Usually in Germany, most students start their studies when they are at least 18 years old. However, more minors are currently studying at German colleges and universities than ever before. According to the Federal Statistical Office, there are almost 4,600 students under the age of 18, which makes up 0.16% of the total number of students. The main reason for the increase is the G8 Abitur. It shortens schooling by one year and enables earlier entry into vocational training or an academic career. In addition, the suspension of compulsory military or civilian service, which used to be compulsory in Germany, is an important factor for an increasing number of underage university entrants. However, an important factor is also the increasing number of underage international students coming to Germany to study.
Challenges and Restrictions for Students Under 18
Studying in Germany as a minor has advantages on the one hand, but on the other hand, also brings with it various restrictions that also apply to international students. In many areas, you cannot yet act completely independently and have only limited legal capacity. This means that you will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian on many forms and applications.
Theoretically, as a minor, you may neither enrol at university nor apply for the necessary library card yourself. Also, you are not allowed to register for university sports or excursions without permission or sign a tenancy agreement for your flat.
German Federal States with Simplified Regulations for Minors
To make life easier for you as a minor in Germany, some German federal states have adapted their regulations. For example, if your studies will take you to Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, amendments of the state higher education laws now allow under-18s to have full capacity to act in all study matters and thus no longer require the signatures of their parents.
Getting General Parental Consent
In federal states where there is no such legal regulation, it is recommended to get a legally binding general parental consent at the beginning of the study programme. However, the general consent usually does not include matters that deviate from the regular course of studies, such as withdrawing from exams, extending exam deadlines or concluding contracts as a student assistant. In those cases, a separate declaration by the legal representatives of the minor may be necessary.
Therefore, it is recommended that your legal guardian issues you with a power of attorney. With this document, you can take care of all matters concerning your studies yourself – meaning you no longer need your parents to sign individual permissions related to your studies.
If your legal guardians do not wish to give you general parental consent or a power of attorney, certain actions taken by you in all study matters must be signed separately. According to the German Rectors’ Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz), this is both practical and legally secure.
University Guidance and Special Cases
To offer more clarity, many universities in Germany publish dedicated information for parents on their websites. These resources outline which transactions require parental consent. This could include registering for exams, using library and IT services, paying fees and contributions, participating in university sports, changing your course of study, or, in some cases, changing a mailing address.
Keep in mind that even with a power of attorney, there are some situations, like excursions, where your parents’ express permission is still necessary. Be sure to arrange any additional permissions in advance so you don’t miss out on important activities.
Special Requirements for Underage Students in Germany
When you come to Germany as an international student under the age of 18, there are several important legal and organisational requirements you will need to prepare for. Because you are still legally a minor, certain steps and formalities are different compared to adult students.
From getting your visa and securing proper health insurance to arranging accommodation and clarifying who can sign documents on your behalf, each stage of your journey requires careful planning and additional documentation. Taking the time to understand and organise these formalities in advance will help you avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your academic life abroad.
Visa Requirements for Students Under 18
As a minor, applying for a German student visa involves a few extra steps. Immigration authorities require confirmation that your stay in Germany is fully supported and supervised. Typically, this includes:
- A notarised declaration of consent from your parents or legal guardians, allowing you to travel alone and stay in Germany for an extended period.
- A copy of your birth certificate, proving your identity and family relationship.
- The D visa application form, which must be signed by your parents.
- Special blocked account for minors as financial proof
- Sufficient health insurance coverage complaint with German legal standards
Preparatory Course (Studienkolleg)
If you're required to attend a Studienkolleg before beginning your university studies, the institution may have additional requirements for minors.
Students who are under 18 at the time of starting their Studienkolleg should contact the respective school directly to find out whether a general parental consent is needed for participation. This consent may be required to manage school enrolment, exams, and other official tasks on your behalf.
Each Studienkolleg may manage this differently, so it’s always best to clarify early and provide all required documents before the semester begins.
University Enrolment as a Minor
We strongly recommend having general parental consent in place before enrolment. This allows you greater flexibility to manage your studies without needing your parents’ signature for every single step. A power of attorney from your parents can give you even more autonomy, especially when it comes to everyday administrative tasks related to your studies.
If your legal guardians do not want to issue you these documents, they will need to sign all of your study-related documents individually. This can slow down processes and make university life more complicated.
Student Jobs for Underage International Students
Many students take on a student job to improve their financial freedom in Germany. However, as a minor, you are restricted in terms of your job and working hours. For example, you are not allowed to work more than 40 hours a week, and you are not allowed to work in a bar if you are under 18. There must be at least 12 hours between the end of work and the start of work.
Due to your young age, the Youth Protection Act applies to you which prohibits employment after midnight. Therefore, ideal student jobs include delivering newspapers, babysitting, waiting tables, working in a café or giving private lessons. These are just a few examples of how you can earn money. This way, with just a few hours of work, you can increase your budget and better focus on your studies.
Accommodation and Legal Guardianship
If you are looking for accommodation in Germany as a minor, you need to know that you are not allowed to sign the tenancy agreement alone. Your parents or legal guardians must sign it. If both parents have custody, both of them must sign. Otherwise, only the responsible guardian for you is required to sign.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the studying in Germany.
Can a 17-Year-Old Get a Student Visa in Germany?
Yes, you can get a student visa for Germany when you are under the age of 18, provided you meet the application requirements. Due to your status as a minor, your parents or legal guardian(s) must sign your visa application form to show their consent and provide their identification documents. Additionally, they have to provide a signed declaration of authorisation, which authorises you to study in Germany and withdraw money from your Blocked Account. This document needs to be authorised by an official German authority.
Can a 17-Year-Old Study in Germany?
Yes, you can study in Germany even if you are under 18. However, this comes with special regulations since you are not a legal adult yet. You will need parental consent for many formalities, including visa application, enrolment, and accommodation, as you are not legally allowed to sign contracts. Some universities and federal states allow minors to act independently in study matters if proper documentation, such a power of attorney or general parental consent, is provided.
Can a Foreign Child Go to Public University in Germany?
Yes, you can attend a public German university as an international student who is under 18. Admission requirements are not based on nationality or age, rather academic and language qualifications.
Can a Minor Live Alone in Germany?
Yes, you can live alone in Germany as a minor, but you’ll need your parents’ or legal guardian’s consent. Additionally, they will need to sign your rental contract for you as you are not allowed to enter any legally binding contracts as a minor.
How Old Is a Minor in Germany?
In Germany, a minor is anyone under the age of 18. Once a person turns 18, they are legally considered an adult and can make decisions independently without parental or guardian consent.
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