how to apply for a student visa for germany

Here are the steps to apply for a German Student Visa:

• Locate The Closest German Embassy or Consulate. You can use Google to search for an embassy or a consulate near you, in...
• Review The Requirements and Procedures. Once you find the German embassy website, you go to the student visa sections to...
• Set Up A Visa Appointment. When you’re ready, you should set up a visa...

Full Answer

What are the requirements for a student visa in Germany?

What documents do I need for my visa application?

• Passport.
• Two recent biometric photographs, format 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
• Proof of preliminary health insurance that covers the first 3 months in Germany. ...
• Proof of language skills: present a language certificate or proof that you plan to attend a language course in Germany before starting your studies (in English or German).

More items...

How to apply for a student visa in Germany?

The best visa option for international students who want to do research in Germany for a year or more is to apply for a national visa. Once accepted, the students should set up an appointment at the German embassy or consulate near their home residence. Germany's Federal Foreign Office has a list showing all of its international locations.

What is the student visa process for Germany?

Germany Student Visa Processing Time. On average, it takes up to 25 days for your German student visa application to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the country and the German embassy you apply to. All other German visa applications for studies are normally processed within 3 months. German Student Applicant Visa

Do I need a student visa to study in Germany?

You must apply for a visa at the local German embassy in your country, and obtain a German Student Visa to be able to enter, stay and study in Germany. You must apply for a visa only if you wish to work during or after you receive your degree in Germany.

How can I get Germany student visa?

Visa information for studentsChoose your university in Germany. ... Start with the enrollment process. ... Open your blocked account. ... As soon as you have received the admission letter from your German university, please prepare the necessary documentation for your visa application using the Checklist for Student Visa.More items...

How much money do I need for German student visa?

In order to receive a study visa for Germany you will be required to present proof of financial resources. This serves as a guarantee that you can afford the cost of studying in Germany. Since January 2021 you are expected to demonstrate funds of 861 EUR per month / 10,332 EUR per year.

How long does it take for German student visa to be approved?

On average, it takes up to 25 days for your German student visa application to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the country and the German embassy you apply to. All other German visa applications for studies are normally processed within 3 months.

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 much does it cost to study in Germany?

The average cost of programs offered by private universities is around 1,21,000 INR – 28,30,000 INR and the cost of accommodation is approximated at 1,00,000 INR.

How much bank balance is required for Germany tourist visa?

Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. If you do not have this amount in your bank, you could show a family member's/guardian's statement instead, with an accompanying letter stating that they are sponsoring your travel and stay.

How much student can earn in Germany?

450 EUR per monthTaxes. Students can hold a minijob and earn up to 450 EUR per month without having to pay taxes. If you regularly earn more than 450 EUR, you will need a tax number, and a certain amount will be taken from your wages every month. Students can get this money back at the end of the year by submitting a tax return .

How much is the student visa for Germany 2021?

As of 2021, the amount required by the German Embassy/Consulate to be deposited into the blocked bank account when applying for a student visa to Germany is €10,332.

What documents are needed to enroll in a German university?

To enrol at a German university as a foreigner, these are the documents needed: Valid national passport. It must show your valid student visa within.

Where to register living address in Germany?

In one week from having found your permanent housing, register your living address at the Resident’s Registration Office “ Einwohnermeldeamt ” or at Citizen’s Bureau ‘ Bürgeramt ’ . Once completing the application, you’ll receive the confirmation of registration ‘ Meldebestätigung’.

How long do you have to have a residence permit to study?

Within this period, you’ll be required to apply for a residence permit to study. The maximum period you’ll be receiving through such a residence permit is 2 years. You’ll also be allowed to extend the residence permit, depending on the length of your studies.

What level is the German language diploma?

German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD).

How long do you have to be a resident of Germany to get a job?

You’ll be eligible to apply for a residence permit of this type only if you’ve completed your studies in Germany. With such a residence permit, for up to 6 months after graduation, you’ll be able to search for a job or to get self-employed.

What insurance companies are available in Germany for international students?

There are great German health insurance companies targeting students and meeting their needs. German insurance companies such as DR-WALTER have been in the industry for many years and are preferred by international students. Not only are they affordable, but their tailored student packages such as the tariff EDUCARE24 are favourites amongst international students in Germany.

How to Apply For A German Student Visa?

The German student visa application process can be a confusing process for many international students. The procedures are different from country to country, but you can have a general overview of the main steps you need to go through below.

When is the best time to apply for a German student visa?

The best time to apply for a German student visa is immediately after receiving the university letter of admission and securing the necessary funds to live and study in Germany.

How long does it take to get a German visa?

All other German visa applications for studies are normally processed within 3 months.

What do you need to show if you have a visa?

Your national passport/national ID card. It has to show you have a valid entry visa if you’ve entered with a visa.

How to find a German embassy?

Locate The Closest German Embassy or Consulate. You can use Google to search for an embassy or a consulate near you, in your country (or another country close to you) to get more information about the requirements and setting up a visa appointment. All official German missions in other countries have an official website online, along with their physical address and contact information.

How long do you have to stay in Germany to study?

For studies that last more than 3 months, you need a German national visa. If you enter Germany with a national visa you have to extend your stay by getting a German residence permit for studies at the Foreigner’s Office. You should do this while your entry visa is still valid.

What is a university admission confirmation letter?

A university admission confirmation letter is a written confirmation that verifies that you’ve been accepted as a student. The confirmation letter usually contains the following information:

What type of visa do international students in Germany need?

Throughout your visa application process, the website of Germany’s diplomatic representation abroad in your country of residence will be an important point of contact for you. If you have visited their website before, you will find various types of visas, which might leave you wondering which type you have to apply to.

