🇩🇪 Study in Germany, step by step.
A complete 30-step guide from the day you decide to study in Germany through graduation, first job, EU Blue Card and permanent residence — with official-source links, checklists, timelines and realistic costs at every stage.
Pre-Application
Apply for or renew your international passport — this is step zero for everything else.
Read how to do this stepThe most widely accepted English proficiency test — 6.5+ overall for most German programs.
Read how to do this stepUS-origin English test — 88+ iBT accepted by essentially every German program.
Read how to do this stepFully computer-based English test with fastest results (48 hours).
Read how to do this stepAcademic verification mandatory for Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese applicants to German universities.
Read how to do this stepSubject-aptitude tests required by some German programs, notably medicine and select bachelor's.
Read how to do this stepApplication
Shortlist 6–10 universities based on program, ranking, tuition and city.
Read how to do this stepPrepare SOP, LOR, CV, then submit via Uni-Assist or the university portal.
Read how to do this stepCentral document verification portal used by ~180 German universities.
Read how to do this stepThe official acceptance letter used for blocked account, insurance and visa.
Read how to do this stepPre-Departure
Prove financial resources — €11,904 for the first year (2026).
Read how to do this stepMandatory before enrolment — public (~€120/mo) or private for students over 30.
Read how to do this stepDorms, WGs, or private apartments — book early, especially in Munich and Berlin.
Read how to do this stepApply at VFS/German Embassy with admission, blocked account and insurance.
Read how to do this stepIn Country
First 72 hours — SIM, transit, temporary stay, first supplies.
Read how to do this stepRegister your address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in.
Read how to do this stepConvert your D-visa to a student residence permit within the first 90 days.
Read how to do this stepOpen a proper current account to pay rent and receive salary.
Read how to do this stepPrepaid first, then a monthly contract once you have Anmeldung.
Read how to do this step11-digit ID assigned after Anmeldung — needed for every job, contract and bank interest.
Read how to do this stepTurn your provisional cover into a full statutory membership with Krankenversichertennummer.
Read how to do this stepDuring Studies
Up to 140 full / 280 half days per year — €538/mo mini-job tax-free.
Read how to do this stepPaid corporate student roles at 15–20 hrs/week during semester.
Read how to do this stepHilfswissenschaftler roles at your university — research or teaching support.
Read how to do this stepCurricular internships don't count against the 140-day cap.
Read how to do this stepAfter Graduation
Thesis defence, transcripts, degree certificate — plan your next residence permit early.
Read how to do this step18 months to find a qualifying job after graduation.
Read how to do this stepHighly-skilled work permit — fast track to permanent residence.
Read how to do this stepUnlimited stay + work — after 21–33 months on Blue Card or 5 years standard.
Read how to do this step