Path to staying
- Study24 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 18 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 5 years
Overview
- Country
- Germany
- Visa name
- National Visa for Study (Nationales Visum zum Studium)
- Local name
- Nationales Visum zum Studium
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 24 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Germany's primary student visa for international students pursuing degree programs at German universities. Uniquely, public universities charge no tuition fees for any nationality, making it one of the most affordable study destinations worldwide. Students receive a national visa (D-type) followed by a residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Free (all)
- Tuition range
- $0 – $350/year
- Proof of funds
- $13,774/year
- Funds type
- Blocked account
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities charge no tuition for any nationality (except Baden-Wuerttemberg: EUR 1,500/semester for non-EU). Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of EUR 100-400 covers student union, transport pass, and admin. Private universities charge EUR 10,000-30,000/yr.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
- Freelance
- Allowed
140 full days or 280 half-days per year (increased from 120/240 in 2023). A half-day is up to 4 hours. Student jobs (Werkstudent) are common and well-paid. Freelance work requires separate permission from the Auslaenderbehorde. Mandatory internships do not count toward the limit.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Visa (Section 20 AufenthG) | Job seeker | 18 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TestDaF | Admission | German | TDN 4 | Required for German-taught programs. TDN 4 in all four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking) is the standard requirement. DSH-2 is an equivalent alternative. Studienkolleg completion also qualifies. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.5 | Required for English-taught programs. Score varies by university: 6.0-7.0 typical range. TOEFL iBT 80-100 also widely accepted. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Visa Application Fee | Application | $87 | One time |
| Residence Permit Fee | Permit | $116 | Per year |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Spouse can apply for a family reunion visa. Student must prove sufficient funds for the entire family.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Spouse with family reunion residence permit has unrestricted work access.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 5 years
- Study time counts
- 100% credit
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Processing
- 25-90 days
- Interview
- Required
- Official site
- www.make-it-in-germany.com
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Online visa portal launched January 2025. uni-assist is the central admissions service for many universities. Studienkolleg required for applicants whose qualifications are not directly recognized. Since June 2024, new Skilled Immigration Act provisions ease pathways for graduates. German citizenship is generally possible after 5 years, or 3 years with special integration achievements.
Also in Germany
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source