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Bryan Smith - July, 04 2022
7 min read
About the author
Content Manager at Prodigy Finance, helping international students gear up to study abroad
bold text## What types of Visas are available?
There are generally two types of Visas available for students wishing to study in Germany.
- Schengen visa - for studies of a duration of three months or less.
- German national visa - for studies of a duration of three months or more.
There are three German student visas which are available::
German Student visa
The standard German student visa is intended for international students who have been admitted to an official German university and are ready to begin their studies.
German student applicant visa
The German student applicant visa is available for applicants who need to travel to Germany to apply for admission to a local university in person. This doesn’t allow a student to begin their studies and is only intended to facilitate an application.
German language course visa
The German language course visa is designed for students wishing to take a German language course.
Requirements for a German student visa
To apply for a German student visa, you will need:
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A valid national passport
- Two photocopies of your passport
- Up to 3 recent passport photographs
- Your birth certificate
- A marriage certificate, if applicable
- Your child’s birth certificate, if applicable
- Photographs of previous German residence titles
- A motivational letter expressing the reason why you have chosen your specific university and how completing your studies would improve your career and general life
What supporting documents will I need?
You will need a university admission letter confirming that you have been accepted as a student. This will include:
- Details of your education provider
- An acceptance reply card
- An enrollment detail
- Exam dates
- Details about orientation
You will need an English language proficiency test certificate, which can be an:
- Official TOEFL test score, requiring IbT-88 or Pbt-66
- Official IELTS test, requiring 6.5+
- Cambridge Advanced English Certificate A, B, or C, including a Cambridge Proficiency English Certificate A, B, or C
Or, alternatively, you’ll need a recognized German language certificate, among which are;
- TestDaF level IV
- DSH Certificate II or III
- DSD Certificate of Level II
- Goethe Certificate C2
- Tel Deutsch C1
- B2 Hochschule Certificate
You will need to demonstrate proof of your financial resources, which can include:
- A €10,332 deposit confirmation at German blocked bank account
- A letter of commitment and evidence of your parent’s income and financial assets (such as fixed or rented property)
- A letter of commitment from a German resident, taken at an Alien’s Registration Office, who will cover your costs during your studies,
- A scholarship awarding certificate demonstrating the costs that are covered
- A bank guaranteed issued by a German bank
You will also need to demonstrate proof of university admission, which includes:
- Confirmation of your university admission issued by a higher education provider or university showing your start date and language of instruction
- Evidence of your previous education (a school certificate, and prior degree certificates)
Lastly, you will need to have:
- Student health insurance
- A University entrance qualification
- A certificate of German or English language proficiency
What fees will I need to pay?
Settling the German student visa application fee
You will need to pay a €60.00 – €75.00 visa application fee prior to your interview, which is non-refundable if your application is rejected. You will need to bring your payment confirmation with you to your visa interview.
How can I show means of subsistence - Finanzieruungsnachweis?
Showing a blocked bank account balance
Before your visa interview, you can demonstrate a means of subsistence is to deposit €10,332 in a blocked German bank account. You will not be able to withdraw this amount of money until you physically arrive in Germany.
TIP: Among the most popular banks student visa applicants use are Deutsche Bank and Fintiba.
Letter of declaration by a parent
Your parents can alternatively sign a letter of declaration that will confirm their commitment to support you financially during your studies. This letter must be accompanied by their bank statements for the past 6 months.
Letter of commitment by a resident
Alternatively, a person living in Germany can provide a letter of declaration showing that they will cover your accommodation and living expenses while you are within the country.
A scholarship awarding certificate
If you plan to use scholarship funds to support yourself, your award certificate must show you as a receiver and demonstrate the total amount of financial coverage granted to you.
Student health insurance:
German law requires that all students, including foreign students, are required to have student health insurance - and applicants for a German student visa will be required to demonstrate proof of insurance.
Your health insurance agreement must show coverage amounting to at least €30,000.
