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Here you will find information on the following question:

What requirements do I have to meet in order to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of looking for a place to study in Germany?

Please do not forget that you always have to meet the general requirements for your stay in Germany. You can find information about this here.

Requirements for looking for a place to study in Germany (§ 17 AufenthG)

Table of contents:

Purpose of the residence permit
Requirements
Specifics
Legal background

1. Purpose of the residence permit

The purpose of a residence permit to look for a place at a university is to give prospective foreign students the opportunity to stay in Germany in order to look for a place at a university and to prepare for their studies. The residence permit for the search for a university place is usually valid for a maximum of 9 months and allows you to stay in Germany, for example to attend language courses, find out more about the German university system or submit applications to universities.

If prospective students find a place at university, they can have their residence permit converted into a residence permit for study purposes, which is then valid for the duration of their studies. If they don't find a place at university, they have to leave the country again.

2. Requirements

Foreign school-leaving certificate with university entrance qualifications
Certificates of previous training (diplomas) in the original language and a German translation made by a publicly appointed and sworn translator
https://anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html = This database provides information on the assessment of foreign educational qualifications and supports authorities, employers and private individuals in classifying a foreign qualification in the German education system.
Language skills
Studies in German = level B2 of the German language
International studies in English = English language skills
Sufficient documents to prove financial means during the study
blocked account in the amount of at least EUR 6,165 for 6 months (valid for 2023)

Declaration of Commitment
A certified copy of proof of identity (ID card or passport)

3. Specifics

The residence permit is issued for up to nine months. The residence permit for the purpose of looking for a place at a university does not entitle you to gainful employment and does not entitle you to take part in student activities.

4. Legal Background

According to Section 17, Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act, the most important requirements for the issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of searching for a place at university are: (a) sufficient knowledge of the language to take up a course of study; (b) secure livelihood; (c) Recognized school leaving certificate or comparable school requirements for admission to the course.

Were you admitted to a German university to study or to attend a preparatory college? Then you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying according to § 16b AufenthG at the responsible foreigners authority.