🇩🇪 National Visa for Study Purposes (§16 AufenthG)
Category: Student · Processing time: 6–12 weeks
⚡ Quick Answer
Germany's student visa lets you study full-time, work up to 120 days/year, and stay 18 months after graduation to find a qualifying job.
Visa record in MigrantIQ database.
Apply through official authority
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) / Auswärtiges Amt
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Student
Processing time
6–12 weeks
Fees
ApplicationFee: EUR 75
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
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Overview
Long-stay national visa for full-time study at a German university or university of applied sciences. Allows part-time work and post-graduation job-search permission.
- Leads to permanent residency: No
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: Yes
- Minimum education: University admission letter
- Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
- Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
- Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required
Estimated Costs
- - ApplicationFee: EUR 75
- - BlockedAccount: EUR 11,904 (current per BAMF)
- - HealthInsurance: EUR 110+/month for students
Required Documents
- - University admission letter
- - Blocked account confirmation
- - Health insurance proof
- - Language certificate
- - Academic credentials
- - Valid passport
Application Steps
- Apply to and receive admission from a German institution
- Open a blocked account and deposit annual living costs
- Take out health insurance
- Book embassy appointment and submit application
- Pay EUR 75 fee
- Travel to Germany and register with the Bürgeramt within 14 days
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) / Auswärtiges Amt →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Up to 120 full / 240 half days of work per year
- - 18-month job-search permit after graduation
- - Pathway to skilled work / Blue Card
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Housing Contract and Deposit Rules
Housing · Severity: Medium
Rental contracts in Germany may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages for long-term housing.
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Germany depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission automatically extends your lawful stay.
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Germany, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Germany, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Germany, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border checks.
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Germany through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa processing.
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Germany, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Student Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) / Auswärtiges Amt
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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