Questions About Moving to a New City for University With a Duldung

Question

Hello,

I am a Palestinian from Lebanon living in Berlin with a Duldung (approximately 13 months validity). I have been in Germany for about 1.5 years. I am currently exploring options for my future, and I have several questions:

1. University Acceptance:
If I receive an acceptance letter from a university in Duisburg (or any other city), what steps do I need to take to move to the new city?

Does the government assist with financial support for moving until I begin my studies?



2. Residence Permit:

If I start studying at a university, will my Duldung status change to a more stable residence permit?

Will I be allowed to visit my home country at any point during or after my studies?



3. Financial Support:

Am I eligible for BAföG or any other form of financial assistance as a student with a Duldung?

If not, are there alternative financial aid options available for me?



4. Education and Career Path:

I have already obtained a C1 certificate in German. Would you recommend continuing English or German language studies alongside my university education?

I have a Lebanese high school certificate, which makes it easier for me to get university acceptance than securing an Ausbildung position. However, is an Ausbildung a better option for long-term stability in my case?



5. Other Considerations:

Will I need to reapply for housing in the new city? If so, how does the process work for someone in my situation?

Is there any advice or specific challenges I should prepare for as someone with a Duldung transitioning to university life in another city?




I would appreciate any guidance or resources that can help me understand my options and make informed decisions.

Thank you for your support!

Answer 1

Hello @aaudi624 and welcome back at Wefugees!

I will try to answer some of your questions, but in general I would highly recommend you to get some individual counselling in a migration counselling office to elaborate on your options and the next steps to take. In Berlin you find numerous well experienced, free of charge and confidential counselling services. You may use this search engine to find the respective contact details.

If I see it correctly, my colleague was also providing information on some of your questions in one of your earlier opened threads here. Maybe you want to check his answer again (especially in light of your first and third question).

If you want to move to study, you have to submit an application to change the residence requirement (Wohnsitzauflage) at the immigration office. As far as I know, they will also involve the immigration office at the place where you want to move.

Regarding your status: Unfortunately, it will not change just because you are enrolled at the university. I am not a lawyer, but as far as I know, you would need to re-enter with the respective visa in order to get the residence permit according to section 16b of the German Residence Act (for students). Generally speaking though, the better you are qualified and integrate yourself in Germany, the better your prospects for residency will be in the long-run.

As far as I know, you may be able to receive Bafög now, since you are in Germany for more than 15 months (which is the minimum to be eligible).

I would really discuss with an expert in a migration counselling office whether it makes sense for you personally to switch to a training occupation (making an Ausblildung). This depends on many factors.

I hope that the information helps you a little further and please let us know if you struggle to find counselling services or if you have any other question.

All the best,

Meike