An international student may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of studying at a public university, a state-recognized institution of higher education, or a comparable educational institution in Germany.

Studies may be pursued at public or state-recognized institutions of higher education (universities, colleges of education, art colleges, and universities of applied sciences) or comparable educational institutions, at vocational academies, as well as at public or state-recognized preparatory colleges.

The studies must constitute the primary purpose of the stay. Evening, weekend, or distance learning programs, for example, do not meet these requirements.

• The purpose of stay “studies” encompasses all educational phases associated with the studies, as well as preparatory measures and the completion of a mandatory internship. Measures to prepare for studies include attending a preparatory language course if the foreign national has been admitted to a full-time degree program and admission is contingent upon attending such a course, and attending a preparatory college or a comparable institution, provided that admission to such a preparatory college or comparable institution has been verified.
• Full-time study also includes the preparatory courses and mandatory internships required for it, as well as postgraduate programs such as master’s and doctoral programs, and
• subsequent practical activities, provided they are part of the prescribed educational program or serve to fully achieve the educational objective.

Stay in Germany for the Purpose of Applying to a University

A residence permit valid for a maximum of nine months may also be granted for the purpose of applying to a university in Germany. The prerequisite is that the applicant meets the academic and language requirements for admission to a degree program or intends to acquire these requirements within the nine-month period of stay. During the stay for the purpose of applying to a degree program, employment of up to 20 hours per week and participation in trial employment for up to a total of two weeks are permitted.

Employment During Studies

International students from countries outside the European Economic Area may engage in part-time student work without any time restrictions once they have been admitted to a degree program and, as a rule, may work for a maximum of 140 days per calendar year (workday account). Special credit rules apply to part-time employment.

Semesters Abroad and Exchange Programs

For students who already hold a student residence permit in another EU member state and wish to complete part of their studies in Germany, a German residence permit is not required for entry into and residence in Germany for stays of up to 360 days. Further information on this option is available from the host educational institution or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Furthermore, a student from another European Union member state will be granted a residence permit in Germany if they wish to continue their studies here as part of a European Union exchange program or if they have already been admitted to study in the other EU member state for a period of at least two years.

Extension of the Residence Permit

The residence permit is valid only for the program of study for which it was applied for and approved. It is generally extended as long as sufficient funds to cover living expenses for this period are demonstrated and the standard duration of study is not exceeded. Exceptions may be granted if the standard duration of study is exceeded, provided that the student is making satisfactory progress in their studies. This is generally the case if the average duration of study at the respective institution for the relevant degree program is not exceeded by more than three semesters and is confirmed by the institution. In the event of a change in degree program or place of study, a new residence permit must be applied for and granted.

In the event of an interruption, withdrawal, or unsuccessful completion of studies, it is possible to switch to a different residence permit if the legal requirements are met, particularly for the purpose of vocational training.

Extension After Completion of Studies

After successfully completing their studies, graduates have the opportunity to seek employment and may remain in Germany for up to 18 months for this purpose. Once they have found such a job, they may be granted a residence permit for the corresponding gainful employment with the prospect of receiving a settlement permit after two years.

The Make it in Germany portal also offers comprehensive information about studying in Germany.