If I have a public university offer in Germany, can I get a study visa that allows travel across European countries?

Yes, once you hold a German student visa and residence permit, you can travel across other Schengen countries for tourism or visiting family without applying for separate tourist visas, because Germany sits inside the 29-country Schengen Area. Your actual study stay in Germany is not affected by this travel allowance, but a few rules do apply.

What Your German Visa Does and Does Not Cover

What to Carry and Watch Out For

• Always carry your valid passport and your German residence permit or D-visa sticker when crossing into another European country
• Expect occasional checks at train stations, land borders such as Germany to Austria, France, or Poland, and before international flights
• Keep your primary residence in Germany, since spending extended periods outside the country can jeopardise your residence status
• Remember your work authorisation does not extend to jobs in other Schengen countries, only within Germany

My Advice

Once your German visa comes through, keep a simple running log of your Schengen travel days so you never accidentally cross the 90-day limit within a 180-day window, since that can complicate future visa renewals. Carry physical copies of your passport and residence permit on every trip, even for short weekend visits, rather than relying on digital copies alone.