Would you like to study in Germany? A German degree opens many doors. There is a wide range of international study programmes and fees are low. For this purpose, obtaining a visa to study in Germany is a great option. A residence permit in accordance with Section 16(b) on the Residence Act - AufenthG also applies to preparatory measures taken prior to attending a higher education institution, such as language courses, attending preparatory colleges or similar facilities or doctoral studies as part of a full-time program at a German higher education institution.

To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see Who Needs a Visa?

What are the requirements to receive a visa for studying?

• You have been accepted to an officially recognised higher education institution in Germany. To learn about how to apply to study at a German university, see Study.
• You can provide proof of a secondary school diploma enabling you to study at a higher education institution or proof of a recognised degree or diploma from a higher education institution.
• You can cover your costs of living for the duration of your studies. This can be done by way of a blocked bank account (with at least €11,208 per year as of 2023), a scholarship or a declaration of commitment.
• You might be required to provide proof of the language skills to the German Embassy or Consulate depending on the admission requirements for your study programme. If you are required to provide proof of your German language skills, you will generally have to be at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Do you meet these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.

What opportunities does the visa for studying offer?

The residence permit for study purposes can be issued for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. If you have not obtained your degree within this time, you can request to have your residence permit extended.

Throughout your studies, you may work 120 full days or 240 half days, in addition to performing student jobs.

Staying in Germany after obtaining your degree

After successfully obtaining your degree, you can extend your stay in Germany by applying for a residence permit for jobseekers in accordance with Section 20 (3) no. 1 on the Residence Act - AufenthG. The residence permit is issued for up to 18 months as a means to find qualified employment in Germany. You are allowed to perform any job while searching for qualified employment. As soon as you have received a job offer, you can apply to have your residence permit for study purposes converted into a work permit for qualified professionals or into an EU Blue Card. Further information regarding the options available to you while studying in Germany and after obtaining your degree can be found in the Prospects After Graduation section.

Mobility arrangements for international students

Do you hold a study visa from another EU Member State? Would you like to complete part of your studies in Germany? If your stay in Germany is no longer than 360 days, a residence title for Germany is not required. However, you must inform the competent authority in the other EU Member State as well as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) about your plans to stay in Germany for study purposes.

Various documents must be presented when informing the authorities about your plans to study elsewhere.

Visa for the purpose of applying for a course of study

Did you decide to attend a higher education institution in Germany but have yet to be admitted? If certain requirements are met, you may be entitled to enter Germany with a visa for the purpose of applying for a course of study in accordance with Section 17 (2) on the Residence Act - AufenthG.

See Who Needs a Visa? to find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany.

What are the requirements to receive a visa for the purpose of applying for a course of study?

• You must provide proof of a school-leaving certificate that immediately enables you to study at a German university or a college-level institution.
• You fulfil the language requirements for the course of study in question. Consult your local German Embassy or Consulate to find out which documents are required.
• Your costs of living are covered for the entire duration of your stay, as you will not be able to obtain employment during this time. You can provide proof of being able to cover living costs by opening a blocked account with at least €1,027 per month (as of 2023) or by submitting a Declaration of Commitment.

Do you fulfil these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.

What opportunities does a visa for the purpose of applying to a course of study offer?

The visa or residence permit for the purpose of applying for a course of study enables you to stay in Germany for up to 9 months. During this time, you can apply to a higher education institution or apply to take part in university preparatory classes. Examples of university preparatory classes would be attending languages classes or a preparatory course. A residence permit for the purpose of applying to university cannot be extended for the same purposes.

Please note that you are not allowed to obtain employment in Germany while holding a visa for the purpose of applying to a course of study.

Were you accepted to a German university or preparatory college? If so, go to your local Foreigners' Authority and apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying in Germany in accordance with Section 16b on the Residence Act - AufenthG.