Lana Oconnell
Germany is a popular destination for international students, with 469,485 students currently taking advantage of the country's world-class education system. For those wishing to join them, there are several requirements to be aware of. Firstly, students need to find a suitable study program that matches their interests and for which they fulfil the basic eligibility requirements. Secondly, students must meet certain language requirements, providing proof of proficiency in either German or English, depending on the language of instruction. Thirdly, students from non-EU/EEA countries will typically need a visa to enter Germany and will have to provide proof of financial stability and health insurance. This involves demonstrating that they can cover their living expenses, which currently amounts to a minimum of €11,208 per year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | 469,485 |
| Visa requirements | Schengen visa for stays under 90 days; student visa for longer stays |
| Student visa requirements | Proof of financial means, health insurance, and language proficiency |
| Proof of financial means | €11,208-€11,904 per year in a German Blocked Bank Account or other acceptable documents |
| Health insurance | Mandatory |
| Language requirements | German (DSH, TestDaF, or B2-C1 levels) or English (IELTS or TOEFL) |
| Entrance qualifications | Higher education entrance qualification (HZB) or Abitur |
| Entrance examination | Required for students with qualifications from outside the EU zone (Feststellungsprüfung) |
| University application deadlines | 15 July for winter enrolment; 15 January for summer enrolment |
| Accommodation | Various options, including dormitories, apartments, and shared flats |
| Bank account | Student bank accounts are available at most banks and require specific documents |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students from various countries can enter Germany. However, if you need a visa to enter Germany, you must apply for a student visa. Here is a list of steps to apply for a student visa:
- Find a Study Program: The first step is to choose a study program that matches your interests and ensures you fulfil the basic eligibility requirements.
- Check Eligibility: Each study program has specific requirements. Check if you meet the admission requirements of your chosen German university by contacting the university's international office.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of financial stability, showing you can cover your living expenses in Germany. Currently, you will need around €934 per month, which is €11,208 per year. You can provide proof through a German blocked account. Additionally, ensure you have a valid passport and any required academic qualifications, such as a higher education entrance qualification (known as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or HZB). If your course is in German, you will need to provide proof of German language proficiency, with levels B2 to C1 typically required.
- Apply for a Visa: Apply for your student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country or the nearest one. Set an appointment, prepare for the interview, and pay the application fee.
- Register Upon Arrival: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a residence permit. Remember to register with the local authorities upon your arrival in Germany.
- Enrol at a University: After arriving in Germany, enrol at your chosen university by submitting the required documents and paying the necessary fees.
- Open a Bank Account: To open a bank account as a student in Germany, you will need various documents, including your passport, German residence permit, proof of registration and income, and proof of student status.
It is important to plan and start your application process early, as obtaining a student visa can take some time. Additionally, if your school-leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany, you may need to attend a one-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) or complete additional education in your home country.
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Proof of financial stability
International students from countries that require a visa to enter Germany must provide proof of financial stability to cover their living expenses in the country. This amounts to around €934 per month or €11,208 per year. The cost of living in Germany is generally reasonable and affordable. However, students must demonstrate that they can support themselves financially throughout their stay.
There are several ways to provide proof of financial resources:
- Blocked Account: One of the most reliable and recommended methods is to open a German blocked account (Sperrkonto). This account allows you to deposit and block the required funds for your stay. The money will be accessible in monthly installments of up to €992. You can open this account at local German banks or online. After depositing the funds, you will receive a blocking confirmation document that needs to be presented to the authorities.
- Parent's Income: You can also provide proof of your parents' income and financial assets. This may include submitting their bank statements for the last three months and/or payslips. Some embassies or consulates may have specific requirements for this type of proof, so it is recommended to check their instructions.
- Scholarship: If you have been awarded a scholarship, you can submit the award certificate from a recognised scholarship provider. This should state the amount covered and the duration of the scholarship. If the scholarship only partially covers your expenses, you may need to provide additional financial proof.
- Bank Guarantee: A bank guarantee, or "Bankbürgschaft," is another option. This is when a bank agrees to cover your financial liability during your studies in Germany. You can inquire with banks about their specific requirements and processes for providing a bank guarantee.
- German Resident Guarantor: If you have a permanent resident in Germany who is willing to cover your expenses, they can apply for a Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from their local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). They will need to provide documents such as their payslips, confirmation of employment, and proof of address.
