If you’re a foreigner and have received an official letter confirming your admission to study at a German university or an equally recognized higher education institution, you can apply for a German student visa. This visa allows you to pursue either full-time university studies or preparatory measures such as a foundation course before starting your main studies. It’s important to have this letter of admission to be eligible for the German student visa.
German Study Visa Requirements for International Students
To study in Germany, you can choose from three types of study visas: German Student Visa, German Student Applicant Visa, and German Language Course Visa. Among these, the German Student Visa is the most sought-after.
Now, let’s go through the Germany study visa requirements step by step:
- Accurate and Complete Documentation:
You’ll need specific documents for a German student visa, and having the correct paperwork is crucial. The necessary documents (original and 2 copies) include:
- Passport
- Completed visa application form
- A copy of the passport’s information page
- Cover letter or admission letter from the German University
- Proof of German language proficiency
- Evidence of financial means
- Educational certificates from previous institutions
- Receipt as proof of student visa fee payment
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of previous Schengen visa (if applicable)
- Previous German residence permit (if applicable)
- Personal cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay
Note: The German embassy may request additional documents based on their specific requirements. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for a successful application.
2. Financial Resources Proof
The proof of financial funds in German is called ‘Finanzierungsnachweis,’ and it’s a crucial requirement for studying in Germany. Applicants need to provide evidence of their financial means, and the main things required include:
Bank Guarantee:
- A guarantee from a German bank showcasing the availability of funds.
Scholarship Certificate:
- If you have a scholarship, provide a certificate detailing the covered costs.
‘Verpflichtungserklärung’ (Obligation Letter):
- A letter from a German resident issued at the Alien’s Registration Office, committing to cover the course study costs.
Blocked Bank Account Deposit Confirmation:
- Confirmation of a German-blocked bank account with a deposit of €10,236 in total. This special account is for international students and proves the ability to cover living expenses for a year, including €853 per month.
Guardians’ Commitment Letter:
- A letter from the applicant’s guardians committing to fee payment. It should include evidence of their financial assets and income records.
These documents demonstrate your financial ability to support yourself during your study period in Germany.
3. University Letter of Admission
Another crucial German study visa requirement is the admission letter from the chosen university. After a few weeks of applying, you’ll receive this letter via email. It’s important to print this email and present it as proof of admission. When applying for a visa at the German embassy in your home country, the admission letter serves as a key document in the application process.
4. German Entrance Qualification for Higher Education
Students need to demonstrate their eligibility for higher education programs in Germany. Here are the requirements for this aspect:
Zulassungsbescheid (Admission Agreement):
- International students must present an admission agreement for the chosen study program.
- The agreement should be issued by a recognized higher education provider in Germany.
- It must include details about the language of instruction and the duration of the course.
Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid (Conditional Admission):
- Students should provide proof of conditional admission.
- This includes admission to the ‘Intensiv-Sprachkurs’ (intensive language course).
- The letter confirms the ability to participate in the language course before obtaining full admission.
- The course lasts for 6 months, with 18 lesson hours per week.
- Requirements include a confirmation letter from ‘uni-assist,’ communication with the university regarding final admission, admission confirmation proof, and proof of language course fee payment for the first 3 months.
Studienkolleg (Foundation-Level Course):
- Studienkolleg is a 1-year foundation-level course preparing students for the ‘Feststellungsprüfung’ (university-level assessment examination).
- Good language skills at CEFR B1 level are required to attend the course.
- Documents needed include copies of the leaving certification from the foreign school, average grades, proof of CEFR B1 level language skills, and a statement about the equivalence of the foreign certificate to a German school-leaving certificate.
- Study visa requirements for Studienkolleg involve proof of course participation, communication about final admission with the university, and a confirmation letter from ‘uni-assist.
5. Proof of Previous Educational Qualification
One of the crucial German study visa requirements for international students is providing proof of their educational background. The necessary documents include:
- Marks sheets
- Degree certificates (for Ph.D. and Master’s applicants)
- Original school-leaving certificate
6. Language Proficiency
- Language Skills: Proficiency in either German or English is required.
