Foreign nationals that want to travel to Germany for the purpose of studying must apply for a German student visa. In this article, we will be diving deep into the German student visa and the requirements to obtain a German student visa.

What is a German Student Visa?

The German student visa is a legal document that allows foreign nationals enter Germany for the sole purpose of studying in an approved German educational institution.

What is the validity period of a German Student Visa?

The German student visa has a validity period of 2 years and you can extend it for additional 2 years if you still meet the requirements

What is the Cost of a German Student Visa?

The cost of the German student visa is 75 euro.

Types of German Student Visa

The German student visa has 5 types. Here we will be giving a short explanation of each of these types.

• Full-time academic studies: The government of Germany issues this type of student visa to foreigners that wants to enter Germany to pursue their studies on programs such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Post Doctorial Degree.

• German language courses for studies: The German government issues this visa to foreign nationals that wants to enter Germany to learn the language and then apply to a German school for a full-time academic studies.

• State preparatory college: The German government issues this type of visa to international students whose school leaving certificates are not recognized in Germany. If you fall under this category, you will be required to sit for a test once you complete the course of which you will be issued a certificate before you can then apply to an educational institution for a full-time study.

• Propaedeutic course: The German government issues this type of student visa to foreigners that wants to enter Germany to take part in preparatory course to help them prepare for further academic studies in Germany, particularly in specialized fields.
• Mandatory preliminary internship: This German government gives this visa to foreigners whose course has a mandatory internship requirement before commencement of studies.

You can also read our article on: Germany Work Visa

Requirements

For the German government to issue you a student visa, you must meet certain requirements. Here we have listed the requirements for getting a German student visa.

• Get admitted into a German Educational Institution: You must first get admitted into a German educational institution.

• Financial capacity: You must have a minimum amount of €11,904 in a blocked bank account to support yourself during your stay in Germany.

• Language requirement: You must show proof of German language proficiency.

Document checklist (Required documents)

Below is a list of the required documents that you must submit in order for the German government to approve your student visa application;

• International passport: You must have an international passport with a validity period of at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in Germany.

• Curriculum vitae: You must have an updated CV.

• Admission letter: You must have the admission letter from the German university that gave you admission.

• Passport photographs: You must have two recent passport photographs that meets with the German visa photo requirement.

• Statement of purpose: You must provide a convincing statement of purpose to support your student visa application.

• Academic certificates: You must provide verified certificates of all your previous educations.

• Academic records or transcripts: You must show proof of your academic records or make available your transcripts.

• Language proficiency certificate: You must provide a language proficiency certificate that the German government recognizes.

• Travel Insurance: You must show proof of travel insurance.

• Proof of fund: You must demonstrate proof of financial capacity to support yourself in one of the following ways listed below;
  • Confirmation of a German/EU scholarship.
  • Proof of blocked account with a minimum balance of 11,904 euro.
  • Formal obligation letter by a sponsor in Germany.
  • Letter of Declaration by a parent.

Can my family members travel with me to Germany?

Yes your dependents such as your spouse and children can travel with you to Germany. It is important to note that you must declare them as your family members while applying for your student visa.

German Student Visa application process

Many people believe that it is impossible to apply for their German student visa without using a travel agent. You can actually use the below steps to successfully apply for your German student visa.

Online application

Below you will find the step by step process of applying for a German student visa online;

• Create an online account: You must first create an online account via the Consular Services Portal using your phone number and email address.

• Start your application: After creating your online account, kindly start you application.

• Complete the application: Fill the required fields in the application form and answer all the the questions regarding your personal life and study plans in Germany.

• Gather and upload the required documents: Gather the required documents listed in the document checklist and then upload them in accepted electronic formats.

• Submit your Student visa application: Submit your visa application and then wait for the confirmation code that the Federal Foreign Office will send to you.

• Schedule an appointment: After submitting your student visa application and receiving the confirmation code, kindly proceed with scheduling a visa appointment at the German consulate in your home country.

• Attend your visa appointment: During your visa appointment, you will pay all the required visa fees, submit your biometric information, and have a short interview.

Offline application

If you are not able to submit your visa application online, below is the step by step process on how you can submit your application in person at the German consulate in your home country.

• Fill the visa application form: You can fill the visa application through the VIDEX portal or by downloading the PDF version. After completing the application form, you must print out the hard copy of the completed application form.

• Gather all the required documents: After filling the visa application form and printing the hard copy, gather all the required documents listed on the document checklist.

• Schedule a visa appointment: After gathering the required documents in hard copies, book a visa appointment at the German consulate in your home country.

• Attend your visa appointment: On the appointment date, you will submit your printed visa application form that have been completed, submit all the required documents and then pay for the visa application fee. The visa officer will also conduct a short interview which questions that are related to your personal life and studies in Germany will be asked.

You can also read our article on: Australia Student Visa

What should I do after I arrive Germany?

Once you arrive Germany, the first thing you must do is to register your new German address within 2 weeks and a certificate will be issued to you.

After you receive the certificate of registration, you can go ahead and register for a resident title which will allow you live, work and study in Germany.

Can I work in Germany with my German Student Visa?

Yes as a student in Germany, you are allowed to work up to 140 full days 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week and it is important to note that breaching these work restrictions can make your visa to be revoked.

Possible reasons for a German Student Visa application denial

Below you will find the possible reasons for a German student visa application denial;

• Lack of financial capacity or other financial means to support your stay in Germany.

• Incomplete or inconsistent visa application.

• Lack of strong ties to your home country.

• Having a criminal record in your home country or any other country that you have lived in for 6 months and above since you turned 16 years.

• Having a deadly and communicable disease

• Submitting a fraudulent document and also submitting false information

• Having a history with over staying your previous visas either in Germany or any other country

• Not having a genuine study intent, that is having an immigration intent.

• Submitting an expired passport or a passport with a validity period that is less than the number of study years in Germany.

• Not having an adequate health insurance.