Residence permit for a study course
General information
A residence permit can be issued for the purposes of studying according to § 16 b Residence Act. The study course must take place at a state or state-recognised higher education institution (university, teacher training college, arts college, senior technical college) or a comparable institution (for example, a university of cooperative education) and be the main purpose of staying in Germany. An evening, weekend or long-distance course is not enough to fulfil the requirements for issuing a residence permit. You need to be at least 18 years old or produce a declaration of consent from your parents.
A residence permit cannot be obtained if you are currently undergoing an asylum procedure or your deportation has been suspended.
Legal basis
§ 16b Residence Act
Documents/forms to be submitted
You can submit this application completely online. If you are not able to use the online application, please use the "Residence permit application/Application for renewal of a temporary residence permit" (PDF 227 KB) and submit the documents by mail.
- Instructions on study course (see below)
- Visa for study course (copy)
- Valid passport (copy)
- Rental contract (copy)
- Confirmation of health insurance
- in the case of statutory health insurance: informal letter from the health insurance company
- in the case of private health insurance: Certificate of insurance (see below)
- Evidence of financing through a blocked account, scholarship, work contract or letter of obligation; 934 euros per month
- Current enrolment certificate (copy)
Process and procedure
Please submit your application and related documents via online application. You will be invited to collect your biometric data after a decision has been made on your application. After the decision about your application, you will be invited to have your biometric data recorded.
Costs and fees
- Issue: 100.00 euros
- Extension: 93.00 euros
If you are receiving a scholarship from public funds for your stay in the Federal Republic of Germany, you do not have to pay the fees. You need to show evidence that you are currently receiving the scholarship.
Payment possibilities:
- Paying by cash
- Paying by EC card
Paying by credit card is possible.
Special requirements
Your stay for the purposes of a study course, including looking for a higher education place and preparation for studies, must not exceed a period of 10 years.