Before travelling to Germany
Students from the 28 countries of the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA do not require an entry or residence permit.
Applicants from other countries must apply to the German embassy in their country in good time for a visa for the purpose of applying or studying. You can find more information here: Federal Foreign Office.
Here you can find information about the countries that have a German embassy: Federal Foreign Office
If you already have a written acceptance letter from our Studienkolleg, you can apply directly for a visa for the purpose of studying. If you only have an invitation to take part in the entrance examination, you must apply for an applicant visa. It is valid for three months and can be converted into a residence permit for study purposes after admission.
Three-month Schengen visas (tourist visas) are not sufficient and cannot be extended for study purposes.
Please note: Keep all documents, including rejection letters from preparatory colleges or universities! You will need them as proof of the waiting period if your stay lasts longer than planned!
During your stay in Germany
Residence permit for study purposes
At the latest six weeks before the entry visa expires, an application for a residence permit for study purposes must be submitted to the district office or foreigners authority. The residence permit is valid for a maximum of two years and must therefore be extended regularly during the period of study. After successfully completing your studies, you have the opportunity to look for a job in Germany for 18 months that is appropriate to your degree and to obtain a new residence permit for this period.
On the website of the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany you will find information about Germany and advice on entering and staying in Germany. Please note the provisions under "Residence for the purpose of training" in the Immigration Act.
The regulations can be found in §16 of the "Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG)", principle of residence for the purpose of education.
Information on
- Employment during your studies
- Studying with a child
- Social counselling
can be found on the website of the Studentenwerk Halle.
Applicants can obtain the visa application form for a long-term stay (over 3 months) free of charge from the German embassy or the respective mission abroad; it can be downloaded from the website of the Federal Foreign Office. The form for a long-term stay can be submitted to the German embassy or consulate, but must always be submitted in the original (at least in duplicate) and only in the language version used by the mission abroad. Please enquire beforehand at the diplomatic mission or consular post where the application is to be submitted!
The processing time usually takes 6 weeks. However, it may take three months to process the application, so please submit the application as early as possible.
Information from the City of Halle
The City of Halle provides general information on entry requirements as well as specific information on the visa procedure for study visits via the Entry and Residence Department. You can also extend your visa/residence permit here.
All information can be found on the website of the City of Halle, department "Entry and Residence".