Studying in Germany
All legal information on visa applications for foreign students in Germany.
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Germany is one of the most popular study destinations worldwide – and for good reason: High educational standards, internationally recognized degrees, and often low or no tuition fees make German universities particularly attractive to international students. Whether engineering, medicine, social sciences, or art – the variety of degree programs is vast. At the same time, the country offers a high quality of life, cultural diversity, and excellent career prospects after graduation.
On this overview page, you will find a list of all VISAGUARD articles on the topic of studying. These guides from visa experts are designed to help you optimally prepare your visa application for studying in Germany and thus ensure your legal eligibility for immigrating to Germany for study purposes .
Articles about this topic
Right to study in Germany
The right to study in Germany is guaranteed by constitutional and European law . This applies not only to German students, but also to (third-party) foreign nationals. The opportunity to study in Germany is therefore not a privilege granted by the authorities, but a right of every person in the world (eligibility). The authorities are therefore obligated to admit foreigners to study if the relevant requirements are met. This has even been confirmed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) (ECJ, judgment of September 10, 2014, C-491/13 ("Ben Alaya")).
The proportion of foreign students in Germany is steadily increasing, partly due to the favorable admission requirements. Each year, approximately 450,000 foreign students study at German universities. Most foreign students come from India, China, and Turkey—primarily from third countries or non-European states.
To study in Germany, foreign students need a residence permit that allows them to stay in Germany. In principle, studies are permitted with any type of residence permit, including permits or tolerations. Therefore, if you already have a residence permit (e.g., for work), you can also study without making any changes to your residence permit (unless the prohibition is explicitly noted on the permit (so-called ancillary condition)).
FAQ Studying in Germany
Do I also need a residence permit for Germany as a European student?
No, as a European student, you do not need a residence permit to study in Germany. Your status as an EU citizen allows you to enter and stay in Germany for the purpose of studying.
How long is the student visa for Germany valid?
According to the instructions of the Federal Foreign Office, student visas are generally issued for at least 12 months (often for 24 months).
When can my application for a student visa be rejected?
When your application for a student visa can be rejected depends on Section 19f of the Residence Act. The most common reasons for rejection are the following:
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no more money to study,
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bad notes,
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lack of knowledge of the German language
Do I have to study full-time to get a student visa for Germany or is part-time study sufficient?
To be eligible for a visa to study in Germany, you must generally be admitted to full-time study. However, the authorities may also grant admission to part-time study at their discretion (Section 16b (5) of the Residence Act).
Can I change my place of study with a student visa?
With a student visa, a change of subject is often only permitted during the first few semesters. Subsequent postgraduate studies are possible if one can expect to successfully complete the program within a total stay of 10 years. However, the practices of the immigration authorities vary considerably in this regard.
How often can I change my place of study with a student visa?
Your student residence permit will be extended as long as you expect to be able to achieve your academic goals. Depending on your average study time, after a certain period of study, the immigration office will request a study forecast from the university stating when you expect to successfully complete your studies.
How much does a residence permit to study in Germany cost?
The fee for applying for a German student visa is 75 euros.
Can I also get a visa to prepare for my studies?
According to Section 16b Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act, the purpose of study also includes preparatory measures for studies, so that a visa can also be obtained for this purpose.
Can I also get a visa to apply for a study program?
Yes, a foreigner can be granted a residence permit for up to nine months for the purpose of applying for a university degree if he or she has the educational and language requirements to begin studying or is expected to acquire these within a period of stay of up to nine months and his or her livelihood is still secured (Section 17 (2) of the Residence Act).
Can I study in other EU countries with a German residence permit?
Within the framework of EU mobility, you can also study in other Member States (with the exception of Ireland and Denmark) for up to 360 days with a residence permit for study purposes in Germany (Section 16c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act).
List of sources
[1] BeckOK AuslR/Fleuß, 42nd Ed. 1.7.2024, Residence Act § 16b Rn. 1 - 96
[2] NK-AuslR/Stahmann, 3rd edition 2023, Residence Act § 16b
[3] Bergmann / Dienelt, Aliens Law, 15th edition 2025, §§ 16 ff.
[4] von Planta, Christoph, Educational Migration in Transition, Asylum Magazine, Issue 3/2019, p. 48 ff.
[5] Regarding the right of foreigners to complete a course of study in Germany, see ECJ, judgment of 10 September 2014, C-491/13 (“Ben Alaya”)
[6] Regarding the legality of conditions subsequent in studies, see, among others, VGH Mannheim, decision of 11.12.2013 - 11 S 2077/13 – BeckRS 2014, 46012
[7] Regarding the expiration of the ban on change of purpose by leaving the country, see OVG Weimar, decision of 11 January 2021, 3 EO 279/19
[8] Regarding the binding effect of university assessments, see HessVGH decision of 23 July 2012 – 3 B 874/12; SächsOVG decision of 21 January 2011 – 3 B 178/10, BeckRS 2011, 47464
[9] Visa Handbook, Scholarship Holders, 75th Supplement, Status: 08/2022
