
At a glance: Visa for studying
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to get a visa for studying.
Germany attracts many international students every year thanks to its wide range of study programs and low tuition fees. Here you will find information on how to apply for a student visa.
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?
Do you meet these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.
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.
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.
Graduates of German higher education institutions can apply for a settlement permit (Section 18c (1), pg. 2 on the Residence Act - AufenthG) after having been employed in Germany for over two years.
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.
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to get a visa for studying.
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.
Do you fulfil these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process.
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.
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a visa for training or study purposes.
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