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Hi everyone,
I’m an international student in Germany, and I’m currently facing a very serious situation with my university. I’ve already submitted a formal appeal (Widerspruch), but I’m extremely stressed and would really appreciate any advice or similar experiences.
Here is my situation:
Before March 30, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to pay my health insurance on time. Because of that, I contacted my university in advance and asked for a deadline extension. They gave me time until April 13.
On April 4, I received the money and immediately tried to pay the insurance, but the payment was unexpectedly returned.
On April 13, I went to the bank and found out that part of my account was blocked due to a claim from the customs office (Hauptzollamt). I had NOT been informed about this before — I had not received any letters or notifications.
On the same day, a bank employee initiated the payment to the customs office. I also transferred money directly to my insurance company that day.
Because the process through customs took time, I contacted the university again. They extended my deadline first to April 18 and then to April 22.
The payment to the customs office was taken from my account on April 15 and arrived there on April 17. Due to the weekend, it was processed only on April 20. According to the information I received, the customs office forwarded the money to my insurance company on April 20.
However, on April 20, I was informed that my extension was no longer valid and that I would be exmatriculated.
On April 21, I was told that my case would be reviewed again.
On April 23, my insurance confirmed that the payment had arrived, but there was still a small remaining amount (4 euros), which I paid immediately the same day.
Also on April 23, I received four letters from the customs office for the first time:
– Two letters dated March 16 (informing me about the debt)
– Two letters dated April 20 (confirming that everything was already paid)
So I only learned about the debt on April 23, even though the letters were dated much earlier.
On April 28, the university confirmed that they received the notification from my current insurance (HEK), but at the same time they told me that I still had an issue with my previous insurance (AOK).
I went to AOK the same day and found out that I had a small penalty (6 euros) from a delayed payment a year ago. I paid it immediately.
On April 29, I received confirmation (both by phone and in person) that I have no more debts. AOK also told me they would send official confirmation to the university on April 30.
So now:
– All debts are fully paid
– Insurance is fully clarified
– The delay was caused by a customs issue I was not aware of
– I acted immediately whenever I had the possibility
Despite this, I have already been exmatriculated and I am now waiting for the result of my appeal.
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This situation is extremely stressful because my entire life here depends on my student status (housing, finances, future plans).
My questions:
– Has anyone experienced something similar in Germany?
– Do universities sometimes reverse exmatriculation in such cases?
– Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances?
Any advice or experience would mean a lot.
Thank you.