Will I Have an Interview for the German Visa Application?

Not all students who wish to pursue their studies in Germany are subject to an interview for the visa application. To answer this question, let's first categorize students into different groups:

1. If You Don't Need a German Visa, You Won't Be Called for an Interview.

• If you're a student and a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you don't need a visa or any other documents to enter and study in Germany. However, upon arrival in Germany, you must register with the local residents' registration office.
• International students from countries that don't need a visa for entry, check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if your country is part of the visa-exempt countries.
• These countries are currently (last updated in May 2019): Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, San Marino, South Korea, and the United States.

However, you must register with the residents' office in Germany to obtain a residence permit if you wish to study there for more than three months.

2. If You Need a German Visa

If You're From China, Mongolia, or Vietnam:

Before applying for a university visa and a German student visa, you must first go through the APS process and have your documents verified (e.g., language certificates, diploma, secondary school certificates, etc.). The APS interview will be more complex compared to the visa application interview, so you should be better prepared for the APS than for the visa application interview.

For more information to improve your performance for the APS interview, read EDUBAO's articles! We've made sure everything is ready to inform you!

If You're From Other Countries:

This article is the essential guide you need. Let's start with this guide and dive deeper into the subject in other articles. Let's go!

How Can I Start Preparing for the Visa Interview?

We've made a list of questions on popular topics:

• Previous educational and university experience
• Current academic and skill levels
• Decision to study in Germany
• Future academic and professional plans
• Knowledge of Germany and life in Germany

Pick a topic and start preparing with EDUBAO!

Questions and Tips

A. Previous Studies and School Experiences

1. Tell Us About Your University Study Program in Your Home Country.

Tips: You should know how to present your subjects and major topics. Expand the discussion by mentioning the objectives of your study program, main courses, etc. You can choose one of the main courses you excel in and talk more about it.

2. What Did You Learn from Your Studies?

Tips: You can answer this question from two angles. On the academic side, you attended several courses such as research methods, which will form the basis of your future studies in Germany. In terms of personal development, you've become much more confident and independent. These characteristics would help you adapt to your new study environment and daily life in Germany.

B. Current Academic and Skill Levels

1. In What Language Do You Plan to Study in Germany? What Level Have You Reached in That Language?

Tips: Be honest with this question. You may be interviewed in the language of your studies in Germany. This means you'll demonstrate your language skills directly during the interview. If you're not satisfied with your current level, you can simply say that living in Germany will help you improve your language skills, as you'll be in a German environment daily.

2. How Are You Improving Your Language Skills?

Tips: This seemingly simple question requires a more nuanced response. You're expected to talk about your language learning methods and their effectiveness.

3. Those Whose Study Language is English Often Get This Question: Do You Plan to Learn German?

Tips: We suggest saying yes, not only to succeed in the visa interview, but also to make your life in Germany more comfortable. Speaking German will allow you to have many fun and unique experiences in the country.

C. Decisions About Studying in Germany

1. Why Did You Choose This University and How Did You Find It?

Tips: Visit the university's official website to learn more about its history and programs. You can also check the university's exchange and internship programs. It would be an advantage to combine this information with your plans.

2. What Other Universities Did You Apply To?

Tips: Be honest! But it's also important to show during the interview that you're satisfied with the chosen university and can't wait to attend.

3. Why Would You Want to Study in Germany and Not in Other Foreign Countries?

Tips: You can answer this question in two ways: The first - you can tell the interviewers who or what stories inspired you to go to Germany. The second - mention study-related facts such as free tuition fees, in-depth research in certain specific fields, e.g., automotive or mechanical engineering, etc.

D. Future Academic and Professional Plans

1. Where Would You Like to Work After Completing Your Studies in Germany?

Tips: This also depends on your future career plans, but we recommend showing your interest in returning to your home country. Don't give them the impression that your goal is to stay in Germany and later obtain a long-term visa. Stay focused on the field of study and research in your answer, as well as on professional skills.

2. Do You Plan to Work During Your Studies?

Tips: Avoid saying that you'll focus on work during your studies! The purpose of the visa application is to study in Germany.

3. Name Your Field of Study and Some Study Programs at Your University.

Tips: We strongly recommend visiting your university/institution's official website to learn more about your course. There's always a course description/curriculum called "Modulbeschreibung" in German. It's strongly advised to review it carefully to get an overview of your study program for the coming years. It's also a good idea to note some courses that interest you a lot. You can talk briefly about these courses during the interview.

E. Knowledge of Germany and Life in Germany

1. Do You Know Germany Well?

Tips: Mention some famous German tourist destinations and historical sites such as museums, national parks, etc. If you don't have much knowledge about Germany, you can watch documentaries about Germany or German culture.

2. How Many Borders and Neighboring Countries Does Germany Have?

Tips: Germany has nine neighboring countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.

3. How Many States Are There in Germany and Can You Name a Few?

Tips: Germany is composed of 16 federal states: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.

4. Where Do You Plan to Stay in Germany?

Tips: Name the city and state where you'll be staying. But it's likely the interviewers want to know about your accommodation choices in Germany. There are 2 types of accommodation: student housing and WG (shared apartment). In case you haven't found accommodation before leaving for Germany, you can stay for a while in hostels, hotels, Airbnb, and other temporary accommodation options.

5. How Will You Finance Your Studies in Germany?

Tips: In most cases, it's the parents who fund the studies. You can also mention family members who are currently employed. Let them know that you've already opened a blocked account to cover your living expenses for the first year in Germany. The bank confirmation should be included in your documents.

Thank you for reading our article. One last thing about the interview - you won't be asked all the questions listed above. We just want to make sure you can go to the interview well prepared. Don't overthink it! Be confident, honest, and straightforward, and you'll get your visa to study in Germany! Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)