Types of Germany Study Visas:
You may be issued a Germany visa for studies for a range of study levels and degrees. This includes undergraduate, exchange, graduate, or postgraduate studies. This also covers participation in a pre-academic measure or in a non-academic German language course. There are 3 kinds of Germany student visas you can apply for:
- German Student Visa: This is often the standard student visa for international students who are admitted to a German university and are ready to start their studies at a full-time university program.
- German Student Applicant Visa: You need this visa if you need to be in Germany to apply for university admission in person. This visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany, it’s only valid for the university application process.
- German Language Course Visa: You need this type of visa to study for a German language course in Germany.
How To Apply For A Student Visa For Germany:
If you need a student visa for Germany, you should apply as soon as possible, and at least 3 months before you move to the country. To do this you’ll need to contact the local German embassy or consulate in your home country. The documents you usually need are:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- 2 photographs
- Letter showing you’ve been accepted by a German university
- Transcript of academic record
- Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course in Germany (if studying in German)
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany (€8,700 per annum, which is roughly ~US$10,250)
- Certificate showing you’ve purchased health insurance
- Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted
Dependent on the embassy, you may also need to show proof that you don’t have a criminal record. one of the ways in which you can prove you have sufficient funds to study in Germany is by depositing a security payment into a blocked account – this means you can't withdraw the money till after you arrive in Germany. If you are planning to study in Germany for more than 90 days you should apply for a National Visa for the purpose of study rather than a Schengen Visa, which will only allow you to stay in Germany for 3 months. As well as your student visa, you may also need to apply for a residence allow on arrival.
How To Apply For A Residence Permit:
Once in the country, you will have to register with the local Alien Registration office within two weeks of arrival. Here you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes. The documents you’ll need are similar to those needed for the visa:
- Proof of valid personal or public health insurance
- Certificate of enrolment from your university
- Proof of sufficient finances
- Valid passport
- Current visa, if you have got one
- Certificate of health (if applicable)
- Your tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Biometric passport photos (if applicable)
- Residence allows fee (check the current rate beforehand to create sure you bring enough money)
Although you will already have been asked for proof of language proficiency as a part of your university application, you may need to provide this information again in order to gain your residence permit. For courses taught in German, international students need to provide a TestDaf or DSH score, or, for English-taught courses, you’ll need to provide a TOEFL or IELTS score. This residence permit is valid for 2 years, and, if needed, should be renewed before it expires. Residence permits initially cost €100 (~US$120) with a fee of up to €96 (~US$115) for every extension.
When To Apply For A German Student Visa:
The best time to use for a German student visa is immediately after receiving the university letter of admission and securing the necessary funds to live and study in Germany. This is one of the most necessary requirements and if you haven’t been awarded an official scholarship, you need to provide proof of financial resources through different means such as having the funds deposited in a German blocked account.
