Study Abroad Guide中文jiale.ai

Studying in Germany

Everything to do, in order, from your admission letter to settling in — and the money you need to have ready.

Topics

APS certificateThe first hurdle for studying in Germany with Chinese credentials — get verified, then apply for the visa.Visa and blocked accountStudent (D) visa document list, proof-of-funds amount and when to apply.Health insuranceNeeded for the visa and for enrolment — choosing public student insurance and what it costs.ArrivalYour first weeks in Germany, in order — register your address, enrol, open a bank account, get your residence permit.CostsTuition, semester fee, broadcasting fee and monthly living costs on one page.Working as a studentHow much you may work on a student permit, the minimum wage, and which jobs don't count.ShoppingWhere to buy groceries, household goods and furniture, which sites to shop online, and local rules like Sunday closing and bottle deposits.Useful linksGovernment sites, study platforms, housing, shopping and job boards

Key numbers

Last verified: 2026-10-25

Blocked account (Sperrkonto)
€992 per month, €11,904 per yearPegged to the maximum BAföG rate; may change when BAföG is raised · German missions in China / Federal Foreign Office
APS fee
RMB 2,500Visa fee not included · APS China
National (D) visa fee
€75€37.50 under 18 · APS China
Public student health insurance (TK, 2026)
about €141.16/month (under 23) / €146.29 (23+, no children)Insurers differ only by their add-on rate, usually a few euros · Techniker Krankenkasse
Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
€18.36 per household per monthCharged per dwelling; a shared flat (WG) pays once. May change from 2027 · ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
Address registration (Anmeldung)
Within 2 weeks of moving inNeeds the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) · Federal Registration Act §17 BMG
Student work limit
140 working days (or 280 half days) per yearWeeks with ≤20 hours during the semester can count as 2.5 days; on-campus student assistant jobs (HiWi) don't count · Residence Act §16b AufenthG
Statutory minimum wage
€13.90/hour (2026), €14.60/hour (from 2027)Mini-job earnings cap in 2026: €603/month · Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

Timeline

  1. 12–18 months beforePick universities and programmes, get language scores (TestDaF / IELTS etc.), check entry requirements and deadlines
  2. 9–12 months beforeStart the APS check (you need the certificate before applying for the visa) and prepare application documents
  3. 6–9 months beforeApply via uni-assist or the university portal and wait for admission
  4. 3–6 months beforeAfter admission: open a blocked account, buy insurance, book and submit the visa application (no earlier than 6 months before entry)
  5. 1–2 months beforeFind housing (dorm / shared flat), book flights, gather original documents to carry
  6. Within 2 weeks of arrivalRegister your address (Anmeldung), enrol, activate health insurance, open a bank account
  7. Before your entry visa expiresApply for a residence permit at the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde)

Compiled from official sources for reference only. Rules and amounts change; check the latest notices from the embassy, APS, your university and the relevant authorities before applying or paying.