Study / Student in Germany

One documented route of this kind in Germany, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.

Student Visa / Study Applicant Visa (§16b AufenthG)

Residence permit for non-EU nationals admitted to a German university (or applying/awaiting admission) to pursue full-time higher education.

Processing time: Several weeks to a few months; varies by mission.
Validity: Usually issued for up to 2 years and renewed; study-applicant variant up to 9 months.
Language requirement: Language proof depends on the programme (German or English); not a uniform statutory requirement.
Permanent residence: After graduation, switch to a work/skilled-worker title; settlement permit then follows that title's clock.
Citizenship: Naturalisation after 5 years on qualifying titles (study time counts partially).

University admission (Zulassung), or proof of application/conditional admission for applicants
Proof of funds: blocked account of EUR 11,904 for 12 months (EUR 992/month) in 2026, or scholarship/parental income/Verpflichtungserklarung
Valid passport
Health insurance
Previous diplomas

University admission letter (or proof of application for applicants) required
Proof of funds (blocked account / scholarship / Verpflichtungserklarung) required
Valid passport required
Biometric photos required
Proof of health insurance required
Previous diplomas required

1

Get admission

Obtain university admission (or proof of application).
2

Open blocked account

Open a Sperrkonto with the required 2026 amount.
3

Apply at the mission

Apply via the German mission; it forwards the file to the foreigners authority in the university's city.
4

Visa issued

Visa issued after that authority approves.
5

Register and enrol

On arrival register, enrol, and apply for the residence permit.