are you planning to study in Germany?
here is everything you need to know about securing a Germany student visa!
summary
1. You must be clear of the type of Visa you are applying for. There are three types of Visas: Student Visa, Student Applicant Visa, and Language Course Visa.
2. You must schedule an interview and appointment to submit your documents. Any late submission will not be entertained.
3. Health Insurance is mandatory except for students in countries that issue a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
4. You may be required to provide proof of German/English language proficiency, depending on the program you’ve enrolled in.
Type of Visas
1. Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken)
This is for students who are already accepted into a German university. (Refer to ‘What You Need’ for requirements)
2. Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung)
This Visa is for students who have not received their confirmation letter from a German university, and for students who are still looking for the right program to study in Germany.
(Contact [email protected] for more information.)
3. Language Course Visa (Visa for Language Learning)
This Visa lasts from 3 to 12 months for students taking short German language courses.
(Contact [email protected] for more information.)
Exemptions
Although mandatory, students from countries that issue a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) do not need the German statutory health insurance.
The countries involved are the EU, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Morocco, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey.
What You Need
01.
Two completed national Visa application forms.
02.
A valid National passport.
03.
Two Biometric Portrait Photographs (Please contact [email protected] for requirements).
04.
Proof of enrollment at a German education institution. You're required to send any of the following:
- University admission letter
- Foundation program admission letter, issued by a Studienkolleg (German prep college for international students)
- Propaedeutic program admission letter
- Preparatory German language course admission letter
05.
Proof of German language proficiency, for German-only and mixed-language study programs. (Refer ‘Language Requirements).
06.
Proof of English language proficiency, for English and mixed-language study programs only. (Refer ‘Language Requirements).
07.
Academic transcript.
08.
Financial proof to show that you are able to cover your living, accommodation, and study costs. (Contact [email protected] for more information).
09.
A student health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage that is valid for at least 3 months.
10.
A personal essay that expresses your reason for choosing your program and university, as well as your study plans.
11.
Proof that you have paid the application fee.
When To Apply
- It is best to apply three months before the start of your studies. We highly advise that you plan and apply early to avoid delays in your study plans. You can go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply.
Visa Application Procedure
- 1. Prepare for your application - You're advised to check the Visa type, fees, and required documents before your application. Please complete, print, and sign the application form. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.
- 2. Schedule an interview - You must book an appointment for the interview. You are required to present your Visa application documents and answer the interview questions prepared by the Consular Officer.
- 3. Schedule an appointment with the Application Centre - You must book an appointment for the interview. You are required to present your Visa application documents and answer the interview questions prepared by the Consular Officer.Be punctual for your appointment. Once you arrive at the Application Centre, your appointment letter will be verified and you will receive a token. Your application may not be processed by the embassy if you do not submit your application on time.
- 4. Submit the Visa application - To ensure a smooth submission and verification process, please ensure that all documents are arranged in order, and all forms are completed and signed. The submission process takes about 10 minutes to complete.
- 5. Processing your application information - All your information from the application form will be keyed into the online system of the German consulate. You will receive a printed copy of your application, which you are required sign once you have verified that all the details are correct. Please keep the payment receipt - it is needed for you to collect your processed application.
- 6. Biometric data collection - After the steps above are completed, your fingerprints will be digitally scanned for biometrics purposes. This takes 7 to 8 minutes.
Fees
- German Student Visa application: €75
- Health Insurance (Public): €103.94 – €111.75
Health Insurance
- International students are required to have a health insurance, except for students from the countries stated in ‘Exemptions’. Degree students are eligible for the public health insurance, but students in preparatory or language courses, and students above the age of 30 must get a private health insurance plan. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Processing Time
- Long-Stay Study Visa: 6 – 12 weeks from application day
- Short-Stay Study Visa: 15 – 30 days
Extended Stay
- You can apply for an extension of your student residence permit* if you have not completed your studies within the Visa period.
- *Applicable for Student Visa holders only
Language Requirements
- Proof of German/English language proficiency is required for the following programs:
German-only and Mixed-language Study Programs
- German Language University Entrance Examination
- Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF)
- Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS)
- German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD)
English and Mixed-language Study Programs
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Paper-based test (PbT) 550 points
- Computer-based test (CbT) 213 points
- Internet-based test (IbT) 79 – 80 points
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Accepted scores are 5 – 6.5
Biometrics
- After the completion of your application, your biometrics will be collected. The process usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes, and your fingerprints will be digitally scanned.
Your Arrival
- Look for a permanent accommodation in Germany. It can be a student residence, or a shared/rented apartment.
- Obtain the mandatory German health insurance.
- Enroll in your program at your university within the date stated in your admission letter.
- Open a bank account from a recognized German bank.
- Register your living address in Germany at the Resident’s Registration Office or at the Citizen’s Bureau.
- Apply for a residence permit for your studies.
