Minimum bank balance in Germany for international students

Minimum bank balance in Germany for international students: To study abroad in Germany as an international student, you are expected to prove that you have enough money to sustain yourself throughout the duration of the program. Although there are many study programs in Germany that offer tuition-free courses,  international students will still have to keep a certain budget in their bank account to get a degree in Germany.

That is, when a blocked account comes into play, international students make use of a blocked account to stand in for their financial backup to be able to study in Germany. When we call it  “Blocked account” doesn’t really mean that the account is blocked in an ordinary sense; it means that the money that a student deposited into the account is not to be withdrawn by any means until the student has gotten to Germany. 

Bank balance in Germany for international students (2024)

The minimum bank balance in Germany for international students operating blocked accounts is 11,208 euros, and every student must meet this requirement before they can apply. The amount paid into the bank for this purpose is therefore blocked in the student’s bank account for the duration of the year. The student who owns the account can, however, request money on a monthly basis, but that would be after he or she has moved to Germany, and the minimum bank withdrawal is 934 euros every month. In essence, we are saying that the current minimum bank balance requirement for student visas in Germany is 11,208 euros every year, or 934 euros every month in the blocked account system.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the choice of the amount of money that students can put on their German Blocked Account is made by the German government. And this amount can change as time goes on, and it may be due to the socio-economic situation of the country.

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How much bank balance is required for a German student visa?

You are expected to show the German Embassy that you have made not less than EUR 11,208 or INR 1,013,333.26 on an annual basis to be fit to apply for a student visa. Usually, you are faced with the option of opening a blocked bank account in a German bank, after which you can transfer the money into it.

Prove of funds to study in Germany for students

Here are ways that someone can show that he can fund his studies in Germany:

1. A student’s parents can submit a list of certain documents that should showtheir income level and their financial assets.
2. A permanent residence in Germany is also a proof that you can guarantee the Alien Registration Office your study expenses.
3. Depositing a security payment into a blocked account
4. A student can present a bank guarantee.
5. He or she can also present a scholarship award notification that was received from a recognized scholarship provider.

It is always recommended to ask the German embassy in your country about the acceptable forms of financial proof that are required for a German student visa.

How much do you need in your account to study in Germany?

You need 934 EUR every month or 11,208 EUR every year in your account to study in Germany. This amount serves as a guarantee that a student can afford the cost of living and studying in Germany.

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How much is the proof of funds for a student visa in Germany?

the amount required to proof your funds for a student visa in Germany (EUR 11,208 or INR 1,013,333.26) on an annual basis to be fit to apply for a student visa.

What documents do international students need to open a German bank account?

To create a German bank account as an international student, the following documents would be requested:

1. Your passport,
2. Visa or residence permit, and
3. proof of address registration in Germany (Meldebestätigung).
4. There are banks that require you to show proof of enrollment or a German language proficiency certificate that was obtained from a German university.

Details would be processed on the registry, and your details would be sent to the German address provided based on the city registration letter guidelines.

Where can students open a blocked account?

Blocked accounts can only be opened by specific providers, and here are our top picks:

1. Expatrio
2. Fintiba
3. Coracle

We are only recommending them; you still need to conduct further research to determine if they are authentic. You can also inquire from your country’s German embassy.

How can I open a blocked account? Step-by-step

1.  Present yourself at the local German embassy or consulate and ask them the type of blocked account to open as well as the required amount that is applicable to you.
2. Select a provider that will open the blocked account for you and start the application process. There are many providers, and you can even do it online.
3. Your account has been processed and reviewed, and you will receive the IBAN or BIC if it is successful. After that, you can now transfer your money into the account.
4. You would be sent a confirmation statement from the provider that you used to open the blocked account, and this statement would be presented to the German Embassy when you reach Germany.

Can I study in Germany without a bank statement?

In most cases, you can’t study in Germany without a bank statement. You need to prove that there is sufficient financial standing to fund your studies.

Special Cases

1: Scholarship

When you win a scholarship from an institution in Germany or from your home country, The scholarship amount may be deducted from the minimum amount you are expected to show in the blocked account, and so the minimum bank balance for a student visa for such a scholarship is reduced. If, in another scenario, the scholarship amount is way higher, a student will not have to open a blocked account at all.

2: Letter of obligation

If you have a family member or friend who is living in Germany, he or she can declare to be financially responsible for the cost of studying in Germany.

Key Takeaway on the Bank balance in Germany for international students

The minimum amount for a German student visa is 934 euros every month and and11 euros annually. The block account amount requirement is not fixed; it changes from time to time. You may be required to pay certain application fees to open a blocked account by the providers, and you must present the above-mentioned documents. You will need to have a regular bank account to receive monthly payouts from your German blocked account.