Germany Student Visa 2026: Funds, Fees and Work Rules
Studying in Germany is cheap in tuition and strict in paperwork. Most state universities charge no tuition fees, but a non-EU student has to prove up front that a year of living costs is covered. This guide sets out the visa, the money, the work rules and what happens after graduation, using the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the federal portal Make it in Germany and the Federal Foreign Office as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
Non-EU students usually need a national visa, which costs €75. If you have a university place you apply for a student visa; if not, a prospective student visa is valid for up to nine months. You must show funds of at least €992 a month, €11,904 a year in 2026, normally through a blocked account, a scholarship or a declaration of commitment. Students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Most state universities charge no tuition fees, though all students pay a semester contribution of between €70 and €430. After graduating you can stay for up to 18 months to look for a job.
Who needs a visa
| Where you are from | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland | A valid ID card or comparable document; register your address once you have accommodation |
| Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States, and Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino | No visa to enter; a residence permit from the local foreigners authority if you stay more than three months |
| Other countries | Usually a visa, applied for in your home country at a German embassy or consulate |
One warning from the DAAD applies to everyone: a tourist visa cannot be converted to a student visa later on.
Student visa or prospective student visa
- Student visa: for people who have already been accepted by a higher education institution. Doctoral candidates usually apply for this visa too.
- Prospective student visa: for people still waiting for a letter of acceptance or who have to sit an entrance examination. It is valid for up to nine months, during which you can apply for a place, attend a language course or attend a Studienkolleg.
The money you must show
| Purpose of stay | Minimum own funds in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Studying | €992 net a month, €11,904 a year |
| Seeking a place at university | €1,091 net a month |
You can prove the funds with a scholarship offer, a blocked account or a declaration of commitment. The DAAD also lists proof of parental income. Because amounts differ by purpose of stay, both the DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office tell applicants to confirm the figure with the German mission for their country or in the Consular Services Portal.
How a blocked account works
- You open it at a bank or similar provider of your choice, usually online.
- It is usually opened for a year, unless your planned stay is shorter.
- Only a certain amount can be withdrawn each month, so that the money lasts.
- You name an account beneficiary: the mission where you apply for the visa or, after arrival, the foreigners authority. The beneficiary cannot withdraw your money.
- Banks charge a fee of between €70 and €150 to set one up, according to the DAAD.
Documents usually required
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Records of previous study and language skills
- A letter of acceptance from your higher education institution, if you have one
- For a prospective student visa: a recognised higher education entrance qualification
- Possibly a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation
How to apply, step by step
- Check which visa you need, using the Federal Foreign Office's Visa Navigator.
- Arrange your proof of funds early. Blocked account forms need time.
- Apply online through the Consular Services Portal if it covers your country. If not, contact the German embassy or consulate.
- Attend your appointment, bring the original documents and pay the visa fee of €75 in local currency.
- Enter Germany and register your address at the residents' registration office.
- Apply for your residence permit for studying at the foreigners authority before the entry visa expires. Fees may add up to €100.
Apply early. The DAAD notes that it can sometimes take months for a visa to be issued, and the Federal Foreign Office says national visa applications may take several months to process.
What studying costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition at state higher education institutions | Generally none for Bachelor's courses and most Master's courses |
| Baden-Württemberg, non-EU students | €1,500 per semester |
| Semester contribution, all students | Between €70 and €430 per semester |
| Living costs | Between €900 and €1,200 a month, depending on the city |
| Statutory health insurance, students under 30 | About €120 to €130 a month |
Bavaria may also charge tuition fees to students from outside the EU; its institutions decide for themselves, so check your programme. Private institutions can charge more substantial fees.
Working while you study
- The limit: students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year.
- Academic assistants: there is no limit on days, but you must inform the foreigners office.
- Self-employment and freelancing: only if the foreigners authority permits it.
- More than the limit: needs permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners office, granted only in cases of special financial need.
- Pay: the minimum wage has stood at €13.90 an hour since January 2026. You can earn up to €556 a month in a minijob without paying taxes.
Students from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have practically the same rights as German students. The DAAD is blunt about expectations: it is virtually impossible to fund your entire cost of living through side jobs.
After you graduate
Graduates of German higher education institutions can receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to seek qualified employment. You must be able to cover your living costs, and any type of employment is allowed during that time. Once you find a suitable job, you apply for the matching residence permit, such as the EU Blue Card.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving on a tourist visa. It cannot be converted to a student visa.
- Applying late. A visa can take months.
- Using an old funds figure. Confirm the current amount with your German mission.
- Counting on a job to pay your way. The work limit and the job market make that unrealistic.
- Breaking the work rules. The DAAD warns that you may be deported if you do.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a German student visa in 2026?
At least €992 net a month, or €11,904 a year, for studying. For a visa to seek a university place the figure is €1,091 a month. Confirm the amount with the German mission for your country.
How much does a German student visa cost?
The national visa costs €75, paid in local currency. The residence permit issued in Germany can add fees of up to €100.
Can I work on a student visa in Germany?
Yes. Students from outside the EU may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Work as an academic assistant is not limited by days.
Is university free in Germany?
State higher education institutions generally charge no tuition for Bachelor's courses and most Master's courses. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and all students pay a semester contribution.
What is a blocked account?
A bank account holding the funds for your stay, from which only a set amount can be withdrawn each month. It is usually opened for a year and is one accepted way to prove your finances.
Can I stay in Germany after my studies?
Yes. Graduates can receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified employment, and may take any type of work during that time.
How long does a German student visa take?
The DAAD says it can sometimes take months, and the Federal Foreign Office says national visas may take several months to process, so apply early.
Sources (official only)
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) — Visas
- DAAD — Costs of education and living
- DAAD — Side jobs
- DAAD — Health insurance
- Make it in Germany (Federal Government) — Financial security for living expenses, as of January 2026
- Make it in Germany — At a Glance: Visa for seeking a place in university, as of January 2026
- Federal Foreign Office — Opening and closing a blocked bank account
- Federal Foreign Office — Visas for Germany
- Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy — Possibilities of skilled worker immigration, 2026
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. Amounts and fees change, so check with the German mission for your area and your university before you apply. Information, not legal advice.