If you are applying from Russia, studying in Germany depends on three documents: proof of funds in a blocked account, proof of health insurance that meets the German mission’s rules, and the visa itself. This guide sets out the figures from the German mission’s information sheet for Russia and the steps that follow from them. The figures are specific to that mission and do not apply to other countries.
Short answer: The German mission in Russia requires a blocked account of 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros for the first study year, plus bank fees (information sheet dated February 2025). Only health insurance concluded within the EU is accepted, and it must be shown at the latest for the visa and enrolment. Stand: October 2026. Check the current sheet before you apply, because the figures may have changed.
The most important points at a glance
- The blocked account for students is 992 euros per month, or 11,904 euros for the first year, plus bank fees (February 2025).
- Only health insurance concluded within the EU is accepted by the German mission in Russia.
- The insurance may be shown at the visa appointment, but it must be in place for enrolment.
- Travel insurance is not enough for a full study stay, according to the mission’s note.
- Applicants invited to an admission test follow a different sheet: 9,819 euros in total and 1,091 euros available per month.
Which figures apply to applicants from Russia?
The German mission in Russia publishes an information sheet on studying (Stand February 2025). It covers the embassy and the consulates general in Russia. The blocked account for students is 992 euros per month, and the mission asks for at least 11,904 euros for the first study year. Of this amount, only 934 euros may be withdrawn each month, and bank fees are charged on top. The sheet describes the rule for students who have been invited to an admission test separately: 9,819 euros in total, with 1,091 euros available each month.
| Applicant group | Amount required | Monthly availability | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with admission | 11,904 euros for the first year | 992 euros per month, of which 934 euros may be withdrawn | German mission in Russia, information sheet, February 2025 |
| Applicants invited to an admission test | 9,819 euros in total | 1,091 euros per month | German mission in Russia, information sheet, February 2025 |
Annahme: you start in the winter semester and need the first-year amount. 992 euros multiplied by 12 months equals 11,904 euros, which matches the mission’s annual figure. Keep this calculation with your documents so the numbers in your application are consistent.
Which health insurance is accepted?
This is the point where many applicants from Russia get stuck, so read the rule closely. The information sheet says that only insurance concluded within the EU is accepted. It may be shown at the time the visa is issued, but enrolment requires proof, and until then you need additional cover. The mission recommends an incoming insurance rather than travel insurance, because travel insurance can exclude benefits during a longer stay.
Once you live in Germany and are enrolled, statutory student insurance (KVdS) applies under section 5 of Book V of the Social Code (SGB V). The average cost for 2026 is shown below. The additional contribution depends on your fund.
| Position (students aged 23 or older, no children) | Amount per month | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Health insurance without additional contribution | 87.38 euros | GKV-SV fact sheet, 1 January 2026 |
| Additional contribution, average 2.9 percent (base 855 euros) | 24.80 euros | GKV-SV and BMG, 2026 |
| Long-term care insurance, childless surcharge | 35.91 euros | GKV-SV fact sheet, 1 January 2026 |
| Total (calculated) | 148.09 euros | calculated from the items above |
How do you prove your funds step by step?
- Confirm the amount for your first study year, which is 11,904 euros, and the monthly withdrawal limit of 934 euros.
- Compare providers of blocked accounts. Ask each one early whether they open accounts for applicants from Russia and how long the process takes.
- Ask the provider for an official confirmation of the paid-in amount and the monthly available amount.
- Include this confirmation in your application and keep a copy in your records.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a blocked account from Russia?
Providers set their own requirements for applicants living in Russia. Their documents, waiting times and fees differ, so ask several providers early. Do not pay for an account before you have confirmed in writing that it is accepted by the German mission.
Are the blocked account figures the same for every country?
No. Each German mission publishes its own figures. The numbers in this guide come from the mission’s sheet for Russia, and other countries have different amounts. Use the figures for your own country of application.
Can travel insurance replace the required cover?
According to the mission’s note, travel insurance is not suitable for a longer stay because it can exclude benefits. For a study stay, ask for an incoming insurance that covers your whole period in Germany, and confirm with the mission which policies it accepts.
Where can I check the current sheet?
Use the information sheet of the German mission in Russia and the page of the immigration office in your future city. The sheet used here is dated February 2025, so check whether a newer version exists before you book appointments or open accounts.
Next steps
- Check the current information sheet of the German mission and note the amount for your first year.
- Choose an EU-based health insurance that meets the mission’s rule and get written confirmation.
- Open the blocked account and obtain the confirmation of paid-in funds.
- Book your visa appointment and bring originals and copies as listed on the sheet.
Related guides
- Blocked account Germany 2026: providers and amount compared
- Health insurance for international students in Germany: public vs private
- Student visa Germany 2026: documents and timeline
- Studying in Germany from the US: visa, blocked account, insurance
Sources: German mission in Russia, information sheet on studying (February 2025); GKV-SV fact sheet on contribution figures (1 January 2026); section 5 SGB V.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
