You can obtain a residence permit for the purpose of searching for a place at university if you wish to study in Germany but do not yet have a place.

If you are under 18 years of age, the persons entitled to care for you must consent to your stay for the purpose of applying for a place at university.

• You would like to stay in Germany to look for a place at university.
• Your school-leaving qualifications entitle you to attend a German university or preparatory college.
• You can cover your living expenses and health insurance for the duration of your stay from your own resources without claiming public benefits.
• There are no grounds for your expulsion.
• Your stay does not jeopardize or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

• Find out whether your immigration office allows you to submit your application online or provides a special application form.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you may not submit the application yourself, but will need a representative (usually the application is submitted by the parents with parental custody).
• If the application can only be submitted in person, make an appointment with the immigration office. If you submit your application online, the immigration office will contact you after receiving your application to arrange an appointment.
• If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by at least one representative when you attend the appointment in person. If your parents with parental custody are unable to attend in person, a written power of attorney must be provided for the application.
• During the appointment, your identity and documents will be checked (please bring your documents, preferably 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 title (eAT card).
• The Foreigners' Registration Office will commission the production of 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. The eAT card must always be collected in person.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

• The procedure at the immigration office is usually conducted in German.
• 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 major 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 office 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

Application deadline:

6 weeks to 8 weeks

Note (for further information on validity):

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before your current visa or residence permit expires.

The residence permit is issued for a maximum period of nine months.

Approximately 6 to 8 weeks

Note for further information on processing time:

The processing time 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 is responsible for processing the application.

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g., passport or passport substitute)
• Visa, if required for entry
• If you have previously stayed in Germany: current residence document (e.g., residence permit)
• Current biometric passport-size photo (45 x 35 mm)
• Proof of school graduation that entitles you to study in Germany or, alternatively, to attend a preparatory college
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses (e.g., from your own assets, deposit of a security deposit into a blocked account, bank guarantee, letter of commitment, scholarship, proof of your parents' income, or similar)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy)
• For minors: consent of all legal guardians to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the parents with custody cannot submit the application for their child together, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

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

• 100.00 euros for applicants of legal age
• 50.00 euros for applicants who are minors

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.

In certain cases, fee reductions or exemptions 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 are possible in some cases
. - Written form required: yes.
- Personal appearance required: yes.