International students from all over the world choose Germany as a place to further their education. The country has some of the best universities in the world, and the visa application process is not as complicated as many students think it is.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the German visa application process. We will answer some of the most common questions that international students have, such as which documents are required, how long it takes to process a visa, and how much it costs. Let's get started!
International students can apply for three types of visas: a student visa, a student applicant visa, and a language course visa.
- Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to pursue higher education at a German university. If accepted into a degree program, you will need to apply for this type of visa.
- Language Course Visa: This visa is for students who want to take a language course in Germany. This is a good option for students who are unsure if they want to commit to a full degree program. Both types of visas allow you to work part-time while you are studying.
-Student Applicant Visa: This visa is for students who have not yet been accepted into a German university but need to come to the country to participate in the application process. You will need to apply for a student visa if accepted into a degree program.
Who needs a Visa to Study in Germany?
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need visas to study in Germany. Students from EEA/EU citizens, Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, United States, and South Korea, are eligible for visa-free travel for study purposes.
The visa requirements for a German student visa are as follows:
- A valid passport
-Two copies of filled and signed application forms
-Two copies of passport-size photos
-Birth Certificate
-Marriage or Child's certificate (If applicable)
- Proof of financial means (Blocked account) to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- Evidence of health insurance
Tip: Students can open their Blocked Account and obtain Health Insurance through Expatrio, which is accepted by German embassies and consulates worldwide.
- Acceptance letter from a German university
-Proof of paid visa application fee.
-Proof of German language skills (if your program is taught in German)
-Proof of English language skills (if your program is taught in German)
Tip: Students who have followed an education in English for 16 years or more can provide a medium of instruction. This can be a diploma, degree, or certificate from a school or college where the primary language of instruction is English.
-Scholarship letter, if any.
You can find the region-wise application process here:
The German Student Visa application process consists of the following steps:
- Make an appointment with the German embassy or consulate and check for additional requirements in your home country.
- Attend your appointment and submit your documents.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for a decision on your visa application.
- If your visa is approved, pick up your passport with the visa from the German embassy or consulate.
The Visa fee is €75 and must be paid when submitting your documents.
Now that you know everything about the German Visa application process, you can begin your journey to studying in Germany!
Expatrio is a one-stop solution for all your international needs. We assist from the beginning of your study journey with Visa and Blocked Account services to ensure a hassle-free Visa application process.
If your visa is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. It is important to remember that a visa rejection does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to study in Germany.
A visa may be rejected for many reasons, such as incomplete documentation or false information. If you are still interested in studying in Germany, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate to find out the next steps. They will be able to provide you with more information on how to proceed.
Note: In the case of a visa rejection after creating an Expatrio Blocked Account, we will return the entire amount that was transferred within four weeks without charging any fees. Send a request to close your blocked account through the Contact Form using "Blocked Account Closing" as the requested category.
Blocked Account
A Blocked Account is the easiest way to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs during your time in Germany. At Expatrio, we offer a federal-approved Blocked Account which can be set up online from your home country before applying for your visa. Remember that the proof of funds for living costs is essential for a German student visa.
Incoming Insurance
At Expatrio, we offer Incoming Insurance as part of our Value Package and Health Insurance Plus. We partner with a highly recommended provider that has over 60 years’ experience in covering global mobility. This insurance covers you for the first days or weeks of living in Germany, meaning the time between your arrival and the start of your course. The Incoming Insurance is not only mandatory for your visa application, but also necessary, because your public healthcare cover will only start from your first day of enrollment or work.
Health Insurance
Private or Public Health Insurance cover is absolutely essential for every type of visa and for any resident in Germany. At Expatrio, we can help students aged under 30 to register for Public Health Insurance at the discounted student rate. We partner with TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), the biggest and one of the most popular public health funds in Germany. We also offer Private Health Insurance options if applicable to the individual situation.
Current Account
You will also need to set up a German Current Account; you do not need this in order to get your visa but it is much easier to have this completed prior to your arrival in Germany. Once set-up, you can arrange for monthly living costs to be transferred from your Blocked Account to your Current Account each month. At Expatrio setting up your current account comes optionally with the Blocked Account, but can also be opened stand-alone.
ISIC Card
We can arrange your ISIC card: an international student identity card that gives you access to 150,000 discounts in over 130 countries. Many of these discounts are on leisure, food, and travel. The card is also a useful proof of ID and of student status. A virtual card can also be used in conjunction with the ISIC App. Again, this card is low in cost or even free as part of our Value Package.