Studying in Germany from China follows the same basic steps as for other non-EU countries: a national study visa, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and health insurance that German rules accept. The main difference is the appointment process at the German mission in Beijing, which works with waiting lists and APS lists. This guide explains how that works.
Short answer: Chinese applicants need a blocked account of 11,904 euros for the first study year (992 euros per month) and must book a visa appointment at the German mission in Beijing. The mission sorts applicants into lists depending on whether they hold an admission letter and whether an APS procedure applies. Figures: DAAD (1 January 2025), Beijing booking page (October 2023).
The most important points
- The blocked account amount is the same federal figure for all non-EU students: 11,904 euros per study year, released at 992 euros per month.
- The Beijing mission assigns applicants to lists. Proof of admission on the day of your application decides whether you qualify for list A.
- Students who need an APS procedure use the APS lists. Students without APS use the non-APS lists.
- Appointments run through the mission’s booking system. A waiting list can give you the next free slot without checking every day.
- The Beijing page does not state a health insurance requirement, so ask the mission which travel cover it expects. German statutory or private cover follows after enrolment.
Which list do you book on?
The booking page of the German mission in Beijing separates applicants by APS status and by whether they already hold an admission. The page is marked as last updated in October 2023, so confirm the current version before you book.
| Your situation | Route on the Beijing page | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| APS procedure applies, admission in hand | APS list, eligibility proven on the application day | Admission letter, APS confirmation |
| No APS procedure, admission in hand | Non-APS list | Admission letter and funding proof |
| No admission proof on the application day | List B: waiting list | Register and wait for the next free slot |
| Returning to finish studies in Germany | Non-APS list for returners | Study history and enrolment proof |
Source: German mission in Beijing, booking information for students and researchers, Stand October 2023. The page says you must prove one of the listed requirements no later than the day you submit the application.
How does the waiting list work?
The Beijing booking page allows you to register on a waiting list. You then receive the next free appointment without searching the calendar every day. The page does not give a waiting time. The waiting lists do not apply to the consulates general in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenyang. Plan for a gap of several weeks between your decision and the visa interview, and keep your admission documents valid for that period.
Example (assumption): You receive your admission letter in July 2026 and want to start in October 2026. If the appointment is not available before the end of August, you would have to reschedule your flight. Build in a buffer, because the mission sets the appointment date, not you.
What funds do Chinese students need to show?
Chinese applicants have to show the same amount as other non-EU students. The DAAD states that a blocked account must cover 11,904 euros, which equals 992 euros per month, as of 1 January 2025. Only one twelfth of the total can be released each month.
| Item | Amount | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked account for the first study year | 11,904 euros | DAAD, 1 January 2025 |
| Monthly release | 992 euros | DAAD, 1 January 2025 |
| Alternative to a blocked account | Sponsor commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung, § 68 AufenthG) or scholarship | General German rules; ask the mission which proof it accepts |
Does the APS procedure apply to me?
The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) checks the authenticity and comparability of school and university certificates from certain countries. The Beijing page refers to APS lists, and it separates applicants who go through the APS procedure from those who do not. Students without a doctorate use the non-APS lists. Ask your university early whether your certificates need the APS process. Waiting for an APS decision can delay your application.
How does health insurance work for students from China?
The Beijing page does not mention health insurance, and it gives no minimum term or minimum cover. Ask the Beijing mission which travel health insurance it expects for your application, because it is usually part of the visa file.
After enrolment, German health insurance is required. Non-EU students can keep home coverage only where a social insurance agreement applies, and whether such an agreement covers student health insurance depends on the type of cover. Ask your university or an insurer to confirm your case in writing. Exemption from statutory insurance is possible only in specific cases, must be requested within three months and cannot be withdrawn once granted (section 8 SGB V).
What does German statutory student insurance cost?
For students who do not live with their parents, the statutory contribution base is 855 euros per month. The student rate of 10.22 percent gives 87.38 euros for health insurance before the additional contribution of your insurer. The additional contribution is set by each insurer. The example below uses the average of 2.9 percent as an assumption.
| Example per month (assumption) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Health insurance base (855 x 10.22 percent) | 87.38 euros |
| Average additional contribution (855 x 2.9 percent) | 24.80 euros |
| Health insurance total | 112.18 euros |
| Plus nursing care, childless from 23 (855 x 4.2 percent) | 35.91 euros, total 148.09 euros |
Sources: GKV-Spitzenverband, Rechengrößen 2026 (Stand 1.1.2026). Students over 30 face different rules, so check your age group early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay the blocked account with a scholarship instead?
Yes, if the funding is confirmed in writing and covers the required amount for the first year. Ask the Beijing mission which proof it needs.
What if I have no admission letter on the application day?
The Beijing page places you on list B. Keep checking your university portal, and apply for a place in a timely way, because your admission must be proven by the application day to qualify for list A.
Do I need travel insurance if I only study one semester?
The Beijing page does not state a travel cover requirement. Ask the mission whether one applies to your programme and for how long, and do not assume that a short stay removes a requirement the mission sets.
Next steps
- Check your APS status with your university.
- Confirm your admission letter and the date it becomes valid.
- Register on the Beijing waiting list if no appointment is available.
- Open the blocked account and keep the confirmation.
- Ask the Beijing mission which travel health insurance it requires, and book a policy that meets it.
Related guides
- Studying in Germany from India: health insurance, blocked account and visa 2026
- Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
- Health Insurance Enrolment: Proof, Procedure and Exemption
- Student Health Insurance Germany 2026: Rates and Example
For a personal check of your situation, you can book advice with Academycon: how we work.
Sources: German mission in Beijing, booking information for students and researchers (Stand October 2023); DAAD, costs and blocked account (1 January 2025); DAAD, health insurance for students; GKV-Spitzenverband, Rechengrößen 2026 (Stand 1.1.2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
