Germany Rolls Out New Policies that May Affect Foreign Students in 2025
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Germany continues to attract a growing number of students from around the world. In the 2024-25 winter semester, the country is projected to host over 400,000 international students, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
As Germany’s appeal grows, several new policies and structural changes are also taking shape, making it important for students to learn about the new rules and regulations. The new important changes for international students influence both living costs and opportunities. So, let’s explore what’s new in Germany for international students in 2025.
What’s New for International Students in Germany in 2025: Latest Updates
The German government has rolled out several new policies that will directly affect international students starting from 2024 and into 2025. From visa processes to employment rights and financial aid, each change carries implications that students must be aware of to make informed decisions. Here are the major changes for international students in Germany.
New Visa Changes for International Students in Germany
Germany will discontinue the informal visa remonstration process starting July 1, 2025. This free, simplified method allows students to appeal a visa rejection by sending a written request to the embassy.
From July 1 onwards, if your visa is denied, you must file a formal legal appeal in court, which is more time-consuming and may require legal representation. There will be no informal second chance.
Also Read: All You Need to Know about Germany Study Visa Requirements
Blocked Account Requirement Increases to EUR 11,904
Germany requires international students to maintain a blocked account proving they can support themselves.
- Prior Requirement (until August 2024): EUR 11,208 annually (or EUR 934 per month).
- New Requirement (From September 1, 2024): EUR11,904 per year (EUR 992 per month).
That’s a EUR 696 increase to ensure that students can cover all expenses, including rent, food, insurance, and transportation.
New Online Portal for Germany Visa Application
To modernize and speed up the visa process, the German Foreign Ministry has launched a new Consular Services Portal called digital-di.de. This portal became mandatory from February 17, 2025.
How it works:
- Go to digital‑di.de and fill in the forms online.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Wait for document verification.
- Book a VFS appointment for biometric data collection.
Switching to the digital portal is now mandatory for student visa applications in both summer and winter semester intakes.
Explore: Intakes in Germany 2025 - 2026
More Work Rights for International Students
A new phase of the Skilled Worker Immigration Act took effect on March 1, 2024, expanding employment options for international students. Students can now work up to 140 full or 280 half days annually, or 20 hours per week. Even those in preparatory programs or on student application visas can benefit from these relaxed work regulations.
Higher Minimum Wage from January 2025
From January 1, 2025, the legal minimum wage in Germany will increase to EUR 12.82 per hour. This will raise the gross monthly income for full-time workers to EUR 2,222. It presents a positive opportunity for students who work part-time to earn more while studying.
Mini-Job Salary Threshold to be EUR 556 per Month
Mini-jobs are popular among students due to their tax and social contribution exemptions. The monthly salary threshold for mini-jobs will rise from EUR 538 to EUR 556 starting January 2025. Given the EUR 12.82 minimum hourly wage, students can now legally work about 43.3 hours a month through mini-jobs. This supports better budgeting and income planning.
Check Out: How to Study in Germany for Free as an International Student
TUM Introduces Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students
For the first time in decades, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) will charge tuition fees to students from non-EU countries starting the winter semester 2024/25.
Fees will range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,000 for bachelor’s programs and EUR 4,000 to EUR 6,000 for master’s programs. Other Bavarian universities like LMU Munich and the University of Passau have chosen not to implement this change.
Increased Erasmus+ Funding
German universities will receive EUR 220 million in funding over the next two years through the Erasmus+ Program. Of this, EUR 186 million is designated for outbound student and staff exchanges.
Another EUR 31 million will support around 7,000 international students visiting Germany. This enhances opportunities for cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Quick Read: Cost of Studying in Germany
Major BAföG Reforms Introduced
The 29th BAföG Amendment Act, implemented on July 24, 2024, introduces several benefits for student funding. These include,
- Requirement rates have been raised by 5%, now reaching EUR 855 for students under 25, EUR 992 for those aged 25–30, and up to EUR 1,088 for students over 30.
- Housing allowance has increased to EUR 380 for students residing away from home.
- The monthly earning cap for mini-jobs will be raised to EUR 556 starting January 2025.
- Parental income exemption increased to EUR 2,540 for couples or EUR 1,690 each if separated.
- Sibling allowance is now EUR 770 per sibling, with the underage sibling allowance being removed.
- Deduction rates for social security contributions in BAföG calculations now stand at 22.3% for employed, 38.8% for self-employed, and 16.5% for non-employed parents.
- Students can receive funding for one additional semester without needing to justify the delay.
- Students changing their field of study are now eligible for funding until the start of their fifth semester.
- A one-time study start-up grant of EUR 1,000 is available for students from low-income households.
DeutschlandTicket Introduced for Students
In summer 2024, a nationwide student travel pass based on the Deutschlandticket was launched. Costing EUR 29.40 per month, it is about 40% cheaper than the standard version. This ticket allows students to travel across Germany using local and regional transport services. It is automatically included in semester fees, offering a huge mobility benefit.
Suggested Reading: What Level of German is Required to Study in Germany in 2025?
German Universities in QS Rankings Top 100
Germany's strong academic reputation was reaffirmed in the 2025 QS Rankings, with five institutions making the global top 100 list. These include,
- Technical University of Munich (TU Munich) - 28
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU) - 59
- Heidelberg University - 84
- Free University of Berlin - 97
- RWTH Aachen University - 99
Economic Outlook: Lower Inflation and Growth Predicted
According to the European Commission, Germany’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 1.0% in 2025, with inflation dropping to 2.0%. Unemployment is expected to stay low at 3.1%. This stable economic outlook offers international students a more predictable environment for managing living expenses and securing part-time jobs or internships.
Useful Tips for International Students in Germany
Starting the journey as an international student in Germany comes with both opportunities and challenges. Here are some helpful tips to help students settle in more smoothly in Germany.
- Learn Basic German Early: Even though many courses are in English, daily life groceries and transportation often require German. Learning basic phrases helps with integration and reduces culture shock. Apps like Duolingo or classes at a Volkshochschule (adult education centre) are great starting points.
- Register Your Address: Upon arrival, students must register their residence at the local Bürgeramt within 14 days. This Anmeldung is essential for opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and even receiving your residence permit.
- Get Public Health Insurance: Germany mandates valid health insurance for students. Public providers like TK or AOK offer affordable packages with extensive coverage.
- Open a Blocked Account in Advance: A blocked account is a mandatory requirement for most student visas. Open it at least 4-6 weeks before your visa appointment to avoid processing delays. Popular options include Deutsche Bank, Expatrio, and Fintiba, which offer online applications.
Also Read: Best Public Universities in Germany- Rankings, Fees & much more
Study in Germany Effortlessly with GetGIS!
As Germany updates its academic and immigration frameworks in 2025, prospective and current international students must remain well-informed. These important changes for international students in Germany in 2025 affect everything from visa procedures to tuition fees, financial aid, and employment laws.
Studying in Germany is a life-changing experience, and having the right guidance makes all the difference. With GetGIS, you get expert support at every step, from choosing the right university to securing your visa. Let GetGIS simplify your study abroad journey and set you up for success in Germany.
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