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If you want to study in Germany, you will face two challenges: the visa application process and getting accepted into a university. The visa application process includes preparing for the interview, where you will answer questions about yourself and your plans after graduation. 

These questions cover:

• Reasons for choosing to study in Germany.
• Understanding of German culture.
• Plans for future studies in Germany.
• Academic background and skills.
• Financial situation, present and future.
• Basic knowledge of the chosen degree.
• Housing arrangements in Germany.
• Connections with people in Germany/Europe.
• Holiday break plans.
• Future goals.

Here are some German student visa interview questions and answers:

Discussing the Choice to Study in Germany

Why Did You Choose Germany?

Answer: I chose Germany for my studies because it ranks in the top three most desirable countries for international students. It has excellent universities with cheap tuition fees. Germany also has a rich culture, making it ideal for me to pursue my education there. 

Tip: Find out why Germany is an excellent place to study.

Why This City?

Answer: The most important thing for me is choosing a university that fits my academic goals, but I’m also interested in the city I’m going to live in. I want to explore the historical attractions, for example [mention landmarks or spots]. 

Tip: Explore the advantages of studying in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig, Bremen, Aachen, Munich, Bonn, Frankfurt, Augsburg, and more to gain information about what each location has to offer.

Why Did You Choose This Course? Is It Relevant to Your Previous Study?

If the course matches your previous studies, you’d probably mention that’s the main reason. But there could be other factors too, like if it’s highly ranked, known for quality, or has successful alumni. 

If you’re stepping into a new field, you can explain how you stumbled on the course during your own online research and how it seemed to fit what you’re looking for. So, you can name the factors that made this course stand out to you out of all the other options. 

Answer: I chose this course because it ties in with what I’ve studied previously. It just makes sense for my background in [mention field]. It’s got a great reputation, ranks high, and seems really hands-on, which is important to me. 

And when I looked into it, I saw that graduates are doing interesting stuff. But if I’m being honest, when I was exploring new fields, I saw this course online, and it seemed to tick all the boxes of what I was after.

Tip: Before your interview, explore the university’s website to get info on how the course matches your future career interests. If you haven’t selected a course yet,

Why Did You Choose This University and How Did You Find Out About It?

Describe how you learned about the university you want to attend and what factors influenced your decision. You can mention you discovered the university’s attractive program for international students, its internship opportunities, affordable tuition fees, or other aspects.

If you’re participating in an Erasmus+ program, explain that you’re benefiting from a collaboration between your home university and the German university where you’ll be studying.

Answer: I discovered this university online, and its welcoming environment for international students convinced me. The affordability of tuition fees and the reputation of its academic staff and alumni also played a part in my decision. Plus, participating in an Erasmus+ program allows me to benefit from the collaboration between my home university and this German institution.

Isn’t This Course Offered by Any University or College in Your Country?

You can answer this question by pointing out how Germany has a more advanced education compared to your home country, and very few countries can match its standards. Talk about how studying there would greatly benefit your future career, thanks to the practical learning opportunities German universities provide.

Answer: I believe studying in Germany gives me a chance to enhance my future career. German universities are known to be one of the best, with opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. By studying in Germany, I’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge that will set me apart in my home country’s job market and help me succeed.

Tip: Check the latest to know where your German university stands globally. This will help you give informed answers during interviews.

Which Are the Other Universities You Have Applied To?

If you did apply to another university in Germany, it’s important to inform the interviewers. Express your satisfaction with being accepted for studies at your current university.

Answer: Yes, I also applied to other universities in Germany [name them]. However, I’ve been accepted for studies at this university, and I’m really excited to start my enrollment and begin my academic journey here.

Who Motivated You to Go to Germany?

Answer: I’ve received support from my family, friends, and partner, starting from the beginning and continuing until now. I want to specifically mention [name of the person], who has been my main source of motivation in pursuing my studies in Germany.

Why Do You Want to Study in Germany and Not in Canada or the USA?

Answer: Affordability is an important factor for me. Germany’s quality of education, coupled with its internationally focused programs, made it a top choice. Compared to countries like Canada or the USA, where tuition fees are high, studying in Germany offers a more affordable option without compromising the quality of education.

Can You Tell Me Some Facts About Your University?

Talk briefly about the university’s profile, covering details such as its founding, main study fields, student population, annual graduates, and more.

Answer: The university, established in [year], offers many study fields and attracts a considerable number of students every year. Graduating [number] students annually, it has achieved [number] innovations and notable awards. The university has internship opportunities and a structured curriculum.

Tip: Before the interview, visit your university’s website and take note of key features about its current activity, including statistics. Remembering numerical data, such as the yearly enrollment rate, will demonstrate your seriousness as a prospective student. 

Knowledge About Germany

Name Any Tourist Places in Germany and Why They Are Famous?

Answer: Mention German museums, palaces, national parks, castles, the Berlin Wall, and other popular destinations, and briefly discuss their unique features.

