Frequently Asked Questions

StudiStep is a professional education consulting service that guides international students on their path to studying in Germany. Our services include academic counseling, application service, document check, language courses, visa support, enrollment assistance, housing search, airport pickup, administrative support, insurance consulting, and long-term support throughout your studies.

StudiStep offers four service packages: Starter (€490) with study counselling, choice of degree programme and document checklist; Application (€990) including document review and application management for up to 3 universities; Full Service (€2,490) with additional blocked account arrangement, health insurance and visa support; Premium (€3,990) with accommodation search, airport pick-up service, support with authorities, enrolment support and a personal contact person.

After booking a service package, we start with personal counseling for program and university selection. We then review and complete your documents, guide you through the application and visa process, and support you – depending on your package – with enrollment, housing search, arrival in Germany, and administrative procedures. You have a dedicated contact person at every stage.

To apply with StudiStep, you need at least A2-level German skills. From there, we build together – with intensive language courses you'll reach the required B2 or C1 level for your chosen program. Some programs are also taught in English. Not yet at A2? We advise you on suitable language courses in your home country or online.

Our partner universities are located in leading German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. As part of our academic counseling, we help you find the right city and university for your needs.

Our service packages start from €490 (Starter) and go up to €3,990 (Premium). Each package has a fixed price with no hidden costs. The exact scope of services depends on the chosen package – from study counselling to comprehensive support with pick-up service and assistance with authorities.

We offer bachelor's programs in Business & Management, Health & Sports, IT & Computer Science, Psychology, Education & Social Work, Media & Communication, Engineering & Technology, Design, Film & Music, and Tourism & Hospitality.

Yes, StudiStep is officially registered as a GmbH in Germany. We work with fixed prices and no hidden costs, maintain direct partnerships with German universities, and offer transparent processes. We don't promise admission or a visa – but we maximize your chances through professional preparation.

For the application you need: ID card, high school diploma or graduation certificate (officially certified), transcript, passport copy, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates if applicable. Our document check reviews all materials for completeness, correct certification, and translation – so your application succeeds the first time.

The application process takes an average of 4-6 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documents and university deadlines. We keep you informed at every stage and monitor all deadlines for you.

For our bachelor's programs, you must be between 18 and 50 years old. The age limit for master's programs is more flexible. Note: Students under 30 benefit from more affordable health insurance rates in Germany.

After submitting your application, you typically receive a response from the university within 2-6 weeks. We are in direct contact with the student offices and inform you immediately about the decision. If there are problems or questions from the university, we handle the communication for you.

Yes, from the Application package (€990) onwards you can apply to up to 3 different universities at the same time. As part of the study counselling, we help you select the right programmes.

Yes, we handle the entire enrollment process for you. Through our direct partnerships with German universities, we have short lines to the student offices. We prepare all documents, transfer the semester fee correctly, and ensure your enrollment is completed on time.

For the student visa you need: a valid passport, the university's letter of admission, proof of a blocked account (€11,904), proof of health insurance, proof of accommodation, a language certificate and the completed visa application form. StudiStep checks all documents for completeness and prepares you for the embassy interview.

Student visa processing takes an average of 6-12 weeks. We recommend applying as early as possible. StudiStep guides you through the entire process – from document preparation to interview preparation at the embassy.

The visa appointment is booked online through the official website of the German consulate. StudiStep assists you with the appointment booking and specifically prepares you for the embassy interview.

In case of a visa rejection, we analyze the reasons together, fix the issues, and prepare a new application. Our experience shows that the most common rejection reasons are incomplete documents or an unconvincing motivation letter – we can specifically improve both.

Yes, we handle the entire extension process: appointment booking at the foreigners' office, compilation of all documents, correct application filing, and if needed personal accompaniment to the appointment. We remind you in time before your visa expires.

Monthly living costs average between 800-1,200 euros, depending on the city. This includes rent (€300-600), health insurance (approx. €120), food (€200-300) and other expenses. The statutory minimum amount for the blocked account is currently 992 euros per month.

Yes, with the student visa you are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. The statutory minimum wage is 12.82 euros per hour. As part of our career counselling, StudiStep also supports you in finding internships and part-time jobs.

Yes, health insurance is compulsory in Germany – without proof of insurance there is no enrolment. Students under 30 can take out statutory health insurance (GKV): approx. €120-130/month including long-term care insurance. Students over 30 or language course participants need private health insurance from approx. €80/month. StudiStep advises you on which insurance is right for you.

Yes, there are various scholarship opportunities for successful students such as DAAD, Erasmus+, and foundation scholarships. As part of our academic counseling, we inform you about suitable funding options.

The blocked account is proof of finances for your student visa. Non-EU students must prove that they can finance their living costs. The minimum amount is currently 11,904 euros (992 euros per month × 12 months). From the Full Service package onwards, StudiStep guides you through opening the account – from choosing a provider to making the deposit.

At German universities, all students pay a semester contribution of approx. €150-350 per semester. This contribution often includes a semester ticket for local public transport. Tuition fees vary depending on the university and degree programme. StudiStep informs you in advance about the exact costs of your desired university.

You need two accounts: a blocked account for the visa (can often be opened online) and a current account for everyday life (requires a passport and certificate of enrolment). StudiStep guides you through both account openings – from choosing a provider to transferring the blocked amount. Opening fees are approx. €50-150 depending on the provider.

In the Premium package, we handle the complete housing search: research in student dormitories and shared flat portals, contacting landlords, creating professional application documents to German standards, viewing appointments (also via video), rental contract negotiation, and key handover.

Student halls of residence offer furnished single or double rooms, often with a private bathroom, shared kitchen and fast internet. Rent is approx. €250-400 per month. Waiting lists are long – StudiStep helps you secure a place early.

There are three main options: student hall of residence (€250-400/month, furnished, affordable), shared flat room (€300-500/month, ideal for learning German and making friends) or your own apartment (€400-700/month, more privacy). StudiStep advises you on the best options in your university city and supports you with the application.

In German university cities, demand far exceeds supply. Landlords often receive hundreds of applications for one apartment. As an international student without a German Schufa score, guarantor, or proof of income, you face additional hurdles. StudiStep creates professional application documents to German standards and handles all communication with landlords.

We offer bachelor's programs in over 100 programs – including Business Administration, Computer Science, Digital Media, Education, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Game Design, Tourism, Engineering, and many more. As part of our academic counseling, we help you find the right program.

The language of instruction varies by program – some are in German (B2/C1 level required), others in English. StudiStep offers language course consulting as a service and accompanies you to a successful language exam (DSH, TestDaF, telc C1 Hochschule, or Goethe Certificate).

Bachelor's programs typically last 6-8 semesters (3-4 years). Tuition fees and semester contributions vary by university. StudiStep informs you in advance about all costs and helps you with financial planning.

Yes, degrees from German universities are recognized worldwide. Germany is among the countries with the highest academic reputation and offers internationally highly valued qualifications.

Yes, after graduation you can apply for a residence permit for job seeking for 18 months. During this time, you may work without restrictions. StudiStep also supports you through career counseling with internships and job searches.