Germany is introducing important changes for international students: the updated rules came into force in 2024 and will be added from 2025.
- The main innovation concerns an increase in the minimum amount that must be on the accounts of foreign students for entering German universities: from September 1, expat applicants must confirm that they have at least €11,208 per year (or €934 per month) to apply for a German study visa.
- The second significant change is the increase in the allowed hours for work during studying: now foreign students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week instead of the previous 10.
- In this direction, the changes also affected the amount of wages: the sum increased to €12.41 per hour of work and to €2151 per month. From January 2025, additional increases are expected: €12.82 per hour and €2222 per month.
Local updates include:
- Introduction of tuition fees at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) for expat students – it will take effect from the winter semester of the 2024/25 academic year.
- Student passes have fallen in price by 40% and now cost €29.40 per month.
- Additional funds have been allocated to support foreign students and exchange programs within the framework of Erasmus+. Those who apply for financial support under the terms of the Federal Law on Aid in Education (BAföG) can also count on an increase in the rates of payments: €855 for students under 25 years old, €992 for years of age 25-30, up to €1,088 for students 30+.
