If you really wish to Study in Germany, then here is how to Apply for Germany Student Visa. I remember feeling very excited and also very nervous at the same time when I was preparing to travel to another country for my studies last year, because I was given a Visa. It was basically a mixed feeling. And I think many can agree to this.
Much more nervous and exciting is the feeling of applying for a Visa. The uncertainty could be truly trying, and when your application is declined that is even more devastating. So, why don’t we make it easier for you? Not only to apply for a visa, but apply for a visa in a way that you will be sure to get it.
How To Apply for Germany Student Visa – All You Should Know
I was really amazed when I learned that with a student visa an international student can remain in Germany for 3 months. Now, you will certainly have to, within that period, apply for a residence permit to study. And you can get a maximum of two years renewable permit, to be extended if your study requires it.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
This is pretty straight forward, just like you contacted an embassy when you wanted to travel outside your country the last time. To apply for a Germany student visa, the first step is to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country. This can be done online or by proceeding to the physical location of the Embassy/consulate. You can find the addresses of the German diplomatic missions on the website of the Federal Foreign Office at www.germany.info/visa
GERMANY STUDENT VISA | WHAT TYPE DO I NEED?
Schengen Visa: You will need a Schengen visa if your studies are going to last up to 3 months. On average, it takes up to 25 days for your German student visa application to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the country and the German embassy you apply at.
German National Visa: For studies that last more than 3 months, you will need a German National Visa. Note that if you arrive in Germany with a German national visa, you will have to extend your stay by getting a German residence permit for studies and you can get this by contacting the Foreigner’s Office.
Now some people have been known to wait until their visa expires, well, you could find yourself in a fix if you decide to do that. We advise you contact the Foreigner’s office while your entry visa is still valid. Why do what you can do today, tomorrow anyways?
GERMANY STUDENT VISA APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
You can apply for a prospective Germany student visa and convert it to a residence permit for studying once you are in Germany. Here are the documents you will need;
- Proof of valid private or public health insurance.
- Certificate of enrolment from your institution.
- Proof of finances.
- Valid passport.
- Current visa, if you have one.
- Certificate of health (if need be)
- Your tenancy agreement (if relevant)
- Letter of commitment and evidence of your parent’s income records and financial assets. (If applicable)
- Also, you will need a letter of commitment by a German resident “Verpflichtungserklärung”. This letter is taken at the alien’s registration office, by the German resident who is going to cover your costs during your studies. (If applicable)
- Scholarship awarding certificate. It must show the number of costs it covers. (If applicable)
- Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized German bank. Examples of some recognized banks are; Deutsche bank, Commerzbank, Kfw bankgruppe, Dz bank.
GERMAN NATIONAL VISA APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
It can sometimes take months for a visa to be issued, so it’s important to apply early on even if you have not yet been accepted to a higher education institution. Please note: a tourist visa cannot be converted to a student visa. Here are the documents you will need to apply for a German national visa;
- Completed and signed national visa application form.
- Valid international passport.
- Photocopies of your passport (up to 2).
- Certificate of birth.
- Marriage certificate. (If you are married).
- Child’s certificate of birth. (If you have kids).
- Recent passport-style photographs. (up to 3).
- Photocopies of previous german residence titles. (if applicable).
- Previous Schengen visa.
- Previous German resident permit.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Germany’s stringent policy requires that before you begin your studies, you will have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. And the way to show this is to block 10,236 Euros for one year (Refer to our post on Germany Free Tuition Studies for details on that). When applying for a Germany Student Visa, you will be asked to provide the document called a “Finanzierungsnachweis”, or proof of financial resources.
The number of visa applications rejected by German missions in 2019 is put about 268.856 and in 2018 an alarming amount of 241.796 was also rejected. To improve your chances of getting your student visa you should use a blocked account as proof of financial resources.
What is A Block Account?
A blocked account is a special type of bank account for international students in Germany, to prove you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year during your studies.
One of the easiest and the fastest ways to open a German blocked account is through Fontina/Sutor bank. The blocked account provided by Fontina is accepted by German embassies/consulates all around the world. It was estimated in 2020 that an international student in Germany uses an average of €853 Euros per month at a minimum. Hence, the requirement for a block account with a minimum of €10,236 balance before applying for a German student visa.
