Check approval
Without the right university entrance, the rest is just research.
Studying in Germany does not start with the visa or with the course. It starts with clarifying whether your school leaving certificate will be recognized – and which language level applies to your course of study. If you skip this step, you will later find out that everything before was in vain.
The study path becomes strong when university entrance, language and financing match before the visa process begins.
Without the right university entrance, the rest is just research.
Financing only helps if the language, deadlines and approval are viable.
First study destination, then application, then visa and entry.
As on the homepage: first clarify the direction, then decide on the details.
What I see
It doesn't happen at the end. It happens at the very beginning – before the first document is prepared.
The correct order
Before everything else begins: Will your school leaving certificate be recognized for direct university admission in Germany? This depends on the country and degree. If not, a preparatory course is the next step – not the visa.
Check requirementsGerman-language courses usually require DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4. English-taught courses require IELTS or TOEFL. Which proof applies depends on the university and the course of study. Clarify that first – then book a course.
Taking a language course without knowing the required level is a risk.If the degree is not directly recognized, the preparatory course is mandatory. It lasts one year and ends with the assessment test. Only then is it possible to apply to universities.
Studienkolleg – detailsWinter seamester deadlines: July 15th. Summer semester deadlines: January 15th. International applications are made via uni-assist or directly at the university. The application runs parallel to the language certificate - not afterwards.
Application – step by stepWith admission comes the enrollment period. You can only apply for a study visa after you have enrolled. No visa application without approval - the embassy interview requires the letter.
Create a blocked account with at least €934/month. Book an embassy appointment – waiting times between 4 and 16 weeks depending on the country. Book the embassy appointment as early as possible as soon as the approval is available.
Study visa details If you book too late, you will miss the start of the semester.After entry: Register your residence at the residents' registration office (mandatory, within 14 days). Activate health insurance, complete enrollment, immigration office for residence permit. The order of entry is just as important as before.
After entry – what applies nowAll topics in detail
Study guide →
The complete overview: From the first question to the start of the semester. All steps, deadlines and documents in a structured overview.
Starting point for everyone who doesn't yet know where to start.
Requirements →
Which school qualifications are recognized in Germany – and which are not. Anabin database, equivalence check and special regulations depending on the country of origin.
Clarify this step first – before booking a course or submitting an application.
preparatory college →
What the preparatory college is, who has to attend it and how the assessment test works. Preparatory courses (T, M, W, G, S) depending on the desired field of study.
If you don't plan for the preparatory college, you will lose an entire round of applications.
Application →
Direct application or uni-assist – when which method applies. Documents, deadlines, letters of motivation and the process after submission.
July 15th for winter semester. Anyone who misses this deadline will have to wait until the summer semester.
Study visa →
What documents the embassy requires, how the blocked account works and how long the embassy appointment in your country lasts. Waiting times between 4 and 16 weeks – booking early is not a tip, but a requirement.
The visa can only be applied for once approval has been received in writing.
Costs & Financing →
€934 blocked account per month is the minimum – rent in German cities is usually significantly higher. Semester fee, health insurance and real living costs at a glance.
If you set the blocked account too low, you will have problems applying for a visa.
After entry →
What needs to be done in the first 14 days after entering the country: Registration at the residents' registration office, immigration office, health insurance, bank account. The order of these steps has direct consequences for the residence permit.
Registration is required within 14 days of moving in - without exception.
Numbers you need to know
July 15th
Winter semester application deadline For most universities. Some have earlier deadlines.
934 €
Blocked account minimum Per month. Proof required for the study visa.
4–16 weeks.
Waiting message Depending on the country of origin. Book an appointment early.
1 year
Studienkolleg duration If the degree is not immediately recognized.
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Prospective students who want to put admission, language, financing and study visa in the right order.
Check your admission, proof of financing and language level together.
Check study pathAs of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.