Studying in Germany , Date: 2024.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

You can come to Germany to study here as long as you are admitted to a full-time course of study by a higher education institution. You must also be able to support yourself.

You may take up employment and part-time student jobs to a limited extent during your stay in Germany.

This residence title also enables you to complete study semesters in other EU States. You will find more information on this in the section on "Mobility in the EU".

Once you have successfully completed your course of studies, you have up to 18 months to look for a job in Germany for any qualified employment. You may take up any form of work during this time.

Applying for and preparing to study

You can come to Germany for up to nine months to apply to study. You must meet the requirements in terms of schooling and language skills for admission to a degree programme, or you must complete them during your period of residence. You must furthermore be able to ensure your subsistence. Please note that you are only authorised to engage in employment for 20 hours per week during this period.

You can also enter Germany for measures in preparation of studies, e.g. in order to attend a language course, to attend a preparatory course at a "Studienkolleg", or to do an internship. You will find further information under "Language course" and "Other options".

Studying in Germany for a semester on exchange from a University abroad

If you already hold a residence title for study purposes in another EU State, you can come to Germany to study here for up to two semesters. You will not require any additional residence title. See "Mobility in the EU" for information on what you need to do.

Residence for Doctoral studies

As a doctoral student, there are various ways in which you can obtain a doctorate in Germany. The type of residence permit depends in particular on how your livelihood is to be ensured in Germany:

• If you have concluded an employment contract or an admission agreement with a research establishment, you can apply for a residence title for employment or research purposes or an EU Blue Card.
• If you have a half-time position or less, you can apply for a residence title for study purposes.
• Scholarship-holders receive a residence title for study purposes.

There are also a large number of ways in which your livelihood can be ensured while you are studying for your doctorate. This may for instance be via your own savings or via a guarantee from your parents. The "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" can advise you as to which residence titles are possible in these circumstances.

#howtomakeit - Extending your visa after completing your studies