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If you’re a foreign student with a confirmed admission to a German educational institution, you can apply for a German student visa. This visa covers full-time university studies, preparatory courses, and other related programs. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the requirements, process, and what to expect.
Types of Studies Covered by a German Student Visa
The German student visa is applicable for:
- Full-time academic studies
- German language courses for academic purposes
- State preparatory colleges (Studienkolleg)
- Propaedeutic courses
- Mandatory preliminary internships
Required Documents for a German Student Visa
To apply for a German student visa, you will need:
- Visa Application Forms: Two completed national visa application forms.
- Passport: A valid national passport.
- Photographs: Two recent biometric passport photos.
- Proof of Admission: Admission letter from a German institution.
- Language Proficiency Proof: Certification in German or English, depending on your study program.
- Previous Education Certificates: Authenticated certificates of your earlier education.
- Financial Proof (Finanzierungsnachweis): Evidence of sufficient funds, which can be shown through a blocked bank account, a letter of commitment from a German resident, or a scholarship certificate.
- Health Insurance: Student health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Motivational Letter: Explaining your study plans and career aspirations.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, along with any children’s birth certificates.
- Visa Fee Payment Proof: Proof of having paid the visa application fee.
Financial Requirements
You must show proof of sufficient funds, typically by depositing €11,904 into a blocked bank account. Alternatively, you can present documents certifying your parent’s income, a guarantee from a German resident, or a scholarship award.
data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true">Visa Fees
The application fee for a German student visa is €75 for applicants over 18 years old and €37.50 for those under 18.
What You Can and Cannot Do with a German Student Visa
Permitted:
- Extend your student residence permit.
- Work part-time for up to 120 days per year.
- Apply for a residence permit for job-seeking after graduation.
Prohibited:
- Full-time employment.
- Skipping study lessons, which can lead to visa cancellation.
Duration of Stay
Initially, the student visa is valid for 3 months. Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit, which can be extended up to two years and further depending on your study duration.
Steps After Arriving in Germany
- Find Permanent Accommodation: Secure a permanent residence in Germany.
- Health Insurance: Obtain German health insurance if not covered by an EHIC.
- Matriculation: Enroll in your study program and obtain a certificate of enrollment.
- Open a Bank Account: Set up a current bank account with a recognized German bank.
- Register Your Address: Register your living address at the Resident’s Registration Office.
- Apply for a Residence Permit: Apply for a residence permit to study at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office).
For more detailed information and official guidelines, visit the German Federal Foreign Office website.
This comprehensive guide ensures that you understand the essential steps and requirements for obtaining a German student visa, making your transition to studying in Germany smoother and more manageable.
