Overview
Non-EU students who have been accepted to a German university need a national D-type visa to enter Germany for study purposes. This is issued by German embassies and consulates in your home country. After arrival, the visa is converted into a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde).
The visa itself is typically issued for 90 days, but the residence permit after arrival covers the full expected duration of studies.
Who it's for
- Non-EU/EEA nationals admitted to a state-recognized German university or Fachhochschule
- Students admitted to a Studienkolleg (preparatory language and academic programme)
- Those pursuing Masters, Bachelor, or PhD programmes taught in German or English
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission letter | Unconditional letter of admission from a recognized German university or preparatory college |
| Financial proof | At least €11,904 for the first year, typically via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing €992/month |
| Passport and photos | Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity, recent biometric photos |
| Health insurance | Evidence of health insurance valid in Germany for the duration of studies |
| Language proficiency | Proof of German or English proficiency as required by the programme |
| Application forms | Completed national visa application forms, paid visa fee |
Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
The most common way to prove financial means is a German blocked account. You deposit the required annual amount with a provider such as Fintiba or Deutsche Bank, and the account releases a fixed monthly allowance. The required minimum is updated periodically; verify the current annual figure before transferring funds.
Steps
- Receive your admission letter from a German university
- Open a German blocked account and deposit the required annual amount
- Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country (book early; appointments fill up months in advance during peak seasons)
- Prepare your full application including forms, photos, insurance, and financial evidence
- Attend your visa appointment and submit documents (typically 4–8 weeks processing)
- Receive your visa (90-day D-type visa for initial entry)
- Register your residence in Germany (Anmeldung) within 14 days of arrival
- Apply for a residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde before your visa expires
After graduation: staying in Germany
After completing your studies, you can apply for a post-study job-search permit of 18 months. If you find qualifying employment during this time, you can switch to a skilled worker or EU Blue Card residence permit without leaving Germany.
Key notes
- Embassy appointment availability is the most common cause of delay. Start early, especially from high-demand countries.
- The blocked account requirement level is reviewed annually; check the current amount before opening the account
- Some universities issue conditional admission for language courses first; this complicates the timeline
- Public universities charge minimal or no tuition fees. The blocked account is primarily for living costs.
This content is for informational purposes only.