German Student Visa
Contents
A German Student Visa is necessary for many international students who are coming from non-EU or non-EEA countries to study in Germany.
There are three types of visas: a standard Student Visa, a Student Applicant Visa, and a Language Course Visa. It is important to understand everything that is required to get the national visa before you begin your application, which is what we will discuss in this article.
In this article, you will learn more about the required documents, the visa fee, and the processing time for a student visa in Germany.
What is a German Student Visa?
A German Student Visa is necessary for all international students who wish to study in Germany, with the exception of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals who can do so without a visa. The visa grants you the right to remain in Germany for the duration of your course. A German Student Visa is not particularly costly, but it does require you to jump some bureaucratic hurdles before it will be granted. It could also require a visit to your German consulate.
It’s important to understand that there are three types of student visa:
- The main German Student Visa (Visum Zur Studienzwecken) which is for those who have already been accepted onto a university course.
- Language Course Visa for those accepted onto a language preparatory course that lasts between three months and one year.
- Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung), which is for those who haven’t chosen their course yet or who are still awaiting confirmation of acceptance.
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Who Needs a Visa to Study in Germany?
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Germany. They can enter the country freely and do not require a residence permit to study.
For non-EU/EEA students, the visa requirement depends on the country of origin:
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Visa-Free Travel for Studies (Entry Only, Residence Permit Still Needed):
Students from the following countries can enter Germany without a visa but must apply for a residence permit after arrival to study:-
Australia
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Andorra
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Brazil
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Canada
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El Salvador
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Honduras
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Israel
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Japan
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Monaco
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New Zealand
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San Marino
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South Korea
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Switzerland
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United States
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Visa Required Before Entry:
Students from other countries not listed above need to apply for a student visa before traveling to Germany.
How much is a German student visa fee?
The student visa fee is €75 euros.
Is IELTS necessary for a German student visa?
Those undertaking a degree course that is taught in English may need to prove they have a sufficient level of English via an IELTS English language test.
If you are undertaking a German-taught degree course, then it is possible to apply for a Germany student visa without IELTS, but instead you may need proof of sufficient German via a TestDaf score.
Thinking About Studying in English? Find Out All the Requirements Here.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Germany?
The German student visa processing time is typically around 6 to 12 weeks, although it can take up to 4 months in some instances.
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Student Applicant Visa
The Student Applicant Visa is necessary for those who have still not decided on the course they want to apply for or have still not received confirmation of their place, but in either case, they are ready to move to Germany.
Sometimes referred to as the Prospective Student Visa, this visa allows students applying to German universities to enter and stay in Germany. Unlike a student visa, which may be granted for up to four years, a Student Applicant Visa is valid for three months, but it can be extended to up to nine months. If you haven’t been accepted onto a course after nine months, you will need to return home.
Once you have been accepted onto a course, it’s important to make your application for a Student Visa. You do not need to leave Germany to apply for the Student Visa.
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Requirements for a German Student Visa
To apply for a German Visa, you will need the following documents:
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Completed Visa Application Form
If you’re applying online via the Consular Services Portal, you’ll find this form during the application process. If you have an in-person appointment at the embassy, you can download the form, fill it out, and bring it with you.
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Valid Passport
Your passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
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Copy of Your Passport’s Biometric Page
Usually found at the beginning of your passport, this page contains your personal information and photo.
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Biometric Passport Photos
These should meet official standards (e.g., neutral expression, light background, correct size) and be taken recently.
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Proof of University Admission (Zulassungsbescheid)
A formal admission letter from your German university.
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Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)
This can include:
- Blocked account confirmation showing the required amount per year (currently €11,904 for 2025).
If you are not using a blocked account, you may instead provide:
- Scholarship confirmation
- Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany
- Proof of parental income or savings
- Blocked account confirmation showing the required amount per year (currently €11,904 for 2025).
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Travel Health Insurance
Coverage for at least your first 3 months in Germany is required. After arriving, you’ll need to register with a German health insurance provider.
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Academic Records and Certificates
Include transcripts, diplomas, and any other relevant academic documents.
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Language Proficiency Proof
Depending on your course language:
- German language certificate (e.g., TestDaF, DSH)
- English language certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Make sure it’s up-to-date with your academic and professional background.
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Motivation Letter
Explain your reasons for studying in Germany, why you chose your university, and your future plans.
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Proof of Previous Study or Employment (if applicable)
You may need to show your academic or professional history.
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Copies of All Documents
Bring both the originals and photocopies of each required document.
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Visa Appointment Confirmation
A printout of your appointment confirmation, if applicable.
