If you want to join 458,210 international students currently studying in Germany, chances are you need a visa or residence permit.
But how to know if you need a visa, residence permit, a combination of both, or neither to study in Germany? What type of visa should you apply for? What documents do you need?
We鈥檒l answer all these questions and provide a step-by-step of the application process below.
Key Sections
Do I Need a Visa to Study in Germany?
There are two situations in which you may need a visa for Germany:
- If your study program lasts less or up to 90 days. For short programs such as language courses, you only need a Schengen visa. Citizens of countries that have a Schengen agreement with Germany don鈥檛 need a visa.
- If your study program lasts longer than 90 days. If your studies in Germany exceed this period, for example, if you鈥檙e doing a master鈥檚 degree, you need a national visa (D visa). You also have to apply for a residence permit when you鈥檙e in Germany before this visa expires.
If you鈥檙e from these countries, this may not apply to you:
- Citizens of EU countries (+ Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) don鈥檛 need a visa or residence permit to study in Germany. If you鈥檙e from one of these countries, you only need to register your address in Germany at the Residents鈥 Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), referred to as B眉rgerb眉ro (Citizens鈥 Office) in some places.
- Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino don鈥檛 need a visa to study in Germany IF they don鈥檛 plan to work while studying here. In this scenario, they only need to register their address and apply for a residence permit once in the country. Otherwise, they need a student visa if they want to work alongside their studies.
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States don鈥檛 need a visa to study in Germany. They only need to register their address and apply for a residence permit upon arriving in the country.
Types of Germany Study Visas
As an international student, the type of visa you need for Germany depends on your study program:
- The Schengen visa (C visa) for short courses that last up to three months, and
- The national visa (D visa) for courses that last more than three months.
You can get a national visa (D visa) for different study programs in Germany, including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or exchange studies, participating in pre-academic measures (such as Studienkollegs), and non-academic German language courses.
Depending on your situation, you can apply for one of the three types of German national visa (D visa) for students:
- German Student Visa. If you were accepted to a German higher education institution to start studying in a (e.g. bachelor鈥檚 degree, master鈥檚 degree).
- German Student Applicant Visa. If you applied to a state-approved higher education institution or preparatory course and have a good chance of getting accepted, but have not received a letter of admission or confirmation of application yet.
- German Language Course Visa. If you want to attend intensive German language courses in Germany, without plans to continue studying elsewhere.
What Are German Student Visa 黄瓜视频直播?
When you apply for the German student visa, you have to fulfill the following requirements/application documents:
- Visa application documents. You need a completed visa application form, a valid passport, and recent passport-style photos.
- Proof of financial resources. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself in Germany (minimum requirement is 鈧11,904 per year).
- Proof of purpose of stay. Letter that confirms your acceptance to a study program in Germany.
- Previous academic qualifications. School-leaving certificate or, if applicable, university degree.
- Health insurance. Required for the visa and to enroll at the university.
- Proof of language proficiency. German or English at minimum B2 level.
- Visa processing fee. 鈧75 for adults, reduced fee for minors.
Let鈥檚 go over each requirement in more detail:
1. Visa Application Documents
Here are the standard documents you need to apply for a German student visa:
- Properly filled out and signed .
- Valid passport.
- Two copies of your passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Your child鈥檚 birth certificate (if applicable).
- Recent passport-style photographs (up to 3). You can get biometric photos conveniently from .
- Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable).
2. Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)
Next, you have to show you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Germany. The established requirement (as of September 2024) is 鈧11,904 per year or 鈧992 per month for the first year. Some of the ways to fulfill this requirement include:
- A deposit confirmation showing that you have 鈧11,904 in a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).
- Valid proof of your parent鈥檚 income records and financial assets (e.g. bank statement, job contract, etc.).
- Scholarship awarding certificate that specifies the expenses covered or monetary award.
- Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserkl盲rung) stating that they can cover your expenses while you鈥檙e a student.
- Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.
3. Proof of Purpose of Stay
You can send one of these documents as proof of coming to Germany for study purposes:
- Confirmation of admission (Zulassungsbescheid). A confirmation from a recognized education institution in Germany that states when the program will start and what language it鈥檚 held in.
- Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg). A letter from uni-assist, a confirmation of admission as an applicant, or another form of communication with the Studienkolleg stating that you鈥檙e accepted or enrolled in the course.
- Proof of conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid) to a university & enrollment in a long-term intensive language course (Intensiv-Sprachkurs). This can be a letter from uni-assist, a confirmation of admission as an applicant to the course, communication with the university on the terms of final admission, or payment for the first three months of the course.
4. Evidence of Previous Qualifications
Next, you should provide official or notarized copies of your earlier education certificates. This includes your school leaving certificate (e.g. high school diploma) and, if applicable to you, a certificate of your bachelor鈥檚 degree, master鈥檚 degree, or Ph.D.
5. Health Insurance
Once you鈥檙e in Germany you need to have valid health insurance. Students from countries within the EU/EEA or other countries with a social security agreement with Germany may be able to use their health insurance from back home.
Otherwise, you need to get student health insurance from a German provider once you make it to Germany.
However, you may be asked to present proof of health insurance during your visa appointment. In most cases travel health insurance is sufficient as proof for your visa until you get student insurance in Germany.
This online tool by TK and DR-Walter will tell you the type of insurance you need and how much it will cost (after you start the application process). You will pay after you enter Germany.
6. Proof of German or English Proficiency
Another document you may need is proof of German or English proficiency (or of both languages), depending on the language of instruction of the study program.
For visa purposes, you usually need to prove you possess minimum B2 level (CEFR) knowledge in German and/or English. You can show this through recognized language exams such as TestDaF or TOEFL.
7. Visa Processing Fee (鈧75)
Lastly, you need to pay a nonrefundable visa processing fee when you鈥檙e ready to submit the visa application. The standard fee is 鈧75 for adults and 鈧37.50 for minors (under 18 years old).
You should bring this amount in cash, in the local currency鈥攆or example, you need 鈧7000 if you鈥檙e applying in India.
If you won a scholarship, please check with your local embassy or consulate, as in most cases you鈥檙e exempt from paying the visa processing fee.
How to Apply For A German Student Visa
Once you鈥檝e checked all requirements and prepared the necessary documents, you are ready to apply for a German student visa. These are the general steps you need to follow:
- Locate the closest German embassy or consulate. or search on Google to find the one nearest to you. Most embassies have an official website (ending in diplo.de) where you can find the latest information and their physical address.
- Review the requirements and procedures. Check the embassy鈥檚 website for the requirements and appointment steps that apply to your country. Review all the information carefully before moving on to setting an appointment.
- Set up a visa appointment. Next, schedule the appointment as instructed by the embassy or consulate. Most have an online appointment booking portal, but some may also accept appointments by email or phone call. We recommend scheduling your appointment as early as possible since some countries receive a high volume of applicants.
- Prepare and double-check documents. Double-check all visa documents to make sure they鈥檙e in order. If you follow instructions clearly, you won鈥檛 need to pay any consultants or agencies to help.
- Prepare for your visa interview. The interview is the last step of the visa process. You can prepare by reviewing these common student visa questions. You should also have 鈧75 with you (鈧35.50 for minors) to pay the processing fee (keep the receipt after paying). Now, all you have to do is wait for the official decision on your visa status.
When To Apply For a German Student Visa
The best time to apply for a student visa is right after you receive the acceptance letter and made sure you鈥檝e got the funds to study in Germany.
Most people who have applied for a German student visa suggest that the best time to apply is around three months before starting your studies.
Germany Student Visa Processing Time
Visa processing time depends a lot on the country and the German embassy or consulate where you apply. Approximately, it takes up to 25 days to get a decision on the application.
However, if they鈥檙e handling a lot of applications, it can sometimes take up to three months. This is why it鈥檚 best to apply as early as possible so you鈥檙e on the safe side.
How To Get a Student Residence Permit in Germany
Most international students who want to stay in Germany longer than 90 days need to apply for a student residence permit. This permit lets you live, study, and work part-time in Germany.
