Starting from September 1, 2024, students applying for a German student visa will be required to show proof of having at least €11,904 in a Blocked Bank Account (Sperrkonto in German). This account is a special type of bank account that restricts the withdrawal amount to a maximum of €992 per month, ensuring that students have a steady financial support throughout their stay in Germany.
This new requirement has been announced by several German Missions abroad, including the one in India, as well as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Currently, the required amount is €11,208, a figure that has been in place since January 2023. The increase to €11,904 reflects a 6.2% rise and aligns with the rising costs of living in Germany. This measure aims to ensure that students have sufficient financial means to support themselves and avoid potential issues such as homelessness or hunger.
Prior to the 2020/2021 academic year, the required amount for a Blocked Bank Account was €10,236, with a monthly withdrawal limit of €853. This amount was slightly increased to €10,332 at the start of that academic year, representing an increase of less than one percent.
Germany remains a popular destination for international students, with over 450,000 foreign students enrolled during the 2022/2023 academic year. The country ranks third globally in terms of international student enrollment and is the top non-English speaking destination. The majority of these students come from countries such as India (42,578 students), China (39,137 students), Syria (15,563 students), Austria (14,762 students), and Türkiye (14,732 students).