Did you know that around three to four thousand students migrated to Germany in 2022 for their studies? This German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) data clearly indicates how popular this study destination is among international students. If you are looking to take your career to new heights with a German degree then your first step has to be obtaining the student visa.
Every country has certain criteria that international students need to meet to study in that country. Germany is a popular study destination and depending on your home country or where you come from, you will need a student visa to be eligible to study in German universities.
Germany is a top global destination where international students come to study programmes in art, business, and technology. The country puts a lot of emphasis on education and offers top-quality learning. If you are someone looking to study in Germany, you must ensure that you fulfil all the visa requirements before the final submission. In this article, we will guide you through the process of acquiring a student visa for Germany.
What are the different types of German student visas?
To enter Germany, you need a visa depending on the purpose of your visit. If you intend to come to Germany for educational purposes for the long term you must apply for a German national visa. However, you must remember that there are three types of student visas depending on the nature of your study programme:
- German student visa
This visa is mandatory for students who have been accepted into universities in Germany for long-term courses. You must also register yourself in the Foreign Registration Office near the place of your residence in Germany within two weeks to get a residence permit.
- German student applicant visa
This visa is valid up to six months from your date of arrival in Germany. A student applicant visa is issued to those candidates who have not yet received the admission offer and wish to be present in person at the university for admission procedures or entrance tests.
- German language course visa
A language course visa is issued to international students who plan to pursue a German language course lasting between three to twelve months.
You can apply for any of these visas according to the choice of your study programme.
What are the requirements to get a German student visa?
To get a German student visa, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- A valid passport along with two copies.
- Duly filled and signed application form and declaration.
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter.
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Admission letter from the university (original and two copies).
- Certificates of previous educational qualifications (if necessary).
- Proof of financial resources.
- Three passport photographs with biometric specifications.
- Payment confirmation of the first two semesters’ tuition fee (if applicable).
- English language proficiency certificate.
- Proof of visa application fee payment.
- Travel health insurance.
- APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate.
For providing proof of financial resources, you can open a blocked bank account to show that you can meet the living expenses in Germany. If you have any scholarships from universities or sponsors to provide you with financial support, you must show that in the resource section.
An APS certificate has been made mandatory for students from November 1 to ensure that the educational certificates and language certificates they provide are valid and foul-free.
With all these documents ready in hand, you can submit your application for a student visa at the German embassy in your country. It usually takes around 25 days to process the application if all the documents are error-free. Sometimes it may take up to three months to receive the final approval. So, you must make sure that you apply a few months before your estimated date of departure.
Does everyone need a student visa to study in Germany?
Not every international student travelling to Germany for study purposes requires a visa. There are several exceptions to student visas in Germany. Students who are citizens of the European Union (EU), Australia, Brazil, Andorra, Canada, Israel, El Salvador, Monaco, Honduras, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, San Marino, South Korea, and the United States do not need a student visa to study in Germany.
Keep in mind that even if you do not require a student visa, you still have to register and apply for a residence permit within two weeks of arrival. Additionally, students from Andorra, El Salvador, Brazil, Monaco, Honduras, and San Marino will need a student visa if they are to work part-time during their studies or full-time after graduation.
Now that you know the procedures to get a student visa, all you need is to secure admission in a reputed German university and enrol in a good programme relevant to your skills and industry. Check out the various art, business, technology, and psychology programmes offered by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Germany. The practice-oriented curriculum combined with the theoretical lessons will help you learn the relevant skills that can prepare you for the competitive job market.
At UE, we collaborate with several organisations and companies to present you with opportunities to gain practical experience in your field of study. The future-oriented programmes provide you with essential knowledge and enhance your confidence levels to build a career in this fast-paced marketplace.