A German residence permit is not to be confused with a visa鈥 you need the visa to enter the country, whereas the permit is obtained after you arrive here.
Here are all the steps to obtaining a student residence permit in Germany:
Find Your Permanent Accommodation
Since it is a requirement for the permit, you need to establish long-term accommodation within two weeks of arriving in Germany if you haven鈥檛 already done so.
Register at the Local Resident鈥檚 Office
Once you鈥檙e settled in your new residence and have signed a rental agreement (or other relevant contract), you need to register your address at the Resident鈥檚 Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
The registration process is called 鈥楢nmeldung鈥 and the address registration certificate you receive after is called Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebest盲tigung.
You need to have these documents with you:
- Valid passport or national ID (with a valid visa if applicable).
- Rental contract.
- A confirmation letter from your landlord specifying your address.
Enroll in Your Chosen Academic Program
The next step is enrolling at the university or school where you鈥檒l be studying. You need to submit these documents to your school鈥檚 online portal or student affairs office (Studentensekretariat):
- Application for enrollment (online or printed)
- National passport/national ID card with a valid visa (if applicable)
- Letter of acceptance from the university
- Proof of statutory health insurance in Germany
- German University Entrance Qualification or equivalent recognized qualification
When you鈥檙e done, you will receive a certificate of enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). You鈥檒l need this for the permit as well.
Apply for a Residence Permit for Studies
Now for the residence permit application process, if you have a visa, you need to apply for the residence permit in due time before the visa expires.
To get your permit, you need to make an appointment at the local Foreigner鈥檚 Office (Ausl盲nderbeh枚rde) and start preparing the application documents. Appointments are usually set online through the Foreginer鈥檚 Office website.
What Are the 黄瓜视频直播 for a Student Residence Permit in Germany?
Here is a checklist of documents you need for a student residence permit in Germany:
- Completed application form. The residence permit application form is called Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels in German. As an example, here is the
- Passport/national ID card. Showing a valid entry visa (if you need a visa to enter Germany).
- Documents showing your permanent address in Germany.聽
- Confirmation of city registration. The registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) from the Resident鈥檚 Registration Office.
- Proof of residence certificate. In German, this is the Wohnungsgeberbest盲tigung or Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung. Your landlord should fill it out and sign it.
- Recent passport-type photographs.
- Proof of enrollment in studies. This can be a certificate of enrollment, confirmation of admission, or evidence of conditional admission to studies.
- Proof of financial subsistence. Send the same documents you provided when you applied for the visa. For details on how to show finances if you don鈥檛 need a visa, please take a look at this guide.
- Application fee. The application fee for a German residence permit depends on the city/town and whether you鈥檙e applying for the first time or extending it. The first issuance fee is around 鈧100 for adults and 鈧50 for minors. To extend your permit, it costs about 鈧93-鈧97 for adults and half that for minors.
German Student Visa FAQs
Let鈥檚 answer some frequently asked questions on the German student visa and residence permit:
What Activities Can I Get a German Student Visa For?
Some of the activities that qualify for a German student visa include:
- Non-academic language courses. A course that you take to learn the language (rather than to prepare for studies in Germany) lasting 3-12 months, with at least 18 hours of lessons per week.
- Pre-academic measures. A course longer than 3 months that prepares you for full-time academic studies.
- Pre-academic German language courses. If it鈥檚 a prerequisite set by the university before your final admission to studies.
- Preparatory foundation course (Studienkolleg). A course that prepares you for the university qualification exam (Feststellungspr眉fung).
- Propaedeutic course studies (Prop盲deutikum). Courses that cover technical language skills, academic advice, and specific knowledge of Germany鈥檚 education system and methodology. These are held to prepare you for studies, so you must attend them at the institution where you plan to study.
- Mandatory preliminary internship (Pflichtpraktikum). If you have to do an internship as a condition for being admitted to a study program, e.g. at a University of Applied Sciences.
Degree awarding studies at a university. You must have a confirmation that you were accepted to study at a recognized higher education provider. Studies can be any program leading to a degree, such as bachelor鈥檚 (BA, BSc, BSEng), master鈥檚 (MA, MSc, MEng), or PhD.
