Visa for studying

Are you interested in studying in Germany? A German degree opens many doors. There is a wide range of international study programmes and the fees are low. With this in mind, you can obtain a visa for the purpose of studying in Germany. A residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is also valid for preparatory measures prior to enrolment in higher education, such as language courses, preparatory courses for university admission or similar institutions, or doctoral studies at a German university.

To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “Do I need a visa?” section.

What are the requirements to receive a visa for studying?

• You have been admitted to a state-recognised higher education institution in Germany. To find out how to apply for a place on a study programme in Germany, see the “Studies in Germany” section.
• You are able to cover your living costs for the duration of your study programme. You can prove that you have sufficient funds through a blocked bank account (at least €11,208 in 2024; at least €11,904 in 2025), a scholarship or a declaration of commitment.
• Some programmes require a certain level of language proficiency, usually level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You must prove your language skills to the German embassy or consulate.

Do you meet the above requirements? Then find out about how the entry and visa process works.

What opportunities does a student visa offer?

Residence permits for study purposes are usually issued for an initial period of two years. If you have not obtained your degree within this period, you can request to have your residence permit renewed for a further two years.

During your time at university, you can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. You can take part-time student jobs for an unlimited period.

Staying in Germany after graduation

After successfully completing your degree, you can extend your stay in Germany by applying for a residence permit for jobseekers under Section 20 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). The residence permit is issued for up to 18 months as a means of finding skilled employment in Germany. You can work in any occupation while looking for skilled employment. As soon as you have found a qualified employment position, you can apply to convert your residence permit for study purposes into a residence permit for skilled workers or an EU Blue Card. You can find out more about the opportunities available to you while you study in Germany and after you graduate in the “Prospects after graduation” section.

Mobility arrangements for international students

Do you have a student visa from another EU country and would like to study in Germany for a while? If your stay in Germany does not exceed 360 days, you do not need a residence title for Germany. However, the host educational institution in Germany must inform the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the competent authority in the other EU Member State about your intended study period in Germany. There are a number of documents that need to be submitted to the authorities when they are notified of your plans to study abroad.

Visa for seeking a place in higher education

Have you decided to study in Germany but have not yet been admitted to a higher education institution? If you meet certain requirements, you may be entitled to enter Germany on a visa for seeking a place in higher education under Section 17 (2) of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “Do I need a visa?” section.

What are the requirements for a visa for seeking a place in higher education?

• You can prove that you have a school-leaving certificate that entitles you to study at a German higher education institution or attend a preparatory course for university admission.
• You meet the language requirements for your chosen study programme. Contact your local German embassy or consulate to find out which documents are required.
• You can cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay. You can prove this by opening a blocked bank account with a minimum of €1,027 per month (in 2024) or by submitting a declaration of commitment.

Do you meet the above requirements? Then find out about how the entry and visa process works.

What opportunities does a visa for the purpose of seeking a place in higher education?

A visa or residence permit for the purpose of seeking a place in higher education allows you to stay in Germany for up to nine months. During this time, you can apply for a place at a university or for a preparatory measure prior to enrolment in higher education. Examples of preparatory measures include attending a language course or a preparatory course for university admission. A residence permit for seeking a place in higher education cannot be renewed for the same purpose.

During this time, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week. You also have the opportunity to complete up to two weeks of trial work. This means that you can earn some money during your stay for seeking a place in higher education.

Have you been admitted to a higher education institution in Germany or to a preparatory course for university admission? Then you can apply to your local foreigners authority for a residence permit for the purpose of studying under Section 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG).