Information for international students

Would you like to study in the Stuttgart Region?

On this page, we have compiled all the information you need – from the application process at the universities to visas and residence permits to finding a job after graduation.

Universities in the Stuttgart Region

There are 22 state, private and church colleges and universities in the Stuttgart Region. They are characterized by excellent teaching and research, especially in the technical and scientific fields, but also in the arts and media.

You can find more information about the Stuttgart university region here.

Universities and colleges in the Stuttgart region:

* What is a dual study program?

A dual study program combines studying with work experience in a company. The Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) focuses on teaching theoretical and scientific knowledge. The company offering the training is responsible for teaching all practical aspects of the profession. A dual course of study creates excellent opportunities for starting a career in Germany and you already earn money in the company, up to € 1500 a month.

Application process and admission requirements

When planning your stay in Germany, you should contact the International Office at your chosen university by email or telephone. There you can find out about the application process and admission requirements before you start your studies. Here is a list of the different areas on the websites of the colleges and universities in Stuttgart:

Prerequisite: Equivalence of the school-leaving qualification

For admission to study at a university, you need educational certificates that are equivalent to the German general higher education entrance qualification, subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (higher education entrance qualification). If your certificates are not from one of the countries of the European Union (EU), the equivalence will be checked first.

If you do not have an equivalence, you must complete a preparatory course (= Studienkolleg) before you can begin your studies. This usually lasts one year and prepares you for studying in Germany. It is usually free of charge, but a semester fee must be paid per semester, which can be between € 100 and € 400 depending on the college. In order to attend a Studienkolleg, you must have a B1 level of German and pass an entrance exam.

Application

Just like prospective German students, you apply for a place (application for admission) directly to the respective university. If you want to study medicine or pharmacy, there is a centralized Germany-wide allocation procedure.

The application procedure differs depending on whether you want to apply to a university, a university of applied sciences or the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. You can find more information on the website of the Stuttgart Regional Council.

Tip!

Further useful information can be found on the website of the Studierendendwerk Stuttgart.

Visa application and residence permit in Germany

There are three relevant types of visa for studying:

1. Visa for studying

If you are not from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you will need a national student visa for the Federal Republic of Germany to enter the country for the purpose of studying or doing a doctorate.

Summary Visa for studying: Make it in Germany

Requirements for a visa for studying:

Admission by the college or university (for this, the university entrance qualification must be equivalent, see “Application process” above)
Living expenses must be secured (proof through blocked account/scholarship/declaration of commitment, at least € 11904 per year in 2025)
Proof of language skills, if applicable
Valid passport

Information on residence permits for the purpose of studying, taking a language course or attending school can be found here.

2. Visa to search for a study place

Applicants who have not yet been admitted to a German university can apply for a student applicant visa. It is valid for nine months and can be converted into a residence permit for study purposes after admission. It is also possible, under certain conditions, to apply for a visa to search for a study place.

Summary of visa to find a place to study: Make it in Germany

Admission requirements:

School-leaving qualification that directly qualifies you to study or attend a preparatory college
Language requirements for the subject (usually level B2)
Proof of financing (blocked account or declaration of commitment, at least 11904 € per year in 2025)
Valid passport

3. Visa to complete a study-related internship EU

With a visa to complete a study-related internship in accordance with §16e AufenthG, you can get to know everyday working life in Germany, gain work experience and make contact with potential employers.

Summary Visa for completing a study-related internship EU: Make it in Germany

Admission requirements:

Internship commitment or agreement with an institution in Germany: Internship must match the subject of the degree program
Enrollment at a foreign university or university degree not older than two years
Proof of funding (blocked account, scholarship, declaration of commitment, at least € 11904 per year in 2025)
Proof of the required German language skills: usually level B2 (depending on the study requirements)
Valid passport

The visa or residence permit for completing an internship is issued for the specified duration of the internship, but for a maximum of six months. The pursuit of further employment is not permitted.

Further information:

You apply for your residence permit at the foreigners authority or the foreigners office in your municipality or district.
You can find more information about arriving for international students at internationale-studierende.de

Residence permit after graduation

As a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a residence permit to look for a job for a period of 18 months after successfully completing your studies. After these 18 months, you must prove that you have found a qualified job.

Note: an exception here is the Blue Card, where there must be a connection between qualification and qualified employment!

With a residence permit to look for a job, you are allowed to work without restrictions:

also internships and trainee positions
Self-employed or freelance

Note:

The 18-month period begins with the written notification that the last examination has been passed.

