1. Why this module is necessary

Studying is often perceived worldwide as a legal ticket to Europe.

Many people believe that studying automatically enables:

• Residence
• Work
• Later settlement

These assumptions are widespread – and largely incorrect.

This module explains:

• what studying is legally
• what requirements actually apply
• why financing is crucial
• why studying is not a migration tool
  
  

2. A central principle

Studying is a temporary educational purpose – not a permanent right of residence.
Countries allow study because it serves education,
not because it is intended to facilitate migration.

3. Formal requirements for studying

Regardless of the country, similar minimum requirements apply almost everywhere:

🎓 Academic requirements

• Recognized school leaving certificate or bachelor’s degree (depending on the level of study)
• Formal equivalence assessment
• No “substitute solutions” based on talent or motivation
  
  

🌍 Language skills

• Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction
• Officially recognized language tests
• No “learning on site” without proof
  
  

🏫 Admission by an educational institution

• Only universities or state-recognized colleges
• No acceptance = no studies
• No admission = no visa

➡️ Without formal admission, there is no study visit.

4. Financing – the crucial point

Studying means full self-financing

A study visit requires:

• Payment of tuition fees
• Coverage of living expenses
• Health insurance
• Reserves for emergencies

This financing must be proven in advance.

Important reality

❌ “I’ll find work locally.”

❌ “A sponsor will turn up.”

❌ “I’ll get support.”

✔️ None of this is legally recognized.

Countries require:

• Verifiable, available money
• No promises
• No hopes
• No third-party commitments without substance

➡️ If you don’t have the money, you won’t get a student visa.

5. Working while studying – often overestimated

In many countries, limited work is permitted.
However

• Hours are severely limited
• Work is not guaranteed
• Income is not sufficient for studies + living expenses
• Loss of job = immediate problem

➡️ Studies must not be dependent on work.

6. Studies ≠ right of residence

A study visit is

• purpose-specific
• limited in time
• linked to academic success

After completion of studies

• the right of residence ends
• Return is the norm
• Any extension requires new legal requirements

A degree does not automatically grant a right of residence.

7. Common misconceptions (clearly stated)

❌ “You can stay after your studies.”
✔️ Only if additional legal requirements are met.

❌ “Studying is a sure way to get to Europe.”
✔️ Studying is education—not a migration program.

❌ “Sports or good grades will help later.”
✔️ Rights do not replace performance, and performance does not replace rights.

❌ “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go underground.”
✔️ This is illegal and has serious consequences.

8. Illegal or abusive methods

Examples

• Applying for a student visa without serious intention to study
• Dropping out of university without leaving the country
• Working outside the permitted limits
• Providing false information about financing

Consequences

• Loss of residence status
• Revocation of visa
• Deportation
• Entry bans lasting several years
• International data storage

➡️ Failing to complete a degree often results in the loss of residence status.

9. Why NADEUM-WIKO does not use studies for migration

NADEUM-WIKO:

• does not support study-based migration
• does not finance studies
• does not arrange university places
• does not organize visas
  
  

This project:

• highlights requirements
• explains consequences
• protects against illusions
  
  

10. Responsibility and honesty

Studying is an investment.
Those who cannot bear this burden are not legally allowed to begin.
This is harsh – but real.

11. Where to find official information

Only government agencies and recognized educational institutions are binding.
A structured overview of the official information centers of all 27 EU member states can be found here:

👉 EU migration: Official bodies & responsibilities

There you can see:

• which authorities are responsible
• which rules apply
• where to find up-to-date information
  
  

12. Disclaimer

This module:

• does not replace academic advising
• does not replace legal advice
• does not replace authorities
  
  

It serves as a guide and realistic assessment.