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Visa to search for a study place

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Would you like to study in Saxony but have not yet been admitted to a university? Then under certain conditions you can apply for a visa to search for a study place. This visa allows you to stay in Saxony for up to nine months in order to apply for a university place or study preparation measures - such as language courses or attending a preparatory college.

Prerequisites

  1. A valid passport.
  2. You need a school-leaving certificate that entitles you to study at a German university or attend a preparatory college.
  3. You must either already have the necessary language skills to start studying or you must want to acquire these skills within the period of your stay. This period of residence may last a maximum of nine months. You can find out the exact requirements from the relevant German mission abroad (embassy or consulate).
  4. You must prove that your livelihood is secured for the duration of your stay. This can be proven, for example, via a blocked account with at least €992 per month (year 2025), a scholarship or a declaration of commitment.
  5. A valid health or travel insurance policy.

Looking for work and a place to study

While you are looking for a place to study, you may work up to 20 hours per week or complete short-term trial employment of up to two weeks in total.

Apply for a visa to search for a study place

You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate general of the Federal Republic of Germany responsible for you and in whose district you are resident. You can use the consulate finder of the Federal Foreign Office to find the responsible diplomatic mission abroad.

You must pay a visa fee when you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable.

Applying for a residence permit after entering Saxony

As soon as you have been admitted to a university or a preparatory college in Saxony, you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of studying at the relevant immigration office. With this residence permit, you may begin your studies in Saxony and live here for the entire duration of your studies.