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Pathway

Germany Student Visa

Germany Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

Germany's student visa is for people admitted to a state-recognized higher education institution in Germany, including certain preparatory measures and doctoral study. It generally requires admission, proof of living costs, and any required language proof.

Type
Student residence
Study plan
People admitted to qualifying German study
Core requirements
Admission, living-cost proof, and language proof if required
What to know
Graduates can receive up to 18 months to seek skilled work
Tuition
Free-low (public)
Funds to show
€11,904 per year

Summary

Germany's student residence route under Section 16b is for a person admitted to a state-recognized higher-education institution. It can also cover preparatory measures connected to the intended study, such as a preparatory college or required language course, and some doctoral-study arrangements.

For 2026, the official student guidance lists €11,904 as the blocked-account amount for one year. This amount is updated periodically, and scholarships or a formal declaration of commitment can also be used in appropriate cases.

Pathway fit check

Eligibility

You generally need:

A person who does not yet have admission may need the separate Section 17 route for seeking a study place. That route has different requirements and should not be treated as ordinary student admission.

What This Route Allows

Student residence permits are normally issued initially for two years and can be renewed when study is progressing and the requirements remain met.

Students may generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. Certain student assistant jobs are treated separately under the official rules. Work must not undermine the main study purpose.

After successfully completing a German degree, a graduate can apply for up to 18 months of job-search residence under Section 20. During that search period, gainful activity is permitted. Once a qualifying job is found, the graduate applies for the appropriate work title.

What This Route Is Not

This is not a general work permit or a way to remain enrolled without genuine academic progress. The institution, foreigners authority, and work limits all matter.

It is not the same as a stand-alone intensive language-course permit. If the language course is not tied to confirmed study, review Language Acquisition.

Admission alone does not prove living-cost support, insurance, or visa eligibility, and the current blocked-account figure should be rechecked immediately before applying.

Next Steps

  1. Confirm that the institution and program are state-recognized and obtain formal admission.
  2. Check the program's language requirement and obtain accepted evidence.
  3. Verify the current living-cost amount and choose an accepted funding method.
  4. Arrange health insurance that meets the visa and enrollment requirements.
  5. Apply through the responsible German mission or the Consular Services Portal where available.
  6. Track work days or weekly hours and plan the Section 20 application before the student title expires after graduation.
Compare your options

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