Make sure you have considered the living costs and that you have found a way to cover them (i.e., from parents) or are able to deposit the amount to cover you for one year in a blocked account. You may be able to get additional funds through a scholarship from your home country or possibly even a student loan.
It is mandatory by law for all residents in Germany to have health insurance. To apply for your student visa, you must show proof that you've registered with a German health insurance provider. While your travel insurance may cover you for the first 3–6 months of your journey, you still need to register for health insurance in Germany and confirm that it will be activated after your arrival.
The type of coverage you need for your stay in Germany will depend on your individual situation. Our Health Insurance package ensures you get the right type of protection with some of the best providers in the German market: TK, ottonova, and DR-WALTER.
You can find out more about this below and on our Health insurance for International Students page.
Health Insurance for International Students
Students aged under 30 can register with the public or private healthcare system. Students pay a discounted rate for their Health Insurance. You will need to provide proof of health insurance for a German Student Visa.
At Expatrio, we partner with Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), one of Germany’s largest public healthcare providers, and the one with the most international members. We also partner with ottonova and DR-WALTER for private health insurance. See our Health Insurance service page to find out how you can begin the sign-up process.
Application Process
How can I get a student visa for Germany?
You need to begin your student visa application around four months before the start date of your course. This should provide enough time to make an appointment, do the necessary paperwork, attend the interview, and wait the 6 to 12 weeks for your visa to be processed.
The process to obtain your visa involves liaising with the German consulate in your country, ensuring you have filled out all forms correctly, and having the necessary documents prepared.
1. Apply online or book an appointment
To apply for a German student visa, you can choose one of the two options depending on your country of residence. Starting in 2025, Germany has made the student visa application process more digital. Students can now fill out their application form online through the Consular Services Portal. They can also upload their documents, track their application, and receive updates online.
However, an in-person interview is still required before the visa is approved. This new online process is not yet available in all countries. To check if it applies to you, search for your country here and find out if you can do your application online.
If your country does not support online applications, you must book an appointment at the German consulate responsible for your country. Depending on where you live, you can book this appointment online, by phone, or by visiting the consulate in person.
Complete Your Visa Application Online - Learn About the New 2025 Process!
2. Set up a Blocked Account
A Blocked Account is a type of German bank account for international students to prove they have the funds to cover their costs of living during their studies. In 2024, the amount you need to prove to the German authorities that you have enough funds to live in Germany is €992 per month. See Expatrio’s Blocked Account page to start the process of setting up an account quickly, easily, and safely online.
3. Apply for Health Insurance
Make sure you are registered for Health Insurance and have proof of this cover that is valid in Germany (in almost all cases, this will have to be with a German provider). You can start the registration process with one of Germany’s top providers, on our Health Insurance page today. Better yet - to combine your Blocked Account and Health Insurance, plus receive cashback, you can choose the Expatrio Value Package!
4. Fill in the application form
This can be downloaded from your nearest German consulate’s website or online in case you are going to be applying at the embassy. If you are applying online through the Consuler Services Portal, you can fill this form and everything else online and submit it online. When you fill the application form out, take care to check you have included everything that is asked. Ask a friend or family member to go over it for you to check you haven’t missed anything. An incomplete form can result in a refusal of the visa.
5. Check you have all the documents ready
Ahead of your appointment with the consulate or before you submit your application online via the Consular Services Portal, ensure you now have all documents ready. This includes your Health Insurance, passport, copies of passport, passport photos, high school certificate, course acceptance letter, birth certificate, proof of blocked account or funds, and the correctly filled out application form itself.
Tips for your student visa application
To sum up, here are some tips for you
- It’s often worth seeking expert advice when it comes to applying for a student visa. You can find various resources on the Expatrio Blog. Additionally, Expatrio also offers Health Insurance, setting up a Blocked Account and a German Bank Account so you can access and use your funds.
- Check if your passport has enough validity on it. You will not be granted a visa if your passport is going to run out during the course of your studies. It may, therefore, be necessary to renew your passport before you apply for your visa.
- Access our comprehensive StudyBuddy Checklist to ensure you have all the required documents and stay on top of key deadlines. With our checklist, you’re far less likely to overlook important details, increasing the likelihood that your visa application will be accepted. Missing or incorrect documents are among the most common causes of visa processing delays.
- Do not confuse having a student visa with having a resident’s permit (Aufenthaltstitel). If a residency permit is what you need, check our German Permanent Residency Permit page.
Find Out How to Apply for a Student Residence Permit in Germany.
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" as the requested category.
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