fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
30th Jul 2019

Germany increases deposit requirement for foreign students

In Germany, there are three ways that non-EU international students can show proof of financial means for their first year of study as part of their visa application. The most common way is depositing a minimum amount of money into a “blocked account,” which is a bank account designed precisely for international students and offered by German banks, including Deutsche Bank and Fintiba. The account is considered “blocked” because students cannot access it until they arrive in Germany, and then may only withdraw funds up to a specified monthly limit.

As of 1 September 2019, the amount of money that international students using the blocked account option in their visa application will rise from €8,640 to €10,236. Once students arrive in Germany, they will be permitted to withdraw a maximum of €853 per month.

Such proof of financial means is one of the main requirements to obtain a student visa for Germany. The other ways international students can show proof of financial means are by showing that they have received a scholarship or by providing a letter to confirm that they have an approved sponsor for their study programme.

Why the increase?

The increase, which is the first in years, is meant to keep up with inflation and intended to reduce incidences in which students jeopardise their academic performance by taking on too much paid work during their studies.

The minimum deposit required by the German government reflects the estimated funds required for a foreign student to cover his/her living expenses in Germany for a full year.

How to get a blocked account

The German government advises,

“Many countries have providers that offer blocked accounts. Information is available from the respective competent German mission abroad. Furthermore, certain banks in Germany offer special blocked accounts for students/language students for educational institutions located at their place of business.”

For additional detail on blocked accounts, including step-by-step instructions on opening an account at a participating bank, please see this excellent overview from the German Federal Foreign Office.

For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • Recruiting international students in Cameroon Read More
  • Germany: Outbound language travel grew again in 2024 Read More
  • Enrolment surges in Spain’s language teaching sector Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

Recruiting international students in Cameroon FAST FACTS Official name: Republic of Cameroon Geography: Cameroon is in Central Africa on the Gulf of Guinea....
Read more
Germany: Outbound language travel grew again in 2024 The 2024 annual report from the German Association of Language Travel Organizers (FDSV) reports continuing growth for the...
Read more
Enrolment surges in Spain’s language teaching sector Enrolment in Spanish language schools in Spain has now surged past pre-pandemic levels. The post-COVID recovery really took...
Read more
United States: Government enforcement action on schools, universities, and international students intensifies The Trump administration is intensifying its scrutiny of US higher education institutions and international students. As of April...
Read more
UK commission calls for a more strategic and sustainable approach to international student recruitment The United Kingdom’s most recent international education strategy was released in 2019. It set a target of attracting...
Read more
Ireland: Non-EU international students will be most affected by a new, increased threshold for available funds The Irish government has announced increases in the minimum funds requirements for foreign students. The changes will come...
Read more
SEVIS data reveals decline in international enrolments in the US in 2024/25 The Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Fall 2024 Snapshot reported a 3% increase in foreign enrolments in US...
Read more
International student policy in the spotlight during Australian election Australia will hold its next federal election on 3 May 2025. The vote looks to be hotly contested,...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links