Guidelines for Applying German Student Visa

The human desire to travel and explore will remain perpetual. The desire to explore new places, languages, cultures and study environments has brought people to different countries and motivated them to pursue their higher studies with a global outlook.  Situated in the Western and Central Europe, Germany is one of the top listed study destinations in the world and has many things to offer for those who come to study there - premium quality higher education, research infrastructure, teaching methodology, low-cost studies, and wide career prospect, to name a few. On the other hand, not every foreign person is able to pursue such a dream, right away. There are certain visa compliances that need to be taken care of.

Types of German Student Visa

If you have gained admission to study at a university in Germany, you will need to find out whether you need to apply for a German student visa. Most international students, including Indians will likely need to get a German student visa at a German consulate in their country before they come to Germany. There are three types of Germany student visas you can apply for:

1. German Student Visa - This is the standard student visa for international students, who have been admitted to a German university and are ready to start their studies at a full-time university program.

2. German Student Applicant Visa – This visa is allowed for students who need to visit Germany for their university admission. It has to be noted that this visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany; it’s only valid for the university application process.

3. German Language Course Visa - You need this type of visa to study for a German language course in Germany.

Visa Application Documents

Before applying for German student visa, the applicant must be aware of the required documents for the visa application process. If planned properly, the unnecessary lag could be avoided in the entire visa issuing process. The most important requirements during your Germany student visa process are:

a) Duly filled out and signed national visa application form

b) Applicant’s valid national passport

c) Two photocopies of your passport

d) Certificate of birth

e) Marriage certificate (If applicable)

f) Applicant’s child’s birth certificate (If applicable)

g) Applicant’s recent passport-style photographs (Up to 3)

h) Photocopies of previous German residence titles (If applicable)

i) Previous Schengen visa

j) Previous German resident permit

k) Proof of Financial Resources “Finanzierungsnachweis” (One of the following):

          i) €8640 deposit confirmation at a German blocked bank account.

         ii) Letter of commitment and evidence of parent’s income records and financial assets.

      iii) Letter of commitment by a German resident “Verpflichtungserklärung”. This letter is taken at the Alien’s Registration Office, by the German resident whose going to cover your costs during your studies.

        iv) Scholarship awarding certificate. It must show the amount of costs it covers.

         v) Bank guarantee that has been issued to the applicant by a recognized German bank.

Proof of University Admission

1. Confirmation of admission in studies “Zulassungsbescheid”, issued by a recognized higher education provider in Germany, showing when you’re starting your studies and the language of teaching.

2. Proof of conditional admission “Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid” and a confirmed intensive course “Intensiv-Sprachkurs”. The letter must show you’re conditioned and confirmed to participate in an intensive language course before getting the final university admission. The course must last more than 6 months, with not less than 18 hours of lessons in a week.

3. Proof of conditional university admission, which includes:

a) Letter from “uni-assist”

b) Confirmation of admission as an applicant

c) Communication with the university, regarding conditions for final admission.

d) Proof of having paid the language course. Accompanied by a confirmed place in the course. The payment must cover at least 3 first months.

f) Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course “Studienkolleg”

Proof of conditional university admission, which includes:

a) Letter from “uni-assist”

b) Confirmation of admission as an applicant

c) Communication with the university, regarding conditions for final admission.

d) Proof of having been confirmed as a participant in the course.

e) Evidence of your earlier education

i) Original school-leaving certificate

ii) Degree certificate (If you’re entering Master or PhD studies).

The processing time for a Germany long-stay study visa may take from 6-12 weeks from the application day. While Germany short-stay study visas are usually decided within 15-30 days by the German missions abroad.