Studying in Berlin

Student visa from Hong Kong: money, language, work while studying and staying on after graduation.

For a degree programme you need a student visa before you travel (§ 16b Residence Act). The Consulate's student checklist states that a tourist stay cannot be converted into a student visa.

What you need

• Admission letter (or conditional admission, or admission to a Studienkolleg); see Admission.
• Money: €992 a month, that is €11,904 for one year, in a blocked account, through a scholarship, or with a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany.
• Language: German-taught programmes need the German level the university requires. English-taught programmes need IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge, or proof of earlier English-taught studies (checklist).
• Health insurance: incoming insurance until enrolment, then student health insurance.

Standard processing at the Consulate: about 2 weeks after a complete application. Not admitted yet? A visa to look for a study place is possible (§ 17, up to 9 months; details not confirmed for Hong Kong). The money rule differs: at least €1,091 net a month under § 17 (2), while €992 applies only to study under § 16b (Make it in Germany). A language course before studies has its own checklist.

Work while studying

140 full days or 280 half days a year, plus student assistant jobs at the university.

After graduation

Up to 18 months to look for a job that fits your degree (§ 20). After 2 years in qualified work, settlement is possible; see Skilled worker.

Public universities in Berlin charge no tuition fees for most programmes, but a semester fee; see Costs. Scholarships: DAAD.