Given Germany’s intellectual history, it’s little surprise that many foreigners want to study in the country and there are special visas for students. It’s a good idea to apply for a Studentenvisum before you arrive, though citizens of the US, Andorra, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino can apply for one after they arrive. No student visa is required for citizens of EU countries.

You’ll need to provide your local German consulate with proof of which school you’ll be attending and for how long. In addition, you’ll need to show the officials how you’ll pay for the trip – either a bank account statement or a letter from your parents pledging to cover the costs. If you haven’t yet decided where to study, you can apply for a three-month Studienbewerbervisum that will allow you to hunt for the perfect college.

A student visa gives you the right to work for 90 days a year to help finance your studies. Once you’ve completed your degree, you can stay and work full-time for three months or part-time for six months as long as you’re working for someone other than yourself.

It’s also possible to gain a visa to attend language courses, though it will be limited to the length of the course and doesn’t include any work rights.