Germany hikes blocked account for international students to €11,904 annually.
Marrakech – Starting from September 1, 2024, international students, including Moroccans, who plan to study in Germany will be required to have a German Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum balance of €11,904 for the first year of study, equivalent to €992 per month, in order to obtain a student visa.
According to Studying-in-Germany.org, the current blocked account requirement, set at €11,208 (€934 per month) until August 2024, will increase to €11,904 (€992 per month) for students applying for a visa on or after September 1, 2024.
The German Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement for students from outside the EU/EEA who intend to stay in Germany for an extended period, such as for study purposes.
It serves as proof to the German authorities that the student has sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.
It is recommended that students begin the process of opening a blocked account — an account for international students and job seekers where a fixed amount of money is deposited — as soon as they receive their university admission letter to avoid potential delays.
These funds are then locked and released in monthly installments to the account holder, demonstrating that they have enough money to support themselves while in Germany.
This monthly allowance also limits the amount that can be withdrawn or transferred each month unless the student has deposited more than the required minimum.
Once in Germany, students must activate their blocked account by registering their address and obtaining a residence permit. They will also need to open a regular German bank account to receive the monthly allowance from the blocked account.
The requirement is based on the BAföG rate, which is Germany’s financial aid program for students. The deposit is the minimum amount that a student must have in their blocked account to prove that they have the financial means to obtain a student visa.
Following the announcement, Moroccans took to social media to express their thoughts on the increased blocked account requirement. Some noted that such increases are normal and occur periodically, suggesting that the news is not particularly surprising.
However, others argued that the new amount of €11,904 is substantial and may be difficult for many to afford, given Morocco’s economic situation.
They contended that if someone has access to such funds, it might be more beneficial to remain in Morocco and invest in a local project rather than spending the money to study in a European country.