What are the two types of visas for studying in Germany?

There are two types of visa to study in Germany, a student visa and a student applicant visa. To get a visa, certain documents are necessary. For example proof of health insurance and proof of financial resources. The most popular form to provide a proof of financial resources is the blocked bank account.

How do I register and get a residence permit in Germany?

Stereotypes about German bureaucracy wouldn’t exist, if a visa was the only piece of paperwork you would need as a student in Germany. You may have noted above that a Student Visa or a Student Applicant Visa typically are valid for three months. If the amount of time you intend to stay in Germany as a student exceeds this time, you will have to get a residence permit once you are in Germany: While the visa is the permission to enter the country, the residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is the permission to live in Germany as a student for an extended amount of time.

Why should I apply for the Student Applicant Visa (rather than for the Student Visa)?

This being said – namely that both visas are equally as valid to enter Germany as an international student – we have a preference and want to advise you to go for the Student Applicant Visa. Many international students start the application process for their student visa once they receive the letter of admission. While this seems to make sense at first, it leads to some difficulties. Here’s why:

How long is a student visa valid in Germany?

The Student Visa is the right choice for you if you already got accepted by your university. This visa is usually valid for 3 months, which gives you enough time to enter Germany, get settled, register your address and get your residence permit, which gives you permission to stay for your entire studies.

Why do we prefer student visas?

In summary, we prefer the Student Applicant Visa because it is the safer and more relaxed alternative. There is no risk involved, since if you do not get the admit by the university of your choice, you can resolve your blocked bank account and thus won’t lose the money allocated to your time in Germany.

When to apply for a student visa?

Your timeline could then be a bit more relaxed: You apply to a university as soon as the application period starts and exchange e-mails with the university’s international office or the program coordinators. For the Winter semester, this would typically be in May. Parallelly, you can apply for a Student Applicant Visa, and are more realistically done with the process by the time your program starts in October.

What is a student visa in Germany?

Student applicant visas are for students who want to study in Germany on a longer-term basis but have not yet been admitted to a university. This visa allows them to come to Germany for three months to look for a program. Once they have enrolled, the visa can be converted to a national visa. If they do not enroll in a program within three months, ...

How long does it take to get a student visa in Germany?

The best advice is to start the application process early. Visa applications may take a few weeks or a few months to be finalized. Better not to leave things too long and risk missing the start date for a school program. Also, follow the visa authorities’ directions closely. The process is designed to meet individual needs so the requirements may change. Follow the instructions of your contact at the consulate and embassy and remember to be patient. The visa application is just the first step to your new life as a student in Germany!

How to study in Germany for a year?

The best visa option for international students who want to do research in Germany for a year or more is to apply for a national visa. Once accepted, the students should set up an appointment at the German embassy or consulate near their home residence. Germany's Federal Foreign Office has a list showing all of its international locations. The German authorities will likely want a few important pieces of information. They will ask for proof of enrollment from the university, health insurance documentation, plus you will need to demonstrate you have access to at least 8,800 euro per year. This financial support can come from educational grants or family members, but it is important to show the authorities that you will have enough funds to exist as a student in Germany for the first year.

What does a language course visa cover?

Language course visas cover students' stays for the length of the language course.

How many universities are there in Germany?

The possibilities for students interested in spending some time in Germany are seemingly endless. The country's home to around 400 education institutions with more than 19,000 different study programs. To make it easier for international students to enroll in some of those programs, the government and universities have created informational websites and web portals (https://www.study-in.de).

Do EU citizens need a visa to study in Germany?

EU citizens are not required to have a special visa to study or stay in Germany. They are only required to register at the local authority, or Einwohnermeldeamt. Citizens from some non-EU countries may enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a visa to stay and study.

Do EU citizens need a visa?

Some exceptions do apply. EU citizens are not required to have a special visa ...

How long does it take to get a copy of a German passport?

This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens after you pay for a visa?

After you pay for the visa you will be issued a receipt which you have to keep in order to collect your processed application.

How to apply for a German visa?

Germany Visa Application Process 1 Ask the embassy for a checklist of the required documents for your visa type you wish to apply for. 2 Fulfill the application form with correct information and obtain the required documents for your visa. 3 Appoint an interview at the German embassy in your country of residence. The earliest you can schedule the appointment is six months prior to your trip. 4 Pay the visa fee and save the receipt in order to show it later to the consular officer during the interview. 5 Show up on time at the embassy for your meeting with all the required documents with you arranged in the given order. The meeting will last around ten minutes, during which the consular officer will look at your documents and ask you a few questions regarding your background and purpose of your trip to Germany.

How long do you have to stay in Germany to get a visa?

On the other hand, even if you are a passport holder of any of these countries, but your purpose is other than tourism or business, and you need to remain in Germany for more than 90 days within a 6-month period, then you will still need to obtain a visa.

What is the minimum travel insurance for Schengen?

Health Insurance – a document that confirms you have obtained travel health insurance that covers illnesses and accidents, and even repatriation in case of death, as well as the whole Schengen Area with a minimum coverage of € 30.000.

What is a trade fair visa?

Trade Fair & Exhibitions Visa – for people who are planning to participate at a trade fair or exhibition.

What is a guest scientist visa?

Guest Scientist Visa – for scientists or researchers who have been invited by an institution to carry out a study or research.

What is a family reunion visa?

Family Reunion Visa to Join a Relative or a Partner – which is a visa for family members of German residents, who wish to join them in Germany.

Is Germany demanding for a visa?

Germany however is quite demanding on the issue, and it is recommendable to fulfill each request meticulously to the last detail. Usually, the German embassy in each country has an updated checklist of the Germany Visa requirements for each type of visa. The following documents are required for any Germany visa application: ...