Students with private health insurance in their home country may be able to use their existing cover and can check with their university’s international office.
Students without pre-existing cover can either enroll for compulsory public health insurance, or can apply for cover from a private health insurance provider.
How do I apply for a German student visa?
Set up a Visa appointment
Your first step will be to find the nearest German embassy or consulate in your area, where you can set up your visa appointment. You’ll need to bring all the required documents and supporting material to your application.
In most cases, you’ll need to set up a visa application ahead of time in order to ensure that your application can be processed timeously.
Prepare for your visa interview
Once you’ve paid your visa application fee and have your confirmation of payment, you’ll then be able to attend your scheduled interview.
Some common German student visa interview questions can include:
- Why do you want to study in Germany?
- Why did you choose your specific program or course? Is it relevant to previous studies?
- Why did you choose this university?
- Can you speak German?
- What are your future plans once you’ve completed your studies?
- How do you plan to fund your education?
- Name a tourist attraction in Germany and explain why it’s famous
If your documents are in order, you will typically receive an answer on your application shortly after your interview. However, in some cases, an answer may generally take up to 4 weeks.
When your visa is issued, you will then be able to collect it and travel to Germany to attend the start of your enrolled course.
Arriving in Germany
Once you have completed your application and have successfully received your student visa, you may then enter the country to begin your studies. Upon arriving, you will need to do the following:
- Find permanent accommodation in Germany (and acquire a proof of residence)
- Ensure you are covered by German health insurance
- Ensure you are fully enrolled at your chosen university
- Open a current bank account from a recognised German bank
- To do this, you will need your national passport, confirmation of registration, your letter of admission, and your student visa
- Register your living address in Germany at the Resident’s Registration Office or at the Citizen’s Bureau
Getting a Student Residence Card
Once you have successfully completed these tasks, you will then need to apply for a Residence Permit to continue your studies after three months. You will need to do this while your student visa is still valid. It will take approximately four to six weeks to complete your application and receive your Student Residence Card, which will be valid for up to 2 years.
Useful information
Processing time
It can usually take up to 25 days for a German student visa application to be processed, depending on the embassy where the application is made. Generally, applications for studies are processed within 3 months.
Rejection rate
As of January 2022, the German student visa has a 92% acceptance rate.
The main reasons for embassies or consulates rejecting student visas include applicants showing a poor financial status or inability to provide for themselves during their studies, low academic performance, or a lack of interview preparation or falsified documents.
Do I need a medical test?
You won’t need to have a medical test in order to apply and receive a German student visa. However, you must ensure that you are covered by German health insurance.
Can I work on a German student visa?
As a German student visa holder, you’ll be entitled to work up to 120 working days per year. However, your work must not interfere with your studies. You will not be able to work full time.
After you get your German Student Visa
Congratulations! You’re one step closer to your dream degree!
While you’re thinking about your finances, now’s a good time to double-check your budget.
If you still need an international student loan, check out what Prodigy Finance can offer - or begin budgeting for your second year on campus to make sure everything is in order before leaving to begin your study abroad journey.
Once you get on campus, make sure you get to the international office, as they’ll help you stay on top of visa changes and regulations.
Want to know how to fund your masters abroad?
Prodigy Finance provides loans to international students pursuing their masters at top schools across the globe.
Apply Now
FAQs
Applying for a German Student Visa: Your Step-by-step Guide? ›
German student visa processing time may take approximately 4-12 weeks! The processing time depends on the local German Embassies and Consulates. In fact, except for some outliers on the lower end (China: 5 weeks, Iran: 4-6 weeks), the typical case is rather 2-3 months (e.g. India, Nigeria, Colombia).
How to apply for German visa step by step? ›- Step 1: Checking the requirements. ...
- Step 2: Making an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. ...
- Step 3: Applying for a visa in your country of residence. ...
- Step 4: Coming to Germany. ...
- Step 5: Applying for your residence title.