- Other Options: Depending on the specific German authority, other forms of financial proof may be accepted. These could include student loans, security payments, or other official confirmations showing the funds available or support you will receive.
It is important to plan ahead and prepare the necessary documents to demonstrate your financial stability. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with the German embassy or local authorities in your country to ensure you meet their specific requirements and have all the required paperwork in order.
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Health insurance
Germany has a mandatory health insurance requirement for all residents, including international students. This is part of the country's comprehensive healthcare system, which ensures access to medical services for everyone. Health insurance is not free for students but is heavily subsidised to make it affordable for all applicants.
There are two types of health insurance in Germany: private and statutory (in German: private und gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). Private health insurance plans tend to offer more benefits but are significantly more expensive and require advance payments. For this reason, most people are covered by statutory health insurance. Statutory health insurance providers are required to offer a basic plan that covers most doctor's visits, a broad selection of medicines, ER visits, ambulance rides, and hospital stays. This basic coverage is always the same, no matter which statutory health insurance provider you choose.
Public health insurance is usually the most suitable option for international students. It is often more affordable for students, while private insurance is more expensive but comes with more benefits. There are over 100 public health insurance providers and over 30 private providers in Germany. Some of the cheapest public health insurance providers for students include:
- TK—Techniker Krankenkasse
- DR-WALTER (PROVISIT STUDENT plan)
- Fintiba Plus
If you are under 30 years of age, you will benefit from a reduced student rate of about €120-130 per month, offered by statutory health insurance providers. As soon as you turn 30, you will have to pay the standard contribution, even if you are still studying. This normal contribution is often a lot more expensive than purchasing a student plan from a private insurance company. Therefore, it might be worth checking whether private health insurance could be a more affordable option for you.
If you plan to do an internship, have a student work contract, or work as a student assistant during your studies in Germany, you must have German health insurance, regardless of your home country's insurance status.
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University entrance qualifications
To enter Germany as an international student, you must apply for a student visa. To be eligible for the visa, you must be enrolled in a German educational institution. The visa application process can be challenging, and you must submit your application in your country of residence. The visa is usually valid for three months, which gives you enough time to enter Germany, settle in, register your address, and get your residence permit.
For undergraduate students, a high school diploma, school-leaving certificate, or university entrance exam result is usually sufficient. Students with qualifications from outside Europe may have to sit the Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after attending a preparatory course, known as a Studienkolleg. Some universities also require an aptitude test called the TestAS, designed for international students from non-EU countries enrolling in an undergraduate program.
If your course is taught in German, you need to prove your proficiency in the language by submitting recognised language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. If your degree is taught in English, and you are not a native speaker, you need to submit scores from tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by over 300 leading schools across Germany.
In addition to language proficiency, you must provide proof of financial support. You will need to show that you have access to around €8,700 per year to cover your living costs, although this may vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. You can present proof of finances through a blocked account, income or financial asset statements, a German resident covering your expenses, a bank guarantee, or a scholarship certificate.
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Language requirements
International students must meet certain language requirements to study in Germany. If your course is taught in English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency unless you are a native speaker or have previously studied in English. Proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through recognised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
If your course is taught in German, you must provide proof of German language proficiency. German universities usually require language proficiency levels between B2 and C1. There are two main tests accepted by German universities: the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) and the TestDaF. Some universities may also require international students to take an aptitude test, such as the TestAS, which assesses their ability to handle the degree programme's requirements.
Students with qualifications from outside the EU/EEA zone may have to sit a university entrance examination (Feststellungsprüfung) and attend a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) to meet the language requirements for their chosen programme. High-achieving students may be exempt from the entrance examination.
It is important to note that the language requirements may vary depending on the specific university and programme. Therefore, it is recommended to check the language requirements for your chosen university and programme. Additionally, some universities may offer programmes taught in both German and English, which can be a great way to improve your German language skills during your studies.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements to enter Germany as an international student include a higher education entrance qualification, language proficiency, and proof of financial stability.
The cost of living for international students in Germany is approximately €934 per month or €11,208 per year.
If your course is in English, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If your course is in German, you will need to provide proof of German proficiency through tests like DSH or TestDaF.
To apply for a student visa, you should schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country, gather the necessary documents, prepare for the interview, and pay the application fee.
There are three main types of student accommodation in Germany: dormitories, private apartments, and shared apartments. It is recommended to start your accommodation search early, as some options may require online applications sent in advance.
