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Securing funding
yourself financially during your time in Germany. The question of financing your studies in Germany is vital. If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA and need a temporary residence title for the purpose of studying, you have to prove that you have the financial means to study and live in Germany. To this end, you can set up a blocked bank account in Germany with a minimum amount of €11,904 (as of 2025). Alternatively, you can ask friends or relatives in Germany to hand in a Declaration of Commitment [...] You can find out more about funding options from DAAD and other selected funding organisations for international students on the DAAD website. Cost of living How much money do you need on average in order to live while studying in Germany? You will find detailed information on the cost of living during your studies in Germany on the Study in Germany website. Financing your studies Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web DAAD Scholarship database [...] can find more information on proof of financial means on the Study in Germany website. Making enquiries about scholarships Would you like to fund your studies by means of a scholarship? Numerous institutions in Germany provide financial support on a monthly basis to students who meet certain requirements (e.g. extraordinary grades or commitment to social responsibility). However, you need to be aware that scholarships in Germany are rarely awarded from the first semester onwards. Students in higher
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Arrival
open a current account with a bank in Germany as soon as possible. Most institutions offer an account of this sort free of charge for students. You will find more information, for example what documents you require in order to apply for an account, in the " Living in Germany " section. Find a dormitory Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Settling in Germany Information on the web Study in Germany How to find accommodation in Germany Print page share on LinkedIn share [...] Arrival Finding a flat, registering your residence and opening a bank account – those are the first steps you should take in Germany. Finding accommodation Many students in Germany live in halls of residence. The rooms are affordable and you can get to know other students quickly. The “ Find student hall ” option on the Study in Germany website will assist you in the process of looking for a hall of residence in the area of your preferred university. Additionally, DAAD provides comprehensive information [...] services on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk . The International Office at your university will also help you with your search. You will find more information on finding accommodation in Germany in the " Living in Germany " section. Registering your place of residence Every time you move houses in Germany, you need to register with the Residents' Registration Office. You have 14 days to do so, once you have found accommodation. You can also register your new address at the Citizens' Registration
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Prospects after graduation
a doctorate . Germany’s universities, research institutions and research companies welcome international researchers – and the German doctorate is highly regarded around the world. The Research in Germany portal provides key information on doing a doctorate in Germany, including funding and support opportunities. In Germany, most doctoral students either work at a university or receive a grant for their research. If you are from a third country and want to do a doctorate in Germany, you will need [...] job, as long as the expected salary is sufficient to cover your living costs. The foreigners authority is the sole decision-making body in this matter. Info box If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland, you can live and work in Germany without any restrictions. You can find out more in the " Information for EU citizens " section. Become self-employed There are many reasons to become self-employed in Germany. If you are interested, you might want to contact a start-up advisory [...] Before you apply, find out from the foreigners authority what documents you need to submit. Please beware If you wish to continue living in Germany after your studies, you must apply for the appropriate residence title before your study permit expires. Tips for job hunting Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? Job listings: Find the right position in Germany share on LinkedIn share on X (before: Twitter) share on Facebook share on WhatsApp mail
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Do I qualify for vocational training?
training? Would you like to complete vocational training in Germany? In this category, you will learn more about the requirements to be able to undergo vocational training in Germany. Citizens of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland You are welcome to start vocational training in Germany at any time. You do not require a visa for entering Germany or for starting a vocational training programme. If you would like to live in Germany, you only have to register as a resident at a local Residents' [...] this subject can be found here . Citizens from other countries You are welcome to start vocational training in Germany. In order to do so, you will need a visa for vocational training . You can apply for a visa at the German mission abroad in your country. To be granted a visa, you have to meet the following requirements: You have found a vocational training place at a company in Germany. If it is a dual or in-company vocational training, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve your vocational [...] conditions. This will generally be verified during the visa procedure. You must be able to cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay. In general, this means that you must provide evidence of having at least €959 per month (as of 2025) at your disposal. If you plan on taking part in a school-based vocational training programme, you can provide evidence of being able to cover your living costs by opening a blocked bank account or submitting a declaration of commitment . If you plan on
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How do I find vocational training?
find a selection of important point of contact preparing you for you arrival in Germany. Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? Job listings: Find the right position in Germany Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Settling in Germany Information on the web Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) Info paper: The dual vocational training system in Germany Federal Employment Agency (BA) Tips for writing job applications Federal Institute [...] Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). “Working and Living in Germany“ hotline: the telephone counselling service of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency can help you with your questions. Funding programmes and financial support Aside from support in terms of content, there is also financial help which can facilitate the process of starting vocational training. Please note that you must be in Germany to benefit from most options for funding and that [...] How do I find vocational training? In Germany, there are almost 350 dual vocational training occupations: here, you will find several tips on how to find the vocational training programme which suits your expectations and wishes. Choosing the right vocational training is a decisive step for your professional future. But how do you find out which path suits you the best? What do you have to consider during your application in Germany? In this section, we will explain step by step how to apply successfully
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