Ausländerbehörde Berlin (Foreigners Authority)

The Federal Republic of Germany allows foreign citizens to complete an academic education and training in Germany within the framework of developmental aide and economic cooperation. This will enable them to help their native country to further develop or to find an employment in Germany. State or state accredited institutions of higher education (universities, colleges of education, universities of applied sciences and colleges of art) or
comparable educational facilities, professional academies as well as state or state accredited colloquiums are taken into consideration for such studies. Another possibility is the participation in a German language course, if the acquired German proficiency is necessary for a future training or studies at an institution of higher education.

The German language course must consist of at least 18 hours per week and can not be funded by a public source. Evening, weekend or distance learning courses do not meet the requirements. Entry to the intended field of study can not be achieved by making up the secondary school qualifications within Germany.

In conclusion, there are numerous possibilities to study in Germany, which comprise of language courses preparing for future studies, colloquiums, mandatory or recommended university internships (typically no longer than 2 years) as well as the completed studies of the first degree till the first professional qualification at a German institution of higher learning (basic and main studies, including accompanying internships, interim examinations and final examinations). Other reasons that can enable studying in Germany are postgraduate studies, supplementary courses, graduate courses or the obtaining of doctorate as well as ensuing practical activities as long as they are a part of the previously mentioned study possibilities.

The residence permit obtained by foreign citizens studying in Germany can in certain cases contain a working permit, which stipulates that they are limited to working no more than 90 days full time or 180 days part time. The same regulation applies to temporary student employment.

A part of the application process at the German Embassy or General-Consulate is to verify that the foreign citizen has sufficient financial resources to secure his/her livelihood. An example of verification would be the disclosure of their parents income and assets or the declaration of a reference to fulfill future financial commitments (Verpflichtungserklärung) according to § 68 of the laws concerning the stay, employment and integration of foreigners in Germany (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG). A foreigner has sufficient financial resources when he/she have at least ¤ 577 per month at his/her their disposal, which is the maximum amount of assistance provided through the federal law of individual financial support for education (BAföG). The declaration to fulfill future financial commitments must be submitted to the regional foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) for a fee of ¤ 25.

Beyond the verification of sufficient financial resources, foreign citizens need a confirmation of the admission to their studies. Respectively a proof of secondary school qualification is necessary for the enrollment in the intended field of study.

The German Embassy or General-Consulate transmits the visa application to the regional foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) in order to give them the possibility of a written opinion saying the application should not be approved. They also examine the reason for coming to study as well as the validity of the declaration to fulfill future financial commitments if the person of reference lives in Germany.

The process for a study abroad visa is completed with a so called silent deadline. The German embassy or general-consulate issues the visa automatically once the completed application has been submitted and after the regional foreigners authority has had the opportunity to examine the documents for three weeks, plus two weekdays, if the regional foreigners authority has not sent a written opinion speaking out against the visa request during that period of time.

This pamphlet is tailored for the typical visa application process. In certain individual cases there can be deviations.

The visa requirements for: family reunification (subsequent immigration of spouses) for foreigners or Germans, taking up employment, business trips, study purposes and work purposes or work as an au pair can be found in separate information sheets.

Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten
– Ausländerbehörde –
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24
13353 Berlin

Last updated : March 2006