Germany has no tuition fees at public universities for most bachelor's and master's programmes, making it one of the most cost-effective study destinations globally. Non-EU nationals require a student visa (Studentenvisum) before arrival, converted to a student residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Ausländerbehörde. The core requirements are a university admission letter, a blocked account of at least 11,904 € per year (992 € per month), and language proficiency as required by the institution.
University Admission and Language Requirements
The Ausländerbehörde requires a letter of admission from a state-recognised German university or Fachhochschule. Language requirements vary by institution and programme — always verify directly with the university. As a general rule: German-language programmes require proof of German proficiency (commonly DSH or TestDaF, with the specific level set by the institution). English-language programmes require proof of English proficiency (commonly IELTS or TOEFL). Some programmes require both. Certain nationalities (China, Vietnam, Mongolia) must additionally obtain an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate.
Proof of Financial Means — Three Accepted Options
Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for the duration of their stay via one of three accepted routes.
1. Blocked account (Sperrkonto): A certificate from a German bank confirming a deposit of 11,904 € for the first year (992 € per month). The account must be opened before the visa application; only the official opening confirmation, showing the amount deposited and the monthly release, is accepted. A mere transfer receipt is not sufficient.
2. Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung): A sponsor resident in Germany provides a formal financial guarantee under §§ 66–68 AufenthG with certified creditworthiness (Bonität 'nachgewiesen'), valid for the entire duration of stay and not older than six months at the time of application.
3. Scholarship confirmation: A letter from the awarding body stating the duration and monthly amount (minimum 992 € per month / 11,904 € per year). If the scholarship falls below 992 € per month, the shortfall must be covered by a complementary blocked account. Where the university charges tuition fees, proof of payment for the first year must be provided, or the blocked account must be increased by the amount of those fees.
Working During Studies
Student residence permit holders are entitled to work 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year (§ 16b Abs. 3 AufenthG). Student jobs (Werkstudent positions), internships prescribed in the study programme, and work as a student assistant (HiWi) do not count against this limit. Any employment exceeding this threshold requires prior approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
Post-Graduation: Job-Seeker Permit (§ 20 AufenthG)
Upon graduation from a German university, you are entitled to an 18-month job-seeker residence permit (§ 20 AufenthG). During this period, you may work in any role to finance your stay and search for a qualified position. Once a qualifying job offer is secured, you can switch to a work visa or EU Blue Card without leaving Germany.
Expert Answers
Senior-ReviewedFrequently Asked Questions
- Can I work part-time during my studies in Germany?
- Yes. § 16b Abs. 3 AufenthG entitles student visa holders to work 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. Work as a student assistant (HiWi) or obligatory internships within the curriculum are additionally exempt from this limit.
- Can I bring my spouse or partner?
- Family reunification for students is possible under §§ 27–36 AufenthG but is subject to proof of sufficient financial means for the entire family. Student financial means (Sperrkonto) typically does not cover a spouse — additional funds must be demonstrated.
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