Do You Know German?

International students applying for studies should have a basic understanding of German, at the B1 level. Specify your current level of knowledge.

Answer: My German skills are at the B1 level, which is needed for my studies. I feel comfortable using German in daily situations and for academic purposes.

Tip: Check out the language requirements for studying in Germany beforehand. You can also try online German learning.

How Many Borders Does Germany Have and With Which Countries?

Answer: Germany shares borders with nine neighboring countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.

Which Are the Top Most Expensive Cities to Live In?

Answer: There are five cities in Germany known as the most expensive to live in: Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf, and Bonn.

Tip: Get some basic information about these cities in case you’re asked for specifics.

How Many States Are There in Germany, and Can You Name Some of Them?

Answer: Germany has sixteen federal states: Baden Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.

Information About Future Studies in Germany

What’s the Duration of Your Course?

Answer: Inform them about the duration of your course, including the starting and ending dates.

What Is the Scope of Your Course?

Answer: Specify the department and the subject of your studies, such as the Law department and the study program/course name.

What Is the Course Structure?

Answer: Briefly describe the duration of the program in terms of semesters, whether it’s full-time or part-time, the subject areas covered, credits earned per semester, total hours of lessons per semester, study methodology, and activities.

At Which University Are You Going to Study? What Is the Location of Your University?

Answer: Inform them about the university and its location in the city.

Tip: Practice spelling the name of the university and the city correctly so you will appear familiar enough with the university.

Why Do You Think the University Is Awarding You a Scholarship?

Answer: Mention your high GPA scores, GMAT scores, or TOEFL scores. If there are any other reasons why you were granted a scholarship that you’re aware of, mention them as well. 

Tip: Recall all the requirements for getting a scholarship so you can be more confident about how to respond.

What Benefits Can This Course Bring You?

Answer: Discuss the career prospects available to you after graduating from a German university. Mention the demand for expertise in your field in your home country.

Tip: Before your interview, gather information about the demand for qualified people in your country in the field of your studies. This will add a realistic perspective to your answer.

What Is the Course Start Date?

Answer: Inform them about the date when you’ll be starting your course.

Tip: You can find this information on your university’s admission letter, and if needed, you can always contact the International Office for details about the course schedule.

What Will Be the Total Cost of Studies per Year?

Answer: Inform them about the tuition fees for the entire duration of the study course.

Tip: Exclude living costs from your calculation, as this covers only the expenses directly related to studying.

What Is the Name of the Course?

Answer: Name the course you will study for.

Do You Have a Conditional or Unconditional Letter of Acceptance for Studies?

Answer: This question determines if you’ve met the requirements for enrollment. If not, you’ve likely met most but need to fulfill another requirement. 

A conditional letter means you’re provisionally accepted pending completion of a preparatory course and final exam. Passing the exam earns you a University Entrance Qualification, securing your seat at the university.

Tip: Learn more about what the University Entrance Qualification is so you can be more prepared.

Can You Name Some of the Modules You Will Be Studying?

Answer: Mention the primary modules of the course. For example, if you’re entering an architecture program, key modules include architectural design, urban and landscape transformation, cultural heritage, and others.

Is the Course Completely in English?

Answer: Let them know if you’ve been accepted into an international program or a regular program. International programs are taught in English, although some may include lessons in German.

What Is Your Intended Travel Date?

Answer: Your travel date has to match the one on your ticket and be early enough for you to register and continue with your studies.

Current Academic and Skills Level

What Was Your Latest Academic Degree Taken? When Did You Receive It? Who Issued It?

Answer: Talk about the academic title you received, the institution that granted you the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Finance), the month and year it was issued, and the location of the issuing institution.

Tip: Avoid any uncertainty about your graduation date by checking your degree-awarding diploma for all the details.

What Was Your Grade Point Average (GPA) Received at the End of Your Studies?

Answer: Tell the interviewers the latest GPA grading you achieved at the end of your most recent studies, supported by documentation.

What Are Your IELTS Scores?

Answer: Discuss your IELTS results.

What Have You Done Since Your Latest Graduation?

Answer: Describe your activities since graduating. This includes paid work, training, involvement in charity work, research, preparing for studies in Germany, language learning, social engagement, volunteering, or online work.

Tip: Mention productive things you did during your study-free time instead of just saying you did nothing.

Have You Taken Any English Courses? Have You Taken Any Specific Course Related to Your Studies?

Answer: If you took an English course, mention the course name and the level of English language taught. If you’ve enrolled in a subject-related course to prepare for future studies, discuss the main topics covered. 

Tip: If enrollment in such courses before studies was not mandatory, feel free to say you did not take any of them.

Current and Future Financial Status

How Are You Going to Fund Your Education?

Answer: Response varies depending on your circumstances. You might be using your own savings for future studies, a security deposit placed in a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto), sponsorship from a family member or someone in Germany, a study loan, or a scholarship. 

