Exchange programmes

As a student with a passport from certain countries (further information can be obtained at the German embassy) you do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, you need to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying within the first twelve weeks after entering Germany (also known as a “visa”), if you stay in the European Schengen area for more than 90 days. If you are a citizen from a country subject to visa requirements, please check your country’s specific requirements prior to coming to Germany. Applying for a residence permit for the purpose of studying costs approximately 160 EUR.

In order to apply for a residence permit, you need to submit a formal application (which you will receive in Germany) and submit the following documents to the relevant immigration authority of your place of residence in Germany.

• Your enrolment certificate which proves that you are a registered student of TU Darmstadt and/or participate in the intensive German language course
• Rental contract of your flat/room in Germany
• Proof of health insurance
• Valid passport and a copy of the image page
• Proof of sufficient financial means – proof that you can cover the costs of an academic education and life in Germany during your study or research stay
• 2 biometric passport photos (35 x 45 mm)

According to German law, international students who wish to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their stay in Germany. The German government has determined a sum of at least 720 EUR per month.

There are two ways to prove that you have sufficient financial means for your stay.

1. A security deposit is paid into a blocked account in Germany
   
   The amount of 720 EUR for six months (= EUR 4,320 for one semester) is paid into a blocked account in Germany. You should take care of this directly after coming to Germany. There are two ways to transfer money to your account. You can withdraw money from your account in your home country and pay the sum into your German account. Or you can ask a person of your trust to transfer the money to your German account. In order to do this, you will need to have the IBAN number.
   At the immigration authority you will receive a form for your German bank in order to request that a set amount of your assets is not directly accessible. With this form, a special kind of account administration becomes effective, which allows you to withdraw only up to 720 EUR per month. This makes sure that you have enough money at your disposal every month to cover the living expenses until the end of your stay in Germany. You can transfer more money to your regular account at the same bank, which does not have restrictions on how much money can be withdrawn.
   
   
2. Confirmation of a scholarship of the Fulbright Commission, DAAD or IREP
   
   The confirmation of the scholarship needs to be written in German and issued by a non-profit organisation which has its office in Germany or is partially funded by the German government. If the monthly subsidy amount is less than 720 EUR, the scholarship can be combined with a blocked account into which the remaining sum is paid. IREP students receive their scholarship confirmation upon their arrival in Germany. Scholars from German institutions like DAAD do not have to pay a fee for the residence permit.

Canadian students between 18 and 35 years old can apply for the so-called Youth Mobility Visa. Please note that it can only be issued in Canada. There is no possibility to prolong the duration of the visa. Students who have received the Youth Mobility Visa do not have to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying after their arrival in Germany. More information on the Youth Mobility Visa can be found on the following website:

Youth Mobility Visa