshop: Students with Experiences of Racism
Do you experience racism in everyday life or at university?
Do you sometimes feel alone or misunderstood?
In this empowerment workshop, you will find a safe space in which you can
- can exchange ideas with other people affected,
- share experiences,
- draw strength together and
- develop new strategies for setting boundaries and demanding respect.
Whether it is everyday racism or institutional racism - here you will meet people who have experienced similar things. Together we want to activate our strengths, support each other and develop strategies for study and everyday life to strengthen your self-awareness and make you more self-confident.
The workshop will be led by Dr. Kidist Hailu (intercultural consultant & coach for personal development). It will take place in a safe space so that people affected by racism and discrimination can feel safe and supported to openly exchange and share their own experiences.
The exact name of the room will be announced by e-mail after registration.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- Snacks will be provided.
- The number of places is limited to 10.
- Workshop language is German; contributions in English are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
Workshop: Women in Tech Studies
This one-day workshop offers international female students at KIT a space for networking, exchange and reflection. The aim is to find out together what strengthens female students in their studies at KIT and what they may be missing. In interactive workshop units, personal experiences are shared, needs are identified and strategies are developed to make studying at KIT self-determined and successful.
The day will be accompanied by moderated discussion rounds, creative methods and practical exercises for self-reflection and networking.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- Catering will be provided.
- The number of places is limited to 20.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
About the speaker:
Anna Bakinovskaia works as a freelance cultural project manager and consultant for diversity, inclusion and organizational development and is involved in voluntary work. She studied in Minsk and Grenoble and, after working in Vilnius and Karlsruhe, worked at Theater Rampe in Stuttgart. Until November 2024, she worked at Musik der Jahrhunderte with a focus on artists in exile.
Exchange: Navigating Stress in Student Life
Studying abroad can be stressful.
Take part and acquire skills in dealing with academic and personal stress.
- Participation is free of charge.
- Catering is provided.
- The number of places is limited to 20.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
Get together: Winter Holiday Café
It's time to relax your mind, treat your taste buds to some traditional German snacks and meet new people.
General conditions:
- Participation is free of charge.
- Catering is provided.
- The number of places is limited to 30.
- Workshop language is English; contributions in German are welcome and will be understood.
- Registration via Campus Plus.
Networking: International Café
The International Café of the Buddy Program is a place for intercultural exchange - for all students.
In cooperation with the House of Competence (HoC), we prepare games to help you get to know each other. In addition, there is a new, free surprise drink every time.
The Studierendenwerk also supports this event and at our information tables we offer comprehensive advice on the various support services provided by KIT to help you cope with the daily challenges of studying.
The International Café takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 17:00 hrs to 19:30 hrs in the Vielmetter-Saal (Student House).
Further information and registration
