A complete guide to apply for a German student visa

Germany is known for its prestigious higher education, creative teaching methods, long-established research institutes, and high-level career opportunities.

As a result, many international students pursue their dream of studying in Germany. However, the first and most important thing to do is obtain a student visa, which isn't always easy.

1. Is a German Student Visa Mandatory for All Types of Study?

Under Section 16 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), a German student visa is indispensable if you are a foreigner admitted to a university or state-recognized institution for either full-time studies or preparatory measures before studies in German, specifically in the following cases:

• Student visa: for full-time university studies;
• Prospective student visa: for the preparatory language course if the foreigner has been admitted to full-time studies and the admission is contingent on their participation in a preparatory language course and propaedeutic courses;
• Prospective student visa: for the state preparatory college (Studienkolleg): as an international student, you must attend this course if your school leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany. You'll then take the assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) to obtain a certificate called "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" (university entrance qualification) that can be used to apply to German universities;
• Internship visa: for a mandatory internship.

In this article, our main focus is the student visa, and we'll explain what documents you need, what you can and can't do with your visa, and we'll also provide some tips on what to do after arriving in Germany.

2. What Documents Are Required When Applying for a German Student Visa?

Generally, you must go to the German embassy or consulate in your country to apply for a student visa. The acceptance or rejection of your application depends heavily on the information you've provided and the supporting documents you've presented, in original and two copies for each document, including:

• two completed visa application forms;
• three recently taken biometric photos;
• national identity card (CIN) (original + 2 copies);
• valid national passport (original + 2 copies of the first three pages) (The passport must be valid for at least six months and contain 2 blank pages.) ;
• a properly stamped envelope addressed to you;
• proof of admission to a study program, either a university admission letter (Zulassungsbescheinigung), or an acceptance letter for the basic course / propaedeutic course / preparatory German course;
• authenticated prior education certificates, i.e., the German university entrance qualification (Abitur) if you completed a course offered by a German education provider abroad. Alternatively, a recognized foreign academic qualification and university years' results or a transcript would be an ideal alternative;
• curriculum vitae with proof of internship and professional experience attached;
• means of subsistence (Finanzierungsnachweis) demonstrating your financial ability to cover housing and study costs. The following documents are all acceptable:
  • blocked bank account: EDUBAO offers the simplest and fastest service to open a German blocked account, accepted by German embassies / consulates worldwide;
  • Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of commitment) made by a person residing in Germany, by which this person undertakes to cover all your living expenses in this country;
  • a parental declaration letter showing your parents' commitment to supporting you throughout your stay. Their bank statements for the last six months must also be sent;
  • scholarship award certificate, proving that you are the scholarship beneficiary and the amount of financial coverage;
• travel insurance;
• motivation letter: you must state the reasons for choosing your university and study program, your studies and plans, as well as the impact of these studies on your career and life;
• marriage certificate (if you're married) and birth certificate of your children (if applicable);
• proof of payment of the 75 EUR visa application fee;
• proof of German language proficiency, if you want to study in German and mixed-language programs:
  • at least B1 level on the European Language Reference Framework.
• proof of English proficiency, if you're applying for English and mixed-language study programs:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): accepted scores are 550, 213, and 79-80 points for paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based tests, respectively.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): accepted ranges are between 5 and 6.5.

3. As a German Student Visa Holder, You:

Can

• Apply for an extension of the student residence permit: if your studies won't be finished during the visa's validity period, you can apply for an extension as long as you ensure completion within a reasonable time.
• Find a part-time job: you have the right to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, provided it doesn't affect your academic performance.
• Apply for a residence permit after graduation: you can apply for an 18-month residence permit if your studies in Germany are completed. During this period, you can look for a job or become self-employed. Alternatively, you could choose to work part-time before securing a full-time position.

Cannot

• Find a full-time job: with a German student visa, it's impossible to work more than 120 full days per year. Therefore, students cannot receive a work permit.
• Skip classes: non-attendance of courses may invalidate your eligibility to live in Germany.

3.1. How Long Can a Student Visa Allow You to Stay in Germany?

A student visa allows you to stay in the country for 6 months. During this period, you need to obtain a student residence permit for a maximum of 2 years. Depending on the duration of your studies, you can apply for an extension of the residence permit. With a prospective student visa, you're allowed to stay in Germany for a period of up to 6 months. You must obtain a student residence permit for a maximum of 2 years during this period.

3.2. What to Do After Arriving in Germany?

Before your classes start, it's essential to take care of the following preparations:

Finding Accommodation

It's important to find permanent accommodation upon your arrival in Germany to prove that you have a permanent address that can be useful in the future. You can choose to stay in a student residence, rent an independent apartment, or share an apartment with someone else.

Getting Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung)

It's mandatory for all people living in Germany to have health insurance. To enroll at a German university, students must have proof of health insurance.

Several German health insurance companies target students. Additionally, you can directly sign up for health insurance on our website; you have the choice between public or private insurance.

Enrolling at the University

After finding accommodation and getting health insurance, you must go to the student services office to obtain your study enrollment certificate within the deadlines indicated in your admission letter. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to attend classes, take exams, graduate, or access university services, which means you'll be removed from the student registry.

When enrolling, don't forget to bring your valid passport, admission letter, health insurance certificate, and a few recent passport photos.

First, you'll receive an enrollment certificate that serves as a temporary student ID. After paying tuition fees (if applicable) and the semester contribution between 250 and 300 euros, the official student identity card will be sent to you by mail. It covers the costs of university services and regional public transportation. You can also use your personal ID, university email, and password on the education provider's server to access internal electronic documents and library resources.

Opening a Checking Account (Girokonto) at a Recognized German Bank

Generally, opening a bank account used to pay tuition fees, rent, registration fees, and other bills, as well as to receive your salary and any grants, is free. The required documents include:

• Valid passport
• Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
• Proof of student status in Germany. You can choose one of the following:
• Enrollment certificate for students (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
• Admission letter
• Student visa

Applying for a Registration Certificate (Meldebestätigung)

You must register your address at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) or citizens' office (Bürgeramt) no later than one week after finding permanent accommodation. Once the application is completed, the registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) will be issued. You must provide this certificate every time you move.

Applying for a Student Residence Permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde)

You must apply for a student residence permit right after receiving the registration certificate. This is only possible if you have a valid student visa. Now you have an idea about the German student visa. For more details regarding the German visa, you can check out our other articles. And if you have any questions, send us a message. We'll get back to you as soon as possible!