Student Visa for Germany: Blocked Account and Work Limits

Public universities charge only a nominal semester fee covering administration and student services, not tuition in the usual sense. You can work part-time during studies, get an 18-month post-graduation job-seeking permit, and may qualify for permanent residence later if you meet the rules.

Official visa requirements and procedures are summarized on the German government portal Make it in Germany – Visa for studying.

Admission, finances, Studienkolleg, and visa steps

Admission and paperwork. University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid), a secondary school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur, proven language proficiency (German or English), valid passport, compliant health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Money for your stay. Proof of secure subsistence via a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a formal scholarship, or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor. To secure a typical one-year visa, deposit a minimum of €11,904 into a blocked account so it pays out roughly €992 per month. Approved providers include fully digital services such as Expatrio, Fintiba, and Coracle. Note: Deutsche Bank no longer offers this service.

Studienkolleg. If your foreign high school diploma does not grant direct access to German higher education, you must attend a preparatory one-year Studienkolleg and pass the assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung). Check your qualification on anabin.kmk.org.

Typical timeline.

1. Secure your university admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid).
2. Open a Sperrkonto with an approved provider and fund it with €11,904.
3. Get incoming travel health insurance (you switch to German insurance after arrival).
4. Book the German embassy or consulate and submit the file.

After approval, travel, register your address (Anmeldung), and convert the entry visa at the Ausländerbehörde.

Regulations during your studies

Working hours

Non-EU students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without an explicit work permit from the Federal Employment Agency.

Exceptions. Regular university student assistant positions (HiWi jobs) and mandatory curriculum internships do not count toward this 140-day limit.

Restrictions. Freelancing and self-employment are not allowed unless the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) explicitly authorizes them.

Health insurance and program changes

Health insurance is mandatory. Public health insurance is available at a discounted student rate until age 30. After 30, you must transition to standard public rates or private health insurance.

You may change your degree program, but you must remain enrolled continuously and report significant major changes to the Ausländerbehörde. Frequent or unjustified program changes can jeopardize your visa status.

Renewing your student permit

File about eight weeks before the residence card expires. You still need enrollment, enough academic progress that the university and office accept, and proof of sufficient funds. Apply before the end date; filing late can force you to leave. While a timely application is pending, a Fiktionsbescheinigung under Section 81 AufenthG usually covers lawful stay. Confirm work limits and travel before you leave the country.

Post-graduation: job seeking and converting to work status

After graduation you can apply for an 18-month residence permit under Section 20(1) No. 1 and Section 20(2) of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) to find employment that matches your degree. During that period you can generally work any job while you search.

Once you secure a contract that aligns with your degree, apply at the Ausländerbehörde for a skilled employment title such as:

• EU Blue Card: Must meet statutory salary thresholds.
• Skilled Worker Visa: Based on recognized professional qualifications.

Not sure this is your route? See Which Visa Do You Need in Germany.