German Student Visa Essentials

Considering a Masters abroad in Germany? You may need a student visa to enter the country, as well as a residence permit to live and study there during your degree.

This page explains the different types of German visa, who needs one, and how to apply.

Students from the following countries are able to study in Germany without a visa:

• The EU, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway
• Australia, Canada, the UK, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States (you will need to apply for a residence permit to stay more than three months)
• Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino (you must not intend to seek separate employment before or after your degree)

International students from other countries will need a visa in order to enter Germany.

Financial requirements

You'll need to show that you have access to at least €11,904 per year to support yourself whilst studying in Germany. To do this you'll need a document called a Finanzierungsnachweis when you apply for your visa. This can take various forms:

• A scholarship award or other postgraduate funding you are due to receive for your Masters
• Personal funds in a 'blocked' bank account (from which money cannot be withdrawn outside Germany)
• A guarantee from a permanent German resident who agrees to cover expenses on your behalf
• A statement of parental support showing income and assets that are available to help fund you during your Masters

Take note that money you expect to earn by working in Germany during your degree won't count towards your evidence of financial support (you can't use an employment contract as your Finanzierungsnachweis).

Health insurance

Health insurance is a requirement for all international students in Germany. However, you may already be covered by policies in your home country:

• Students from other EU countries will be covered by their existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Students from Bosnia-Herzogovina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey will have their existing public health insurance recognised in Germany.

Other students will need to hold private health insurance or purchase specific health insurance for the duration of a Masters degree. This normally costs €80 per month for students under 30, or €160 for older students.

Applying for a visa

You should begin your visa application at a German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Both types of German study visa will require you to demonstrate that you are entering the country as a student (or prospective student):

• For a Prospective Student Visa you'll need to provide entrance qualifications suitable for a Masters degree (such as a Bachelors degree or equivalent)
• For a Student Visa you'll need to provide proof of admission to a German university

Visa application checklist

You'll normally need the following documents and other materials to apply for a visa for postgraduate study in Germany:

• Proof of admission to a Masters degree at a recognised German university (for a Student Visa)
• Proof of qualifications suitable for admission to a Masters degree, such as a Bachelors degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification (for a Student Applicant Visa)
• Proof of financial resources to support yourself whilst you study
• Proof of language qualifications required for your course
• Proof of health insurance for the duration of your degree
• Your passport (this must not be due to expire before the end of your Masters)
• Two passport photos for your visa and residence documents

The standard fee for a German student visa application is €75. It can take several months to issue a student visa, so make sure to apply in plenty of time!

Residence permits

Your visa will allow you to enter Germany to begin your Masters (or prepare for your application). However, it will only allow you to remain in the country for three months.

To stay for longer (and complete a full two-year German Masters degree) you will need to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit.

Registration (all students)

Students of all nationalities should visit their local Resident Registration Office (Bürgeramt / Bürgerbüro ) within one week of arriving in Germany.

Here you will receive a document called a Meldebestätigung which confirms that you are living legally in the local area. To obtain this you will need to present:

• Your passport (or other suitable identity documents)
• Your visa (if you have one)
• Your tenancy agreement (or other proof of accommodation in the local area)

Once you have your Meldebestätigung you can use it to gain a residence permit. How you do this depends on your nationality and visa status.

Collecting a residence permit (EU, EEA and Swiss students)

If you're a student from another EU country, an EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland, you won't need to make a separate application for your residence permit. Instead, you can collect it from the Resident Registration Office once you have registered.

Applying for a residence permit (other international students)

Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland will need to go to a separate Alien Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) to apply for their residence permit.

You must do this in person before your visa expires (usually within three months of being issued). The fee for a residence permit application is normally €110.

Your German residence permit will be valid for up to two years. This should be long enough to complete a Masters degree, but can potentially be extended for a fee of up to €100 if it is necessary (and you are making satisfactory progress with your course).

Working in Germany

All students are entitled to carry out some employment whilst studying for a Masters (or other degree) in Germany.

The number of hours you can work (and the permit required) will depend on your nationality and visa status:

• EU, EEA and Swiss students can work in Germany without restriction. However, working more than 20 hours per week will require you to pay German National Insurance (deducted from your earnings).
• Other international students can work for the equivalent of 140 days (or 280 half days) per year without a permit, provided they do so for a recognised employer. If you wish to exceed this limit you must apply for special permission from your local Job Centre (Agentur für Arbeit).

Some work you do for (or at) your university may be exempted from these restrictions. Check with your international office to be sure.

You can usually find part-time, casual jobs advertised by your university or its student union (Studentenwerk). Bear in mind that some knowledge of German will probably be helpful (or required) for most jobs.

As a postgraduate you may also be able to get involved with more senior work for your university. Student Assistants (Hilfswissenschaftler) or Graduate Assistants (Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft) fulfil various roles, including teaching, mentoring, working in library services or assisting university staff with research tasks.

Working in Germany with your Masters

Germany is an excellent place to begin a career, with a range of employers in science, engineering and other fields. As a Masters graduate, you'll be well placed to take advantage of these and could benefit from generous post-study work opportunities.

Your right to work in Germany after graduating depends on your nationality:

• EU, EEA and Swiss students can continue to work in Germany on graduation without needing a separate permit.
• Other international students can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to seek work after graduating. If you find a job within this period you may be able to apply for a further residence permit and remain in Germany longer term.

Remember that German-language proficiency will be necessary for most jobs in Germany - even if it isn't a requirement for your Masters.