Do German universities require a blocked account, and what are the financial requirements for tuition and living expenses for a Master's?
Yes. You need a blocked account, or Sperrkonto, holding 11,904 euros for the year, capped at 992 euros a month, to secure your German student visa. Tuition is 0 to 350 euros a semester at public universities, up to 1,500 euros a semester in Baden-Wurttemberg, or higher at private institutions.
Yes, you need a blocked account to study in Germany, since embassies and immigration offices require it as proof you can support yourself financially. Your university will not open this account for you, so you need to set it up yourself through an approved provider before your visa appointment.
Your Financial Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blocked account, annual deposit | 11,904 euros |
| Blocked account, monthly withdrawal limit | 992 euros |
| Tuition, public university (most states) | 0 to 350 euros per semester |
| Tuition, Baden-Wurttemberg | 1,500 euros per semester |
| Tuition, private universities | 10,000 to over 30,000 euros per year |
Setting Up Your Blocked Account
- Deposit the full 11,904 euros upfront before your provider issues the confirmation certificate your visa application needs.
- Choose a popular digital provider such as Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle to open and manage your account.
- Budget extra beyond the required amount to cover provider setup fees, health insurance deposits, and initial relocation costs.
My Advice
Open your blocked account at least six to eight weeks before your visa appointment, since providers need time to verify your deposit and issue the confirmation certificate. Keep a few hundred extra euros on hand beyond the 11,904 euro minimum to cover setup fees and your first weeks of relocation costs.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
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