Education-Based Immigration to Germany

Germany offers several routes for internationals who want to study, learn German, complete vocational training or carry out academic research. This guide explains the main options and their general requirements.

The information on this page is general and does not assess whether you qualify for a particular visa or residence permit.

Who This Page Covers

This page covers immigration connected with university studies, language learning, vocational training and academic research.

The visa routes described below mainly apply to nationals of countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.

If you have already completed your studies or training and want to take up qualified employment, read the guide to work based immigration.

→ Explore Work-based immigration

If your spouse or children plan to move with you, separate family reunification requirements may apply.

→ Explore Family-based immigration

The main education and research routes

The appropriate route depends on what you have already secured.

You may still be looking for a university or training place, already hold an admission letter or training contract, want to attend an intensive language course, or have an academic research position.

Visa for seeking a place to study

This route is for internationals who want to study in Germany but have not yet been admitted to a university or another recognised higher education institution.

The general requirements include:

  • a school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education or a preparatory course
  • the language skills required for the intended programme
  • sufficient funds for the entire stay

In 2026, applicants can usually demonstrate sufficient funds through a blocked account containing at least €1,091 per month or through a declaration of commitment.

The visa or residence permit can be issued for up to nine months. During this period, you can apply for a university place, attend certain preparatory measures, work for up to 20 hours per week and complete up to two weeks of trial work.

Once you receive admission to a university or preparatory programme, you can apply for a residence permit for studying in Germany. The residence permit for seeking a study place cannot be extended for the same purpose.

→ More about the Visa for seeking a place to study

This route is for internationals who have been admitted to a state recognised university, university of applied sciences or another recognised higher education institution in Germany.

The general requirements include:

  • formal admission to a recognised institution
  • sufficient funds for the study period
  • the language skills required by the programme
  • valid health insurance

In 2026, sufficient funds can generally be demonstrated through a blocked account containing at least €11,904, a scholarship or a declaration of commitment.

Residence permits for studying are usually issued for an initial period of two years and can be extended when the degree has not yet been completed.

During your studies, you may work for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Alternatively, you may work for up to 20 hours per week. Different rules apply to certain student assistant positions.

→ More about the Visa for studying

International researchers may use a residence permit specifically created for research activities.

The general requirements include:

  • a suitable academic qualification
  • a hosting agreement or employment contract with a research institution in Germany
  • arrangements covering living costs and, where required, possible public costs connected with the stay

The distinction between a research permit and a student permit is particularly important for doctoral candidates.

If the doctorate is completed as part of an employment contract with a research institution, the research residence permit may apply.

If the doctorate forms part of a full time academic programme without an employment relationship, the residence permit for studying normally applies instead.

After the research position ends, researchers may apply for a residence permit lasting up to 18 months to find another position that corresponds to their qualifications.

→ Learn more about Visas for researchers

After successfully completing a German degree, third country graduates can apply for a residence permit lasting up to 18 months to look for qualified employment.

During this period, you may work in any occupation while searching for a suitable qualified position.

Once you find qualified employment, you normally apply for an appropriate work based residence permit, such as a skilled worker permit or the EU Blue Card.

→ Explore Work based immigration

This route is intended for people whose main purpose in Germany is to attend an intensive German language course.

The course must generally provide daily instruction with at least 18 lessons per week. Evening and weekend courses are not normally sufficient.

You must also demonstrate that you can cover your living costs for the duration of your stay.

The residence permit is issued for the duration of the course, for a maximum of 12 months. During this period, you may work for up to 20 hours per week.

When the language course directly prepares you for university studies or vocational training, a study or training visa may be more appropriate, particularly if you already have admission or a training contract.

→ More about the Visa for language acquisition

This route is for people who already have a confirmed place in a company based or school based vocational training programme.

The general requirements include:

  • a binding training contract or confirmed school based training place
  • sufficient German language skills, normally at least level B1
  • sufficient funds for the duration of the training

For school based vocational training, you generally need at least €959 net per month in 2026.

For company based training, the training allowance counts towards your living costs. If it amounts to at least €1,048 gross or €822 net per month, your livelihood is generally considered secure. Any difference can normally be covered through a blocked account or declaration of commitment.

During vocational training, you may take a separate second job for up to 20 hours per week.

After successfully completing qualified vocational training in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit lasting up to 18 months to look for qualified employment.

→ More about the Visa for vocational training

Internationals who have not yet found a training place may be able to enter Germany to search for one.

The general requirements include:

  • a school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education or a qualification from a German school abroad
  • German language skills at level B1
  • being under the age of 35
  • sufficient funds for the search period

In 2026, sufficient funds can generally be demonstrated through a blocked account containing at least €1,091 per month or through a declaration of commitment.