Tip: You should only mention sponsors who are legally recognized as your sponsors, meaning they have issued you a sponsorship letter.

Read more about the different ways you can fund your education in Germany.

How Much Money Is Available for Your Stay in Germany?

Answer: Provide the amount of money available in your bank account that you will have at your disposal in Germany for your expenses. Confirm that this amount matches your “Finanzierungsnachweis,” showing that you have enough money to cover your expenses while studying in Germany.

Who Is Sponsoring Your Education? How Much Do They Earn in a Year?

Answer: If you have a sponsor, specify your relationship with them (e.g., father, mother, sister, brother), their occupation, and their annual salary. Be prepared to provide supporting documents to verify this information.

What Proof Do You Have That Your Sponsor Can Support Your Studies?

Answer: If you’re using sponsor funds for your studies, you can provide any of the following supporting documents:

• Certified income statement, including the latest three salary statements and employment contract, if a parent is the sponsor.
• If a permanent German resident is the sponsor, the “Ausländerbehörde” (Foreigners Registration Office) issues a letter of guarantee.
• Scholarship awarding certificate if you’re using a scholarship fund for your studies.

Who Are All Earning Members in Your Family?

Answer: List all family members currently employed.

How Much You Will Be Able to Earn After Completing Your Studies?

Answer: Inform the interviewers about your projected annual salary for a potential job in your home country after graduating. If you have a business idea, present the business plan, including expected annual business income. 

Common Information About the Study Field

Name Some of the Famous Researchers in Your Field of Study?

Answer: Name a few influential researchers in your chosen field of study who have served as your inspiration. For example, Alan Guth in physical science, James Watson in biological science, Einstein, Timothy Berners-Lee in computer science, and others.

Accommodation in Germany

Where Will You Stay in Germany?

Answer: Tell the interviewers about your accommodation type in Germany. International students can choose between private accommodation, student residence halls, youth hostels, shared rooms (flatshares), or other arrangements. 

If you’ve already secured long-term accommodation, provide the address. If not, and you plan to search for permanent housing when you arrive, provide a hostel or hotel reservation document with the address included.

Relationships With People Living in Germany or Europe

Do You Have Any Relatives in Germany or Europe?

Answer: Mention close family members who currently live in Germany or have lived there before if asked.

Holidays and Semester-Break

What Do You Plan to Do During Your Vacations?

Answer: Express a lack of interest in wanting to work in Germany. Instead, express the intention to return to your home country during semester breaks to reunite with family members.

Tip: Saying you will get a job on your semester break might be interpreted as the lack of financial capacity to cover your costs or as an attempt to travel to Germany to work instead of studying there.

Future Plans

What Are Your Future Plans?

Answer: Express your interest in returning home after completing your studies. Mention that you want to either begin a career in your country, pursue a job position, or start your own business related to the field you will be studying.

Do You Plan to Work There?

Answer: It’s best not to plan on working while studying. Still, there are situations where international students can work during their studies. Just ensure that your visa and student status allow for employment.

Tip: Find out more about eligibility for part-time jobs while studying in Germany before answering.

Have You Researched Your Career Prospects?

Answer: Talk about how your goal is to return home to start a career related to your studies rather than staying in Germany for work or permanent residency. Assure them that you’ve done your research and know there’s a demand for your chosen career back home.

Tips for Attending a Student Visa Interview

Your appearance and behavior should reflect the best aspects of yourself. It is important to be well-dressed, punctual, and use appropriate arguments during the interview.

When to Go to the German Embassy?

Arrive at the German Embassy a few minutes early for your interview to prepare. It’s important to be punctual but not too early or late. Greet all staff members politely.

To reduce stress and avoid being late due to parking or traffic issues, avoid driving on the interview day. Instead, arrange for someone to drive you or take a taxi well in advance. 

What to Wear?

Put careful thought into your clothing for the interview. Choose comfortable yet professional outfits such as a dress or shirt and pants that show a confident appearance. 

Avoid overdoing it with strong fragrances or revealing clothing, and excessive accessories, especially those with controversial meanings. 

What to Take With You?

Ensure you have all the required documents for your German student visa application with you on the day of your interview. The visa staff will expect you to have both the original documents and copies, all organized according to the required standards.

It’s important to be well-prepared and not rely on visa officials to photocopy your documents or wait for you to retrieve forgotten documents later. Check and double-check that you have included all the necessary documents in the correct order well in advance of your interview day.

How to Answer?

During the student visa interview, answer questions honestly without false information or avoiding questions. Visa officers ask about many aspects of your application to verify the authenticity of your intentions. Remain transparent throughout the interview.

What to Say?

Ensure that all the information you say to the visa officers matches the documents you submit and your current or past situations. 

What Not to Say?

Being honest during an interview doesn’t mean providing excessive detail or going off-topic. It’s important to be specific and focus on directly answering the question asked without providing unnecessary information.