A foreign student may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of studying at a state university, a state-recognized university or comparable educational institution in Germany.

The studies may be conducted at state or state-recognized higher education institutions (universities, teacher training colleges, art colleges and universities of applied sciences) or comparable educational institutions, at vocational academies and at state or state-recognized preparatory colleges.

The main purpose of the stay must be to study. Evening, weekend or correspondence courses, for example, do not meet these requirements.

• The purpose of residence, i.e. studying, includes all training phases associated with studying as well as preparatory measures and the completion of a compulsory internship. Pre-study measures include attending a preparatory language course if the foreign national has been admitted to a full-time course of study and admission is conditional on attending a preparatory language course, and attending a preparatory college or comparable institution if proof of acceptance to a preparatory college or comparable institution is provided.
• Full-time studies also include the necessary preparatory courses and compulsory internships as well as postgraduate courses such as Master's and doctoral programs and
• subsequent practical activities, provided they are part of the prescribed course of study or serve to fully achieve the educational objective.

Staying in Germany to apply for a degree

A residence permit for a maximum of nine months can also be issued for the purpose of applying to study in Germany. The prerequisite is that the applicant has the school and language requirements to take up a course of study or that these are to be acquired within the duration of the stay of nine months. During the period of residence for the purpose of applying to study, employment of up to 20 hours per week and trial employment of up to two weeks in total is permitted.

Gainful employment during studies

Foreign students from countries outside the European Economic Area are permitted to take up part-time student employment after commencing their studies without any time restrictions and are generally permitted to work for a maximum of 140 days per calendar year (working day account). Special regulations apply to part-time employment.

Semesters abroad and exchange programs

Students who already have a residence permit as a student in another EU member state and wish to complete part of their studies in Germany do not require a German residence permit for entry and residence in Germany for stays of up to 360 days. Further information on this option can be obtained from the host educational institution or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Furthermore, a residence permit will be issued to a student in another EU Member State in Germany if they wish to continue their studies here as part of a European Union exchange program or 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 only entitles the holder to study as applied for and admitted. As a rule, it is extended in each case, provided that sufficient means of subsistence for this period are proven and the regular period of study is not exceeded. Exceptions can be made if the regular period of study is exceeded as long as the student is studying properly. As a rule, this is the case if the average duration of studies at the university in question in the respective degree program is not exceeded by more than three semesters and is confirmed by the higher education institution. In the event of a change of degree program or place of study, the residence permit will be reapplied for and issued.

In the event of an interruption, discontinuation or unsuccessful completion of studies, a change to another residence permit can be made if the legal requirements are met, in particular for the purpose of vocational training.

Extension after completion of studies

After successfully completing their studies, graduates have the opportunity to look for a job and can stay in Germany for up to 18 months for this purpose. As soon as they have found such a job, they can 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 extensive information on studying in Germany.