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Student Visa (S16b AufenthG)

Residence permit for non-EU nationals admitted to a full-time degree programme at a German university or Studienkolleg.

Estimated Cost

$800

Processing Time

~2 months

Validity

48 months

Description

Non-EU nationals who have been admitted to a full-time degree programme (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) at a German higher-education institution can apply for a student residence permit under Section 16b. Students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year (or unlimited if employed as a student research assistant). Tuition at public universities is generally free except in Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU students). Applicants must demonstrate approximately €11,904/year in a blocked bank account. After graduation, a post-study job-seeker permit (S20(3)) of up to 18 months is available.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
1 months – 3 months

Average: 2 months

Visa Validity
4 years

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~8 years

Requirements

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$800