ip target image
You are currently browsing our site with content tailored to students in your country
The basics
Germany: Visa Guides - Must read

Germany student visa: everything you need to know

With world-class universities and advanced research facilities, Germany's popularity among international students is well-deserved. Let's break down the German student visa application process so that you can pursue your study dreams stress-free.

share image

Germany stands out as an excellent destination for prospective university students due to its top-ranking institutions, well-developed research facilities, affordable tuition and promising career prospects. It is no surprise that many international students choose to advance their education in Germany every year.

 

Most international students from outside Europe will need a student visa to study in Germany. You must apply for your visa well in advance of your course start date as it can take several months for the visa to be processed.

 

Some of you may be exempt from the visa application process depending on your country of origin. However, you will still need to apply for a residence permit if you intend to study in Germany for more than 90 days.

 

We understand that applying for a student visa can be overwhelming. Therefore, we've put together this handy guide to help you simplify the process and keep your journey to study in Germany stress-free.

 

Do you need a student visa to study in Germany?

If you are from an EU country, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland or Norway, you are not required to apply for a student visa to study in Germany. You can enter Germany using a valid ID card or equivalent. 

 

After your arrival, you will be required to schedule an appointment with the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in the city or town you are studying in right after you've secured a place to live. The residents' registration office will provide you with a document confirming your right to remain in Germany.

 

Students from the following countries are also exempt from applying for a student visa:

  • Australia
  • Andorra
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • El Salvador
  • Honduras
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • San Marino
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • South Korea

If you are from the above countries and will be studying in Germany for more than three months, you will be required to obtain a resident permit from the local foreigners' authority (Ausländeramt/Ausländerbehörde).

 

If you are a student from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco or San Marino, you can travel to Germany without a visa as long as you are not planning to work in the country after graduation.

 

Prospective students whose countries of residence are not mentioned above need to apply for a student visa in order to study in Germany. There are two types of student visas, the Schengen visa (C visa) and the national visa (D visa).

 

If you want to enrol on a short course that lasts no more than three months, you will need the Schengen visa, issued for a maximum stay of 90 days once every six months. If your course lasts more than three months, you will require a national visa.

 

Your first port of call is the German diplomatic missions abroad (embassies or consulates general) in your home country. They will help clarify which type of visa you need and any other documentation.


Types of Germany student visas

Depending on their length of study, international students from countries absent on the visa-free list have to apply for either a Schengen visa or a national visa to pursue education in Germany.

 

Schengen visa

The Schengen visa allows students to stay in Germany for up to three months. It suits students interested in short courses but not those looking to study at a degree level.

 

If a student wants to extend their stay on a Schengen visa, they will generally have to leave the country and reapply for another one from their home country.

 

National visa

If you want to study for a degree abroad (both undergraduate and postgraduate), you need to apply for a long-stay national visa (D visa). It is a visa for students looking to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.

 

The first step to applying for a national visa is to set up an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You will then be told exactly what documentation you need. We've listed out the main items you will have to submit as a part of your visa application process below.

 

There are three types of national visas for study purposes:

 

Student applicant visa

This visa allows you to enter Germany before receiving a formal admission offer letter from your chosen university. With this visa, you can attend interviews in relation to your course application, or take university entrance exams in person.

 

The student applicant visa is valid for three months and can potentially be extended to six months. You cannot study in Germany with a student applicant visa.

 

Student visa

The student visa is applicable to international students who have received an official offer from a German university.

 

Language course visa

If you are looking to study a German language course that lasts from three to twelve months in Germany, this is the visa you need. 

 

Documents required for your Germany student visa application

  • Your valid passport
  • Your birth certificate
  • Your marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Your children's birth certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
  • Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable)
  • Confirmation of health insurance coverage
  • Two recent passport-style photos of you
  • Confirmation of application from your university (if you are applying for a student applicant visa)
  • Proof of university admission (if you are applying for a standard student visa)
  • Proof of English or German language proficiency

 

Germany student visa fees

The German student visa costs EUR 75 to apply. The application fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is unsuccessful.

 

You will also need proof of funds. As of 2023, students are required to transfer at least EUR 11,208 into a blocked bank account. You should open a blocked account in your home country before travelling to Germany.

 

The money can only be accessed once you arrive in Germany. You can withdraw up to EUR 934 per month.

 

Now that you have a clear idea about the German student visa application process, perhaps it's time for you to delve into Germany's higher education system.

 

If you are looking for ideas on what to study in Germany, why not check out our article on the best study fields in Germany?