If you are resident in Stuttgart, you can make an appointment at the Foreigners’ Registration Office here.
If you have found a qualified job, you can switch to a residence permit for employment or a Blue Card (see information for international professionals)

Please bring the following documents with you to this appointment:

Passport
Proof of health insurance
Proof that your maintenance is secured (blocked account, income from employment or a declaration of commitment, at least € 11208 per year in 2024)
Proof of successful completion of the degree program

Note

The residence permit expires if you stay abroad for longer than six months. Students from EU countries can take up any employment without consulting the foreigners authority.

Health insurance before and during your studies

Students who have been admitted to their degree program are automatically insured with a German statutory health insurance company (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). This insurance becomes valid upon enrollment, but must be confirmed by a chosen statutory health insurance provider (Krankenkasse) in order to complete enrollment.

For students from EU member states who are in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), no additional insurance is required in Germany. This also applies to countries with which Germany has a social security agreement, such as Switzerland or Turkey. Nevertheless, in this case you should contact a German statutory health insurance fund. The statutory health insurance company will send the insurance status to your university. Please contact your insurance company in your country of origin for the exact procedure.

Non-EU citizens under the age of 30 are required by law to take out student health insurance with a statutory health insurance provider. The insurance costs around € 120 per month and covers the majority of medical and dental costs. One advantage of this insurance is that the treatment costs are settled directly between the doctor and the insurance company. As soon as you are insured in Germany, the health insurance company must send an electronic proof of insurance to the university before you enrol.

If you have already taken out private health insurance as part of a scholarship program (e.g. in the Erasmus Mundus program, as a recipient of a DAAD or IPSWaT scholarship, etc.), you must apply for a certificate of exemption from any statutory health insurance company in order to enroll at the university.

Further information: University of Stuttgart.

Various statutory health insurance companies are listed here:

Do I still have health insurance after my studies?

Please contact your health insurance company to clarify how to proceed with your membership.

Student financing in Germany

In contrast to many other countries, first degree courses at public universities in Germany are free of charge.

In Baden-Württemberg, you will pay a semester fee (approx. € 100–300) and, for students who are not from an EU member state, tuition fees of € 1500 per semester. You can expect to live on around € 900–1000 per month. Your living expenses must be secured during your studies (see “Visa” section, for example through a blocked account), but can also be partially financed with a part-time job.

BAföG

BAföG is a state education grant for young people under the age of 30. As a rule, you will only receive it if you have a permanent right of residence or a residence permit with permanent prospects of staying. Recognized refugees can receive BAföG or an educational loan.

Whether you are entitled to BAföG depends in particular on your assets and your parents’ income. With a tolerated stay permit, you can apply for BAföG after 15 months of permitted residence. Another possibility for a BAföG entitlement is if you or one of your parents worked in Germany for three to twelve years before your studies. In exceptional cases, however, older students can also be supported. If you have any questions, please contact the BAföG counseling service at your university’s student union.

Scholarships in Germany

A good overview of scholarships can be found in the scholarship database of the German Academic Exchange Service or the federal and state education servers. For Baden-Württemberg, for example, there is the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship (for exchange students from partner universities in Baden-Württemberg). Other scholarships are offered by party-affiliated foundations (for example the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung) or denominational foundations. You must apply for a Deutschland-Stipendium (€ 300 per month) at your university or college.

Tips!

It is important to apply for a scholarship early on, as there are often application deadlines and the selection process can take some time.

Refugees and late repatriates can also apply for a scholarship from the University Guarantee Fund (for language courses, preparatory courses, accommodation costs). The Garantiefonds Hochschule educational advisory service supports young immigrants up to the age of 30 in preparing for university studies in Germany, more information can be found here.

Learning German

German courses for students

The language of instruction at the universities in Stuttgart is usually German. You therefore need a good knowledge of German to study (usually C1 TestDaF for a Bachelor’s degree).

Since every university and every degree program has different requirements for German language skills and may only accept certain certificates, you should ask the university or institute directly.

However, the Stuttgart Region offers a large number of English-language degree courses. As a rule, you do not need German to enrol, but you do need proof of your English language skills (usually C1).

Nevertheless, it is very important to learn German. This will enable you to make contacts more quickly, take part in everyday life or find a job or internship. You may also need a certain level of German language skills, depending on the requirements of the respective university and degree course.

Please contact your university or college for more information. Most universities have a language center where you can learn German (e.g. Stuttgart University Language Center, Hohenheim University Language Center, Esslingen University Language Center). The courses here are usually free or cheaper than in public language schools.

