Reason for Residency: Education

What is meant by “education”?

Legally, education is understood as

• internships,
• language trainings,
• studies at a (traditional or technical) university,
• going to school.
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I want to start learning German for my studies back home. Will it be difficult for me to study here?

I do not know what your spirit thinks of living abroad, but legally you just have to show that a language school will enroll you and that you have enough money to live, and have no reasons for expulsion. If you can show all this, you will receive a – temporary – residence permit. This permit is not intended to be prolonged and do not hope for a prolongation.
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I’m applying for a university study – how long may I stay?

If you have not yet have been able to enroll in a university and are doing so, you will be granted up to nine months in advance (§16 AufenthG). These months represent the time prior to enrolling in a university. This period is usually used for preparation to study by taking language courses.
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How long will my residence permit be valid for my studies at the university?

Usually, you will receive a permit for two years (§16 AufenthG). Thereafter that your permit will be prolonged in two-year steps until you have accomplished your studies (within a reasonable period). In other words, you are not just required to study in the shortest time, but may also repeat a course the following semester.
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Oops. I forgot to prolong my enrollment in the university. Now I got an "Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung" in the mail from the school. What to do about it?

React! Your status is illegal as you are not studying no more. You will have either leave or come up with compelling reasons why you did not prolong. Forget something like "I forgot. I'm sorry." Interesting might a hospitalization.
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After just finishing my studies, I want to get a job here. Do I have to first leave and apply from home or can I stay here and take a look?

Congratulations. Yes, you can stay for up to a year following your studies. Be sure to go to Ausländeramt within a week after passing your exam and report that you have finished and wish to stay to find a job. However, you will not be privileged because you studied here. You will have to meet all general requirements. See section on Residence Permit for Gainful Employment.
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Unfortunately, I did not pass my exams. Anyhow, I like it here very much and have found many friends. Is there any chance for me to stay?

Sorry, it would be better to get packing and break things up. It is not likely that you will receive a prolongation. You had your chance – now it is time to leave. Yet, things might look different if you found a job.
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My studies endured six years. I just passed my exam and am reluctant to leave. I like it here so much that I want to stay. Can I apply for a settlement permit? I’ve met the five years.

No, no way. Even if you meet all (other) prerequisites, you will not qualify for permanent residency ex lege. Your purpose of residence is only temporary. So even if you add the job-finding year after your exam, you will have to leave if you do not find a job. After finding the job you will have to live another five years to qualify for permanent residency.
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After having studied some terms here, I want to study at a different university because my major topics are not sufficiently offered here. Will it be a problem?

Not really. However! You must first become enrolled in the new university and then reapply your residence permit. If you fail to do the latter, your stay will be considered as illegal. Take the wording of the residence permit literally!
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