Can I study in Germany as a foreigner?
May 1, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Wagner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Tobias Weiß and I am a foreign student who would like to study in Germany. I come from a country outside the EU and already have a valid visa for Germany. I have heard that there are certain requirements for foreigners to study here, and I am not sure if I meet them.
Currently, I am in Germany and have already attended a language course to improve my German skills. I have applied to different universities and now I am unsure if I even have the possibility to study here. I am worried that my foreign nationality could be an obstacle and I wonder if I meet the necessary requirements to study in Germany at all.
Can you please help me and tell me what steps I need to take to be able to study in Germany as a foreigner? Are there specific visas or residence permits that I need to apply for? What documents are required and what requirements do I need to meet? I am very motivated to study here and want to make sure I go through all the necessary steps correctly.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Tobias Weiß
Dear Mr. Weiß,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding studying in Germany as an international student. I understand that you are concerned about whether your foreign nationality could be an obstacle and unsure if you meet the necessary requirements. I would be happy to help you and provide you with the information you need to make your dream of studying in Germany a reality.
First of all, it is important to know that foreigners who wish to study in Germany must meet certain requirements. As a student from a country outside the EU, you usually need a visa to be able to study in Germany. You have already mentioned that you have a valid visa, which is a good first step.
In order to study in Germany as an international student, you typically need to enroll at a German university. For this, you need a so-called "confirmation of admission" (also known as a letter of acceptance), which certifies that you have been accepted for the desired course of study. This confirmation is issued by the university to which you have applied.
In addition to the visa and confirmation of admission, you also need health insurance that is valid in Germany. It is important that you take out health insurance that meets the requirements of the German health system.
Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies in Germany. This proof can be provided in the form of a blocked account, a guarantee, or other financial documents.
It is also important that you can demonstrate your knowledge of the German language, as many courses of study in Germany are taught in German. You have already attended a language course, which is very positive. Depending on the course of study and university, different requirements for language skills may be required.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of taking care of all necessary documents and formalities early on to avoid delays. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
I wish you success in your endeavor to study in Germany.
Best regards,
Friedhelm Wagner
