"Two ways to prove it": Germany lays down financial law for students visa

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Germany's government has announced the exact monthly amount foreign students must prove they can afford before a higher education visa is approved

- The financial threshold, updated in 2026, is tied directly to the cost of living for the full duration of a student's stay in the country

- Applicants have two ways to meet the requirement, and the choice could determine whether their visa application succeeds

Germany has set a firm financial floor for foreign nationals seeking a higher education visa, making it clear exactly how much money applicants must be able to account for before they are granted permission to study in the country.

The German government's updated guidance, current as of 2026, requires visa applicants to demonstrate they can cover their living costs for the entire length of their stay.

That benchmark stands at €1,091 per month, which converts to roughly KSh 163,759 for Kenyan applicants.

Two Ways to Satisfy the Requirement

Germany accepts two methods of proof. The first involves opening a blocked bank account loaded with the required monthly minimum.

The second allows applicants to submit a declaration of commitment from a sponsor or guarantor who is prepared to take on full financial responsibility.

The official guidance from Germany's visa application framework states:

"You can cover your living costs for the entire duration of your stay. You can prove this by opening a blocked bank account with a minimum of KSh163,759 per month (as of 2026) or by submitting a declaration of commitment."

What a Blocked Bank Account Actually Means

A blocked bank account works differently from a regular savings account. Funds are deposited in full before departure but released to the student only in monthly instalments once they have arrived in Germany.

Immigration authorities treat it as a guarantee that the student will not depend on state support during their studies.

For African students planning a two-year course, the implication is significant. The total amount required upfront would be at least KSh3.93 million, a substantial sum that demands careful financial planning well before the application is submitted.

Germany continues to attract students from across Africa, Kenya included, largely because public universities in the country do not charge tuition fees.

That policy makes it one of the more accessible European study destinations in terms of academic costs.

Germany Tightens Visa Application Process for Kenyan and Other Students

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Germany had introduced new student visa rules, including higher financial proof requirements for international students.

The changes mean prospective students need to plan carefully for the financial costs of studying and living in Germany.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.