This guide is for people living in Tunisia who are preparing to study, do vocational training (Ausbildung) or take up skilled work in Germany in 2027. The DAAD, citing the Federal Statistical Office, reports that 6,852 Tunisian students were enrolled in German higher education in the 2023/2024 winter semester. The DAAD has an office in Tunis that advises on study, research and scholarships. Most German routes need an admission, a training contract or a job offer first, so if you have none yet, start from the opportunities list.
According to the DAAD, state universities generally charge no tuition for bachelor's degrees or most master's degrees. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester, except doctoral students (amount shown on 23 October 2026), and Bavaria may also charge fees. Every student also pays a semester contribution of EUR 70 to 430, depending on the university (range given by the DAAD on 23 October 2026). Many universities use uni-assist, which charges EUR 75 for the first programme in a semester and EUR 30 for each additional one (fee shown on 23 October 2026). For scholarships, contact the DAAD office in Tunis and read our guides; 2027 calls and dates are to be confirmed on each official call.
The German Embassy in Tunis publishes checklists for several work and training visas: the EU Blue Card, skilled workers with a university degree or recognised vocational training, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), vocational training, searching for a training place, and internships. For Ausbildung, the embassy page (accessed 23 October 2026) asks for German at B1 and proof of at least EUR 822 net or EUR 990 gross per month, normally covered by the training pay. For the Opportunity Card, the embassy checklist (July 2025 version, still online on 23 October 2026) asks for at least EUR 1,091 a month, or EUR 13,092 for a 12-month card. If your qualification is not fully recognised in Germany, you also need a university degree or at least two years of vocational training recognised in Tunisia, German at A1 or English at B2, and at least 6 points.
National visas are handled by the German Embassy in Tunis. Its national visa page, updated on 29 June 2026, says applications for study and study preparation, vocational training, skilled employment (EU Blue Card, graduates, recognised vocational training) and the Opportunity Card can now be filed online through the consular services portal. For other purposes, you book with TLScontact or join a waiting list, depending on the case. The older study page still describes a waiting list followed by filing at TLScontact, so check which channel applies before you start. The national visa fee is EUR 75 (EUR 37.50 for under-18s), the amount shown on 23 October 2026; publicly funded scholarship holders are exempt, and outside the portal the fee is paid in cash, in Tunisian dinars, when you file. Depending on the purpose, processing can take up to three months. A national visa is usually issued for 90 days, sometimes up to a year, and you then apply for a residence permit in Germany.
For skilled work, a Tunisian degree or vocational certificate often needs a recognition decision (Anerkennung) before the visa application. The federal portal "Anerkennung in Deutschland" shows which authority handles each occupation. This is separate from university admission and from the visa, and it takes time, so start early. The embassy in Tunis also publishes a checklist for skilled workers seeking recognition in a non-regulated profession.
For a study visa, the embassy checklist includes: the VIDEX form with the declaration under section 54 of the Residence Act, a passport valid for at least six months, three biometric photos, a motivation letter, an unconditional admission from a German institution with proof of language skills, the baccalauréat legalised by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where relevant, your university degree and transcripts legalised by the Ministry of Higher Education. Every document must be translated into German and shown as an original plus a legible photocopy, unstapled and unbound. Order legalisations and translations early.
For one year of study, the embassy in Tunis requires EUR 11,904 (EUR 992 a month), the amount shown on 23 October 2026. The DAAD states that this rate has applied since 1 January 2025. You prove it with a blocked account held in Germany, the only kind the embassy has accepted since February 2023, or with a formal declaration of commitment from someone living in Germany. The amount for the 2027 intake is to be confirmed, so check the embassy page right before you transfer money. Also budget for the semester contribution, application fees and health insurance: statutory cover is only possible after enrolment, and if you arrive before that you need private insurance for your first 90 days.
For German-taught programmes, the embassy lists DSH or TestDaF; for English-taught ones, IELTS, TOEFL or another recognised test. The minimum level depends on each university, so read the programme page before booking a test. For Ausbildung, a B1 certificate is required (Goethe-Institut, ÖSD, telc or TestDaF). Even on an English-taught master's, German helps with daily life and job hunting.
The national visa is only the first step: its validity is the time you have to obtain your national residence permit. On arrival, the embassy advises you to register your address with the local registration office and book an appointment with the foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde). The visa also lets you travel within the Schengen area. Exact deadlines for these steps, opening a bank account and joining a health insurance scheme are to be confirmed with your city and your university.
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Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany free for Tunisians?
At most state universities there are no tuition fees for bachelor's and most master's degrees, according to the DAAD. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester (amount shown on 23 October 2026), and a semester contribution applies everywhere.
How much must be in the blocked account?
The German Embassy in Tunis states EUR 11,904 for one year of study, or EUR 992 a month (page accessed 23 October 2026). The amount for the 2027 intake is to be confirmed.
Where do I apply for the visa?
At the German Embassy in Tunis. Its page updated on 29 June 2026 says visas for study, vocational training, skilled work and the Opportunity Card can now be applied for online through the consular services portal; for other visas, appointments go through TLScontact or a waiting list.
Can Opporiva apply for me?
No. Opporiva is free, gathers official information and never applies on your behalf.
