Visa Application Procedure
Visa Application Documents
- Duly filled out and signed national visa application form.
- Valid passport.
- Two photocopies of your passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Your child’s birth certificate (if applicable).
- Recent passport-style photographs (up to 3). You can obtain biometric photos conveniently from MyBiometricPhotos.com.
- Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable).
Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)
You can submit one of the following to prove your financial resources:
- €11,208 deposit confirmation at a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).
- Sufficient proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
- Scholarship awarding certificate specifying coverage amount.
- Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung) who can cover your expenses during your studies.
- Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.
Proof of Purpose of Stay
You can send any of the following:
- Confirmation of admission (Zulassungsbescheid) – issued from a recognized German educational institution, indicating your program start date and language of instruction.
- Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg) – it can be a letter from uni-assist, confirmation of admission as an applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions for final admission, or proof of having been confirmed as a participant in the course.
- Proof of conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid) and confirmation of enrollment in a long-term intensive language course (Intensiv-Sprachkurs) lasting over 6 months with a minimum of 18 weekly hours – it can be proof of conditional university admission (letter from uni-assist, confirmation of admission as an applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions for final admission), or proof of payment for the first three months of the course with a confirmed spot.
Evidence of Previous Qualifications
Submit official documents and notarized copies of the academic qualifications that apply to you. Include your original school-leaving certificate and, if applicable, your degree certificate for Master’s or PhD studies.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for studying in Germany. If you’re from an EU/EEA country or have an agreement with Germany, you may use your existing insurance with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other form of health insurance. Otherwise, you must get German health insurance for your student visa and enrollment.
Proof of German or English Proficiency
To obtain a national student visa in Germany, you must prove your proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen study program. Typically, a minimum B2 level in German and/or English is required for student visas, which can be demonstrated through language exams.
Visa Processing Fee (€75)
The visa processing fee for a German national student visa is €75, and minors (applicants under 18) pay a reduced fee of €37.50. You should bring this exact cash amount in the local currency when you submit your application. Some recipients of scholarships issued by a public institution may be exempt from this fee, so check with your local German embassy or consulate for specific details. There are no refunds if your visa is denied.
What Is the Required Bank Balance for a German Study Visa?
As of 2024, you must have a minimum of €11,208 in your blocked bank account when applying for a German student visa. Be aware that you can withdraw a maximum of €934 monthly from your blocked account.
