You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of studying if you wish to study in Germany and have been admitted to a state-recognized university or a comparable educational institution in Germany. The course of study must be a full-time program.

The purpose of residence for study also includes preparatory measures for study. Preparatory measures for study are

• attending a preparatory language course if you have already been admitted to a degree program and your admission is conditional on attending a preparatory course, and
• attending a preparatory college or comparable institution if a place is guaranteed.

The residence permit for the purpose of studying is a temporary residence permit.

With your residence permit for the purpose of studying, you may work for up to 120 days or 240 half-days per year or engage in part-time student work. During preparatory measures in the first year, you are not allowed to work, except during the vacation period.

• You have a recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute) and, if required for entry, an appropriate visa.
• You are enrolled at a state-recognized university or a recognized educational institution in Germany.
• You are enrolled in a full-time program.
• Your livelihood is secured for the duration of your studies.
• Depending on the study requirements of your degree program, you may have to prove to the immigration authorities that you have the language skills required for your studies (usually at least level B2). You do not need to provide proof of language skills if these have already been tested as part of the admission decision by the host university or are to be acquired as part of a preparatory language course.
• There is no interest in expelling you.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• You must apply for a residence permit before your visa or visa-free stay expires or your current residence permit expires.
• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to apply online or provides a special application form.
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you apply online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, if possible the originals, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your fingerprints will be taken for the production of your residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card). You will also be required to provide a signature.
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will order the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office. Once it has been produced, you will be notified and can collect the eAT card from the relevant office. You must collect the card in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• Federal Government Portal for Skilled Workers from Abroad
  https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/de/visum/arten/studieren/
• You can also obtain free advice on entry, residence, and employment from the "Working and Living in Germany Hotline" on the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad.
  Phone: 030
  1815-1111 Service hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• The procedure is usually conducted in German. If your German language skills are insufficient, it is advisable to bring someone with you who can act as a translator.
• All information provided to the immigration office should be correct and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief so that your request can be processed without significant delays.
• Incorrect or incomplete information can slow down the procedure and be detrimental to those affected. In serious cases, incorrect or incomplete information that is not completed or corrected in time to the immigration authorities can result in the revocation of residence rights already granted, a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or expulsion from the federal territory.
• Due to the complexity of residence law, this description is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority within one month of notification
• Action before the court specified in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your visa, visa-free stay, or valid residence permit.

Note (for further information on the deadline):

The residence permit is issued for at least one year and, as a rule, for a maximum of two years. If the course of study lasts less than two years, it is issued for the duration of the course.

If you are participating in a Union or multilateral program with mobility measures (e.g., the European Union's ERASMUS+ program) or if an agreement between two or more higher education institutions applies to you, the residence permit will be issued for at least two years or for the duration of your studies if they last less than two years.

Duration (for fixed time): approx. 8

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time for issuing a residence permit may vary depending on the workload of the immigration office.

It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Federal Printing Office to produce the electronic residence permit.

The immigration office responsible for the applicant's place of residence

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Current biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., personal funds, scholarship certificate, letter of commitment, blocked bank account, proof of parents' income, or similar)
• Rental agreement
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Letter of acceptance from the educational institution
• If applicable, proof of the required language skills, for example through suitable language certificates such as language tests from ALTE-certified examination providers Goethe-Institut, telc GmbH, ÖSD, TestDAF, but also DSH, DSD, TOEFL, IELTS
• If participating in preparatory measures for study: Proof of admission to a preparatory college or a preparatory language course

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the immigration office may request less or more evidence.

Cost (fixed): EUR 100.00

Under certain circumstances, a reduction or exemption from fees may be considered.

Note:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of a residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit (eAT card), which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or exemption may be considered (for example, for persons entitled to asylum or recognized refugees). Lower fees may apply for Turkish citizens.

• Forms: Forms are available from your immigration office and may also be available online.
• Online procedures possible in some cases
• Written form required: yes
• Personal appearance required: yes