§ 16b, § 20 Abs. 3 AufenthG
Student visa & the study-to-work pipeline
Study in Germany (often tuition-free), work 140 full days per year alongside, then use the 18-month post-graduation permit to find a job — and graduates of German universities reach permanent residence after just 2 years of work.
Last verified: 21 July 2026 · Legal basis: § 16b, § 20 Abs. 3 AufenthG
Duration
24 months
Student permit issued for up to 2 years at a time, extended for the duration of study; +18 months job-search permit after graduation (§ 20 Abs. 3).
Family
Spouses can join students only if funds and housing are proven — realistic mostly for funded PhD students. After switching to a work permit, normal rules apply.
Permanent residence
Study years count half toward the 5-year PR clock. Faster: graduates of German universities get PR after only 2 years on a skilled-worker permit/Blue Card (§ 18c Abs. 1 S. 2).
Financial thresholds
| Blocked account (2026) | €11,904
(Source: Auswärtiges Amt — Merkblatt Finanzierungsnachweis Studium: 992 €/Monat (Stand 08/2025),
Last verified 21 July 2026)
|
Requirements
- University admission (or conditional admission + Studienkolleg)
- Blocked account: €11,904 for one year (2026) — €992/month €11,904 (Source: Auswärtiges Amt — Merkblatt Finanzierungsnachweis Studium: 992 €/Monat (Stand 08/2025), Last verified 21 July 2026)
- Health insurance (student public insurance available under 30)
- Language of instruction: German (usually B2/C1 + TestDaF/DSH) or English programmes
How to apply
- Get admission via uni-assist or directly Check whether your degree qualifies for direct admission on anabin/DAAD; some countries require Studienkolleg first.Official page ↗
- Open the blocked account & get insurance €11,904 (2026) with a licensed provider; incoming insurance until enrolment, then student public insurance (~€130–150/month all-in under 30).
- Apply via the Consular Services Portal Student visas got priority in the digital rollout — processing is now typically 4–6 weeks.Official page ↗
- Work smart during your studies 140 full / 280 half days per year allowed; Werkstudent jobs in your field double as your future CV and often convert to full-time offers.
- After graduation: 18 months to find your job The § 20 Abs. 3 permit allows ANY work while searching. Once you sign a qualified contract, switch to § 18b or Blue Card.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I work as a student?
140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year (since March 2024); student assistant jobs at the university don't count against this. A half day is up to 4 hours.
Are German universities really free?
Public universities charge no tuition in most states — just a semester fee (~€150–400, often incl. transport). Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500/semester.
Can I switch from student to work permit before graduating?
Yes — if you qualify for a skilled-worker permit or Blue Card (e.g. with a prior degree), you can switch; you don't have to finish the German programme.