What Is a University Admission Confirmation Letter?
The university admission confirmation letter is a written document stating that you鈥檙e accepted as a student to a certain institution. This letter usually includes the following information:
- Details of the educational institution and program you were admitted to (name of school, name of program, credit points, etc.).
- An acceptance reply card that you sign and send back to confirm that you accept the study place.
- Enrollment deadlines, stating the latest date to register as a student.
- Exam dates specifying when the German language test or university preparatory entrance examination will be held (this only applies if you were conditionally admitted).
What Is a Conditional Admission Confirmation Letter?
A conditional admission confirmation letter is a document sent by the university confirming your acceptance to the university on a conditional offer. This means you must meet extra requirements before you can officially start your studies.
These conditions can involve participating in a Studienkolleg, supplementary courses, a pre-academic test, etc.
What Is the University Entrance Qualification (HZB)?
The University Entrance Qualification (HZB) is a qualification that qualifies you for university studies in Germany. This can be your school leaving certificate or a combination of other qualifications, depending on your home country.
This certificate confirms that your education is equivalent to the German Abitur, which is required to enroll at a university.
If your previous education doesn鈥檛 meet HZB requirements, you may need to complete a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) to qualify for studying at a German university.
What Does the Equivalent of a Bachelor鈥檚/Master鈥檚 Degree in Germany Mean?
If your degree is equivalent to a bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree in Germany, it means that it meets the criteria of the degree recognition process.
For example, if a bachelor鈥檚 degree from your country is equivalent to that from a German university, you qualify for direct general admission for a master鈥檚 degree in Germany,
The responsible authority for evaluating foreign qualifications is the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). You can check their database to see if your degree is recognized in Germany.
Which Language Certificates Are Accepted for 黄瓜视频直播?
Language requirements and ways you can prove your knowledge can vary depending on the university and language of instruction of the program.
However, most accept these language certificates that prove your proficiency in German or English.
As proof of German language proficiency:
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachpr眉fung f眉r den Hochschulzugang) 鈥 DSH 2
- TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) 鈥 TDN 4
- Certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut 鈥 C1 or C2
- The DSD German language diploma (Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz) 鈥 DSD II
As proof of English language proficiency:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 鈥 6.0, 6.5, 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT or PBT- iBT 94-72, PBT 626-543
- Evidence of English being the language of instruction in previous studies 鈥 B2-C2
- Cambridge English language certificates (FCE, CAE, CPE)
- TOEIC or UNIcert are also often accepted
What Does 鈥淭ranscripts of Grades From Earlier Studies鈥 Refer To?
Transcripts of grades are official documents that provide a detailed record of your academic performance during your previous studies
These transcripts typically include the names of the courses you took, their corresponding grades, credit hours, and when you finished each one.
What is an Accreditation Certificate?
An accreditation certificate confirms that your previous educational qualification was granted by a state-approved institution. You can usually get this certificate from the Ministry of Education or another competent authority in your country.
What Is the APS Certificate?
The APS certificate is a document issued by the Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Pr眉fstelle 鈥 APS) that verifies the authenticity of education backgrounds and degrees awarded in China, Vietnam, and India.
If you completed your studies in one of these countries, you need the APS certificate to apply to a German university and for a German student visa.
What Does 鈥淣otarized Documents鈥 Mean?
A notarized document is an official copy of a document that has been certified or authenticated by a notary public or similar authorized legal official.
Notarized copies are usually required to make sure that you submit valid documents when you apply to a German university.
Can I Bring My Family to Germany on a Student Visa?
While it is usually hard to do this, you can bring your family to Germany if you have a student visa and meet these conditions:
- You have a residence permit in Germany.
- You were married before getting the permit (if you want to bring your spouse).
- You plan to stay in Germany for more than a year.
- You can support yourself and accompanying family members without relying on public funds.
If you meet these conditions, you can bring your spouse + children under the age of 16. In some very rare cases, you can bring older children or other family members who are facing hardship back home.
Your accompanying family members need to apply for a family reunification visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country.