Studying and working in Germany has two paths: an intensive German course with up to 20 hours a week of work, or higher education and a master's degree at a partner university. For students aged 18 and over, residence is regularized with the blocked account (visa-free entry depends on nationality), and a dedicated senior consultant from Be Easy supports every step, from the language to a European career.

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Do you need a visa to study in Germany? It depends on your nationality

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The way into Germany depends on where you are from. Citizens of a few countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea and New Zealand, can enter and apply for a residence permit once they are in Germany. Most other nationalities apply for a language course or student visa from their home country before traveling.

Either way, the core requirements are the same: proof of funds through a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and enrollment in an intensive course. In your profile analysis, a senior consultant maps the exact path for your nationality.

• Intensive course of at least 18 lessons per week, a requirement for the study residence permit.
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): the financial proof that also protects you in the country.
• Work allowed during the language course, up to 20 hours per week.
• Be Easy guides all the paperwork, from the school to your residence permit.

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Two ways to study and work in Germany

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Be Easy works with two routes, each with its own profile, investment and goals. In your profile analysis, we identify which one fits you.

In both routes the visa is arranged according to your nationality and you may work up to 20 hours a week during the course. What changes between them:

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The European path starts with the language

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According to the OECD, 45% of international students are still in Germany ten years after arriving, the highest retention rate among the major destinations. This is not a round-trip exchange: it is the first step of a life in Europe. (Source: OECD, via DAAD.)

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Why learn German in Germany, and not Canada, the US or Australia

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While thousands compete for the same jobs in English, professionals who speak German are rare and highly valued. B2 is the minimum level required in most job ads, and those who arrive with the language get priority in hiring.

Germany projects a shortage of up to 2.4 million skilled workers by 2035. It is a hard advantage to build, and that is exactly why it opens doors. (Source: Institute for Employment Research, IAB.)

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What is the blocked account (Sperrkonto) and why it protects you

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The blocked account looks complicated, but it is simple: you deposit the full amount before traveling and withdraw it month by month during your stay. The money is yours the whole time. The German government only wants to be sure you can support yourself while you study. The amount required varies by modality:

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Combined with the work allowance of up to 20 hours a week, many students cover much of their living costs. Be Easy guides every step, from opening the account to your first withdrawal.

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Guides to plan each step of your exchange in Germany

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Each step of the project has a detailed guide on the Be Easy blog. Start with the overall step by step and go deeper into your next decision:

• Getting started: how to do a study exchange in Germany in 2026, step by step and how to study in Germany without knowing German
• Study paths: Ausbildung, paid vocational training and Studienkolleg, the prep course for public universities
• Visa and documents: student visa in 2026: who needs one and who can regularise in country and Chancenkarte, the job seeker visa
• Costs: how much it costs to study in Germany in 2026, cost of living for exchange students and blocked account: amounts and how to open one
• Work and income: salaries by profession in 2026 and minimum wage in 2026
• Life and career: the best cities to live in in 2026 and how to study, work and build a career in Germany

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Frequently asked questions about studying in Germany

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Do I need a visa to study in Germany?

It depends on your nationality. Some nationalities enter as tourists and apply for the residence permit within 90 days in Germany; most apply for a language course or student visa from their home country before traveling. In the profile analysis, a senior consultant confirms the right path for your case. The details for each situation are in the 2026 student visa guide.

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What is the blocked account and how much do I need?

It is the proof of funds account required by the German government: you deposit the full amount before traveling and withdraw a fixed amount per month during your stay. In 2026, the requirement is EUR 1,091 per month for language courses and EUR 992 per month for higher education and master's programs. Opening is online, from your home country, and the step by step is in the blocked account guide.

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Can I work 20 hours a week during the course?

Yes. The study residence permit allows up to 20 hours a week of work during the lecture period, including during the language course. With the hourly minimum wage, the income helps cover part of the cost of living.

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Ausbildung or university: which path should you choose?

It depends on the goal. Ausbildung is paid vocational training lasting 2 to 3 years, requiring German at B1 or B2 level. University requires Studienkolleg for those who finished high school outside Germany, or a bachelor's degree for a master's program. Those seeking a European academic degree go through university; those who want to enter the job market sooner choose Ausbildung.

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How long does it take to reach B2 level German?

With an intensive course of 18 to 20 lessons a week, the path from beginner to B2 takes 9 to 12 months on average. Studying German before traveling shortens the timeline, but it is not a requirement: you can start in Germany from zero.

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Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy

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While everyone heads to the same place, you learn German in Germany. A senior consultant analyzes your profile and shows whether this is the right moment for you. We reply within 2 hours on business days, with no commitment. To start your project in Germany, get in touch with us.