German Student Visa: How To Apply And More

In recent decades, Germany has attracted a large number of intelligent students from around the world to study at one of its premier universities.

With around 300 educational institutions offering over 15,000 distinct study programs, the European country attracts a large number of international students each year.

Do I Need a Visa to Study in Germany?

Only citizens of the following countries can study in Germany without a visa:

• EEA/EU citizens
• Australia
• Andorra*
• Brazil*
• Canada
• El Salvador*
• Honduras*
• Israel
• Japan
• Monaco*
• New Zealand
• San Marino*
• Switzerland
• United States
• South Korea

*Need a visa only if they want to work during or after their studies in Germany.

However, everyone must register at the local Residents’ Registration Office and the Aliens’ Registration Office two weeks of arrival in of Germany. Nationals of other countries of the world, not mentioned above, must apply for a German Student visa.

What Kind of Visa Do I Need to Study in Germany?

The respective German authorities offer different types of German Student visas depending on the purpose of the study. The types of German Study Visas are the following:

Documents Required for German Student Visa

You must submit the following documents to apply for any of the German Study visas:

• Duly completed Germany Student Visa Application form.
• Your valid passport. It should be valid for an additional six months prior to your date of departure from Germany and have at least a blank page.

Proof of civil status:

• marriage certificate.
• birth certificate.
• birth certificate of children.
• death certificate of spouse.
• ration card if applicable.
• Two photographs. The photos must be of high quality and identical.
• Copies of previous visas, if any.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany. You must show proof that you have a place to stay during your studies in Germany.
• Proof of covered student health insurance for the entire period of stay in Germany.
• When applying for a Language Course Visa: A motivational letter for attending the language course.
• Curriculum Vitae. Attach to your CV evidence about any previous and current internship and employment.

The minimum amount of financial means of at least €10,332 per year or €861 per month. The following are accepted as proof:

• Personal financial statements for the last three months.
• A scholarship award certificate.
• Written confirmation of parents or sponsor that he/she will cover your costs.
• Blocked account. Also known as Sperrkonto.

If not admitted yet:

• Recognized School Leaving Certificates.
• Confirmation of application. This is usually an e-mail from the university, confirming the successful submission of the application for studies.
• A certificate of admission in a preparatory course. In German, this is called “Propaedeutic Courses”, or a registration confirmation letter in a German language course (containing not less than 18 hours of lessons per week).
• A recognized school leaving certificate “Abitur”. Or the equivalent of it.
• Proof of German or English language proficiency (depending which is the language in which lessons are taught).
• Proof of former education. Certificated of former degrees.

If admitted to a university:

• Acceptance letter from the university. A document, a university admission letter confirming your application for studies and an offered place to study in the program you have applied for
• Certificates of earlier education. Submit all certificates of previous formal and informal education.
• Cover Letter. Explain through it the reason for choosing the university, the program, study plan, and your plans on how these studies will improve your career in the future.
• For programs in German, international students must provide a TestDaf or DSH score. Whereas, for courses in English, students will have to provide a TOEFL or IEL

When Can I Apply for a German Student Visa?

The German Student Visa application along with the necessary documents should be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the date traveling to Germany in order to avoid any possible delay.

Where Should I Lodge My Germany Student Visa Application?

You must apply for a German student visa at the German Consulate or Embassy in your country. Your passport will remain at the Embassy/Consulate where you applied throughout the visa application process. If you need to withdraw your passport for any reason, such as travel, you must apply again from the beginning.

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?

To apply for a German student visa you must go through the following steps:

• Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form.
• Collect the required documents.
• Schedule an appointment.
• Go to the visa application center for the interview.
• Pay the German student visa fee.
• Submit biometrics.
• Wait for processing.

Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form

You can find the form here. Fill the application form with detailed and accurate information about yourself and select the appropriate purpose of travel.

Collect the required documents

Collect all the documents that are required for application, depending on your admission status.

Schedule an appointment

You should schedule the appointment for a German student visa interview at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can have your student visa application processed only by booking an appointment prior to attending the interview.

Attend the interview

Make sure to arrive at the application facility on time, as they may refuse to accept your application if you are more than 10 minutes late. You will receive a token once your appointment letter has been verified.

When you go to the visa application center for your interview, bring the document file with you. You should submit your application when you attend the interview, so make sure everything is in order. The submission may take up to 10 minutes.

Pay the German student visa fee

After the authorities have verified your application, your information will be uploaded into the German consulate’s online system. You will get a printed copy of your application. This process normally takes 10-15 minutes. After receiving the printed form, please double-check all of the details and sign it.

The price for the Germany student visa is €75. After paying the money, you will receive a receipt that you must preserve in order to collect your processed application.

Submit biometrics

The final step is to provide your fingerprints. This is a quick process that usually takes 7 to 8 minutes. This includes capturing a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.

Wait for processing

After going through these steps, the application process is complete. The Embassy or Consulate will then process your application, which could take 6 to 12 weeks. The consulate officers may also request more documentation in the meantime. Make sure to supply any extras they request.

After You Arrive in Germany With a Student Visa

With a Germany student Visa, you can freely travel to the country. After you arrive in Germany, there are steps you need to follow, in order to make your stay in Germany legal.

• Register your address in Germany. You should register your address at the registration office that is closest to your home in Germany. To do so you will need an identification document, your visa, and a rental contract or other proof of your address.
• Apply for a Germany Student Residence Permit. After registering your address, you should apply for a Student Residence Permit in Germany. You have 90 days from the date you enter Germany to do so. You must first schedule an appointment with the Immigration Authorities nearest to your dwelling address in Germany. There is also an application form available there. On the day of your interview, you must bring this form and the necessary documents.

Can I Work in Germany With a German Study Visa?

Foreign students in Germany are allowed to work with a German study visa while carrying their studies, but the number of hours they can work is restricted.

• Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can work freely in Germany for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time, (including voluntary work).
• Students coming from other countries are also allowed to work, but they cannot exceed more than 120 full days a year or 240 half days. Unused days cannot be carried over to the next year.
• International students with a residence permit, who want to work in Germany after the completion of their studies can extend their permit for up to 18 months, as long as they have found a job in their field of study.
• Graduates from EU/EEA countries can stay and seek work without any restriction or permission. After two years of employment in Germany, it is possible to apply for the permanent residency status in Germany.

Check out Health insurance for international students in Germany