Entry visa

Residents of EU nations do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.

Non-EU citizens can request a student visa at an official agency of the Federal Republic of Germany (embassy or consulate) in their country of residence after being accepted by the university for studies / by the Studienkolleg for the Aufnahmeprüfung (admission exam). Alongside other specified documents, you will require the original acceptance letter from the Akademischen Auslandsamt for this application.

Guest researchers from non-EU nations should enquire at their consulate or embassy about which documents they need to submit for their visa application.

Please keep in mind that it could take several months to process your request.

Up-to-date information on traveling to and living in Germany can be found here:
Auswärtiges Amt

Information on current visa requirements can be found here:
Auswärtiges Amt – Visabestimmungen

For general information about the city of Darmstadt

Expenses and financing your studies

Information for Citizens from States with a visa requirement (a list you can find at the homepage of the Federal Foreign Office)

It is important that you organize how you are going to fund your studies BEFORE you arrive in Germany, as proof of sufficient financial means is required upon application for a residence permit. (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG).

In order to ensure students’ financial subsistence during the course of their stay, the financial requirements for a residence permit are based on the current BAföG rates: currently 648 € per month or 7,776 € per year

The proof of financial means can be provided in the following ways:

• Certification from a German bank confirming an account balance of at least 7,776 € in a restricted-access account (“Sperrkonto”), from which no more than 1/12 of the balance may be withdrawn monthly.
• Deposit of an irrevocable bond above a minimum of 7,776 € at a German bank.
• Declaration of commitment from a person living in Germany according to § 68 AufenthG. This person must assume responsibility for the student’s subsistence during the entire course of their stay in Germany.
• Proof of receipt of a scholarship with a monetary total of at least 648 € per month.

Applicants may NOT state possible gainful employment alongside their studies as proof of financial means.

General Calculation of costs to study in Darmstadt