You can find a program that suits you and enroll at a German university.
You're here because you are confused about the steps and information you need.
The process of studying in Germany for international students has been simplified into eight steps. These eight steps will help you keep track of where your goals are and what you need in order to realize them.
How to apply for a study permit in Germany
- Find a Study Program.
- Meet all requirements
- Learn the German Language
- Find Financial Resources.
- Apply for Admission
- German Student Visa Application
- Find accommodation
- Register at Your University
Find a Study Program
The first step in planning your study abroad is to find a university that interests you and choose a program.
This should not be a problem as there are many universities offering countless programs, and they are all of the highest quality. No matter what your future goals are, there is a program that will suit them.
If you don't think about this before applying to study in Germany, it may be difficult to find a university or a program. One reason you aren't making a decision is the high number of courses available.
Before making a decision, we recommend that you consider the program for at least three months. This time period is sufficient to enable you to search all German universities offering courses in your field.
After you have found the German universities you like, you can narrow down your search to the universities that are most suitable for you. To increase your chances of being accepted, you can choose to apply to only one university or to all.
It is crucial to find a university that offers a study program.
Meet all requirements
Once you have made your decision about the university you wish to attend and the study program that you would like to pursue, you need to check all requirements. You can do this by visiting the university's admission requirements section. If you have any queries, don't be afraid to get in touch with the university.
The entry requirements vary depending on which university you attend and what course you take. It is recommended that you read through the requirements section several times.
Missing documents and bad timing are two of the most common problems at this stage. Both can result in delayed admissions or rejections. These documents must be prepared early to avoid any problems.
To sit for the German language proficiency standard test, you will need to have taken a minimum of three months' worth of language courses. It takes much longer to learn German if you begin from scratch.
Additional legalizations of documents could take a similar time before they are issued to you. You must prepare your documents at least four months in advance of applying for a university place.
Learn the German Language
The ability to speak German fluently is crucial for your success in university, regardless of whether your program is in English. Solid knowledge of the German language is essential to understanding and comprehending lecture material, as well as being able to express yourself properly.
Most undergraduate courses in Germany are taught in German, while many higher-level study programs are taught in German. You will need to learn German, even if you are not studying at university.
Although learning German can be challenging, if you begin early, you will be fluent in the language by the time you arrive in Germany. To gain a basic understanding of German, we recommend that you start at least six months before the course begins. If German language proficiency is required, it's best to begin the course at least six months before the application.
Find Financial Resources
Next, you need to ensure that you have sufficient financial resources to study and live in Germany. The current law requires that all non-EEA or EU students must have sufficient financial resources to pay for their stay in Germany.
A minimum amount of EUR10 332 is required for international students in Germany. This is enough to pay for living expenses for the first year. This money must be deposited in a German bank account.
Important Tip: A blocked account is proof of financial resources and can increase your chances of getting your German student visa.
A blocked account is a unique type of bank account that proves you have sufficient funds to live in Germany for a year.
You must have a minimum monthly income of EUR861 euros as a foreigner living in Germany by 2022 to cover your living expenses. Before you can apply for a German internship visa, you must have EUR10,332 in your bank account.
This is a significant amount of money for students and can take time to collect. Save money long before you apply to university. You should not start until you have been awarded a scholarship.
You should normally have the money ready six months before you apply. The money must be deposited two weeks before you apply for your student visa. These are just a few ways to finance your German studies.
Apply for Admission
Once you have double-checked your documents, it is time to submit the application. Online applications are accepted. However, some universities prefer to receive applications by mail or in person.
For more information, contact your university. UniAssist is the online application platform for German universities. There are also universities that have their own online admissions platform.
Remember that German universities are popular with international students. Admission committees are often overloaded with applications from foreigners. It takes time to go through all of the applications. You need to submit your application quickly to get the best chance of being accepted.
Once the call for applications is open, you must submit your application and wait for an admission letter.
The application process varies depending on the level of study you are pursuing in Germany.
These are our detailed guides for how to apply to a university in Germany.
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
German Student Visa Application
Students from non-EU or non-EEA nations must get a German student visa.
Please refer to our article "German Student Visa Requirements" for more information on how to obtain your student visa.
We recommend that you contact the German consulate/embassy in person while you are collecting documents and make an appointment for a visa.
You should ensure that you have the financial resources to study in Germany. A blocked bank account is a great way to prove to authorities that you have sufficient money to pay for your living and study expenses.
We recommend that you open an Expatrio bank account. Expatriate, a German company, is approved by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Before granting you a student visa, the German consulate/embassy in your country will require that you have a valid health insurance policy.
Many international students prefer to be covered by DR-WALTER for their health insurance.
These groups are eligible for the health insurance tariff EDUCARE24 from DR-WALTER:
- Students are studying abroad, students who are fluent in a foreign language and students who have completed university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg).
- Students at universities
- Participants in exchange programs (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
- Trainees
- Begin with family members
Are you still unsure about your health insurance? Get advice from experts on Germany's health insurance.
Find accommodation
You are now officially a student in Germany. Although accommodation in Germany is affordable for international students, it is important that you find the best place to live.
Because of the small number of student apartments and student halls in Germany, finding accommodation is becoming more difficult every year. Many students find it very stressful.
This is why we recommend that you give priority to the issue. If you wait too long to find accommodation, it could cost you time and money. You can find accommodation online and pay the deposit to secure your place.
Register at Your University
To officially be granted a place at the university you choose, the final step is to enrol in your chosen course. This is how you go from being a successful applicant to become a registered student in Germany.
While the public higher education system in Germany is free, you will need to pay a fee that ranges from EUR150-EUR250. You will also need to pay for your Semester pass to get free public transport for six months.
You must personally attend the university administration to enrol in a university course in Germany.
- Your valid passport
- A passport photo
- Your Residence Permit or Visa
- Signed, completed and signed Application Form
- Qualifications for degrees (original documents or certified copy)
- The Letter of Admission
- You can prove that you have German health insurance.
- Receipt for payment fees
After you have been accepted into the university administration, you will receive a registration document (ID Card) that can be used later for your residence permit application and attendance at your classes.
Important note: Each semester, you must re-register after the end of the previous semester. You will again need to pay the same registration fees.
Also, make sure to read our article on the first things to do when you arrive in Germany.
You can find a comprehensive guide on studying in Germany as an international student in The Complete Guide to Studying In Germany.
