Most international students come to Germany without a scholarship. They must prove to the German foreign agencies (embassies) and aliens departments in Germany that they can actually finance their stay. Accordingly they must produce a so called proof of finance (Finanzierungsnachweis). Detailed information can be found at the internet portal »International Students« of the Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW = German Student Administration) on the page Proof of Financing.

Taking the Family Along

A foreign student can be joined by the closest family members (spouse and children) if he is registered at a German university and if he can prove that he is able to finance the living costs for himself and the joining family members without depending on governmental support.

You can find further information at the Ausländerbehörde (aliens department) of the Provincial Capital of Hanover.