Types of Visa
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.
Visa Applicant Requirements
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:
- India
- Turkey
- China
- Korea
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Columbia
- Vietnam
- Ukraine
- Belarus
- Kairo
Visa Application Process
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.
Visa Processing Time
It can take up to three months, so make sure to secure an appointment and apply for your visa before your program starts to date.
Visa Application Fee
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.
In Case of Visa Rejection
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.
