Germany Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost
Germany is an excellent choice for international students, with world-class colleges, bustling cities, and stunning scenery. Education is also very affordable, with no tuition fees for domestic or international students. To study in Germany, you will need a Germany Study Visa.
If you are someone looking forward to studying in Germany, you are in the right place.
Here’s everything you need to know about Germany Study Visa.
Types of Germany Study Visa
A Germany Study Visa can be issued for various academic fields and degrees, including undergraduate, exchange, graduate, and postgraduate studies.
You can apply for one of three types of Germany Study Visa:
- German Student Visa: This is the regular student visa for international students who have been accepted into one of Germany’s official universities and are ready to begin their studies in a university program in Germany.
- German Student Applicant Visa: If you need to be in Germany to apply for university admission in person, you will require this visa. This visa does not allow you to study in Germany; it is only valid for the university application process.
- German Language Course Visa: This visa is required to study for a German language course in Germany.
What is the eligibility for a Germany Study Visa?
A German Study Visa can be granted to you if you’re expecting to attend any of the following study types:
- Full-time academic studies.
- German language courses for studies.
- Studienkolleg, a state preparatory college. You’ll have to take a course as a foreigner whose high school degree isn’t accepted in Germany. After finishing the course, you will take the “Feststellungsprüfung.” If you pass the test, you will be awarded a certificate known as a university entrance qualification. This will allow you to apply for university admission in Germany with that in hand.
- Propaedeutic course.
- Mandatory preliminary internship.
What are the requirements for a Germany Study Visa?
Here is a checklist of the required documents to apply for a Germany Study Visa:
- Two filled-out national visa application forms
- A valid national passport.
- Two biometric portrait photographs were taken recently.
- Proof of admission to a German academic institution. (Send any of the following.)
-University admission letter “Zulassungsbescheinigung.”
-Letter of admission in a foundation course. Issued by a Studienkolleg.
-Letter of admission in the propaedeutic course.
-Letter of admission in a preparatory German language course.
- Proof of German language proficiency. (For German-only and mixed-language study programs).
- Proof of English language proficiency. (For English and mixed-language study programs).
- Authenticated certificates of earlier education.
- Curriculum vitae. It must be accompanied by proof of previous and current internship and work experience.
- Means of subsistence “Finanzierungsnachweis”. Your evidence must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your living, housing, and educational expenses.
- Student health insurance. It must cover at least 30,000 EUR and be valid for at least three months.
- Motivational letter. You must explain why you chose the specific university and study program. Mention your studies and plans and how they will benefit your career and life.
- Marriage certificate. (Send this if you’re married) along with a birth certificate of any child (If related).
- Proof of having paid the Germany Study Visa application fee.
-German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH).
-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).
-Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Either paper-based test (PBT) – 550 Points, computer-based test (CbT) – 213 Points or internet-based test (IbT) – 79-80 Points.
-The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Accepted scores by German universities are 5 – 6.5.
-German university entrance qualification “Abitur.” If you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad. (If not, send the following documents).
-Foreign academic qualification recognized as the German Abitur.
-Academic records or transcript.
What is the process for applying for a Germany Study Visa?
For many international students, applying for a Germany Study Visa can be daunting, but you can get a general idea of the main steps you must go through below.
STEP 1: Locate The Closest German Embassy or Consulate
You can search for your nearest German Embassy or consulate online to find out more about the requirements for a German visa and schedule an appointment. All German embassies and consulates have an official website with their contact information and address.
STEP 2: Review The Requirements and Procedures
Go to the student visa sections of the German Embassy’s website to check the unique criteria and procedures for your country. Thoroughly consider all of the information before scheduling a visa appointment, particularly the documents you need.
STEP 3: Set Up A Visa Appointment
To schedule a visa appointment, follow the instructions on the German consulate’s official website for your country. Remember that timing is crucial, as all student visa interview slots could be filled quickly. In some cases, it’s best to apply a few weeks in advance, as embassies with high volumes of visa applications may take longer to respond.
STEP 4: Have All Of The Visa Application Documents Ready
After you’ve scheduled your visa appointment, carefully review all of your documents to make sure they are complete and accurate. This can be tricky, so seek help from a Germany Study Visa consultant if needed.
STEP 5: Prepare For Your Visa Interview.
The visa application cost must be paid in advance, and you must submit proof of payment for your visa interview. If your visa is rejected, this cost is not refundable. You can check the current exchange rate for your country’s currency and pay the exact amount.
What is the cost of a Germany Study Visa?
Students must pay their visa fees by bank transfer. Money orders no more than two months old in the name of the student’s home country’s Embassy/Consulate are accepted. Credit cards and cheques are not accepted.
| Type Of Visa | Duration | Cost |
| National Visa | 90 Days and More | 75 EUR |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | 80 EUR |
NOTE: You will not get reimbursed for the visa fee if your application for a Germany Study Visa gets rejected.
What is the processing time for a Germany Study Visa?
A German Study Visa takes 25 days to process. The processing period varies according to the country and the Embassy. The longest processing time is three months.
Top 10 Universities in Germany for International Students
Here are the top 10 universities in Germany that attract the highest numbers of international students.
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- The Free University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Berlin
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
- University of Freiburg
What are the benefits of a Germany Study Visa?
- No tuition fees at public universities in Germany.
- Excellent higher education staff members and infrastructure.
- Internationally recognized degrees.
- Study programs taught in English.
- Great job opportunities.
- Discover all aspects of life in Germany.
- Staying in Germany after your studies.