- Two duly completed national visa application forms.
- Valid national passport. ( ...
- Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs. ...
- Proof of admission at a German education institution. ...
- Proof of German language proficiency.
German student visa processing time may take approximately 4-12 weeks! The processing time depends on the local German Embassies and Consulates. In fact, except for some outliers on the lower end (China: 5 weeks, Iran: 4-6 weeks), the typical case is rather 2-3 months (e.g. India, Nigeria, Colombia).
What is the first step for applying student visa? ›The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20.
How to get a German visa from USA? ›- Application form completed and signed. Application must be filled in with a blue pen. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Two photographs. ...
- Proof of residency. ...
- Proof of travel arrangements. ...
- Travel medical insurance document. ...
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Cover letter.
The application process is pretty simple if you have all the required documents. However, you should make sure to go prepared. Here's how to apply for the Germany Student Visa: Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
How much bank balance is required for Germany student visa? ›How Much Bank Balance Is Required for Germany Student Visa? A deposit confirmation of €11,208 must be made at a blocked German bank account to apply for a German student visa.
Is Germany student visa easy to get? ›Actually, it is quite easy to get a German student visa. As per our research conducted in 2022, the German student visa success rate is around 95%. In other words, approximately 95 out of 100 students succeed in their German student visa application.
Is there an interview for Germany student visa? ›In addition to simply getting into their university of choice, students must gather all the necessary paperwork for the German student visa application. Then, they must complete the study visa interview.
How long does it take to get German student visa in USA? ›
Student visa applications take about 25 days to be processed. Scientists holding a scholarship by a German scientific organization may be granted a visa within a few days by the Embassy or Consulate General. For all other applications processing may take about 1 - 3 months.
Do Americans need visa to study in Germany? ›A student visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. All U.S. passport holders planning to be in Germany for more than 90 days (for example, students planning to study for a semester or year) will be required to obtain a residence permit instead of a visa.
What documents are required for German student visa? ›- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Records of previous study and language skills.
- If applicable: letter of acceptance from your higher education institution.
- If applying for a prospective student visa: a recognised higher education entrance qualification.
- Check if you need a visa.
- Choose the type of US visa you will apply for.
- Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.
- Pay your application fee.
- Schedule visa interview.
- Civil Documents.
- Scan Documents.
- Submit Documents.
- Interview Preparation.
- Applicant Interview.
- After the Interview.
The United States government offers three student visa types including F, J, and M. Before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP).
What is the fastest way to get a German visa? ›- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. ...
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
The visa fee for a German Schengen visa is around €60. Also, there is a processing fee involved in your application. That can vary from USD $170.49 to USD $175.49 depending on how fast you need the application reviewed by experts. You can start the application process online and then go for your interview later.
How do you qualify for a German visa? ›- Visa application form. ...
- Two recent photos. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Letter of tour organizer. ...
- Proof of financial means.
However, in some cases, the student visa application for Germany may get rejected due to simple mistakes that can be easily avoided with proper information and guidance. In this article, we will go over the most common mistakes students make when applying for a visa for Germany.
Why would a German visa be rejected? ›
If you apply for a Germany Schengen visa, you are expected to submit proof that you have the necessary funds to cover your stay as well as your return. If you could not prove you have enough financial resources, the German visa officers will reject your visa application.
How much does a German student visa cost? ›How many funds are required for a German student visa? German student visa costs 75€ for Indians (37.5€ for minors), just like for everyone else. Indian students have to pay the money in the local currency, in Indian Rupees (INR).
How much money should a student carry to Germany? ›Students are required to show that they have enough funds to survive in Germany for a year. It is mandatory to show about $10,000 for a year. You will be allowed to withdraw €895 per month for a year. Student Visa: After you complete all the necessary formalities, you will have to spend for your student visa.
