Kazakhstan → Germany
Study in Germany from Kazakhstan
Cleanest CIS route to Germany. Banking works, DAAD is active for Kazakhstan, Bolashak covers full costs. No APS. Strongest route for academic ambition.
Visa / legal path
National Visa D (student)
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Work rights
effectively unlimited
Tuition
€0–€16,000 /yr
Living cost
€10,000–€17,000 /yr
Financial proof
€11,208
Credential recognition
KMK/DAAD (anabin.kmk.org)
English (IELTS)
6
Scholarships
DAAD, Bolashak
What works on this route
- DAAD is actively running programmes for Kazakh students — check daad.de/kz annually for scholarships.
- Bolashak state scholarship covers full costs — highly competitive (top 0.5% of applicants). Apply separately via Bolashak Foundation.
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) of €11,208 required for visa — Fintiba/Expatrio accept Kazakh bank transfers directly.
- APS certificate NOT required for Kazakh citizens.
- Studienkolleg required after school-leaving certificate only — check anabin.kmk.org for Kazakh diplomas.
Why applications get rejected
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) not opened before visa appointment
- No language proof
- Missed uni-assist deadline
Example institutions
| Example institutions | Programme | City | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universität Mannheim | Business / Economics | Mannheim | €0 + ~€200/sem |
| Universität Leipzig | BWL / Informatik | Leipzig | €0 + ~€250/sem |
| Universität Jena | Wirtschaft / Physik | Jena | €0 + ~€250/sem |
| IU Internationale Hochschule | Business / IT (EN) | Multiple | €5,000–9,600/yr |
| Constructor University Bremen | Engineering / Data Science | Bremen | ~€14,000/yr (scholarships available) |
After visa: settling in
- 1Register your address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt within ~2 weeks of moving in — almost everything else (bank, residence permit, contracts) needs the registration certificate.
- 2Convert the entry visa into a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the Ausländerbehörde before the visa expires — book the appointment the week you arrive; slots are scarce.
- 3Unlock your blocked account (Sperrkonto): once you have a German address and a current account, the agreed monthly amount becomes withdrawable.
- 4Enrol in statutory student health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) — the university won't complete matriculation without proof of cover.
- 5Apply for a dorm through the local Studierendenwerk the moment you're admitted — student housing is scarce and waitlisted; line up a temporary room as a fallback.
Related routes
Figures are indicative for the 2026-27 academic year and must be confirmed at the official source before applying. Admission and visas are never guaranteed.