Germany is an attractive destination for international students looking for academic excellence, affordable education, practical learning, and strong career opportunities.
According to a report by DAAD, there were a total of 405,000 international students in 2005 in Germany.
However, when you plan for your higher education in Germany, it’s also important to learn about Germany's student visa requirements. This will help you approach the process carefully and ensure that you secure the student visa without any unnecessary delays.
Key takeaways
- If you are from a non-EU/EEA country and plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you will need a National Visa Type D or a student visa. Citizens of some countries, like the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia, are exempt from this requirement.
- There are three types of student visas: German Student Visa, Language Course Visa, and Student Applicant Visa. The eligibility criteria and duration differ for each visa.
- To apply for a student visa, you must submit a completed application form, a valid passport, recent photos, an admission letter, proof of funds, language certificates, and preliminary health insurance.
- The German government requires proof of your financial capability to provide you with a student visa. You must demonstrate proof of at least EUR 11,904 per year.
- You must get a health insurance cover, which is mandatory for all international students. During the visa process, you can show proof of travel insurance.
- After you arrive in Germany, you must apply for a student residence permit if you plan to stay beyond 90 days.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Germany's student visa requirements. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- Do you need a student visa to study in Germany?
- Types of German student visas
- Requirements for applying for a German student visa
- Step-by-step application process
- German student visa processing time
- Applying for a student residence permit after receiving the visa
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Do you need a student visa to study in Germany?
Yes, to study in Germany, most international students require a National Visa Type D or a student visa. This is a type of visa which you can secure if you have a letter of acceptance for an academic programme in a German university.
You must apply for a student visa if your academic programme lasts more than 90 days or if you belong to a non-EU/EEA country. Before the student visa expires, you must apply for the residence permit.
Note: You do not need a student visa if you are a citizen of an EU country. Similarly, citizens of Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Israel, New Zealand, the United States, and South Korea also don’t require a student visa. Citizens of Brazil, Andorra, El Salvador, Monaco, and San Marino require a student visa if they are working while studying.
Types of German student visas
Here are the three types of German national visa for students:
Visa type | Eligibility |
---|---|
German Student Visa (Visum Zur Studienzwecken) | You can apply if you have been accepted into an academic programme at a German university. |
Language Course Visa | You can apply if you have been accepted into a language preparatory course with a duration of up to 1 year. |
Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung) | If you are waiting for confirmation of acceptance from a German educational institution, you can apply for a Student Applicant Visa. |
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Requirements for applying for a German student visa
While applying for a German student visa, there is a set of documents that you should have in hand. While these documents vary based on the country, here are the key documents you need for applying:
Document requirement | Description |
---|---|
Application form | The completed visa application form for processing your application. |
Valid passport | A valid passport without any alterations with at least 2 blank pages. The passport must have at least a 1-year validity left. |
Recent passport photos | Recent photographs which are not older than 6 months. |
Acceptance letter from a German university | An official acceptance letter from a German university, which also specifies the medium of instruction. |
Proof of financial resources | Proof demonstrating that you have the funds to cover living expenses in Germany. This is usually scholarships or blocked accounts. |
Statement of Purpose | A statement explaining your academic goals and why you wish to study in Germany. |
CV | An updated CV with details about your educational background and work experience. |
Proof of preliminary health insurance | Temporary health insurance, which covers your first three months in Germany. |
Proof of language skills | Certificates or proof of language proficiency |
Certificates of past academic achievements | Academic certificates required to prove your educational qualifications. |
Note: You must submit your original documents along with two attached copies.
Proof of financial resources
You have to show proof of financial resources which demonstrates that you can support yourself during your studies in Germany.
The financial requirement established for the first year is EUR 11,904 per year.
As proof of financial resources, you can open a German blocked account and deposit the specified amount. Another option is to provide the scholarship awarding certificate or a bank guarantee from a recognised bank. You can also use your parents’ income records or financial assets. Furthermore, if a German resident is willing to provide you with a letter of commitment to cover your expenses, you can provide the letter as proof of financial resources.
