What you need to study in Germany
Students from outside the EU need a visa to study in Germany, followed by a residence permit for studying once they arrive. Citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need either.
The official Make it in Germany guide lists what you need: admission to study in Germany, or to a preparatory course if that applies to you, and a school-leaving certificate with a university entrance qualification. For a master's degree or a doctorate you need a recognised academic degree. You also need proof of language skills where your course requires it, proof that you can pay for your stay, and no existing reason for expulsion.
Admission and language
Apply to universities first, because the visa application asks for your admission confirmation. Each university sets its own entry and language rules, and some courses are taught in English while others need German.
If you do not yet meet the entry requirements, you may be admitted to a preparatory course, such as a Studienkolleg. The visa for a preparatory course follows the same process, and the guide asks for the admission confirmation for it instead.
Tuition rules vary. Many public universities charge no tuition for international students, but not all do, so read the fees page of each university you apply to.
Proving your finances
You must show that you can fund your studies. The official guide gives three ways:
- A blocked bank account in Germany with at least 11,904 euros, the figure for 2026
- A scholarship
- A declaration of commitment, where a friend or relative in Germany takes responsibility for your costs and submits it to the foreigners authority
Money in a blocked account is normally released in instalments after you arrive, so ask your bank how it works. The official portal notes that scholarships are rarely awarded from the first semester, so most new students rely on the blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
Health insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. You must show valid cover before the entry visa is issued, and you must take out new German cover after you arrive. Students who start with private insurance from home cannot switch to the public system during their studies.
The DAAD, the German academic exchange service, says students under 30 can get a reduced public student rate of about 120 to 130 euros a month. From age 30 the standard contribution applies, which can cost much more than a private student plan, so older students often choose private cover.
The visa application
The steps follow the official guide:
- Create an account on the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office and apply online. If online applications are not available at your embassy, contact it directly.
- Prepare your documents: passport, entrance qualification, admission confirmation and proof of funds. Bring the originals.
- Pay the visa fee of 75 euros, in local currency.
- Book an appointment at the German embassy, where fingerprints and a photo are taken and the visa is issued.
- Book your flight only after the visa is issued.
National visas can take several months to process, depending on the purpose of your stay and the embassy. Apply well before your course starts.
After you arrive
Register your home address at the residents' registration office. Then book an appointment at the competent foreigners authority, ask for its document list, and apply for the residence permit for studying under Section 16b of the Residence Act. Fees are up to 100 euros.
The residence permit application must be submitted before your entry visa expires, so do not wait.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, according to the DAAD. Working more needs permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners authority, and is granted only in cases of special financial need.
Student assistant jobs at the university are an exception, with no day limit, although you must tell the foreigners office. Self-employed work and freelancing are possible only if the foreigners authority permits them.
Keep in mind that the work allowance helps with costs but will not cover them in full, so plan your finances around the blocked account amount, not around job income.
After your degree
Non-EU graduates can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified work. The permit is not renewable. When you find a job you can switch to a work permit or an EU Blue Card. Our guide on staying to work after you graduate explains how this works.
Common questions
How much money do I need in the blocked account?
The official guide gives at least 11,904 euros as of 2026. The figure is reviewed regularly, so check it with your embassy before you open the account.
Can I work part time as a student?
Yes, up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Student assistant jobs at the university are an exception.
Do I need German to study in Germany?
It depends on the course. Some programmes are taught in English. Each university sets its own language rules, so check before you apply.
How long does the visa take?
The Federal Foreign Office says national visas may take several months, depending on the embassy and the purpose of stay. Apply as soon as you have your admission.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often. We last checked it on 31 October 2026, so please confirm the details on the official page before you apply.