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Procedure descriptions

Apply for a student visa

If you want to study in Germany, you need a visa before entering the country.


This does not apply to:

  • Citizens of the member states of the European Union (EU) and the EEA states
  • Citizens of Switzerland
  • Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Great Britain and Northern Ireland (within the meaning of Section 1 (2) No. 6 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU), Honduras, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and the USA

The visa is usually valid for one year. After arriving in Germany, you must register with the residents' registration office in your new place of residence within 14 days.

Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Great Britain and Northern Ireland (within the meaning of Section 1 (2) No. 6 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU), Honduras, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and the USA must apply for a residence permit for students from countries outside the EU/EEA before 90 days have elapsed.

Responsible department

The German mission abroad (embassy, consulate) in whose official district you usually reside or have your place of residence

Details

Prerequisite

  • Study at
    • a state or state-recognised higher education institution (university, teacher training college, art college, university of applied sciences) or
    • a comparable training centre (e.g. Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (formerly: University of Cooperative Education)).
  • The studies must be the main purpose of the stay.
    This includes all training phases:
    • Language course or preparatory college Study preparation
    • Language examination
    • internships in preparation for the degree programme (if recommended or required by the university)
    • Study programme (basic studies, main studies, internships during studies, intermediate and final examinations)
    • Postgraduate, additional, supplementary studies or doctoral studies
    • practical activities following a degree programme if they are a prescribed part of the training
  • Ensuring the
    • Financing living expenses
      The corresponding minimum amounts are published annually by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in the Federal Gazette.
    • Health insurance in Germany
  • Fulfilment of the requirements for access to the desired educational institution.
    The general school requirements for access to the desired educational institution cannot be made up in Germany.

Procedure

You can apply for the relevant residence title (visa, residence permit) using the appropriate form.

Application forms for visa applications can be obtained free of charge from the relevant diplomatic mission or consular post in the usual local language. They are also available for download, depending on the services offered by the respective diplomatic mission abroad.

For other residence permits, you can obtain the necessary forms from the foreigners authority in the place where you registered your place of residence after entering Germany. You can find details on the respective procedures in the procedure descriptions listed above.

You submit the visa application in person. If necessary, the diplomatic mission abroad will obtain the approval of the foreigners authority at your future place of residence in Germany. After approval, the diplomatic mission can issue the visa authorising entry and temporary residence.

Deadlines

Please note that you are obliged to submit an application for a residence permit before your visa expires.

Required documents

  • valid passport
  • a current passport photo
  • depending on the residence permit, proof of the above requirements:
    • Certificate of purpose of residence (e.g. admission to study)
    • Proof of financial means (e.g. statement of parents' income and financial circumstances, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account in Germany, scholarship contract)
    • Proof of health insurance

The German diplomatic mission abroad and the foreigners authority may request further documents.

Costs

EUR 75,00

Processing time

The time from the application to the issuing of the visa can vary. Please allow several months for processing.

Miscellaneous

Please apply for your visa as early as possible and contact the German diplomatic mission responsible for you.

Detailed information

Legal basis

Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG):

  • § 2 Lebensunterhalt, Krankenversicherung
  • § 3 Passpflicht
  • § 4 Erfordernis eines Aufenthaltstitels
  • § 5 Lebensunterhalt, Krankenversicherung
  • § 16b Studium

Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV):

  • § 28 Befreiung für freizügigkeitsberechtigte Schweizer
  • § 31 Zustimmung der Ausländerbehörde zur Visumerteilung
  • §§ 39 - 41 Einholung des Aufenthaltstitels im Bundesgebiet
  • § 46 Gebühren für das Visum
  • § 31 Zustimmung der Ausländerbehörde zur Visumerteilung

Freizügigkeitsgesetz/EU (FreizügG/EU):

  • § 4 Nicht erwerbstätige Freizügigkeitsberechtigte

Release note

machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 08.07.2024