How many months bank statement is required for a German visa? ›Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey, recent bank account statements during the last three months (Bank statements must show the name and address of the owner). We cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
Does German Embassy verify bank statements? ›Yes, most embassies verify the bank statements visa applicants submit alongside their visa applications.
Is Germany friendly for international students? ›Germany is one of the major academic hubs for international students from all over the world. It is home to many top-ranked universities, and their globally valued degrees promise high employability and an excellent student experience.
How to book German student visa appointment? ›For submission of your Schengen visa application at your nearest Visa Application Centre, please schedule an appointment at VFS Global by telephone (022-67866013) or online.
How long is a German student visa valid? ›The visa or residence permit for the purpose of applying for a course of study enables you to stay in Germany for up to 9 months.
What is financial proof for Germany student visa? ›The document you need is called a “Finanzierungsnachweis”, or proof of financial resources. In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 11.208 euros at their disposal for one year.
What is the dress code for German student visa? ›Make sure you wear outfits that are comfortable but not exaggerated. You can wear a dress or a shirt and pants that give you a formal and confidential look.
When should I apply for German student visa? ›
You must apply for a visa only if you wish to work during or after you receive your degree in Germany. Otherwise, if you only plan to complete your studies and go back to your home country, you do not need a visa.
Is German language mandatory for Germany student visa? ›German language requirements for a student visa
Based on the course you select as a student, you will have to prove your German language skills to secure your student visa.
Private grants: Philanthropists or those wishing to give back to society will also often help fund student's education. These can be multinational companies or foundations. DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service is an example of such scholarship. This is awarded to graduates and undergraduates in Germany.
Do German universities accept American students? ›The US students who want to study in Germany must apply for a temporary residence permit. First, you must register your address of residence in Germany and collect the required funds to cover the cost of living and studying if you haven't yet. Once you do that you're ready to apply.
Is college in Germany free for US citizens? ›In 2014, Germany officially eliminated tuition for most bachelor's and many master's degree students, regardless of country of origin. Students must still consider administrative fees, the cost of living, and the expenses required to fund the visa process, but going to college in Germany is nominally free to all.
Are American degrees accepted in Germany? ›If you have already obtained a school or vocational qualification (in your homeland or elsewhere outside Germany), you can have it recognised in Germany. In the recognition process, your degree is compared with a similar German degree.
How much bank balance is required for US student visa? ›How much bank balance is required for a US student visa? There is no hard and fast rule to have a minimum bank balance while applying for an F-1 visa in the USA. but it is usually recommended to have at least USD 10,000 in your bank account which must also be reflected in the previous 6-9 months of statements.
What documents do I need to apply for German visa? ›- Germany Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Two identical Germany Visa Photos.
- Proof of Accommodation in Germany.
- Transportation / Round trip reservation or itinerary.
- Adequate Health Insurance Coverage.
- Proof of Financial Means.
The visa fee for a German Schengen visa is around €60. Also, there is a processing fee involved in your application. That can vary from USD $170.49 to USD $175.49 depending on how fast you need the application reviewed by experts.
How many months does it take to get a visa to Germany? ›Processing time for German visas
For short stay visas, the average processing time is between two and 10 working days. If you apply for a long stay visa you should expect a longer waiting time of up to several months, so make sure to submit your visa application with plenty of time.
How much bank balance is needed for German visa? ›
The document you need is called a “Finanzierungsnachweis”, or proof of financial resources. In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 11.208 euros at their disposal for one year.
Is Germany visa free for US citizens? ›US citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if you plan to live in Germany (or stay longer than 90 days), you can apply for a residence permit at the German Immigration Authorities after you enter.
Is USA visa free to Germany? ›Germany is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
How long can a US citizen stay in Germany without a visa? ›A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
How long does it take to get visa for Germany from USA? ›Please note processing time of minimum 2 weeks.
In some cases processing time may take up to 4 weeks plus additional business days for mailing your documents. Therefore make sure to schedule an appointment as early as possible before your intended trip to Germany.
The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.