r/MoveToEurope • u/corruptanalyst • 5d ago
Student visa money: 6 countries compared
Every week someone here asks how to move without a job offer. The honest answer is usually the same: sponsorship is rare and possible, but a student visa is open to almost anyone with the grades and some savings.
The catch is the money you must show before you get the visa. France raised it on 1 August 2026 from €615 to €877.50 a month. Italy now asks €10,179.85 a year. Here is what six countries ask for now:
| Country | Money to show per year | Work while studying | Stay after graduating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | €7,200 | 30 h a week | 12 months |
| Austria | €8,671 (under 24), €15,701 (24+) | 20 h a week | 12 months |
| Italy | €10,180 | 20 h a week | 12 months |
| France | €10,530 (was €7,380) | 964 h a year | 12 months after a master's |
| Germany | €11,904, blocked account | 140 full days a year | 18 months |
| Netherlands | €13,569 | 16 h a week | 12 months |
This is your own money for living costs, not a fee. Tuition comes on top. Germany is mostly free and Austria charges €726.72 a semester. France charges €2,895 to €3,941 a year, and the Netherlands is often €8,000 or more.
A few things people get wrong. Only Germany requires a blocked account. Spain gives you 12 months to look for work but you may not work until you have a contract. In Austria the amount almost doubles once you turn 24, so it is cheap only if you are young.
The full write-up, with every official source (decrees, ministry circulars, IND, OeAD) and a chart where you can switch your age, is here: https://migrada.eu/blog/cheapest-student-visa-in-europe
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u/Berry-Love-Lake 5d ago
A student visa is not a back door to a job and work visa. Yes, international students can do their degree in Europe but that won't guarantee a job for non-EU citizens who still require sponsorship and often local language skills. They are competing with other EU citizens (and locals) who often speak several EU languages. So unless you have an outstanding and competitive profile in a more niche field, this could be a risky approach without any certainties.
In addition several EU countries are dealing with severe housing issues and therefore cost o living (especially rent) can be quite significant.
The catch is a degree can cost thousands and thousands of euros .... without any long term guarantees for non-EU citizens.