How to apply for a student visa in Germany
If the possibility of living and learning in a new environment excites you, then you should consider studying abroad. Many students shy away from this opportunity, worried about the cost or scared of navigating life on their own in a distant place. That is why we are here to help you answer the most pressing questions about studying abroad.
Studying in Germany opens many doors. German universities have an outstanding reputation throughout the world and there are diverse opportunities for learning and researching. However, some international students need a visa to enter Germany, as well as a residence permit. Let us see together how you can apply for a student visa.
Do I need a visa to enter Germany?
First, let us talk about whether or not you need a visa to enter Germany and applying for the correct visa.
Coming from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland
If you are citizen of a country in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you do not require a visa or other documentation to enter Germany and study here. However, once you arrive in Germany and find accommodation, you must register with the local residents’ registration office.
Coming from countries that do not need a visa for entry
Students from certain countries do not require a visa for entering Germany. However, the same as in the previous example applies, once you arrive in Germany you are required to register with the local residents’ registration office.
Please visit the Federal Foreign Office website to find out whether your home country is one of those without a visa requirement for entering.
Coming from countries with a visa requirement to study
If you are coming from a country other than the ones named above, you will require a visa. This means you will need to apply for a visa in your home country. Make sure to apply in good time in advance, as this may take several months to issue.
Entering Germany with a visa
Depending on the duration of and reason for your visit, you may be issued with a Schengen visa or just a national visa. The Schengen visa is valid for a short visit of up to three months for holidays, language courses and business trips and cannot be extended. The national visa is intended for longer study visits.
Student visa for studying in Germany
If you have received your letter of acceptance to a university or a university preparatory course in Germany, you should apply for a student visa. Student visas are usually issued for a duration of three months. Within this three-month period, you must apply for a residence permit at the local residents’ registration office.
If you are still waiting for your letter of acceptance or have to complete an entrance examination, you should apply for a prospective student visa. Prospective student visas are valid for three months and can be extended by six months if you are accepted to a higher education institution or enrol in a foundation course or a preparatory German language course within this period.
Applying for a student visa in Germany
Step 1 - Check requirements
To be able to apply for a student visa, you will have to meet the following requirements:
-
You have been accepted to an officially recognised higher education institution in Germany.
-
You can provide proof of a secondary school diploma that enables you to study at a higher education institution or proof of a recognised degree or diploma from a higher education institution.
-
You can cover your costs of living for the duration of your studies. This can be done by way of a blocked account (with at least 10,332 EUR per year; amount valid for 2021), obtaining a scholarship or signing a declaration of commitment.
-
You might be asked to provide proof of the language skills required for your study programme to the German Embassy or Consulate, depending on the admission requirements for your study programme. If this is the case, you will generally need at least a B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Step 2 - Make an appointment at the German embassy
This is so you can prepare the necessary documents for your student visa application.
-
Valid passport
-
Letter of acceptance
-
Proof of sufficient funds
-
Proof of health insurance
-
Records of previous study and language skills
-
Visa application form
Step 3 - Apply for a visa in your country of residence
In this step, you bring all the documents to the German embassy in your home country. There is a one-time applicable fee of 75 EUR (in local currency).
Step 4 - Enter Germany
After your student visa has been approved and issued, you can enter Germany!
Step 5 - Apply for a residence permit
-
Make an appointment with your local residents’ registration office
-
Request a list of the required documents and prepare them
-
Apply for a residence permit for studying
The residence permit can be issued for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. If you have not obtained your degree within this time, you can request to have your residence permit extended.
If you wish to work throughout your studies, you may work 140 full days or 280 half days, in addition to performing student jobs.
It can sometimes take months for a visa to be issued, so it is important to apply early on, even if you have not yet been accepted to a higher education institution. You can apply for a prospective student visa and convert it to a residence permit for studying once you are in Germany. And please note, a tourist visa cannot be converted to a student visa later on.
We hope we addressed your concerns regarding how to apply for a student visa in Germany. Should you choose to study in Germany at Berlin International, feel free to reach out to our Student Affairs office at any time via studentaffairs@berlin-international.de.