- German Language Skills: Provide certificates from German-learning courses or completion of a study program in German.
- Basic German Knowledge: Knowing some basic German is helpful for international programs in Germany.
The acceptable German language grades for each program are:
Educational program (in Germany) | Grade level (Language test) |
Bachelor’s Degree | DSH II Level CEFR C1 Level |
Master’s Degree | DSH I Level DSH II Level |
Doctoral Degree | No specific requirement. The individual education providers choose the language they allow for admission. |
7. Health Coverage
One of the crucial visa requirements is obtaining health insurance to cover medical needs, especially for emergencies. There are two main types of health insurance in Germany:
Private Insurance:
- Customizable based on individual needs.
- Provides more flexibility in coverage.
- Suitable for those who want tailored plans.
Public Insurance:
- Covers basic medical problems.
- More common and accessible for most people.
- Provides standard coverage for essential healthcare.
Rules for Health Coverage Plans:
Ph.D. Students:
- Preferably opt for private health coverage plans.
- Individuals over 30 years may not be eligible for statutory insurance.
- Public insurance may have restrictions for students in their 14th semester.
Preparatory Course Students:
- Cannot avail public health insurance in Germany.
- Only eligible for private health insurance plans.
Foreign Exchange Students:
- Can choose between public and private health coverage plans.
- Many opt for private insurance due to its simplicity.
Scholarship Doctorate Students:
- Unemployed individuals with extended courses may choose private insurance.
- The choice depends on their budget and how much their scholarship can cover.
Note: The specific rules may vary, and students should carefully consider their options based on their circumstances and needs. Private insurance is often chosen for its flexibility, while public insurance provides standard coverage for essential healthcare.
8. Visa Fees
A crucial step in the German study visa requirements is paying the necessary fees. The costs are as follows:
For National Visa Applicants (Above 18):
- Fee: €75
- Processing Time: Typically 25 days
- Additional documents may extend the processing time to a maximum of 12 weeks.
For National Visa Applicants (Under 18):
- Fee: €37.50
- Similar processing times apply.
For German Residence Permit Applicants:
- Fee: €110 (approximately)
- Processing Time: Generally 8-12 weeks
Important Notes:
- The processing period can vary, and additional documents might extend the duration.
- It’s advisable to apply for the visa well in advance to account for any potential delays in the processing timeline.
Understanding and adhering to these fee requirements are essential for a smooth visa application process.
9. Tuition fees
International students planning to study in Germany need to demonstrate that they can cover tuition fees. The fees vary across universities, and here are the average costs:
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree:
- Range: €500 – €20,000 (Yearly)
Postgraduate Master’s Degree:
- Range: €5,000 – €30,000 (Yearly)
Important Note:
- Public German universities often offer tuition-free education. However, students are still required to pay for administrative and enrollment charges annually. As a result, they must show sufficient funds to cover these additional expenses.
10. Scholarships
Some of the most popular German scholarships for international students:
- DAAD WISE Scholarship Program
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
- Heinrich Boll Scholarships
- Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships
- ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship
- Goethe Goes Global Scholarships
- EMS Undergraduate Scholarship
- WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management, International Scholarships
- Master Scholarships at the University of Stuttgart
- DLD Executive MBA Scholarship
Conclusion:
Prospective students aiming to study in Germany need to fulfill various requirements to obtain a visa. It’s crucial to complete most of these criteria before initiating the visa application process.
Ensure that you have the following checklist of German Study Visa requirements ready before applying:
- Documentation
- Proof of Financial Resources
- University Letter of Admission
- German Entrance Qualification for Higher Education
- Proof of Previous Educational Qualifications
- Language Proficiency
- Health Coverage
- Visa Fees
- Tuition Fees
- Scholarships
Important Notes:
- Avoid stapling your documents.
- German Missions may request additional documents or certificate verifications, with additional fees applicable.
- Incorrect documentation or failure to attend a visa interview may lead to rejection.
If you encounter any confusion, you can reach out to our team of experts who will guide you through the entire process. They can also assist with admission essays, cover letters, documentation, and settlement services in Germany.