If you intend to study in Germany as an international student, you must provide proof of sufficient financial support. Germany raised the amount that must be shown as proof of income starting in September 2024 from 934 euros per month or 11,208 euros annually to 992 euros per month or 11,904 euros. Due to this rise, you will require 696 euros more per year.
Aside from demonstrating that you have this amount, you ought to budget for additional costs. The majority of institutions demand a semester payment of roughly 320 euros. In addition, you will need to pay for living expenses, books, and housing. When you arrive, be sure you have the money necessary to pay these costs.
To prove your financial support, you can use one of the following ways:
- Proof of Parental Income: This includes recent pay slips, a BAföG decision (a German student grant), or an employment contract. Note that some employers might be hesitant to share this information.
- Blocked Account: You can open a blocked account (“Sperrkonto”) where a fixed amount is deposited. You can only withdraw a set amount each month. As of September 2024, the amount required in the blocked account is 992 euros per month or 11,904 euros annually.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are available from various organizations in Germany. These are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. Some are specific to certain fields of study and can significantly reduce your financial burden.
- Declaration of Commitment: If you have friends or family in Germany, they can submit a Declaration of Commitment to the foreigners’ authority on your behalf. This means you might not need proof of your funds when applying for a visa, as your sponsor will cover your expenses.
Check the precise financial documentation requirements by contacting the German consulate in your native country.
As an international student with a study visa, you can work while studying. You can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without getting approval from the Federal Employment Agency. During semester vacations, there are no limits on how many hours you can work.
Plan and ensure you meet all financial requirements to make your transition to studying in Germany as smooth as possible.
