Phase 1 · 8 steps
Before You Come to Germany
All preparations you can complete before arriving in Germany.
Some links may lead to partner services. All recommendations are optional, transparent and based on usefulness.
Why this step matters
Before visas, finances or insurance, you must know what and where you want to study. Nearly every later step — language certificates, the blocked account, your visa category — depends on this decision.
Study program and degree level: Bachelor or Master, field of study, and language of instruction (German, English, or mixed). This affects admission requirements, language certificates and visa eligibility.
University type: Universities (theoretical, research-oriented), universities of applied sciences (practice-oriented), or private universities (tuition-based). This affects costs, admission criteria and study style.
Admission requirements: Previous degree recognition, specific subjects or grades, language certificates, and additional documents. Check program-specific requirements, not general assumptions.
Application path: University portal, central platforms such as uni-assist, or external services. The right path depends on your nationality, previous education and the university.
Prepare now, but do not submit yet: gather school or university certificates, academic transcripts, a valid passport, and language certificates — or a plan to get them.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a program without checking admission requirements.
- Assuming all universities have the same rules.
- Ignoring language requirements until it is too late.
- Applying before understanding deadlines.
Why this step matters
Your application decides whether you get an admission letter — often required for the visa — your start date, and how early you can plan housing. Applying late or with incomplete documents can cost you a whole semester.
Before you apply: most universities and uni-assist ask for certificates, transcripts with grades, a passport copy, language proof, a CV and a motivation letter (often for Master), and sometimes recommendation letters or a portfolio. Many documents must be translated and officially certified.
Three application ways
- Direct university portal
- uni-assist (checks your documents first and forwards them to the universities)
- External platforms
Always check the official university website.
India-specific information: If your academic documents were issued by Indian institutions, an APS certificate is generally required as part of the German student visa procedure. Your nationality is not the deciding factor. Exceptions exist, for example if your relevant degree was not issued by an Indian institution, for certain PhD projects, or for some scholarships funded by German or EU public funds. Check the official APS India requirements quiz and your university's requirements.
Deadline strategy
- Start preparing documents 8 to 12 weeks before the deadline.
- Apply to several universities.
- Keep a clean folder structure for all PDFs.
- Track deadlines in one list (university, program, date, status).
Common mistakes
- Applying late or with incomplete documents.
- Forgetting the APS certificate until it is too late.
- Missing a uni-assist or university deadline by a few days.
- Applying to only one university.
Why this step matters
Germany requires proof that you can finance your studies and living costs. Without the correct proof you risk visa delays or rejection.
Your options
- A) Blocked account (most common) — you deposit a fixed amount and can withdraw a limited monthly amount after arrival.
- B) Formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) — a person living in Germany officially commits to covering your costs.
- C) Scholarship or funding proof — may replace a blocked account depending on the embassy.
The 2026 minimum amount: the current official minimum for proof of financial resources is 11,904 euros per year (about 992 euros per month) for the blocked account. (Last checked: October 2026.)
Check your embassy requirements first: before you pay or sign anything.
Decide which proof fits you: full amount available → blocked account; a sponsor in Germany → formal obligation; a scholarship → check whether it is accepted.
Plan the timing: account setup, identity verification and international transfers take time. Starting late is the number one reason students miss visa timelines.
Prepare documents: passport, admission letter or application confirmation, proof of address and funding documents — all in one folder.
Common mistakes
- Paying for a blocked account without checking embassy acceptance.
- Starting too late.
- Confusing a blocked account with a normal bank account.
- Using incomplete or unofficial funding documents.
Helpful resources
Fintiba — Blocked Account for Germany
A widely used blocked account provider for international students: fast online setup, English support, and commonly accepted by German missions. Suitable for students from India and many other countries.
Partner code
IMMOBILIENWUHRexact benefits depend on current partner terms
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Why this step matters
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and affects enrollment, visa approval and your residence permit. The wrong type can delay or block your studies.
Option A — public (statutory): monthly student rate up to an age or semester limit, broad coverage across Germany, and accepted by all universities and authorities. Best for students under the age limit, long studies, and people who plan to stay and work in Germany.
