Residence permit to prepare for higher education courses
General information
A residence permit can be issued before taking up a main study course, so that you can take measures to prepare for your higher education studies, particularly a preparatory language course or in order to attend a preparatory college. 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 Section 1 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 preparation for higher education courses (see below)
- Visa for applying for a 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)
- (conditional) admission to a specialist course by a higher education institution (copy)
- Enrolment/contract for a preparatory college or a registration for a preparatory language course (copy)
- Evidence of financing through a blocked account, scholarship or letter of obligation (861 euros per month)
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.