New student rules affect job seeking and family residence

In force from 1 October 2026 · transitional rules

From 1 October 2026, new rules apply to certain non-EU students on state-approved higher education programmes. Post-study job-seeking residence is generally reduced to one year, and access for accompanying family is restricted. The application date is decisive. PhD students are exempt, while transitional provisions and special rules for certain Turkish nationals may affect an individual case.

What this means for your case

Transitional rules differ: both the student and partner generally need to have applied before 1 October. Children under 18 may still apply later if the student applied before that date. Exceptions require individual assessment.