BTU Cottbus proudly hosts nearly 1.000 international students which is approximately 20 % of the entire student population at this university. The International Office plays a leading role in welcoming, orienting, integrating and supporting international students. The staffs of the International Office, together with student volunteers, provide registration and orientation services which are intended to ensure a smooth adjustment to university life at BTU Cottbus. Specifically, the International Office serves as a first contact point for international students, offering not only support in the enrolment process but also helping them to come to terms with German bureaucracy especially in the areas of health insurance, housing, residency and visa requirements and opening a bank account.

Furthermore, the International Office offers an array of ongoing cultural, social and academic programmes designed to foster rapid integration into the university community. Special care will be taken to assist students with small children.  BTU Cottbus offers an orientation programme which begins with an official welcoming reception and continues e.g. with city and regional tours, workshops, social events, “open-door” sample lectures and information about the cultural institutions of the city..  A special afternoon seminar during the orientation week prior to the beginning of the Fall/Winter semester provides international students with information about the customs and cultural particularities of living and studying in Germany.

International students are also supported by student coaches and advisors in their respective faculties while the cultural and social activities sponsored throughout the year by the International Office allow for good integration of international students into both the city and the university.

The Language Centre at BTU offers intensive language course for international students. These courses are offered before the beginning of each new semester and during the semester and are normally free of charge. International students receive printed material containing information about visa and residency regulations, housing, health insurance, public transportation, social life, student activities as well as cultural and sporting activities with their letters of admission.

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