Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Teilnahme an Sprachkursen oder am Schüleraustausch beantragen

You can receive a temporary residence permit to participate in a German language course or a student exchange in Germany.

You can obtain a temporary residence permit to take part in a German language course or a student exchange in Germany.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-EEA country, you will need

• a German language course (intensive language course), which serves to acquire comprehensive German language skills and not to prepare students for their studies, or
• a student exchange

a residence permit.

The granting of a residence permit requires that you meet the requirements for issuance and that there are no grounds for refusal.

The duration of an intensive language course must be limited in time. The attendance and follow-up of the course should take up all of your working time (usually daily lessons with a weekly duration of at least 18 lessons). Evening, weekend or part-time language courses are not sufficient.

A student exchange is a temporary school stay, which usually does not exceed one year and is often carried out through student exchange organisations. A privately or commercially organized exchange year is also possible. No direct exchange ("one-to-one") is required to obtain a residence permit (guest students).

• Recognised and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute)
• Recent biometric photo in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Visa, if required for entry
• Proof of securing a livelihood without the use of public benefits (e.g. equity, scholarship certificate, declaration of commitment, blocked account with a bank, bank guarantee, proof of parents' income or similar). For student exchanges, the current BAföG rate (Federal Training Assistance Act) applies as a guideline. In the case of language courses, the BAföG rate plus a surcharge of 10 percent.
• Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g. confirmation of health insurance coverage or insurance policy).
• In the case of minors: consent of all persons with custody to the planned stay (declaration of consent); if the custodial parents are unable to submit the application jointly on behalf of their child, a written power of attorney from the absent parent is required; if only one parent has custody, the signature of that parent is sufficient

In addition, for attending a language course:

• Proof of admission to the language course (e.g. confirmation of registration or contract)
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form (if available: certificates, diplomas or proof of already acquired knowledge of the German language.
• Letter of motivation stating why the language course should be attended and what plans are being pursued for the time after the language course)

In addition, for participation in a student exchange:

• Proof of school attendance (e.g. certificate from the school stating the duration and framework conditions for the student exchange)
• Student Exchange Agreement or Contract

The documents and information must always be submitted in German. In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may require less or more proof.

• Your livelihood is secured for the duration of the language course or student exchange.
• You would like to take part in an intensive language course, a student exchange or attend a German school as a guest student.
• There is no interest in expulsion against you.

The timing and form of fee collection and payment vary depending on the authority.

Lower fees may apply for Turkish nationals.

The duration of your residence permit is issued according to the purpose of your stay, usually one year in the case of a student exchange; in the case of language courses, the duration of the language course determines the period of validity of the residence permit.

• The granting of a residence permit is at the discretion of the responsible immigration authority. As the applicant, you are therefore only entitled to a decision that is free of discretionary errors.
• During your stay to attend a language course, there are no restrictions on changing the purpose of your stay.
• After completing language courses that are required for taking up employment or training, the appropriate residence permit can be issued without prior departure.
• Following participation in a student exchange, a residence permit for a different purpose of residence may only be issued if a legal entitlement exists.

• Appeal against the decision of the immigration authority
• Legal action before the court named in the notice of objection if the objection is not upheld

• An action may be brought before the competent administrative court against a negative decision of the immigration authority.
• A preliminary procedure (opposition) does not take place in Lower Saxony.
• Detailed information can be found in the rejection decision.

• a residence permit can be issued to attend a language course in Germany or to take part in a student exchange program
• living expenses and health insurance must be secured and must be able to be paid without recourse to public benefits. The current rate of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) applies as a guideline for student exchanges and the BAföG rate plus 10 percent for language courses
• if the applicant has not yet reached the age of 18, their legal guardians must consent to their stay in Germany
• the language course must be an intensive language course that serves to acquire comprehensive German language skills, but not to prepare for studies. An intensive language course requires that its duration is limited in time from the outset and generally comprises at least 18 lessons per week. Weekend courses do not meet the requirements
• A student exchange is a temporary stay at a school, usually lasting no longer than one year and often organized by student exchange organizations. A privately or commercially organized exchange year is also possible
• The term student exchange also includes guest students who complete a guest school year in Germany without a direct exchange taking place. This means that no return visit is required

The foreigners authority responsible for the applicant's place of residence.