Conditions for studying in Germany
There are certain conditions to be observed for non-EU citizens wishing to study in Germany. In addition to having adequate language skills for the training, those interested in studying in Germany also need a visa to enter the country. You can find out more specific information here, as well as information on the rights of foreign students in Germany.
Before entering Germany, foreign students need a visa issued by the German foreign representation responsible for them.
Visas are not required for students from European Union states, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Honduras, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and the USA (sec. 41 of the Residence Ordinance [Aufenthaltsverordnung]) or for students from Brazil and El Salvador because of bilateral agreements.
Student applicants from countries with an Akademische Prüfstelle (Academic Evaluation Centre) (APS) must submit their application papers to be checked by the APS at the relevant German Embassy before sending them to a German university.
On entering the country, a residence permit will be granted to the foreign student. The period of validity of the residence permit when first issued and when extended is a minimum of one year, and should not exceed two years.
Proof of skills in the language of training is necessary in principal, but will not be required if the relevant language skills have already been taken into consideration on admission or will be acquired by taking courses to prepare for the main course of study.
It is permitted to undertake work for a maximum of 90 days or 180 half-days per year as is undertaking part-time student work (sec. 16, subs. 3 of the Residence Act).
If a student to whom a residence title has been granted by another EU Member State for the purpose of studying, falls under the scope of the European Directive on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, a residence title for the purpose of studying shall be granted under certain conditions (see sec. 16, subs. 6 of the Residence Act) if the student wishes to complete part of his course at a training institution in Germany.
On successfully completing the course, the residence title can be extended to up to a year to enable the student to look for an appropriate job.
