Germany — Study (Bachelor's (via Studienkolleg or direct entry))

Main requirements

According to the DAAD admission database (based on anabin), the new-system Iranian school certificate (second-cycle secondary, from June 2019, 12 years) alone does not give direct bachelor entry; it gives 'general access to the Studienkolleg/Feststellungsprüfung with free choice of course focus'. With at least one successful academic year at a recognised Iranian university, DAAD shows 'direct subject-restricted access', i.e. only to the same or related fields. For old-system diplomas (three-year, up to 2018) the result depends on the pre-university course, grades and study history; check your case in the DAAD database. DAAD results are guidance only; the university decides.

Documents

For the visa (Tehran embassy): passport valid one more year; VIDEX form; biometric photo; motivation letter; admission from university or Studienkolleg (if conditional on Studienkolleg or a language course, also the enrolment confirmation); language certificate; proof of funds; school/university documents with German translation certified by the Iranian MFA; CV; travel insurance for at least 90 days with EUR 30,000 cover. Choose the right list: direct bachelor admission → 'NEW National visa Students: Bachelor'; Studienkolleg or preparatory language course → 'NEW National visa Students: Studienkolleg and Preparatory language course'. Registering on the wrong list means your documents will not be accepted at the appointment.

Language

Per DAAD, most Studienkollegs teach in German and bring students up to C1. The embassy wants proof of the level required at the start of the course (Studienkolleg, language course or degree), with a certificate not older than one year. Ask each Studienkolleg for its entry level.

Costs and proof of funds

Funds are EUR 992/month, EUR 11,904 for the first year (Tehran embassy, 2026), via blocked account, declaration of commitment, scholarship, or Sperrkontoerklärung with bank statement and bringing the amount in cash. Public Studienkollegs are free except the semester contribution (DAAD); private ones usually charge fees and only a few offer a state-recognised final exam. Semester contribution EUR 70–430, uni-assist EUR 75 first / EUR 30 further applications, visa EUR 75 cash. Per German customs, if you enter Germany from a non-EU country carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs yourself. Baden-Württemberg tuition (EUR 1,500/semester for non-EU) and some Bavarian fees apply to the bachelor itself.

Steps and timeline

A Studienkolleg usually lasts two semesters and ends with the Feststellungsprüfung; passing it allows study in fields matching the course focus (e.g. T for technical, M for medical/biological, W for economics) anywhere in Germany. Applications go directly or via uni-assist depending on the university, often with earlier deadlines than degree programmes. According to the German Embassy Tehran website (checked 2026-10-14), the visa section works in a 'limited' mode due to serious staff and technical constraints. Since 15 July 2026 new TLScontact waiting lists are open, and appointments are again being issued for the study lists (Master/PhD, Bachelor, Studienkolleg and preparatory language course), but no waiting time is published. The embassy explicitly says not to travel to neighbouring countries to apply: applications there are rejected for lack of jurisdiction.

Notes for Iranian applicants

The full chain (language, admission, embassy queue, Studienkolleg, then bachelor) is long; if you are already a university student, one successful year can let you skip the Studienkolleg. Start translations and MFA certification early. Per the embassy site (2026-10-14) Iranian airspace is closed and the embassy describes land exits to Turkey or Armenia. Paying uni-assist directly from Iran is not possible.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to permanent residence)

Non-EU students may work 140 full or 280 half days per year (DAAD). After graduation you get up to 18 months to look for a job, then switch to a work permit or Blue Card. Per DAAD, a settlement permit requires among other things at least three years' stay, self-sufficiency and German B1.