Studying in Germany:
Requirements, Visas and Prospects

You can study at a German university if you meet certain requirements. You need an offer from a university (study place), a recognised school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for a study programme in Germany, and you usually must provide proof of your language skills. If you are from a third country, you will also need a visa. To obtain a visa, you must also prove that you have sufficient financial resources. 

Further information is available in the Quick-Check and in the “Requirements for studying” section.

If you want to study or do a doctorate at a public university, you will not have to pay any tuition fees in most cases. Only a small semester contribution of €300 per semester (6 months) on average is payable. In some cases, this includes a semester ticket. The semester ticket allows you to use bus and train services in the region free of charge. Additional costs include accommodation, food, and leisure activities. You can find out what other costs you should take into account in the “Requirements for studying” section.

In order to obtain a visa to study, you must prove that you can cover your living expenses during your stay. The amount you need to provide proof for is updated every year. You can provide proof for your financial situation either through a blocked account, a Declaration of Commitment or a scholarship.

• A blocked account can be opened at a bank or similar service provider. The amount you deposit is blocked, and you can only withdraw a certain amount each month.
• In a Declaration of Commitment, persons living in Germany undertake to be financially responsible for your stay or to act as guarantor.
• A scholarship is a monthly payment that you receive from a funding institution and does not have to be repaid. 

Further information on the requirements for a visa can be found in the “Visa for studying” section.

International students are allowed to work 140 full days (eight hours per day) or 280 half days (four hours per day) per year alongside their studies. These restrictions do not apply to student assistant jobs (e.g., at the university). With permission from the foreigners authority, international students can also do an internship or work on a self-employed basis during their studies. Income from part-time employment can be used as proof of financial means when extending your residence permit. You can find more information on this topic in the “Study and work” section.

A scholarship is a form of financial support that does not have to be repaid. Students and doctoral candidates can apply for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), for example. Some private and charitable institutions (e.g., churches) also provide financial support to students from abroad. It is generally helpful to find out about opportunities and apply early. A letter of motivation is often required. In addition to good academic performance, social factors and extracurricular activities are usually taken into account when awarding scholarships. 

Information on various scholarship programmes is available in the DAAD database (External link) .