Germany study visa

People admitted to study in Germany who meet the applicable qualification, funding and language requirements.

• Study admission

  You have been admitted to a state-recognised higher education institution in Germany; the official visa overview also lists admission to a preparatory course where applicable.

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• Entrance qualification

  You need a school-leaving certificate with a university entrance qualification; for a master's degree or doctorate, you need the corresponding recognised academic degree.

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• Living costs

  You must be able to cover your living costs for the duration of your studies. The page lists a blocked account containing at least €11,904 in 2026, a scholarship or a declaration of commitment as ways to prove sufficient funds.

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• Programme language

  Some programmes require proof of language proficiency, usually CEFR level B2; you must prove the required skills to the German embassy or consulate.

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• Identity and nationality

  You must prove your identity and nationality; as a rule, a valid passport submitted with the visa application is sufficient.

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• Valid passport

  A non-EU or non-EFTA national may generally enter Germany only with a valid and recognised passport or passport substitute.

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• No grounds for expulsion

  There must be no reasons preventing your stay in Germany; the authorities check whether you could pose a threat to public safety and order.

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• Health insurance

  Proof of valid health insurance coverage must be presented before an entry visa is issued.

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• Entry visa fee; exemptions or reductions apply in certain casesResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€75 per person
• Residence permit fee after arrival, up to €100Researched just now · being double-checkedSource€100 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check your entrance qualification

     Check whether your qualification allows you to enter your intended German study programme or whether you need a preparatory course.

     You’ll need: School-leaving certificate, Relevant academic degree, if applying for a master's degree or doctorate

   • Secure a study place

     Apply to a German higher education institution and obtain confirmation of admission or, where applicable, confirmation of attendance at a preparatory course.

     You’ll need: Confirmation of admission or preparatory-course attendance

   • Arrange proof of funding

     Prepare proof that you can cover your living costs, such as a blocked account, scholarship or declaration of commitment.

     You’ll need: Proof of financial means

   • Prepare your visa documents

     Gather your passport, entrance qualification, admission confirmation, financial proof and proof of language skills if required.

     You’ll need: Passport, University entrance qualification, Admission or preparatory-course confirmation, Proof of financial means, Proof of language skills, if required

2. Apply

   • Submit your visa application

     Create an account on the Consular Services Portal and apply online, or contact the competent German mission if online applications are not yet available in your country.

     You’ll need: Visa application, Required supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Attend your embassy appointment

     Arrange an appointment, bring your original documents in full and pay the applicable visa fee.

     You’ll need: Original application documents

   • Show proof of health insurance

     Present proof of valid health insurance coverage before the entry visa is issued.

     You’ll need: Proof of valid health insurance

4. Travel

   • Travel to Germany

     Once your visa has been issued, book your journey and travel to Germany.

     You’ll need: Visa, Passport

5. Settle in

   • Register your address

     Register your home address in Germany at the Residents' Registration Office.

   • Apply for your study residence permit

     Ask the competent foreigners authority which documents it requires, make an appointment and apply before your entry visa expires.

     You’ll need: Documents requested by the competent foreigners authority

After graduation, a residence permit to seek skilled employment for up to 18 months; qualified employment can lead to a skilled-worker residence permit or EU Blue Card, and graduates may be eligible for a settlement permit after working in Germany for more than two years.

• Radware Pagemake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• Visum_Studieren_EN_OhneLinksmake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• How do I apply for a visa?make-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• make-it-in-germany.com/en/study-vocational-training/studies-in-german…Official
• auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/buergerservice/faq/08a-bearbeitun…Official

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.