Study Abroad in Germany: A Guide for 2025

There are a lot of things to do to prepare for your upcoming study abroad experience in Germany.

You need to know how to start the process, which visa you need, if you're even eligible. It's also helpful to know some insider-knowledge about studying in Germany before you head abroad.

That's why we wrote this guide.

Here, you will learn the need-to-know information to get the ball rolling! Studying in Europe for a year is a life-changing experience.

Lass uns gehen! (Let's go!)

🇺🇸 Please note: The specific advice in this guide is for US citizens looking to study abroad in Germany.

How to study abroad in Germany

Germany is a popular destination for international students. With a practical blend of the modern and the ancient, cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt have a lot to offer their residents.

There are a few things you'll need to do in order to pursue your academic studies in Germany. While the process is much more detailed than just a few steps, it can be helpful to see a snapshot of it to get a big picture of what you'll need to do.

• Find out if you're eligible
• Enroll in a German university
• Apply for your visa

Find out if you're eligible

To study in Germany, there are some eligibility requirements that you'll need to make sure you meet, but first you will need to know which situation applies to you.

Germany has two types of study visas for foreign students. One is the Prospective Student Visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung). This is for students who have yet to find a university/educational program and plan to stay in Germany to find one.

The latter is a Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken). The Student Visa is for foreign students who have already been accepted into a program.

Both visas have eligibility requirements that students will need to meet. We'll take a look at each.

Germany study visa requirements

Many of the requirements for the Prospective Student Visa and the Student Visa are the same. To be eligible to apply for either of the two, you'll need to meet all of the following criteria.

Proof of financial means

To be eligible, you will need to be able to show that you can financially support yourself for the entire length of your stay in Germany. When you apply for your visa (which we will talk about later in the guide), you'll be required to supply a Finanzierungsnachweis. This is a document that shows you have the finances to pay for your accommodations, food, transportation, etc.

There are a few ways that you can fund your trip, including parental support, a German permanent resident supporting you, a bank account, even a scholarship. Always check with the German Embassy for the most up-to-date information about visa documents and requirements.

Proof of health insurance

To be eligible for a study visa, you will need to show that you have valid health insurance that covers you while in Germany.

🥨 If you meet these two requirements, you are likely eligible to apply for a study visa in Germany.

Enrolling in a German university

Depending on which visa suits your situation (Prospective or Student), the timeline of when you enroll will be different.

The Prospective Student Visa allows a hopeful student to go to Germany and find a program to enroll in. Typically, you hold a 3-month visa, giving you time to find the right fit for you. In some cases, this can be extended if more time is needed. Once you have found the program you want to enroll in, applied, and received an acceptance letter, you will then apply for student residence.

If you're applying for the Student Visa, you will need to have proof of enrollment/admission when you apply for your visa before setting foot in Germany. This may be the case if you're studying abroad in Germany through a program at your current university or have applied to an international school already.

There are two very important things to know about German universities.

• Keep in mind that if you are not going to Germany through a study abroad program with a current university, you do need to make sure that your academic status is recognized in Germany. You can do that here.
• There may be German language requirements you must prove in order to get accepted into a university program.

Applying for your visa

If you're applying for a Prospective Student Visa, you'll apply before you have enrolled in the program of your choice.

If you're applying for a Student Visa, you will apply for your visa after being formally accepted into your German program.

Either way, you will need to apply for a visa to study in Germany for a year.

When you apply for a study abroad visa for Germany, there are specific documents you'll be required to show. The documents are as follows:

Visa application requirements

• A valid passport.
• Proof of financial resources (detailed earlier in this guide).
• Proof of health insurance (also detailed earlier in this guide).
• Transcripts or other certificates of past academic work.
• Proof of German language proficiency or proof that you will attend a German language course while abroad. If your courses will be taught in English, you need to prove English fluency.
• In some cases, you may need to also provide a health certificate. The German Embassy or visa application center/consulate will give you a list of all of the required documents to include in your visa application.

If you're applying for the Prospective Student Visa, you will also need to provide proof that you meet the academic requirements to apply for a German university program (such as college transcripts, a degree, or High School transcripts that meet specific criteria).

If you're applying for the Student Visa, you will need to also show proof of enrollment into your German program. If you haven't been accepted yet, you may also be able to show a letter from the University saying you have a good chance of being admitted.

In both cases, you will also be required to apply for a residence permit once in Germany.

Preparing for your life in Germany

While it's a lot of work, the qualifications and applications are only the beginning to what will be an incredible experience in Germany.

There are some things you should know about your upcoming life in Germany before you get there, that way you feel the most prepared and ready to take on a new country.

When it comes to studying abroad in Europe in general, we created this guide to help students just like yourself adjust. However, there are some tips we have for you that are specific to Germany.

A lot of stores are closed on Sundays. Depending where you are, that can even be grocery stores. While in the States, it's common to do grocery shopping on Sundays, you may need to adjust your schedule depending on where you are living.

Rethink "better late than never". One thing you need to be aware of is punctuality. German culture prizes being on time and ready to go. Whether it's a party, athletic event, or class, try to be on time (not early or late, though early is better than late).

Have cash on you. While card is generally accepted in most places, it may not be accepted everywhere. It's good to have a bit of cash on you, especially in the beginning of your journey until you learn where you can pay with your card and where you can't.

Take public transportation. Germany is known for its robust public transportation systems, especially in larger cities. Plus, as a student, you will get discounts, making inexpensive travel even cheaper. Win!

Try to embrace cultural differences. Americans and Germans have similarities, but we also have some big cultural differences. For example, small talk in the US is seen as polite and even expected in some situations. This isn't the case in Germany. In fact, small talk isn't generally done in Western Europe. Try to embrace these things and adapt to them for a full immersion.

There might be oral examinations. In Germany, it isn't uncommon to face oral examinations (and not just in a language course - for any course). This isn't a common occurrence in the States, so it's something to just be aware of.

Keep a couple of euros (coins) on you at all time. In many places, the bathrooms are not free. Make sure you have a couple of euros just in case you find yourself really needing to go to the bathroom while out and about.

Stoßlüften. Germans open the window (even when it's cold out) for a few minutes every day in order to get rid of the stuffy, stale air inside and "freshen" the apartment. If you see people opening windows in winter, or for a little bit every day, that's why!