Study in Germany: student visa and residence permit

Drafted from the official pages listed under Sources, last read on 29 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change: check the official page before you act. This is not legal advice and does not guarantee any outcome.

Who it is for

Nationals of third countries who have been admitted to a course or preparatory college in Germany. Make it in Germany states that nationals of EU or EFTA states do not need a student visa. A separate visa exists for study-related work placements in the EU.

How it works

The embassy pages describe a national visa for study (section 16b of the Residence Act), applied for at the German mission responsible for you, with a guided online application and the VIDEX form. After you arrive, you apply for your residence title at the foreigners authority.

One embassy page notes that approval from the relevant German foreigners authority is required before the visa can be issued. Health insurance proof is requested after the visa is generally approved.

This platform does not submit applications or provide admission.

Main requirements

• Admission: proof of admission to the course or preparatory college, stating the language of instruction.
• Funds: living costs shown by a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) by a third person, or a scholarship. The Windhoek embassy page states at least EUR 992 per month (for 2025) and the Muscat page EUR 992 per month or EUR 11,904 for one year. Make it in Germany says the amount is updated every year and gives no figure, so confirm the current amount with your mission. A separate proof for tuition fees is also required where fees apply.
• Language: Make it in Germany asks for suitable German or English skills. The embassy pages say proof of the language of instruction, normally at least B2, unless a preparatory language course is planned. The certificate must come from an ALTE-certified body and not be older than one year (Windhoek).
• Health insurance: statutory German insurance starts only once you live and enrol in Germany, so private cover is needed before then.

Costs and timing

Visa fee: EUR 75 per adult, non-refundable, according to the Windhoek and Muscat embassy pages (payment method varies by mission). Make it in Germany states that most public universities charge no tuition fees and that the semester contribution averages EUR 300 per semester.

Processing time is an estimate published by individual missions: Windhoek says usually 4 to 6 weeks and Muscat at least 4 weeks, both possibly longer.

Work during studies: up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, not applying to student assistant jobs.

After graduation

Make it in Germany says you have up to 18 months to look for qualified work. The permit is not renewable. You may take any job during that period. You must show completed studies, health insurance and that you can secure your livelihood, and should apply before your study permit expires. If you find a job, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment or an EU Blue Card (see the EU Blue Card guide).

Preparing your file

• Open the blocked account before applying, if you use one: the embassy accepts only the official confirmation showing the amount deposited and the amount available per month.
• Get your admission letter showing the language of instruction.
• Book the language exam early and check the certificate is from an ALTE-certified body.
• Follow your own mission's checklist: lists differ.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an old blocked-account figure: the amount is updated every year.
• Sending documents nobody requested: unrequested documents are not attached to the application.
• Submitting an out-of-date language certificate.
• Waiting until the permit expires before applying for the job-search permit.