Study & language

Study in Germany, in English or German.

Bachelor's, Master's, English-taught programmes, Studienkolleg and language courses. We help with admission, blocked account, visa and arrival.

Graduates celebratingStudent visa § 16b
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Bachelor, Master or English-taught?

BachelorMasterEnglish-taught
LanguageGerman (TestDaF / DSH) or EnglishEnglish or German, by programmeEnglish only, IELTS / TOEFL
Entry requirementSchool certificate with university access, else StudienkollegRecognised Bachelor's degreeDepends on Bachelor or Master level
DurationUsually 3 to 4 yearsUsually 1.5 to 2 yearsLike the German programmes
TuitionPublic universities mostly free, small semester feeMostly free at public universities, some states charge non-EU studentsSame as German programmes, private universities charge fees
FundsBlocked account, currently €11,904 per yearBlocked account, currently €11,904 per yearBlocked account, currently €11,904 per year
Student with books§ 16b
National visa (D)

Student visa for Bachelor's & Master's

One visa type for undergraduate and postgraduate study, at public or private universities.

National visa (D)For the length of your studies
  • 01Admission letter (or conditional admission) from a German university
  • 02School certificate that gives access to university in Germany, otherwise Studienkolleg first
  • 03Proof of funds, usually a blocked account (currently €11,904 per year)
  • 04German or English language certificate, depending on the programme
  • 05Health insurance for students

Students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Checklist: Master's student visa0 / 8
Start with this visa
Student studying at a desk§ 16b
National visa (D)

English-taught programmes

Study in English, no German needed at the start.

National visa (D)For the length of your studies
  • 01Admission to an English-taught programme
  • 02IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent, as the university requires
  • 03Blocked account and health insurance

We recommend learning German alongside your studies, it helps a lot with jobs.

Start with this visa
Students working together§ 16b
National visa (D)

Studienkolleg (foundation year)

One-year preparation when your school certificate is not enough for direct entry.

National visa (D)Usually 1 year, then student visa
  • 01Admission to a Studienkolleg
  • 02German, usually B1 or higher
  • 03Blocked account and health insurance

Ends with the Feststellungsprüfung, your entry ticket to university.

Study applicant visa (§ 17): Come to Germany first and apply to universities from here. Up to 9 months.

Start with this visa
German class§ 16f
National visa (D)

Language course visa

Intensive German course in Germany.

National visa (D)Length of the course, max. 12 months
  • 01Intensive course with at least 18 lesson hours per week
  • 02Course fees paid in advance
  • 03Proof of funds, e.g. blocked account

Evening and weekend courses do not qualify.

Start with this visa
Calculators

Plan your budget.

Blocked account

Students currently need €992 per month. Most missions ask for 12 months up front.

€11,904to deposit before your visa appointment

Student work days

You may work 140 full days per year. A half day (up to 4 hours) counts as half.

140full days left this year
FAQ

Students ask.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, 140 full days or 280 half days per year, plus student jobs at your university.

Can I bring my family?

Spouses and children can usually join you if you can support them financially.

What happens after graduation?

You can get a permit for up to 18 months to look for a job. With a job you switch to a skilled worker permit or EU Blue Card.

Do I need German for an English programme?

Not for admission. For everyday life and jobs later, German makes a big difference.

Ready to embark?

Tell us your goal. We reply within two working days with your route and a fixed written offer.