Blog · Study in Germany

Top 7 mistakes international students make when planning to study in Germany

Every year StuWoLi speaks with students who lost one or two years because of avoidable mistakes: wrong assumptions about Studienkolleg, late visa appointments, unrealistic language plans or trusting the wrong “expert” on social media.

In this article we summarise the seven mistakes we see most often — and what you can do instead so that your own plan is realistic, efficient and stress-free.

1. Not checking if you really need Studienkolleg

   Many students assume they must go to Studienkolleg because “everyone from my country does it” — or they assume the opposite and only apply directly to universities. In reality, everything depends on your HZB (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), the way your school certificate is recognised in Germany.

   If your HZB is direct, you can apply straight to a bachelor program. If it is indirect, you usually need Studienkolleg and the Feststellungsprüfung first. Guessing here can easily cost you a whole year.

   Do this instead: read the University Admission in Germany guide and, if still unsure, book a short StuWoLi call with your certificates ready.

2. Underestimating how long language learning really takes

   “I will do A2 in three months and C1 in one year” sounds great on paper. In reality, many students combine language courses with school, work or family responsibilities. Progress is slower than expected, and suddenly application deadlines and visa appointments are too close.

   Moving from A2 to B2 and then to C1 usually takes more than one intensive course if you start from scratch. You also need time between courses to stabilise your skills and prepare for exams like TestDaF or telc.

   Do this instead: use the Language Requirements guide to see what level you actually need, then plan backwards from your target semester with realistic course lengths.

3. Ignoring financial planning until the visa stage

   Some students focus on admission first and only think about money when the embassy asks for proof of funding. Then there is panic: “Where do I get a blocked account? Can my parents sponsor me? What if the exchange rate changes?”

   Embassies want to see that you can cover your living costs before they issue a visa. If you start thinking about finances too late, you might miss your intake even if you already have admission.

   Do this instead: read the Visa & Finance in Germany guide and create a simple budget for 12 months. Decide early whether you will use a blocked account, a sponsor or a scholarship.

4. Relying only on agents or only on yourself

   Two extremes cause problems: some students hand over everything to an agent and never understand the system; others reject all help, try to do everything alone and get lost in contradictory information.

   A good strategy is to stay in control of your decisions while using experienced guidance for technical questions (HZB, visa rules, deadlines).

   Do this instead: use free information and official tools, but verify your final plan once with someone who understands the German system from the inside. That can be StuWoLi, a university adviser or a very experienced agent — but you should always understand the logic yourself.

5. Applying to random universities without a clear strategy

   “I will apply to 20 universities and hope one accepts me” sounds safe, but often leads to frustration and wasted fees. Many of those applications are not realistic matches: wrong language level, wrong HZB category, wrong subject.

   German admission is not a lottery ticket; it is a logic puzzle where your background, grades and language level must match the program.

   Do this instead: choose a smaller list of universities and Studienkollegs where your profile really fits. The Studienkolleg Application Guide and University Admission page can help.

6. Starting visa and housing planning too late

   In some countries, waiting times for a visa appointment can be several months. At the same time, student housing in popular cities is very competitive. If you only start looking after you receive admission, it may already be difficult to find a room or get an appointment before the semester starts.

   Many students end up arriving late, missing orientation weeks and feeling stressed in their first weeks.

   Do this instead: as soon as you see that your chances are good, check the Housing & Daily Life guide and the Visa & Finance page. Plan housing, registration and visa as one connected system.

7. Not thinking beyond the first semester

   It is easy to focus only on “getting in”: admission letter, visa stamp, first flight to Germany. But your long-term success depends on what happens after you arrive: can you handle the language, exams, part-time work and cultural differences for several years?

   A path that looks “easy” in the beginning (for example some private offers) may not be the best for your long-term career or residency goals.

   Do this instead: think at least until graduation and the first job or further studies. The Ausbildung in Germany and University Admission pages can help you compare different long-term routes.

How to turn these mistakes into your advantage

The good news: if you are reading this, you already have an advantage over many applicants. You are thinking about your plan early and want to understand how the system really works instead of just asking “Which university is best?”

If you want, we can go through your situation once — certificates, language level, finances and timeline — and turn it into a concrete plan for Studienkolleg, university or Ausbildung in Germany.