Knowledge Base

A step-by-step guide for international students on obtaining their initial German student visa and the subsequent mandatory process of applying for and extending the Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel) within Germany.

An essential breakdown of the three types of health insurance mandatory for international students in Germany: Travel Insurance (for visa application), Private Health Insurance (required during Studienkolleg), and Statutory Health Insurance (required for university enrollment).

A comparison of online (digital) and traditional (physical) banking options in Germany for international students. Covers ease of setup, accessibility, the necessity of an *Aufenthaltstitel*, and the role of alternatives like WISE for short-term financial needs.

An explanation of the mandatory blocked account (Sperrkonto) required for German student visas, detailing the minimum annual amount (€11,208), how the funds are released monthly, and a comparison of popular providers like Fintiba, Coracle, and Expatrio.

A guide to navigating Germany’s public and private transportation systems, detailing the different types of Deutsche Bahn (DB) trains, the role of Flix services, and the cost and coverage of the essential €49 Deutschlandticket.

Essential advice for international students in Germany regarding legally binding contracts and finding accommodation. Includes a detailed strategy for temporary housing during the Aufnahmeprüfung (ANP) phase and comprehensive warnings about common rental scams.

An explanation of the various methods Studienkollegs use to filter and rank applicants for admission, focusing on the critical role of the Aufnahmeprüfung (ANP) score, nationality quotas, and tie-breaker criteria.

A detailed breakdown of the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), the final, mandatory exam required to qualify for university study in Germany. Covers the types of FSP validity, the risks of private FSP certificates, and how the final score is calculated.

An overview of the Studienkolleg entrance exam (Aufnahmeprüfung or ANP), explaining its purpose as a competitive filter, difficulty levels, fee requirements, and the trend toward online or semi-online testing formats.

A critical guide on the Studienkolleg application process, detailing required certified documents, the role of Uni-Assist (including fees), direct application procedures, and tips for maximizing your chances of receiving an Aufnahmeprüfung invitation.

A critical guide on private Studienkollegs, covering high costs (€2,000–€6,000) and the crucial difference between internal and external Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) certificates for public university admission.

Learn about Studienkolleg, the preparatory college for international students in Germany. This guide covers what it is, the different course types, how to know if you need it, and a detailed warning about private Studienkollegs.