Residence permit - Study preparation

Course 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, for attending a preparatory language course for a maximum of 18 months and for attending a preparatory college for a maximum of 1 year. 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 residence at the Citizens Office.

Application for a residence permit

You must apply for your residence permit before your visa/residence title expires. Please submit the application form and the required documents online or by post. After submitting your online application, you can download a completed document as a PDF for your records. The document will confirm your application and the authorisation / continued validity of your previous residence. Once we have checked your application, you will receive an appointment for a personal interview.

Prerequisites

• University entrance qualification
• Admission to study at a university or college or
• Possession of a certificate of enrolment

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 replacement
• current biometric passport photo, which is sent digitally by a certified photo studio or drugstore. Alternatively, you can use one of the photo terminals at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Office for a fee.
• 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: blocked account from a German bank with at least 11,904 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