Get a Student Visa
The confirmation letter is important because it allows you to obtain a student visa, and without the visa, you won't be able to matriculate at German universities. A few things need to be arranged before the visa will be granted
Health Insurance
Firstly, you'll need to have comprehensive health insurance before the visa is granted. The German government recommends getting a policy that covers the entire period of study, as well as repatriation in case of illness. Hence, all international students in Germany must be covered by one of the country's health insurance schemes. We've covered this in more detail in guides to arranging health insurance, so consult those pages for more information.
Always choose an affordable provider, preferably one with excellent English language support. Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is a good option to go for.
Blocked Account
Secondly, you'll need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. Students will also need to prove that they have the resources to fund their studies. The German government recommends that international students have around 860 euros per month to cover living expenses. You can prove this with a bank statement, scholarship award letter, or similar document. The best way to do so is to set up a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto).
This account is partially locked, and will disburse funds on a monthly basis. Applicants for universities must add at least €861 per month to their account (€10,332 per year).
Value Package
When your Blocked Account and Health Insurance has been arranged, you should be able to obtain a student visa and a residency permit. This will allow you to accept your place at university and rent accommodation, so it's an important step.
At Expatrio, we've made things easier for international students via our Value Package. This package bundles together the best health insurance and blocked account, and add extra perks to the mix. There's no better way to minimize the stress involved in starting your studies in Germany, and it can save you time and money.
With those two things taken care of, you can apply for the visa at a German embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process is fairly straightforward, but you may have to provide more documents, such as evidence of your ties to your home country (to show that you don't intend to stay in Germany permanently).
Once the visa has been granted, you're free to move to Germany and begin your studies! After all that work, it's time to enjoy student life in one of the best countries in the world for higher education.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact us. And if you're looking for more guidance on studying in Germany, check out our other articles.