University Admin for New Students at Uni Oldenburg: Enrollment, Fees, and Course Selection

Starting your studies at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is exciting, but the administration side can feel confusing at first. You may have questions like: How do I move from admission letter to real enrollment? When and how do I pay my semester contribution? What is Stud.IP and how do I actually register for courses?

This guide walks you step by step through the main admin tasks for new students at Uni Oldenburg, especially international degree students. We will look at the path from admission and enrollment, to paying fees, getting your CampusCard, using Stud.IP for your timetable, and understanding re-registration and exam registration. The goal is to give you a clear, practical overview so that you can focus more on learning, and less on paperwork.

How University Administration Works at Uni Oldenburg

Uni Oldenburg is a public university in Lower Saxony. Like other German universities, it follows a clear structure for applications, admissions, enrollment, and re-registration. Most basic processes are handled by three main offices: the Admissions Office, the Examinations Office, and Enrolment Affairs (Studierendenverwaltung) [1][2][3]. The International Office also plays an important role for international students, especially at the beginning of your stay [4].

Important points to remember from the start:

• You normally apply through central platforms (for example, uni-assist) if you received your previous education abroad [1].
• The Admissions Office decides whether you are admitted and sends your admission letter with conditions and deadlines [2].
• Only after you are properly enrolled, you can access Stud.IP, pay your semester contribution, and register for courses [3][5].

It helps to think of university admin as a circle: you enroll once at the beginning, then re-register every semester by paying your semester contribution, keep your contact details up to date, and finally de-register when you finish or leave the university.

From Admission Letter to Enrollment

For many international students, the first contact with Uni Oldenburg is through uni-assist. If you completed your previous education outside Germany, you usually apply online via uni-assist, which checks your documents and forwards your data to the university if you are formally eligible [1]. Only then can the Admissions Office make an admission decision.

Once your data is forwarded, the Admissions Office reviews your application and decides whether to admit you. According to the university’s admission FAQ, you will receive an admission decision by email some weeks after the application deadline, depending on whether your programme has restricted admission or open admission [2]. Your admission letter will include important information about:

• deadlines for enrollment,
• documents you must submit,
• whether you must show original documents on arrival,
• any conditions you must fulfil before full enrollment.

For international degree students, the Welcome Guide explains that you must confirm your enrollment with the Admissions Office after your arrival in Oldenburg. The exact requirements (for example health insurance proof, payment of the semester contribution, or visa/residence permit) are listed in your admission letter [6][7]. Exchange students are usually enrolled automatically by the International Office, but degree students must actively complete the process.

Before You Arrive in Oldenburg

Before travelling to Oldenburg, it is wise to read your admission letter very carefully and prepare the required documents. This often includes:

• your passport and visa,
• certified copies of previous certificates,
• proof of health insurance valid in Germany,
• payment of the semester contribution (or at least preparations to pay it quickly),
• passport photos for your CampusCard.

The university’s application pages for international students underline that you will only receive access to Stud.IP and other digital systems after successful enrollment. Applying early and following deadlines increases your chance of being enrolled in time to register for courses and receive any student support like BAföG or scholarships [3][5][8].

Confirming Your Enrollment On Campus

After you arrive in Oldenburg, you must follow the instructions in your admission letter and Welcome Guide. Typically, this involves visiting the Admissions Office or Student Service Centre (SSC) with your documents, showing proof of health insurance, and confirming that you have paid the semester contribution [4][6][7].

Once your enrollment is confirmed:

• you officially become a student of Uni Oldenburg,
• you receive or activate your CampusCard (student ID),
• you get your university account and email address,
• you will later receive login details for Stud.IP, the campus management and learning system [5][9].

From this point on, most of your important certificates and study-related information will be available online, so keeping your login details safe is essential.

Understanding the Semester Contribution and Other Costs

Uni Oldenburg is a state-funded university, so most programmes do not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester before they can enroll or re-register. This is a compulsory fee and is different from a tuition fee [4][10][11].

The university’s finances page explains that the semester contribution includes several parts: payment for the semester ticket, contributions to the Studierendenwerk (student services organisation), the student union (AStA), and smaller components such as a bicycle self-repair workshop and administration costs [10][11]. The exact total changes from time to time. As of the winter semester 2025/26, the contribution is around 415.80 euros per semester for most students [4][11].

The Studierendenwerk Oldenburg states that the semester fee is a minimum amount that every student must pay to re-register; the amount is different at each university, and they list Uni Oldenburg with a slightly lower amount for the previous year (around 386 euros as of winter semester 2024/25) [10]. This shows that fees can change from year to year, so always check the latest figures on the university’s website.

