Route: studying in Berlin

Visa (§ 16b), the steps in order, money and work while studying.

Legal basis: § 16b AufenthG (residence permit for studies). You apply for a national visa at the German mission in your country before you travel. Visa-free entry cannot be turned into a study permit in Germany, see Visa-free travel.

Steps

1. Check what your school-leaving certificate is worth: Admission.
2. Learn German (or English for an English-taught programme) and take a recognised exam: Learning German.
3. Apply to the university, directly or through uni-assist. Public universities in Berlin charge no tuition, see Costs of studying.
4. Prove your funding: blocked account, scholarship, or a declaration of commitment from someone in Germany.
5. Apply for the visa: Visa application.
6. Travel, register and collect your residence permit in Berlin: After arrival.

What the mission usually asks for

• Admission or Studienkolleg letter, language certificate, CV and motivation letter.
• School-leaving certificate and, where relevant, university records, with apostille or legalisation and translation: Documents.
• Proof of funding (€11,904 for a year) and health insurance until enrolment.

Fees and work

• Visa fee €75, not refundable. Processing times differ by mission and are not published as fixed times; plan several months.
• Working while studying (§ 16b (3) AufenthG): up to 140 full or 280 half days a year, plus student jobs at the university.
• After graduating: up to 18 months to look for a job (§ 20), see Already in Berlin?

Study-applicant visa (§ 17)

Without admission yet, § 17 AufenthG allows up to 9 months to look for a study place. You must show €1,091 a month (§ 2 (3) sentence 6 AufenthG).