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Higher-Education Study

GermanyStudy

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What education or training is this pathway designed for?

Full-time studies at a state or state-recognised university or comparable institution; the study purpose also covers measures to prepare for studies and compulsory training.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • AufenthG cited from the official English translation current to the Act of 8 May 2024; later amendments not reflected and the German text governs
  • https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_aufenthg/englisch_aufenthg.html
    For the purpose of full-time studies at a state or state-recognised university or a comparable educational institution, a foreigner is granted a temporary residence permit if he or she has been accepted by the educational institution. Residence for study purposes also extends to measures to prepare for studies and compulsory training.

What are the most important financial or study-related conditions: tuition, funds, insurance, full-time study, attendance or equivalent?

Living costs must be covered for the study programme via a blocked account (at least EUR 11,904 in 2026), a scholarship or a declaration of commitment; some programmes require language proficiency, usually CEFR B2.

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Can the student work? Under what major restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

Work is allowed for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week; part-time student jobs are unlimited.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • family position not stated in the captured sources

How long does the status last, how is it renewed, and what officially documented post-study work or residence possibilities exist?

Initial permit usually two years, renewable for two more if the degree is not yet obtained; after graduation an 18-month job-seeker permit with any work allowed, then conversion to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card; settlement after more than two years of work.

See recorded sources
  • https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/studying
    Residence permits for study purposes are usually issued for an initial period of two years. If you have not obtained your degree within this period, you can request to have your residence permit renewed for a further two years.
  • https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/studying
    After successfully completing your degree, you can extend your stay in Germany by applying for a residence permit for jobseekers under Section 20 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (External link) <desc>box with arrow to the right</desc> . The residence permit is issued for up to 18 months as a means of finding skilled employment in Germany. You can work in any occupation while looking for skilled employment. As soon as you have found a qualified employment position, you can apply to convert your residence permit for study purposes into a residence permit for skilled workers  or an EU Blue Card
  • https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/studying
    Graduates of German higher education institutions can apply for a settlement permit (Section 18c (1) sentence 2 of the Residence Act (External link) <desc>box with arrow to the right</desc> [AufenthG]) after working in Germany for more than two years.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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