Option B — private: often cheaper at the beginning, with flexible plans, but must be explicitly accepted by the university. Used before enrollment or by students not eligible for public insurance. Important: once you choose private insurance at the start, switching to public later may not be possible.
How to choose
- Am I eligible for public student insurance?
- Does my university accept the private plan?
- Is it only for the visa, or for long-term enrollment?
If unsure, do not rush.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest private plan without checking university acceptance.
- Not knowing that some private plans are visa-only.
- Assuming you can always switch to public later.
- Submitting proof that is not recognized.
Helpful resources
Dr. Walter — Health insurance for international students
Commonly used by international students for the early phase of arrival and visa requirements, depending on your situation and university rules. Clear online application, with English information and support.
Affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you use this link. You pay no extra cost.
Why this step matters
Without the correct visa you cannot start your studies in Germany. Many students run into problems because they apply with incomplete documents, misunderstand embassy requirements, or start too late.
Visa types
- Student visa — you already have an official admission letter from a German university.
- Student applicant visa — you are still waiting for admission, or need to complete entrance exams or preparatory courses.
The exact type depends on your study status and admission situation.
Find your responsible German embassy or consulate: visa applications are handled by the German mission in your country of residence. Always use the official embassy website, because requirements can vary slightly by country.
Check the required documents carefully: valid passport, university admission or application proof, proof of financial resources such as a blocked account, valid health insurance, biometric photos, and a completed visa application form. Missing or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Book your visa appointment early: slots are limited and waiting times can be long. Book as soon as you are eligible, even if some documents are still in progress.
Prepare for the visa interview: it usually focuses on your study plans, your university choice, your financial situation, and your intention to study in Germany. Be honest, consistent and well prepared.
Checklist before you continue
- Correct visa type chosen.
- All required documents gathered.
- Visa appointment booked or submitted.
- Financial proof secured.
- Valid health insurance arranged.
Your visa approval is the key requirement before booking flights or making final travel arrangements.
University-specific health requirements
Some universities may require additional medical documents for enrollment. This is not a general German student-visa requirement. Always check the enrollment requirements in your admission letter and university portal.
Common mistakes
- Applying too late.
- Using unofficial or outdated document checklists.
- Submitting insurance or financial proof that the embassy does not accept.
- Giving inconsistent answers in the interview.
Why this step matters
Finding a place to live is one of the biggest challenges for international students, especially when planning from abroad. It affects your arrival planning, your stress level in the first weeks, and sometimes registration procedures. Leaving it too late leads to temporary solutions, higher costs and bad decisions.
What to understand first: most students do not move directly into a permanent apartment. Housing usually happens in stages: student dormitories, shared flats (WGs), and temporary accommodation for the first weeks. Each option has different requirements, risks and timelines.
Typical mistakes
- Trusting offers without verification.
- Paying deposits before seeing the room.
- Expecting to find long-term housing immediately.
- Not understanding local rental practices.
What to plan before arrival
- Understand the most common housing types.
- Know which documents landlords usually ask for.
- Decide whether you need a temporary solution first.
- Be aware of typical rental scams.
You do not need a perfect apartment before arrival, but you do need a plan.
Common mistakes
- Paying a deposit or first rent to an unverified contact.
- Committing to a long-term contract from abroad without verification.
- Arriving with no temporary housing plan at all.
- Underestimating how long dormitory or WG allocation can take.
Deggendorf student rooms — Local student housing support
If you plan to study in Deggendorf, we offer access to local student housing and WG offers, a moderated WhatsApp group for incoming students, and guidance based on real local experience. This support is optional and region-specific.
Run by the operator of this website. This is not an affiliate link.
Why this step matters
It defines your travel timing and arrival date, your first days in Germany, and your start without unnecessary pressure. Complete this step only after you receive your visa.
What to check before booking
- Book only after visa approval.
- Choose an arrival date that leaves enough time before enrollment or orientation.