In addition to the semester contribution, you should budget for:

• monthly rent and utilities,
• health insurance contributions (if not covered in another way),
• books, printing, and study materials,
• everyday costs like food and local transport beyond the semester ticket [4][10].

For everyday budgeting and saving money on food, our guide on grocery shopping, drugstores, Pfand, and smart savings in Lower Saxony can help you plan realistic monthly costs.

Read more: Compare different cities and regions in Lower Saxony when planning your study budget and commute

CampusCard, University Account, and Stud.IP Access

Once your enrollment is completed and your semester contribution is paid, the university will process your data and issue your CampusCard (student ID) and login details. The CampusCard acts as your student ID, library card, and can be used in the cafeteria and for printing. It is also often used as your physical semester ticket if a chip card is provided [5][12].

The university’s CampusCard information states that you can download your enrollment and study certificates at any time in Stud.IP under “Study data – Student service – Notifications/certificates”. No other certificates are automatically mailed to you; you are expected to generate them yourself when needed [12]. This is important for visa extensions, BAföG, and other formalities.

Stud.IP is the central campus management and learning platform at Uni Oldenburg. It is described as the “study management center” of the university and is used for timetables, course registration, exam registration, group workspaces, and grade overviews [9][13]. Your login data (a short user name like abcd1234) is usually sent to you with your starting documents by the Admissions Office or becomes active after enrollment [9][11].

In Stud.IP you can:

• see your study data, certificates, and basic personal information,
• register for courses and modules,
• register for exams in many subjects,
• receive messages and announcements from teachers and the university [9][13][14].

Building Your First Timetable and Registering for Courses

After enrollment, one of your first practical tasks is to build your timetable. The university offers special information for first-year students about how to create a schedule and when to register for modules. Most of this happens around Orientation Week, just before the lecture period starts [11][15].

Understanding Modules and Course Types

Study programmes at Uni Oldenburg are organised into modules. Each module usually combines several teaching units such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, and sometimes practicals. You normally register for the module and its associated teaching units together. Some modules are compulsory; others are electives or part of your profile/area of specialisation.

The student guides and orientation pages explain that registration for modules and courses often happens via Stud.IP. In some departments, places in courses are initially distributed by a lottery system (Losverfahren) after students indicate their preferences for different groups, and additional free places are then assigned on a first-come, first-served basis [15][16]. This means you should follow the instructions from your department carefully and register during the main registration period.

Creating a Timetable in Stud.IP

The “Timetable for new students” page explains that you must essentially create your timetable digitally in Stud.IP. First, you use the study documents from your programme (for example the module handbook and study plan) to see which modules you should take in your first semester. Then you search for these modules and associated courses in Stud.IP and add them to your timetable [11].

Key points for timetable creation:

• Attend your department’s welcome and introduction events during Orientation Week. They will explain which modules to choose in your first semester.
• Use the module handbook and recommended study plan to see how many ECTS credits you should take.
• Register for the required modules and courses in Stud.IP within the given registration periods [11][15].
• Check regularly if you have been admitted to the courses or if you are still on a waiting list.

If you are unsure how to interpret German academic terms or emails from teachers, our article on communication, politeness, and everyday social norms in Lower Saxony can help you understand the tone and expectations in university messages.

Registration Deadlines and Lottery Procedures

Different departments may use slightly different registration systems, but many rely on a combination of registration periods and automated assignment of places in Stud.IP. For example, some course guides explain that registration opens around four weeks before the lecture period, and that course places are then allocated via a lottery for each module after students indicate their preferences [16]. After this lottery phase, any remaining places are opened for normal chronological registration.

Because of this system, being on time is important, but you should not panic if you do not receive a place on the first day. Often, places become free again when students adjust their timetables. It is common to check Stud.IP several times during the first weeks of the semester and attend welcome sessions where staff explain how their specific module registration works.

Exam Registration and Study Certificates

Registering for the courses is not always the same as registering for exams. The Examinations Office explains that many written examinations require separate registration through Stud.IP. You will find the available examinations under the menu item “Study – My study achievements/data – My exams” in Stud.IP [14][17]. For module examinations that cannot be registered online, paper forms are still used and must be submitted to the examiner.

General tips for exam registration:

• Check the exam registration periods for your degree programme early in the semester.
• Make sure that you register online for each written exam you plan to take.
• Keep confirmation emails or screenshots of your exam registrations.
• If something seems wrong (for example an exam is missing), contact your Examinations Office via the AskOne form before the deadline [14].

Your exam results and study certificates are usually available in Stud.IP after they are processed. As already mentioned, enrollment and study certificates can be downloaded under “Study data – Student service – Notifications/certificates” [12]. You will need these documents for visa extensions, health insurance, or scholarship applications.

