Study, work and live in Germany, step by step.
Clear guides, 18 free tools and a free German course for international students and young professionals. Honest answers in plain English, from your first visa question to your first job.
Made by Kumar Ashish
Germany’s national student leader with 9+ years of leadership for international students. Featured in Germany, England, Hong Kong and Africa.
Where are you right now?
- Test your German level8 minutes, free, A1 to C1
- Find out what it really costsRent, food, insurance, per month
- Check if you need an APS certificateRequired for students from India and some other countries
- Plan your applicationsDeadlines and documents in one place
- Find the right visa for youStudy, work, Ausbildung or Opportunity Card
- Calculate your blocked accountHow much you need and what it costs
- Follow the visa checklistEvery document, nothing forgotten
- Practise your visa interviewReal embassy questions with feedback
Planning ahead? See the full timeline with deadlines ↓
Learn A1 for €0: FULL FREE for German Campus readers
The full A1 level, free only for readers of German Campus. Self-paced, no payment, no card. 118 lessons from the alphabet to the exam, with exam tips and tricks, practice for every exam part (Hören, Lesen, Schreiben, Sprechen), 2 full mock exams with timers and scoring, audio for every word and speaking practice.
How good is your German? Find out in 8 minutes
Free German level test with 30 questions from A1 to C1. Get your level, your strong and weak skills and a personal study plan instantly.
✓ Free, no sign-up · ✓ New questions every time · ✓ See what your level opens in Germany
Your Germany timeline: what to do and when
The full 5-step plan with deadlines, from 12 months before you fly to your first job. Click a step to see your to-dos.
What to do
- Shortlist 3 to 5 programmes and check if they teach in English or German
- Check the language requirement (IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH)
- Plan your budget: student visa applicants need a blocked account of €11,904 for the first year (€992 a month, the 2026 amount set by the Federal Foreign Office, last checked October 2026). Blocked account guide
What to do
- Get your APS certificate if you studied in India
- Convert your grades to the German scale
- Apply via uni-assist or directly: most deadlines are 15 July (winter) and 15 January (summer)
What to do
- Book your embassy appointment as early as possible
- Open a blocked account and get your confirmation
- Prepare documents, admission letter and health insurance
What to do
- Register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days
- Enrol at university and activate health insurance
- Book your residence permit appointment
What to do
- Work up to 140 full or 280 half days a year
- Extend your residence permit before it expires
- After graduation: up to 18 months to find a job
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