- Check which airport is closest to your university city — not all international airports are near every student destination.
- Compare total travel time, transfer duration, baggage allowance, and flexibility for changes or cancellation.
Typical mistakes
- Booking the flight before visa approval.
- Choosing very short transfer times.
- Arriving too late before semester start.
- Not checking the airport location.
- Ignoring baggage limits or extra fees.
The cheapest option is not always the safest.
What to plan before arrival
- Know your exact arrival time and terminal.
- Inform your accommodation about your arrival date and time.
- Keep important documents in your hand luggage (passport with visa, university admission letter, health insurance confirmation, financial proof documents).
- Plan your onward journey from the airport.
Common mistakes
- Booking the flight before visa approval.
- Arriving too close to semester start with no buffer.
- Choosing the cheapest flight with risky transfer times.
- Packing important documents in checked baggage.
Cheaptickets DE — Flight comparison & booking
Compare flight options across multiple airlines and routes from your home country to your destination city in Germany, view flexible dates, check total travel time and baggage policies before booking. This is an external flight comparison platform.
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Why this step matters
Your train ticket decides how smoothly you reach your final city, how stressful your first travel day is, and how much you spend. After a long international flight you do not want confusion at the station, sold-out tickets, or paying double.
When to book: after your visa is approved, after your flight is confirmed, and once you know your arrival airport and landing time. Avoid booking too early if visa or flight are not secured.
How to choose the connection: check your arrival airport (Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf and others). Calculate a buffer of at least 2 to 3 hours after landing for passport control, baggage claim, and possible delays. Check your final destination city — for example Deggendorf, Passau, Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart or Regensburg — and make sure the train actually stops there, because some connections require changes.
Tips
- Choose flexible tickets if possible.
- Avoid very tight transfer times.
- Download the ticket to your phone.
- Keep your passport accessible.
- Download the DB Navigator app before arrival.
If this is your first time in Germany, simplicity is more important than saving 5 to 10 euros.
Common mistakes
- Booking the train before the visa is approved.
- Allowing too little time between landing and the train departure.
- Assuming every connection stops at your final city.
- Choosing the absolute cheapest fare with no flexibility.
Deutsche Bahn — Recommended train booking platform
Germany's official railway provider, connecting airports with cities and university towns. Search direct connections from the airport, check transfer stations and total travel time, compare flexible and saver tickets, reserve seats for longer journeys, and download your ticket digitally.
Official Deutsche Bahn website. This is not an affiliate link.
FlixBus — Cheaper bus & train alternative
FlixBus and FlixTrain connect over 2,500 destinations across Europe with green, affordable buses and trains — tickets from 4.99 euros, free WiFi, and one piece of luggage included. A budget-friendly alternative to Deutsche Bahn, especially for longer routes.
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Phase 1 complete?
You have done the preparation. Now continue with Phase 2 — everything you need after arriving in Germany.
FAQ
Phase 1 — frequently asked questions
Everything you need to prepare before coming to Germany: choosing a university, understanding visa requirements, arranging proof of funds and health insurance, and planning your timeline in the correct order.
You are still planning to study in Germany, you have not arrived yet, or you are preparing visa or application documents. If you are already in Germany you can skip ahead to a later phase.
Not necessarily. Some students have already completed certain steps, so skip what you have finished and focus on what is relevant for you.
Yes. Many problems arise because steps are done in the wrong order — for example choosing health insurance before knowing university requirements, or opening a blocked account too late. Phase 1 follows the recommended sequence based on real requirements in Germany.
No. We offer practical guidance, explanations and references to official sources, and final decisions are always made by universities, embassies and authorities.
Some steps require external services such as blocked accounts or health insurance. We only reference services that are commonly used by international students, accepted by German authorities or universities, and have clear processes. Using partner services is always optional.
Requirements can vary by country of residence, by the German embassy handling your application, and by your university, so always confirm on official sources before final submission.
You can read Phase 2 early, but Phase 2 officially begins after you arrive in Germany. Completing Phase 1 properly makes Phase 2 easier and less stressful.