Visa, entry and residence issues
Information for international students and prospective students
The University of Kassel does not issue visas. We merely provide you with information about the applicable regulations. Please always check the current regulations on the official website of the Federal Foreign Office, as the legal framework can change.
We recommend that you start your visa application early to avoid delays.
Who needs a visa?
EU/EEA citizens (including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) do not require a visa or residence permit.
All other nationals (so-called third countries) must generally apply for a long-term student visa before entering Germany.
Exceptions:
Citizens of the following countries can enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit within 90 days of entering the country:
- Australia
- Canada
- Israel
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom (UK)
- USA
Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino may also apply for a residence permit after entering the country, but may not work until the application has been approved.
Please always check the current regulations on the official website of the Federal Foreign Office, as the legal framework can change.
If you are a non-EU student and already have a temporary student visa from another EU country, you can transfer it to Germany.
Important points:
- The application must be submitted at least 30 days before your arrival.
- The application is processed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
- Your current residence permit must remain valid during your entire stay in Germany.
You should submit your application along with the required documents to us at visa-info[at]uni-kassel[dot]de. We will then forward it to the BAMF.
- Ukrainian citizens can enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days (with a biometric passport).
- A residence permit can be applied for in Germany within this period.
- Temporary protection status is valid until March 4, 2027 (as of November 2025).
Further information from the BMI.
Student visa
Residence permit
Financial evidence
You must provide proof of sufficient financial means to obtain a student visa. Currently, the minimum amount of proof is €11,904 per year (as of 2025).
Recognized evidence:
- Most common method, with a monthly drawdown amount of approx. 992 €.
- Is opened via special online providers (not via traditional German banks).
More information about blocked account can be found here: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto-388600
- A family member or sponsor residing in Germany can submit a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) at the local immigration office. This document states that they will financially support the student during their stay in Germany.
- A family member or sponsor residing outside of Germany can also provide financial proof by demonstrating sufficient financial resources. They may need to provide bank statements or other financial documents to prove that they can support the student financially.
- Official proof must be provided.
While not usually accepted as initial financial proof, working part-time is a common way for students to supplement their income during their studies.
Rules: International students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without a separate work permit.
Detailled information can be found in the flyer Job regulations for international students.
This is permitted as long as the total amount is reached.
International students in Germany can also combine two or more different sources to finance their living expenses, provided they meet the total amount required by the visa regulations (currently set at €11,904 for one year as of 2024). For example, a student can deposit part of the required €11,904 into the blocked account and then meet the remaining amount through permitted work hours or scholarship.
Financing options for international students in Germany
Cost of living
Germany does not charge tuition fees for most degree programs at state universities. Nevertheless, students have to finance their living costs themselves.
- Semester fee: approx. 400 € per semester. Includes the semester ticket for public transport.
- Rent: 250-450 €/month
- Health insurance: approx. 130 €/month (under 30 years).
- Mobile Phone & Internet: 10-20€/month
- Radio Tax: 18€
- Food & Groceries: 200-400€/month
- Leisure & Study Materials: 20-200€/month
- Total monthly costs: 680-1400€/month.
After this breakdown, it becomes clear why the minimum amount of €992 per month required to prove financial means seems to be a fair estimate. There are of course costs that you can try to minimize, such as leisure time, personal expenses and food, while the fixed costs such as (semester contribution, health insurance, rent, internet, broadcasting fee) remain the same. Be prepared for about 50% of your expenses to be fixed costs.
The semester fee is around €400 per semester. This includes:
- Administrative costs,
- a Germany ticket at a reduced price for free local public transport,
- campus-based student services provided by the student union and membership fees for the student association.
When budgeting your study costs in Germany, be sure to include this amount, which is payable in advance each semester (every 6 months). You can find a detailed breakdown of the components of the semester fee here: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/im-studium/semesterbeitrag
Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose:
- Student residences: These tend to be slightly cheaper but are not always available due to high demand. Costs range from €250 to €350 per month for a single room in a shared flat or a studio apartment and from €460 to €560 per month for a studio apartment for two people (e.g. for students with children).
- Private accomodation: The costs depend on the location, living conditions and size of the rented apartment.
More information at https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/nach-der-bewerbung/wohnen
Health insurance: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/vor-der-bewerbung/rund-um-die-studienplatzbewerbung/weitere-bewerbungsformalia/versicherungen.html
Public transportation: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/im-studium/studentisches-leben/studentische-selbstverwaltung/service-und-beratung/semesterticket.html
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
No, if you need a visa to come to Germany, you will also need a student visa. You must return to your home country or your country of residence and apply from there. Application from another visa from Germany is not possible
A visa is for entry, while a residence permit is for long-term stay or to extend your stay beyond the visa’s duration.
- Visagrants you the right to enter the country for a specific time frame, based on the purpose of your visit, as studying. It is typically required before entering the country, especially if your nationality needs one for the purpose of your visit.
- Residence Permit allows you to stay legally in the country for an extended period. This is usually required if your stay exceeds the validity of your visa, or if you don't need a visa for entry but want to stay long-term. It is typically applied for after entering the country.
There is a short list of countries whose citizens can do so. For exact information, please check the section Long-term stay and also refer to the official Federal Foreign Office of Germany for an up-to-date country list: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/231148-231148
Go link of this page: www.uni-kassel.de/go/visa