You can find more information about German tests for admission to university in Germany on the following pages:

Where can I improve my German for the job?

German is the working language at most companies. This means that good written and spoken German is a prerequisite for the job. German language skills are often not sufficient for a smooth transition from university to work.

In addition, good German language skills (recommendation: B2) also significantly increase your chances on the job market in the region.

In addition to the many opportunities to learn German during your studies, there is also the possibility of attending job-related German courses after graduation.

German language skills are not only important for your professional life, but also for participating in social life.

Tips!

Ask your university whether special intensive German courses are offered during the semester break.

You can find more tips for learning German here.

Working and internships during your studies

Students from abroad can work or do an internship alongside their studies.

Working during your studies

Students from non-EU countries who have a residence permit for the purpose of studying can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without the approval of the immigration authorities. The following applies:

Working hours of up to four hours count as half a working day, otherwise as a full working day
calculated per calendar year
Days on which a voluntary internship is carried out also count towards the 140 full/280 half days. Compulsory internships are not included.
All students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods. During semester breaks, they can earn money without restriction.
Student activities, such as auxiliary activities at universities or activities closely related to studies, do not count towards the 140 full/280 half days. These activities can be carried out indefinitely as long as the studies are not jeopardized.

Further information can be found on the website of the German Student Union.

However, if you would like to work more, take up self-employed activities or work on a fee basis, the responsible immigration authority must approve the activity in advance.

If you have completed your studies and have a residence permit to look for a job in Germany, you can work in a part-time job without any restrictions. However, a job for a residence permit for gainful employment must meet a few requirements (see “Arriving in Germany” on our page for international professionals).

Do you have any further questions? We will be happy to answer your questions at the Welcome Center Stuttgart. The DGB-Jugend provides advice on employment law issues for employed students.

Here you can find jobs during your studies (non-qualified positions such as auxiliary work, temporary help, bar jobs):

Internship in Germany (compulsory internship)

Internships are important to get to know the world of work in Germany and acquire knowledge and networks that can help you later when looking for a job.

If you have to do a compulsory internship as part of your studies, you should seek advice from experienced students, lecturers or your student council in good time. They can also give you tips on how to find an internship and which internships make sense for your department.

The following applies to subject-related internships (compulsory internships):

You are enrolled at a university.
You are between 18 and 35 years old.
There is a direct factual connection between the degree program and the internship.
The duration of the internship is a maximum of six months.
The working hours do not count towards the 140 full/280 half working days, the immigration authority does not have to give its consent

Information on internships is often also provided by the university (professors, course managers, career centers, etc.).

Further information:

Advice centers at the university on career and job entry:

Living in Germany

Living during your studies

An inexpensive option is a room in a student hall of residence. The rooms are arranged by the Studierendenwerk and are very popular. You should therefore apply as early as possible. There are around 6500 places. The halls of residence are usually located close to the university.

You can search for halls of residence here:

You can find an overview of the options for finding accommodation here.

Young people in particular often share apartments in so-called shared flats (WG = Wohngemeinschaft). You can find offers, for example, at:

Living after your studies

Once you have completed your studies, you are no longer allowed to live in student accommodation. The maximum period of residence in student halls of residence is usually 36 months. In exceptional cases, this period can be extended.

Finding accommodation on the private market in Stuttgart is not easy. You can find private offers for rooms on the notice boards in the university buildings and in the student unions.

You can find classified ads for shared apartments and private single apartments and rooms in local newspapers and on real estate portals on the Internet.

Childcare for students

Numerous universities in the region offer support for student parents and childcare facilities for their children. Find out more about the various daycare centers and toddler groups offered by the University of Stuttgart or Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, for example. They are located at different sites and offer a variety of childcare options.

You can contact the facilities directly to arrange a viewing appointment and find out more about the specific offers.

The University of Stuttgart’s Uni & Family service also offers students:

Emergency care
Vacation care

Further information can be found on the website of the University of Stuttgart and at:

Tip!

International students can apply for funds to look after their child with a childminder or in a day care center. The mother or father only has to contribute to the costs if this corresponds to their ability to pay. Childcare places are arranged by the local youth welfare offices.

Looking for a job after graduation

Studying in Germany can be a good start to a career in Germany, as companies know clearly which subject areas have been taught and at what level. In the best case scenario, you can work directly for a renowned company after your studies or accept a trainee position there.

