Visa Preparation
Financial Preparation and the Blocked Account
Proof of funds for the visa, the blocked account (Sperrkonto), scholarship routes and what a student actually spends per month in Germany.
- Monthly amount you must prove
- €992
- Total required for one year
- €11,904
- Monthly blocked-account fee
- €3 – €8
- Lead time for DAAD scholarships
- 1 year
Monthly amount you must prove
Total required for one year
Monthly blocked-account fee
Lead time for DAAD scholarships
The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
Students from outside the EU must show one year of estimated living costs in a blocked account at a German bank before a visa is issued. Only the set monthly amount can be withdrawn.
- Monthly amount to prove
- €992
- Annual total
- €11,904
- Time to open the account
- 2 – 10 working days
- Activation requires
- Address registration in Germany (Anmeldung)
Common Providers
Digital providers you can open a blocked account with before you leave. Fees and package contents change, so confirm the figures on the provider's own page before you apply.
Expatrio
Combines the blocked account and health insurance in a single package. Setup is quick and the whole application runs online.
Fintiba
A fully digital process with a wide banking network, letting you complete the account and the insurance application in one flow.
Coracle
An alternative provider offering the blocked account, insurance and support with the paperwork you need on arrival.
Scholarships
The best-known scholarship provider for international students in Germany is DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). Its database lets you search hundreds of programmes against your own profile.
Who can apply?
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral candidates — though most programmes target master's and doctoral level.
What it covers
A monthly stipend, travel support and, in most programmes, health insurance contributions.
When to apply
Most scholarships close roughly a year before studies begin. Build your timeline early.
Estimated Monthly Costs
An average student budget. It shifts with the city and your lifestyle — and it is the basis for the blocked account's monthly figure.
- Rent (dorm or shared room)
- €350 – €600
- Food
- €200 – €300
- Health insurance
- €120 – €140
- Transport (excluding the semester ticket)
- €50 – €100
- Phone and internet
- €30 – €50
- Personal spending
- €100 – €200
The required amount is updated every year
Visa Preparation
Follow the finance step in your journey
Your Dreemli journey lists the blocked account, insurance and proof-of-funds steps in order, so you can see at a glance what is still open.