Residence permit - Study preparation

Description

A residence permit for study preparation requires that you have either a higher education entrance qualification or a conditional higher education entrance qualification.

The residence permit for study preparation can be issued for a maximum of 2 years and for a maximum of 18 months for attending a preparatory language course. An extension beyond this for the same purpose is not possible.

No residence permit can be issued for an intensive language course to learn a foreign language (e.g. English). This also applies if the desired degree programme is only offered in this foreign language.

Visa requirement

Citizens from outside the EU require an appropriate visa to prepare for their studies. This also applies to those who are exempt from the visa requirement for visits of up to 90 days due to their nationality (positive nationality). It is generally not possible to switch from a visiting stay to study preparation.

Who needs a residence permit for study preparation?

Citizens from outside the EU with the exception of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Which nationals are exempt from the visa requirement?

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United States of America can enter and stay in Germany without a visa. A residence permit for study preparation must be obtained within 90 days of entering Germany.

Further information on whether you are allowed to enter Germany with or without a visa can be found at the Federal Foreign Office.

After entering the country

You must first register your place of residence at the Citizens Office. To do this, please use the Citizens' Registration Office's online appointment system You will receive a registration certificate there. This certificate is often required by other authorities or institutions as proof that you are registered in Munich.

You then apply for a residence permit to prepare for your studies at the Foreigners Office in Munich. This must be done before the entry visa expires or before the statutory exemption from the visa requirement expires.

Prerequisites

• University entrance qualification
• Admission to study at a university or college or
• Possession of a certificate of enrolment
• General requirements for issuing a residence permit (§5 AufenthG).

If you would like to study at a private university after your preparatory course, a residence permit can only be issued if the university/your degree programme is state-recognised. Please enquire about this at your university.

Required documents

• fully completed application form
• valid passport or passport substitute
• a biometric passport photo (photo booths are also available at the Foreigners Office)
• valid visa for entry for the purpose of study preparation, if required
• University entrance qualification or certificate of enrolment or (conditional) letter of admission from a German university/college
• Contract with a language school (at least 18 hours per week) or admission to a preparatory college
• Proof of health insurance (insurance card)
• from a statutory health insurance company. Those with private health insurance must pay attention to the type and scope of their health insurance. The insurance must be valid for at least six months. Traveller's health insurance is not sufficient. You can find more information here.
• Proof of means of subsistence: a blocked account at a German bank for at least 10,332 euros or a declaration of commitment or scholarship certificate or notarised declaration from parents that they will cover the cost of living for the duration of your studies, with proof of your parents' income for the last three months

Legal basis

§ Section 16 (1) AufenthG
§ Section 16 (6) AufenthG
§ Section 16 (3) AufenthG