Health insurance requirement
As per German rules, you should hold health insurance while you are in Germany. If you belong to the EU/EEA or any other country having a social security agreement with Germany, you can use the health insurance you hold in your home country. Otherwise, you must get student health insurance once you reach Germany.
During the visa appointment, you may need to provide proof of health insurance. For this purpose, you can use travel health insurance until you get the student insurance.
Language proficiency
Based on the medium of instruction of your selected academic programme, you must produce proof of English or German proficiency or both languages. A minimum B2 level of knowledge is required in these languages. You can use exams such as TOEFL or TestDaF.
Step-by-step application process
Here are the step-by-step procedures to apply for a student visa in Germany.
- Locate the German Embassy/Consulate responsible for issuing your student visa.
- Visit the Embassy's website and navigate to the student visa section.
- Review the requirements and book an appointment for the visa.
- Collect the required documents.
- Visit the Embassy office on the day of the appointment. Submit the documents and pay the fee.
- Attend the interview.
- Wait for the decision.
Note: You have to pay a non-refundable visa processing fee of EUR 75. For minors, the fee is EUR 37.50. You may be exempt from paying the fee if you have a scholarship. Please check with the local embassy on the specific rule applicable.
German student visa processing time
The processing time of your German student visa depends on the country and the embassy or consulate you are applying to.
On average, it may take up to 25 days for you to receive a decision on your visa application.
It may take longer if the office is handling a large number of applications. Hence, it’s recommended to apply early.
Applying for a student residence permit after receiving the visa
If you wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you must apply for the student residence permit, which allows you to stay in Germany, continue your studies, and take up part-time jobs.
Here are the steps you must follow to obtain a student residence permit.
- Find an accommodation in Germany, as it’s a requirement to apply for the student residence permit. Ensure that you find long-term accommodation within 2 weeks of your arrival in Germany.
- Register the address of the accommodation at the Resident’s Registration Office. You’ll receive an address registration certificate.
- Enrol in your academic programme and collect the certificate of enrollment.
- Collect the documents for applying for the residence permit, which include your passport, proof of residence certificate, and confirmation of admission.
- Make an appointment at the Foreigners’ office.
- Apply for the residence permit through the office by submitting the application form and the required documents.
Final thoughts
A German student visa allows you to study in Germany and also work part-time during your studies. Approach the application process carefully and prepare in advance to avoid delays. Ensure that you have all the required documents in hand, which include your acceptance letter, health insurance, proof of funds, and language proficiency certificates.
Once you reach Germany, follow the next steps involved in applying for a student residence permit.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to process a German student visa?
The processing time required for a German student visa usually ranges between 2 and 3 months. It may take longer based on the official workload and extend up to 4 months. The overall duration for processing depends on many factors such as the specific German Embassy, your country of origin, and the volume of applications in process.
Can I work while studying in Germany on a student visa?
Yes, you can work while studying in Germany on a student visa. However, there are certain restrictions that you should be aware of. If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you can work up to 120 full days or up to 240 half days per year. You’ll have more flexibility and can work up to 20 hours per week if you are an EU/EEA student.
How much bank balance is required for a German study visa?
When you are pursuing your studies in Germany, you are required to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. For this purpose, you can open a blocked account and deposit a specified amount into the account. As per the current regulations, you must deposit EUR 11,905 as your funds for a year.
Is health insurance mandatory for the visa application?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for any category D visa. The insurance coverage should be in line with the minimum level prescribed by the German statutory health insurance system. This ensures that you are covered medically if you fall ill.
Is IELTS necessary for a German student visa?
Yes, for a German student visa, you must produce an English language proficiency test, especially if you are applying for English-taught programmes. While many universities accept other scores, such as TOEFL, the German government requires IELTS as part of the visa application for non-EU students.