The visa or residence permit can be issued for up to nine months. During this period, you may work for up to 20 hours per week and complete up to two weeks of trial work.

→ More about the Visa for seeking a place for vocational training

Internationals who have not yet found a training place may be able to enter Germany to search for one.

The general requirements include:

  • a school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education or a qualification from a German school abroad
  • German language skills at level B1
  • being under the age of 35
  • sufficient funds for the search period

In 2026, sufficient funds can generally be demonstrated through a blocked account containing at least €1,091 per month or through a declaration of commitment.

The visa or residence permit can be issued for up to nine months. During this period, you may work for up to 20 hours per week and complete up to two weeks of trial work.

→ More about the Visa for seeking a place for vocational training

Blocked account (ad) and funding figures are current as of 2026 and are reviewed periodically, always confirm the latest amount before budgeting.

How the routes can connect

The different education routes often form part of a longer plan.

A university applicant may move from seeking admission to studying and then to the 18 month job search period after graduation.

A trainee may complete vocational training, remain for up to 18 months to find qualified employment and then change to a work based residence permit.

A doctoral candidate may study or work as a researcher, depending on how the doctoral programme is organised.

Each change requires the appropriate residence permit. The responsible German authority decides whether the relevant requirements have been met.

Changing to employment before graduation

You may be able to change from a student residence permit to a work based residence permit before completing your current degree.

This can be relevant if you already hold a recognised university degree or vocational qualification and receive a non temporary offer of qualified employment that meets the requirements of a skilled worker visa or EU Blue Card. You do not need to complete your current studies before applying for the change.

You must apply for the new residence permit with the responsible immigration authority before beginning full time employment under the new purpose of stay. The authority will check whether the requirements of the chosen work based route are met.

→ Explore Work-based immigration

Frequently Asked Questions about Education-Based Immigration to Germany

Can I bring my family while I study?

Family reunification may be possible for spouses and minor children of students and trainees.

Separate requirements can apply to the relationship, available funds, accommodation and the expected duration of the stay. Family members who require a visa normally apply through the responsible German mission abroad.

→  Explore Family-based Immigration

The required language depends on the programme.

Most German language degree programmes require proof of German skills, often at level B2 or higher. International programmes may be taught partly or entirely in English and usually require proof of English instead.

The university decides which language certificates and levels it accepts. Check the exact requirements for your chosen programme before applying.

→ Read the DAAD overview of study requirements

→ Search the DAAD International Programmes database

Vocational training generally requires German at level B1. Some training occupations and institutions may expect a higher level because both the vocational school and practical instruction take place mainly in German.

Your school leaving certificate must give you access to higher education in Germany.

Depending on your qualification and country of education, you may receive direct admission, admission limited to certain subjects or may first need to complete a preparatory course and assessment examination.

The university, uni assist or another organisation responsible for processing the application makes the final decision.

The DAAD Admission Database provides a useful but nonbinding first check based on your country and educational background.

→ Check your qualification in the DAAD Admission Database

This assessment concerns access to higher education. It is different from professional recognition of a university degree or vocational qualification for employment purposes.

A change may be possible if you already hold a recognised university degree or vocational qualification and meet the requirements for a work based residence permit.

You normally need a concrete offer of qualified employment and must apply for the new residence permit before beginning full time work under the new purpose of stay.

Students may also be able to change from university studies to qualified vocational training if they obtain a suitable training place.

The 18 month job search residence permit cannot normally be extended for the same purpose.

Before it expires, you need another basis for remaining in Germany. This could include qualified employment, further studies, vocational training, research or self employment, provided you meet the requirements of the new route.

Otherwise, you would generally need to leave Germany when your residence permit expires.

The DAAD also provides practical information about preparing for employment and beginning a career in Germany.

→ Explore DAAD career planning resources

→ Explore my Job search resources and services

 

International students from outside the EU may generally work for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Alternatively, they may work for up to 20 hours per week. Separate rules can apply to academic and student assistant positions, mandatory internships and self employment.

The DAAD provides additional practical information about common student jobs and the restrictions international students should consider.

→ Read the DAAD guide to side jobs

 

Need help bringing the information together?

Education based immigration can involve admission requirements, school certificates, language skills, funding, employment rules and plans for what comes after your studies or training.

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I review the information you provide when booking so that we can focus on your priorities from the beginning.

Afterwards, you receive a written summary with the main points, practical next steps and useful links.

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My services consist of general immigration information, practical orientation and process planning. They do not include an individual legal assessment, legal advice or representation before German authorities.

When your questions require legal advice, I will recommend consulting a licensed German immigration lawyer.