How to do a study exchange in Germany in 2026: the step-by-step guide to start this year

Between July and September is the critical window for those who want to move to Germany in 2026 without running against the clock. Programmes starting in October have already opened enrolments, the German consulate processes student visas in six to twelve weeks, and the blocked account takes three to five weeks to become available.

Those who decide now have enough time to organise each step at a manageable pace. Those who wait until August will start having to choose between deadlines and options. This guide brings together the decisions that matter, in the right order, for those who want to leave before the end of the year.

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Step 1: choose the right programme type for your profile

Germany receives international students through three distinct formats, and confusing the three is the most common mistake when planning.

Language course (Sprachkurs): for those starting from scratch in German or who want to arrive with a solid foundation before working or studying. Duration from four weeks to six months. No prior language level required.

Study and work programme: the most sought-after format for those who want professional experience and financial independence. Requires German at B1 level or above, or fluent English for positions at multinational companies. The Study and Work in Germany programme curation by Be Easy covers everything from choosing a language school to entering the local job market.

University (undergraduate or postgraduate): the longest path, with selection processes that require language proof, portfolio, or academic record, plus a candidacy deadline of six to twelve months. The university exchange in Germany has pathways both through the Studienkolleg (preparatory course for international university students) and through direct application.

The format choice defines everything that follows: the language level required, the type of visa, and the minimum lead time to depart.

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Step 2: what level of German do you need?

The answer depends directly on the format chosen in the previous step.

• Language courses: starting level is zero. A1 is already accepted for entry, because the objective is precisely to learn at the destination.
• Working during the exchange: B1-B2 in German is the functional minimum for local companies. In Berlin, startups and multinationals commonly accept fluent English for technical and management roles.
• Universities with German-language classes: TestDaF level 4 or DSH level 2 as a proficiency test. English-language programmes (mainly engineering and management) accept IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL 79-90.

The Germany exchange curation by Be Easy maps the programmes compatible with each language level, preventing enrolments in courses with requirements above what the candidate is prepared to meet.

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Step 3: student visa and blocked account

For students from countries outside the European Union, a student visa is mandatory. The process has two components that need to run in parallel to avoid delaying departure.

Student visa (§16b of the German Residence Act):

• Consular fee: €75 at German consulates
• Processing time: 6 to 12 weeks after complete document submission
• Main documents: acceptance letter from the institution, financial proof, international health insurance, and proof of accommodation at the destination

Blocked account (Sperrkonto):

• 2026 amount: €11,904 per year (€992/month), as set by the German Federal Foreign Office
• Format: deposit with authorised platforms; amount released monthly into the German bank account
• Setup time: 3 to 5 weeks, in parallel with the visa application (not sequentially)

The student visa for Germany has nuances depending on the type of programme, with different documentation for a language school versus a university.

The passport-by-passport mapping, including bilateral agreements, is covered in do you need a visa to study in Germany in 2026?.

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Step 4: working during the exchange

An important change came into force in 2026 that alters the financial planning of those studying in Germany. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit raised the work limit for international students from 120 to 140 full days per year, or 280 half-days.

In practice, the limits are:

• During the academic semester: up to 20 hours per week, without additional authorisation
• During university holidays: full time, within the annual ceiling of 140 days
• Above the limit: prior approval from the Ausländerbehörde required before exceeding it

Werkstudent positions and internships have different rules on hours and obligations with the Krankenkasse. The practical differences are covered in working legally during an exchange in Germany.

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Step 5: choose the city that fits your project

Germany is not a single destination, and the city affects the cost of living, job opportunities, and the type of experience the student will have.

• Berlin: the largest startup ecosystem in continental Europe, the most affordable cost of living among Germany's major cities, and a strong presence of international companies with English-language roles
• Munich: a robust job market in engineering, automotive, and technology; higher cost of living; ideal for technical profiles with a solid level of German
• Hamburg: a hub for foreign trade, media, and logistics; an alternative with intermediate costs and one of Europe's largest ports
• Frankfurt: the country's financial centre, home to banks and insurance companies, with demand for professionals with fluent English in finance and consulting

The article on the best cities in Germany to study in 2026 cross-references cost of living, professional profile, and the presence of Be Easy partner schools in each market.

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Step 6: the timeline to start in 2026

With the decision made, planning becomes a question of deadlines. Here is what to do at each stage to depart before the end of 2026:

1. Now (July): define the format and city, align the language level with the chosen programme, and start contact with a consultant
2. Weeks 1 and 2: close enrolment at the institution and receive the acceptance letter
3. Week 3: open the blocked account (Sperrkonto) with authorised platforms; the deposit must be confirmed before the consular interview
4. Week 4: submit the visa application at the German consulate with all documents, including the Sperrkonto confirmation
5. Weeks 6 to 12: wait for the visa, average processing time
6. October or November: departure, arrival, registration at the Einwohnermeldeamt (mandatory municipal registration), and opening a local bank account

For a start in October or November, the Germany exchange in 2026 still has places available, with support from visa to city registration. See what Berlin looks like:

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Frequently asked questions about studying in Germany in 2026

Who can study in Germany without needing a visa?
Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area do not need a student visa to live and study in Germany. Citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea can enter without a visa and apply for a residence permit directly on German soil. Students from other countries must apply for a national student visa at the German consulate before departing.

How much do I need in the blocked account for the visa in 2026?
The amount required for 2026 is €11,904, equivalent to €992 per month over 12 months, as established by the German Federal Foreign Office. This amount must be deposited in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) on platforms recognised by consulates. The funds are released monthly throughout the stay.

How many hours can I work during an exchange in Germany?
Since 2026, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit allows international students to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. During the academic semester, the limit is 20 hours per week. During university holidays, it is possible to work full time within the annual ceiling. Exceeding this limit without prior authorisation from the Ausländerbehörde may compromise the residence visa.

Do I need to know German to start an exchange in Germany?
It depends on the format. For language courses, there is no prior level requirement: A1 is already accepted for entry. To work during the exchange at local companies, B1 is the functional minimum. For universities with German-language classes, TestDaF level 4 is the standard requirement. English-language university programmes exist, mainly in engineering and management, and accept IELTS or TOEFL as proof.

What is the minimum lead time to finalise an exchange in Germany in 2026?
Starting from July 2026, the October-November window is still viable. The process involves closing enrolment, opening the blocked account (3 to 5 weeks), and applying for and waiting for the visa (6 to 12 weeks of processing). Those who begin the steps now can depart in October or November. For a July or August start, most places have already closed.

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Be Easy: Boutique international exchange consultancy

Be Easy accompanies those who want to build a solid path in Germany, from the first contact with the project through to registration in the destination city. If a Germany exchange is part of your plans for 2026, we have the right curation for your profile, with a dedicated senior consultant at every stage of the process, from the visa to the first month. Contact us for specialist senior consultancy.