Ideally, you should start looking for a suitable job about six months before you graduate.

There are no restrictions for citizens of the European Union when looking for a job. For people from third countries, the prerequisite for taking up a job is that it is a qualified job. Further information on residence permits and prospects after graduation can be found at Make it in Germany.

Non-EU citizens have the option of applying for either a residence permit or the EU Blue Card at the immigration office. The two residence permits are subject to different requirements.

If you do not find qualified employment directly after graduation, you can apply for a “residence permit for job search” at the immigration office. (for more information see above: “Visa application and residence permit”)

Tip!

The Employment Agency is a good point of contact for all matters relating to job searches and vocational training. Even if you are not entitled to unemployment benefit, you can register as a jobseeker with the Employment Agency and receive support in your job search. You can register online at the job exchange and the agency staff will then send you a letter with an appointment.

Federal Employment Agency

Agentur für Arbeit Stuttgart
Team Akademische Berufe
Nordbahnhofstr 30−34
70191 Stuttgart
Tel: 0800 4 5555 00 (kostenlos)
E‐Mail: Stuttgart.Berufsberatung@arbeitsagentur.de

You can find further online services relating to work, careers, applications and the job market at arbeitsagentur.de.

On our page for international professionals you will find further information on job hunting and applying for jobs in Germany:

Further information on job hunting and applying for jobs in Germany

We regularly provide information on the application process at our events (for example “Successful Application in the Stuttgart Region”).

We also organize job fairs for international professionals in the Stuttgart region. Here you can get to know companies from selected sectors.

current events

Founding – Self-employment – Start-up

After studying in Germany, you can not only work as an employee, but also become self-employed and start your own business.

You can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of setting up a business if you have a start-up grant. This residence permit also covers the preparatory period prior to founding the company.

Prerequisites:

Proof of completion of a university degree or qualified vocational training
The foreigner must be a skilled worker
Scholarship from a German business organization or a German public body (to cover living expenses)

The duration of the residence permit corresponds to the duration of the scholarship granted, up to a maximum of 18 months.

You can find more information on the “residence permit for self-employment” on the Make it in Germany website.

You can get advice on founding a company at the universities, for example at the Transfer Center at the University of Stuttgart.

You can find information on setting up a business in Germany here:

Attention!

Self-employment is not permitted on a student visa.

Tip!

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection supports business start-ups from universities and research institutions with its “EXIST – Start-ups from Science” program.

Further information

On our page for foreign professionals you will find more information for your start in the Stuttgart Region – opening a bank account, health, meeting new people and much more!

Further information for international professionals

We have also compiled helpful materials such as checklists, sample CVs and application tips for you:

To the information material

Any questions?

Contact us for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to help!
Or come to the Welcome Center Stuttgart!

Contact the Welcome Service Stuttgart Region

Homepage university/college	Brief profile	International page
University of Stuttgart	University of Stuttgart	University of Stuttgart – International prospective students
University of Hohenheim	University of Hohenheim	University of Hohenheim – International applicants
Stuttgart Media University	Stuttgart Media University
Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences	Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences	Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences – Incoming
Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart (What is a dual study program?)*	Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart	Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart – International Students
State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart	State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart
Academy for the Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg	Academy for the Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg GmbH	Academy for the Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg – International
Ludwigsburg University of Education	Ludwigsburg University of Education	Ludwigsburg University of Education – Incomings
Ludwigsburg Protestant University of Applied Sciences	Ludwigsburg Protestant University – state-recognized University of Applied Sciences of the Evangelical Church in Württemberg	Ludwigsburg Protestant University – International Students
Baden-Württemberg Film Academy	Baden-Württemberg Film Academy	Baden-Württemberg Film Academy – Incomings
Esslingen University	Esslingen University	Esslingen University – International Centre and Graduate School
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences	Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
International School of Management (ISM)	International School of Management (ISM)
FOM University for Economics & Management	FOM University for Economics & Management	FOM University for Economics & Management – For International Students
HfK+G University of Communication and Design	HfK+G University of Communication and Design
Merz Akademie University of Art, Design and Media, Stuttgart	Merz Akademie University of Art, Design and Media, Stuttgart – State-recognized	Merz Akademie University of Art, Design and Media, Stuttgart – Incomings
AKAD University Stuttgart	AKAD University Stuttgart – State-recognized
Nürtingen-Geislingen University for Economy and Environment	Nürtingen-Geislingen University for Economy and Environment	Nürtingen-Geislingen University for Economy and Environment – Future Students