German student visa 2026: requirements, money and how to apply
Everything you need for a German student visa in 2026, from admission and the €11,904 proof of funds to working while you study and staying after graduation.
Short answer
€11,904proof of funds for the first year of study in 2026
To study in Germany from outside the EU you need a national student visa, then a residence permit after you arrive. You apply online through the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal with your university admission, proof of €11,904 for the first year (usually a blocked account), health insurance and, if your degree is from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam, an APS certificate. As a student you may work up to 20 hours a week, and after graduating you can stay up to 18 months to look for a job.
Germany is one of the few countries where public universities charge little or no tuition, which is why so many international students choose it. The visa is the main hurdle. This guide covers who needs one, what to submit and what you may do once you are here.
Do you need a student visa?
- EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa. You only register your address after you arrive.
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the USA can enter without a visa and apply for the student residence permit at the immigration office within 90 days.
- Everyone else needs a national student visa from the German embassy or consulate before travelling. A tourist (Schengen) visa cannot be converted.
What you need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid for the whole planned stay, ideally |
| Admission letter | From a German university, or proof of a Studienkolleg place or preparatory course |
| Proof of funds | €11,904 for the first year in 2026, usually in a blocked account; a scholarship or a formal declaration of commitment also works |
| Health insurance | Cover valid from your arrival; see health insurance in Germany |
| APS certificate | Only if your school or university documents are from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam; see APS certificate |
| Language certificate | Whatever your programme requires, often German at B2 or C1, or English (IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes |
| Certificates and transcripts | Your school and university qualifications |
| Visa fee | Paid at the embassy; check the current amount with your embassy |
Each embassy publishes its own checklist. Follow it exactly: missing a single page is the most common reason for delays.
How to apply, step by step
- Get admission. Apply to universities directly or through uni-assist. If you need APS, start it first.
- Open and fund your blocked account. Allow one to two weeks for the transfer from abroad. Work out your total with the blocked account calculator.
- Arrange health insurance that the embassy accepts.
- Apply online through the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal and book your appointment if your embassy asks for one.
- Travel, register your address within 14 days (Anmeldung), enrol and apply for your residence permit at the immigration office before your visa expires.
Start the visa process as soon as you have admission. In peak season, appointments and processing can take several weeks or months.
No admission yet? The student applicant visa
If you want to apply to universities from inside Germany, you can come on a student applicant visa. It is valid for up to nine months, you must show €1,091 a month, and you may work up to 20 hours a week and do up to two weeks of trial work. It cannot be extended for the same purpose; once admitted, you switch to a student residence permit.
Working while you study
You may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or up to 20 hours a week during the semester. Student assistant jobs at the university do not count towards this limit. Check the rules for minimum wage and mini-jobs before you sign anything.
The residence permit is usually issued for two years at first and extended if you need more time to finish.
After you graduate
Graduates can get a residence permit for up to 18 months to look for a job that matches their degree, and may work without restrictions in that time. Once you have a qualified job, you switch to an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit. See work visas compared.
Graduates of German universities can apply for permanent residence after just two years of qualified work. See permanent residence and citizenship.
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for a German student visa in 2026?
€11,904 for the first year, which is €992 a month, usually blocked in a blocked account. Plan extra money for your rental deposit and first-month costs.
Can I work in Germany on a student visa?
Yes: up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or 20 hours a week during the semester. Student assistant jobs at your university do not count.
How long can I stay in Germany after graduating?
Up to 18 months with a residence permit to look for a job that matches your degree. You can work freely during that time.
Can I apply for a German student visa without admission?
Yes, with a student applicant visa for up to nine months, if you show €1,091 a month. You must get admission within that time.
Do I need to speak German to study in Germany?
Only if your programme is taught in German, usually at B2 or C1. Many Master's programmes are taught in English and ask for IELTS or TOEFL instead.
Sources
- Make it in Germany: residence permit for studying: funds, working rules, student applicant visa, 18-month job search
- Residence Ordinance § 41: visa-free entry for eight nationalities and the 90-day rule
- DAAD: costs of studying and living: typical monthly costs
Information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official source linked above before you act.
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