Residence permit; application for the purpose of studying

A foreign student may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of studying at a state university, a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany.

The course can be completed at state or state-recognized higher education institutions (universities, teacher training colleges, art colleges and universities of applied sciences) or comparable educational institutions, at vocational academies and at state or state-recognized preparatory colleges.

Studying must be the main purpose of the stay. Evening, weekend or distance learning courses, for example, do not meet these requirements.

• The purpose of residence for studying includes all training phases associated with studying as well as preparatory measures and the completion of a compulsory internship. Pre-study measures include attending a preparatory language course if the foreign national has been admitted to a full-time course of study and admission is conditional on attending a preparatory language course, and attending a preparatory college or comparable institution if acceptance to a preparatory college or comparable institution is proven.
• Full-time studies also include the necessary preparatory courses and compulsory internships as well as postgraduate courses such as Master's and doctoral programs and
• subsequent practical activities, provided that they are part of the prescribed training course or serve to fully achieve the training objective.

Stay in Germany to apply for studies

A residence permit for a maximum of nine months can also be issued for the purpose of applying to study in Germany. The prerequisite is that the applicant has the school and language requirements to take up a course of study or that these are to be acquired within the period of residence of nine months. During the period of residence for the purpose of applying to study, employment of up to 20 hours per week and trial employment of up to a total of two weeks is permitted.

Gainful employment during your studies

Foreign students from countries outside the European Economic Area may take up part-time student employment after commencing their studies without any time restrictions and may generally work a maximum of 140 days per calendar year (working day account). Special regulations apply to part-time employment.

Semester abroad and exchange programs

Students who already hold a residence permit as a student in another EU member state and wish to complete part of their studies in Germany do not require a German residence permit for entry and residence in Germany for stays of up to 360 days. Further information on this option can be obtained from the host educational institution or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Furthermore, a residence permit will be issued to a student in Germany who is studying in another EU Member State if they wish to continue their studies here as part of a European Union exchange program or have already been admitted to study in the other EU Member State for a period of at least two years.

Extension of the residence permit

The residence permit only entitles the holder to study as applied for and admitted. As a rule, it is extended in each case, provided that sufficient funds to cover living expenses for this period are proven and the regular period of study is not exceeded. Exceptions can be made if the regular period of study is exceeded as long as the student is studying properly. This is usually the case if the average duration of studies at the university in question in the respective degree program is not exceeded by more than three semesters and is confirmed by the higher education institution. In the event of a change of degree program or place of study, the residence permit will be reapplied for and issued.

In the event of an interruption, discontinuation or unsuccessful completion of studies, you can change to another residence permit if the legal requirements are met, in particular for the purpose of vocational training.

Extension after completion of studies

After successfully completing their studies, graduates have the opportunity to look for a job and can stay in Germany for up to 18 months for this purpose. As soon as they have found such a job, they can be granted a residence permit for the corresponding gainful employment with the prospect of receiving a settlement permit after two years.

The Make it in Germany portal also offers extensive information about studying in Germany.

Please note the following templates under Forms:

• Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit.
• Authorization to collect an eAT.

In order to enter Germany to study, you must have a valid visa from the German diplomatic mission abroad.

Other requirements include:

• the fulfilled university entrance requirements
• Proof of admission to a university/college or certificate of enrollment
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (if necessary by means of a blocked account or by submitting a declaration of commitment, link for financing studies on the Make it in Germany portal see below) - the law provides for simplifications for proof based on the regulations on requirements in the Federal Training Assistance Act
• adequate health insurance cover.

• Application for the issue or extension of a residence permit

  Please fill out the application form in block letters or on a typewriter or computer in German.

  Please check or complete as appropriate. Please do not fill in blank fields.

   

• Authorization to collect an eAT

Issue:

• Valid for up to one year: 100 euros
• Period of validity of more than one year: 100 euros

Extension:

• of up to three months: 96 euros
• of more than three months: 93 euros

• § Section 16 b Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) - Studies
• § Section 16 c Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) - Mobility within the framework of studies
• § Section 17 Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) - Search for a training or study place
• § Section 2 (3) sentences 5 and 6 of the Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) - secure means of subsistence
• § Section 20 Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG) - Job search following stays in the federal territory
• § Section 45 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)

  Fees for the residence permit, the EU Blue Card, the ICT Card and the Mobile ICT Card

• Make it in Germany - Financing your studies
• Study in Germany (Make it in Germany)

You must apply for a residence permit in good time before your visa expires at the relevant immigration authority. Many immigration authorities already offer an online service for submitting applications. Please check this option for your foreigners authority. If your foreigners authority does not offer an online service, please contact the foreigners authority by e-mail or speak to them in person.

• Residence permit; general information
• National visa; application and extension
• Residence permit; application for amendment of the ancillary provisions
• Residence permit; application for employment under the Western Balkans regulation
• Settlement permit; application
• Residence permit; application for gainful employment in Germany
• Residence permit; application for family reunification with foreigners
• Residence permit; application for temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine
• Residence permit; application for reasons of international law, humanitarian or political reasons
• Residence permit; application for in-company training and further training and school-based vocational training