During your studies

If you are studying at one of the many universities and comparable educational institutions in Münster, you require a residence permit for study purposes.

The purpose of stay “studying” includes:

• An undergraduate degree or foundation course
• An advanced, additional or supplementary course of study (postgraduate studies)
• Part-time studies
• A preparatory course

Please bring the following with you…

If you wish to apply for or extend your residence permit, please bring the following documents with you (if we do not already have them):

• Your valid passport
• A current passport photo
• A completed application form
• Proof that you are able to cover your living expenses: Blocked account with credit balance in the amount of € 992.00 per month / € 11.904,00 per year; parental guarantee; letter of intent
• Proof of health insurance
• Letter of admission or current certificate of study
• For extensions: Proof of academic achievement (overview of examination results; transcripts)
• Fee: up to € 100.00

Further documents may be required in individual cases. If this applies to you, we will inform you accordingly.

Please note: An appointment is required for the granting and extension of the residence permit. Please send us an appointment request.

Period of validity of the residence permit

A residence permit for the purpose of studying is usually issued / extended for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. If your studies last less than two years, the residence permit will only be issued for the duration of your studies.

Your residence permit can be extended as long as you can still complete your studies within a reasonable period of time. As a rule, a reasonable period of time for completing your studies is deemed to exist if the average duration of a degree programme does not exceed three semesters. In addition, a total length of stay of ten years for the purpose of studying and preparing for studies should not be exceeded.

In order to be able to predict when you are likely to complete your studies, we require proof of your previous academic achievements and, if applicable, an assessment by your university. At the very least, please bring an overview of your academic achievements with you to your extension appointment.

Change of degree programme

As a rule, you may change your degree programme or subject to an alternative falling within the same subject area within the first 18 months of starting your degree programme. After this, degree programme changes are only permitted if you can complete the new degree programme within a reasonable period of study. In addition, you may not exceed a total length of stay of ten years. Since your degree programme is always indicated on your certificate of residential status, please contact us before changing your subject of study.

Change in purpose of stay

Once you have successfully completed your studies, you can apply for a residence permit for another purpose. You may apply for a residence permit for the purpose of paid employment, for instance. A residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment can also be issued (see: After graduation). Furthermore, it is possible to take up a postgraduate, additional or supplementary course of study or to study for a doctorate.

During your studies, you may change the purpose of residence as well, except for the purpose of temporary employment according to the employment regulations ("Beschäftigungsverordnung").

Paid employment

Students are allowed to complete 140 days per year of paid employment. In addition, secondary employment for students is generally permitted without time restrictions (activities at a university or similar institution and mandatory internships). You do not need a separate work permit for this.

If you wish to take up self-employment or freelance work, you must apply to us for a separate work permit. You can find further information here.

Please note that any paid employment pursued alongside your studies must not jeopardise your performance.

Please ask us if you have any questions. We will be happy to help where possible, or tell you where you can obtain assistance.