Germany is a great place to pursue higher studies. They teaching methodologies, infrastructure, affordable fee structure and bright prospects of career make it an attractive educational hub for the international students. If you are considering to study at a German University or wish to study in Germany and want to more about the visa process then keep reading to learn all about it:
Types of Students’ Visa
Germany offers three different types of visas to international students:
- Visa for Language Learning is for students that look forward to learning the German language. The course duration can be anywhere between 3 months to 1 year.
- Visum Zur Studienbewerbung or Student Application Visa is for students that haven’t yet decided the course that they wish to enrol in or are still awaiting a confirmation letter from the university they have applied in.
- Visum Zur Studienzwecken or Student Visa is for students that have already been accepted in a German University.
Where to Apply for the Visa?
You can apply for a visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. An individual applying for a student visa should take an appointment for an interview online on the website of the German Embassy or Consulate of their respective country. Once they get an appointment, they need to present a duly filled visa application form along with required documents in the Embassy.
The consular officer will interview you to understand your potential for studying in Germany. Your documents along with passport are submitted, and then you are informed about your visa confirmation later through the mail.
It can take up to 4 months for the German Embassy to respond to your visa application, so you must apply for your visa ahead.
Requirements to Apply for a German Student Visa
For the mentioned three types of a student visa, an individual will have to submit the below list of documents. All the documents should be original along with two photocopies each:
Two completed visa application forms
1. Valid Passport
2. Two recent biometric portrait photographs
3. Proof of admission (letter of admission from the university or course enrolled for)
4. Certificates of prior education
5. Curriculum Vitae mentioning any internships and work experiences
6. “Finanzieruungsnachweis” or means of survival in Germany; either one of the four types of documents can be presented:
- Blocked Bank Account having €8640 should be present in your bank. The amount was calculated in 2018, which shows that a person in Germany spends €720 per month on an average.
- “Verpflichtungserklärung“ or Letter of Commitment by a Local Resident stating they will take care of your living and accommodation costs while you are in Germany.
- Letter of Declaration by a Parent showing they have enough in their bank to support you financially while you study in Germany – last six months of their bank statement is required.
- Scholarship Awarding Certificate that shows the expenses of the individual is being covered under the scholarship.
7. Health Insurance – A health insurance with a coverage value of €30,000
8. Motivational Letter explaining why you want to study in Germany and how it would benefit your career.
9. Marriage Certificate is required along with a birth certificate of the child if any.
10. Proof of German Language Proficiency for the German language/mixed language study courses
11. Proof of English Language Proficiency for the English language/mixed language courses.
12. Proof of Payment Made for the Visa Application Fee.
Once you get a German student visa, you can extend the permit if your studies are not complete. You are also permitted to work part-time for 120 days in a year only. Those that complete their graduation can apply for a visa to search for a job (up to 6 months is granted) in Germany.
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