Your path to Germany – clearly planned and personally supported.

For the first year you must prove EUR 11,904 in a blocked account in Germany. After arrival, the money is not released all at once but paid out to your German current account in monthly instalments of EUR 992. As an alternative to the blocked account, a formal declaration of commitment under Sections 66–68 of the Residence Act is possible, whereby a person in Germany covers the costs of your stay.

TLScontact is the external service provider through which the German Embassy in Tunis accepts study-related visa applications. At the in-person appointment you hand in your complete documents (original plus a clearly legible copy of each, without staples or paper clips) and your biometric data – fingerprints and a photo – are recorded. Also bring the VIDEX printouts with barcodes.

Universities are more research-oriented, while universities of applied sciences (Hochschulen/HAW) are more practice-oriented. The study structure also often differs: at universities the bachelor's usually takes 6 semesters and the master's 4, while at universities of applied sciences it is often 7 plus 3 semesters – 10 semesters in total either way. Both degrees are recognised as equivalent.

The Chancenkarte (Sections 20a and 20b of the German Residence Act, introduced on 1 June 2024) allows you to come to Germany for up to one year to look for a job or pursue qualification-recognition measures. During this time you may take on secondary employment of up to 20 hours per week and complete trial work periods. There is no guarantee of finding a job – the Chancenkarte only provides the legal framework for the search.

The most important first step is registering your address at the Bürgeramt or town hall of your city – generally within two weeks of moving in. You will need your passport with the visa and the landlord's confirmation of residence. The registration certificate is then required for almost everything else, such as opening a bank account and obtaining your residence permit. Moondo accompanies you through this step as part of our after-arrival services.