Studying and seeking a university place at a glance
You can obtain a residence permit to commence studying or seek a university place in Germany, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
The visa for the purpose of studying is also valid for preparatory programmes. These include language courses, if required for admission to a degree programme, as well as attendance at a preparatory college or a comparable institution and completion of a compulsory internship.
You generally need a visa for entry, which you can apply for online using the Consular Services Portal or you can go to your local German mission. Information regarding possible exemptions from the visa requirement can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office..
Visas for study purposes are usually issued for a period of up to one year. With a visa to seek a university place, you can travel to Germany for up to nine months and apply there for a degree programme.
Please note:
Some German missions abroad work together with service providers to check applications. These service providers help to ensure that applications are processed quickly and smoothly and may charge a service fee for this. You will find out during the application process whether the German mission or consulate responsible for you works with a service provider and what service fee is charged.
Online application for a visa to study and to seek a university place
Register on the Consular Services Portal and apply online for your visa.
Visa for study purposes and seeking a university place
To commence studying: Letter of admission for a course of study at a state or state-recognised university or confirmation of acceptance for a preparatory college or comparable educational institution and, if necessary, confirmation of acceptance for a preparatory programme.
To seek a university place: School-leaving certificate entitling the holder to enter higher education in Germany.
Sufficient language skills for the intended degree programme, unless a preparatory language course precedes the degree programme, and
sufficient financial means to secure your livelihood for the duration of your stay in Germany. You can find more information in the next section.
Further information regarding applying for and obtaining a visa
The language skills required to commence studying may vary depending on the degree programme and in specific cases. Your language level must generally be sufficient for you to complete the study programme in the respective language of instruction. To attend a preparatory college or comparable educational institutions, proof of sufficient German language skills must also be provided. The language skills can be confirmed by the university, the preparatory college or a comparable educational institution as well as by a recognised language certificate.
In order to study or to search for a university place, you must be able to prove that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany. To commence studying, you must prove that you have at your disposal at least EUR 11,208 per year (as of 2024) and to look for a university place at least EUR 1,027 per month (as of 2024). You can provide proof of this, for instance, with a blocked account, a Declaration of Commitment or a scholarship.
If you have to pay tuition fees in addition to the semester fees, you must also provide suitable proof that you have sufficient financial resources. This also applies to fees for a preparatory college or a preparatory language course.
Your livelihood can also be additionally secured through secondary employment. With a residence permit for study purposes, you can work in Germany for up to 140 days a year. This is not valid for part-time jobs for students. Self-employed activities are not permitted.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions and answers with more information on how to use the Consular Services Portal and the online application process can be found in our FAQ section. Take a look and see if you can find the answer to your question.
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The Visa Navigator helps you to quickly and easily find the visa you need to enter and stay in Germany.
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The website of the Federal Foreign Office provides information on all consular services as well as on German foreign policy.
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The website of the Federal Foreign Office provides information on all consular services as well as on German foreign policy.
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