Schedule your visa interview through the portal or directly with the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Appointment wait times can be long, so book as early as possible.
Application Process
1. Complete the Online Application
Use the Consular Services Portal to fill out your application form online. Make sure all fields are completed to avoid delays. If the portal is not available in your country, download the form from the German consulate website and fill it out by hand.
2. Book Your Visa Interview
4. Set up a Blocked Account (or other proof of financial means)
To apply for a language course visa, you must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany. This includes covering your living expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, and daily needs.
The German government currently requires proof of €992 per month, totaling €11,904 for a full year. The amount you need to show depends on the length of your language course. For example, if your course is 6 months long, you’ll need to prove you have €5,952 (€992 × 6).
One of the most common ways to show this is by setting up a Blocked Account — a special type of bank account where the required amount is deposited and partially released each month after you arrive in Germany.
You may also provide alternative proof, such as a formal sponsorship letter from a parent or relative.
At Expatrio, we help language course applicants open a Blocked Account that meets all visa requirements, giving you a better chance of getting approved.
5. Health Insurance
Those on a language course are not eligible to register for the public healthcare system and will therefore need to arrange private medical/healthcare cover for the duration of the course.
Find out more on our Health Insurance for Foreign Students pages about public and private German health insurance for students.
6. Gather all the required documents
Ahead of your interview, ensure you have all the documents outlined above and that everything is in order. You will need to take these documents to your visa interview.
7. Attending the visa interview
This short interview will take around ten minutes and will take place at the German consulate, visa office, or embassy in your home country. You may be asked questions about your motivation for doing a language course in Germany.
Recognized Certification for your language studies
Undertaking a formal German language course in Germany for foreigners will result in a recognized certification. A language course may be undertaken at a German university or a dedicated language school. After successfully completing an intensive language course, students will be awarded a grade based on the following grading system: A1, A2 (A2.1, A2.2), B1 (B1.1, B1.2), B2, C1, C2.
In order to progress to a German-taught degree, you will need to gain a score of at least B1.
If you’re considering a different type of visa to come to Germany, check out our Complete Guide to German Visa Types for a comprehensive overview of all available options. Whether you’re coming for work, study, family reunion, or other purposes, we’ve got you covered.