Re-Registration Each Semester

Enrollment is not a one-time process. To continue your studies, you must re-register (Rückmeldung) every semester by paying the semester contribution within the re-registration period. The university’s re-registration page states that the usual periods are 1 July to 31 July for the following winter semester, and 15 January to 15 February for the following summer semester [18][19].

Re-registration is quite simple in practice:

• Shortly before the re-registration period, check the current semester contribution on the university website.
• Transfer the exact amount using the bank details and reference text given by the university.
• Wait for confirmation in Stud.IP that your payment has been received and that your status for the next semester is “re-registered”.
• If you miss the deadline, there may be a late fee or risk of losing your student status, so always act early [18][19].

The Serviceportal Niedersachsen describes the semester fee as a compulsory payment that every student must make before each semester in order to re-register. Without this payment, you cannot keep your student status, even if you still attend courses informally [11][18].

Where to Get Help With Admin Questions

It is normal to have questions or feel unsure about some steps. The good news is that Uni Oldenburg has several contact points for administrative help, especially for international students.

• Student InfoLine: The general information hotline that you can contact by phone or email for questions about application and enrollment [3][8].
• Admissions Office: Responsible for questions about applications, admissions, and enrollment, including international students [1][2][3].
• International Office: Offers a Welcome Service, Welcome Week events, and individual advising for international degree students and exchange students [4][6].
• Enrolment Affairs (Immatrikulationsamt): Handles changes in student status, de-registration, and some certificates [2][13].
• Examinations Office: Responsible for exam registration rules, module examinations, and handling of exam-related problems via AskOne [14][17].

During Welcome Week, departments and the International Office offer orientation events where you can ask practical questions about Stud.IP, timetable creation, and life in Oldenburg. Attending these events is one of the easiest ways to avoid admin mistakes and to meet other new students at the same time.

Outside the university, you can also use our guides on topics like integration courses in Oldenburg and Hannover or TestDaF exam centres in Lower Saxony if you are still improving your German or planning a later switch to a German-taught degree.

References

1. [1] University of Oldenburg. “International students – application through uni-assist.” Overview of application route for applicants with foreign prior education.
2. [2] University of Oldenburg. “Admission – Frequently asked questions for international students.” Explanation of admission decisions and programmes with or without restricted admission.
3. [3] University of Oldenburg. “International students – application and enrolment” and “Enrolment affairs – an overview.” General information on enrolment, deadlines, and forms for student status.
4. [4] University of Oldenburg. “International degree students – Study in Oldenburg.” General guidance on fees, semester contribution, and International Office support.
5. [5] University of Oldenburg. “Deadlines for application and enrolment.” Note that access to Stud.IP is only possible after successful enrolment.
6. [6] University of Oldenburg. “Welcome Guide for international students.” Section on enrolment for degree students and confirmation with the Admissions Office after arrival.
7. [7] University of Oldenburg. “Finances: Tuition, costs and scholarships.” Includes current information on semester contribution (around EUR 415.80 as of winter semester 2025/26).
8. [8] University of Oldenburg. “International students – application.” Contact details for Student InfoLine (phone and email) and basic information on international applications.
9. [9] University of Oldenburg. “Stud.IP / Campus management system.” Description of Stud.IP as the study management centre, including timetable and exam registration functions.
10. [10] Studierendenwerk Oldenburg. “Semester fee – What does my study cost?” Explanation of semester fee as a compulsory payment and approximate amount for Uni Oldenburg (around EUR 386 in winter semester 2024/25).
11. [11] Serviceportal Niedersachsen. General description of the semester fee as a compulsory fee to be paid before each semester for re-registration.
12. [12] University of Oldenburg. “CampusCard for students.” Explanation of self-service download of enrolment and study certificates via Stud.IP.
13. [13] University of Oldenburg. “Enrolment affairs – FAQ.” Information on de-registration via Stud.IP and regulations for student status.
14. [14] University of Oldenburg. “Exams” and “FAQ Examinations Office.” Information on online exam registration via Stud.IP and AskOne contact form for exam questions.
15. [15] University of Oldenburg. “Dates – specially for first-year students.” Guidance on registering for modules via Stud.IP during Orientation Week.
16. [16] University of Oldenburg. “Courses” (English/American Studies). Example explanation of course registration via Stud.IP, including lottery procedures and later chronological registration.
17. [17] University of Oldenburg. “Timetable for new students.” Instructions for creating a personal timetable and course registration in Stud.IP.
18. [18] University of Oldenburg. “Re-registration – continue studying!” Re-registration periods (1–31 July for winter semester, 15 January–15 February for summer semester).
19. [19] University of Oldenburg. “Frequently asked questions for the Admissions Office.” Additional notes on re-registration, semester contributions, and student status.