Visa Guide ·
By Yunus Emre · Rome Consultancy
How Much Money Do You Need for a Student Visa in Europe? Country by Country 2026
Student visa proof of funds by country: Italy €10,179.85, Germany €11,904, the Netherlands €1,130.77 a month, Austria €722.58 a month (under 24), Poland PLN 776 a month. Hungary sets no fixed amount. Every figure with its official source.
Short answer: The money you must show for a student visa varies a lot across Europe: €10,179.85 a year in Italy, €11,904 in Germany (blocked account), €1,130.77 a month in the Netherlands (€13,569.24 for 12 months) and €722.58 a month in Austria for students under 24 (€8,670.96 for 12 months). Poland asks for at least PLN 776 a month plus PLN 2,500 for the return journey, while Hungary publishes no fixed amount.
Country by country
| Country | Monthly | For 12 months | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | about €848 | €10,179.85 | Italian Consulate General Istanbul (2026/27, 2027/28) |
| Germany | €992 | €11,904 (blocked account) | German missions in Turkey |
| Netherlands | €1,130.77 | €13,569.24 | IND (Dutch immigration service), 2026 |
| Austria, under 24 | €722.58 | €8,670.96 | OeAD (Austria's education agency), 2026 |
| Austria, 24 and over | €1,308.39 | €15,700.68 | OeAD, 2026 |
| Poland | at least PLN 776 | + at least PLN 2,500 for the return journey | Polish Embassy student visa checklist |
| Hungary | No fixed amount; enough to cover the stay | Hungarian immigration office (OIF) | |
These are only the minimum living funds for the visa and residence permit. Tuition, housing and travel are calculated separately and depend on the country and university.
Italy: €10,179.85 a year
For 2026/27 and 2027/28 an Italian student visa requires at least €10,179.85 a year (about €848 a month). The money must come from a lawful, traceable source, and the return journey comes on top. See our proof of funds guide.
Germany: €11,904 in a blocked account
According to the German missions in Turkey, €11,904 a year (€992 a month) goes into a blocked account in Germany, from which one twelfth can be withdrawn each month. Alternatively, someone living in Germany can formally commit to covering that amount. For the other differences, read Italy or Germany?
Netherlands: €1,130.77 a month
The Dutch immigration service IND requires €1,130.77 a month in 2026 for university and hbo students, which is €13,569.24 for 12 months. The university usually files the application, and some ask for a little more to cover exchange rates and bank charges (the University of Groningen, for example, asks for €1,180 a month).
Austria: depends on your age
In Austria the amount depends on age. According to OeAD, in 2026 students under 24 must show €722.58 a month and students aged 24 and over €1,308.39 a month, proven 12 months in advance. If rent exceeds a set limit (€386.43 a month), the required amount goes up, and health insurance is needed on top.
Poland: PLN 776 a month
A Polish student visa requires at least PLN 776 for each month of the stay, plus at least PLN 2,500 for the return journey. Because the amount is set in zloty, the euro equivalent depends on the exchange rate, but it is still the lowest on this list.
Hungary: no fixed amount
Hungary's immigration office publishes no fixed figure. Students must show they can cover subsistence, accommodation and the return journey from lawful income and savings; bank certificates, family declarations and scholarship letters are accepted. In practice the consulate assesses the amount.
What do these figures tell you?
Italy's requirement is lower than Germany's and the Netherlands', and higher than Poland's and Austria's for students under 24. But it shouldn't be the only factor: fees, scholarships, the language of study and direct admission with a high-school diploma matter just as much. Italy's DSU grant, for example, gives eligible students at least €7,171.11 a year. All key figures are on our key figures page.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need for an Italian student visa?
At least €10,179.85 a year for 2026/27 and 2027/28, about €848 a month.
How much is the German blocked account?
€11,904 a year, or €992 a month.
How much money do you need for a Dutch student visa?
According to the IND, €1,130.77 a month in 2026 for university students, or €13,569.24 for 12 months. Some universities ask for slightly more.
Which country requires the least money?
On this list, Poland (at least PLN 776 a month). Austria asks students under 24 for €722.58 a month. Hungary sets no fixed amount.
Let's work out your budget
Your total budget depends on the visa funds, fees and living costs of your city and university. For a personal estimate, fill in our free assessment form.
Last checked: 12 November 2026. Amounts can change each year; check the relevant consulate's current list before applying.
Sources
- Italian Consulate General Istanbul – Student visa 2026 (PDF)
- German missions in Turkey – Information sheet on studying in Germany (PDF, Turkish)
- IND – Required amounts 2026
- OeAD – Student residence permit and financial means 2026
- Embassy of Poland – Student national visa checklist (PDF)
- EU Immigration Portal – Student in Poland
- Hungarian immigration office (OIF) – Residence for study purposes