Residence permit for study preparation and studies

You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of studying if you wish to study in Germany and have been admitted to a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany. The course of study must be full-time.

The purpose of the study program also includes preparatory study measures. Study preparation measures are

• attending a preparatory language course if you have already been admitted to university and admission is conditional on attending a preparatory course, and
• attending a preparatory college or a comparable institution if a place is definitely available.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for a minimum of one year and generally for a maximum of two years or for the duration of the course of study if it lasts less than two years.

If the foreigner participates in an EU or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g. ERASMUS+ program of the European Union) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to the foreigner, the residence permit is issued for at least two years or for the duration of the course of study if the course of study lasts less than two years.

You may use your residence permit to work for up to 120 days or 240 half days per year or for part-time student employment for the purpose of your studies. You are not allowed to work during preparatory study measures in the first year, except during vacation periods

• Valid passport
• Current biometric photo
• Visa, if required
• Proof of livelihood (e.g. scholarship certificate, declaration of commitment, blocked account at a bank, proof of parents' income or similar)
• rental agreement
• Proof of your health insurance
• Letter of admission from the educational institution
• If applicable, proof of the required language skills, e.g. through suitable language certificates such as language tests from the ALTE-certified examination providers Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, ÖSD, TestDAF, but also DSH, DSD, TOEFL, IELTS
• For participation in study preparation measures: Proof of admission to the preparatory college or a preparatory language course

Issuing a residence permit: EUR 100.00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be possible.

• You should apply for a residence permit at least eight weeks before your valid visa or residence permit expires.
• Objection period: 1 month