Apply for a student visa
Performance specification
If you want to study in Germany, you must apply for a student visa before entering the country. Depending on your nationality, entry may be facilitated.
No visa required for entry:
- Nationals of the Member States of the European Union (EU) and the EEA States
- Swiss nationals
- Nationals of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and the USA. If you stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit for students from countries outside the EU/EEA within 90 days of entry.
All other foreign applicants need a residence title in the form of a national visa before entering Germany.
You can also find further information on the page of the Federal Foreign Office "Student Visa".
Applying for a residence permit for students from countries outside the EU/EEA
Requirements
- Study at
- a state or state-recognised higher education institution (university, teacher training college, art college, university of applied sciences) or
- of a comparable training institution.
- Study must be the main purpose of the stay. This includes all phases of education:
- Language course or preparatory course for studies
- Language exam
- Internships preparing for studies (if recommended or required by the university)
- Studies (basic studies. Advanced studies, internships during studies, intermediate and final examinations)
- Postgraduate, additional. Supplementary studies or doctorate
- Practical activities following a course of study insofar as they are a prescribed part of training
- Financing the livelihood
- Health insurance in Germany
- Fulfilment of the requirements for admission to the desired educational institution (letter of admission)
- Study at
Which documents are required?
- Passport (valid at least for the duration of the visa applied for)
- 2 recent passport photos
- Certificate on purpose of stay (e.g. admission to studies)
- Proof of funding (e.g. statement of parents' income and financial situation, payment of a security deposit into a blocked account in Germany, scholarship contract)
- Proof of health insurance
The competent body may request further documentation.
What are the fees?
The costs depend on the type and duration of the residence permit.
Processing time
The duration from application to issuance of the visa can vary depending on the country. You must expect a processing time of several months.
Legal basis
§ Section 3 Residence Act (AufenthG) (passport obligation)
§ Section 16b Residence Act (AufenthG) (studies, language courses, school attendance)
§ Section 4 Residence Act (AufenthG) (requirement of a residence title)
§ Section 2 Residence Act para. 3 (AufenthG) (subsistence, health insurance)
§ Section 5 Residence Act (AufenthG) (General requirements for issuance)
§ Section 56 Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (Obligations under the Law on Identity Cards)
What else should I know?
Further information for foreigners is also available on the homepage of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Applications / Forms
Who do I need to contact?
To the German mission abroad responsible for your place of residence.
Tip: The Federal Foreign Office provides a list of the representations of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad on its online pages.
List of representations of the Federal Republic of Germany abroad
| First letter Surname | Processing | Room | Representation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A, D, FEG + J | Bangert, Eleni | 256a | Geiseler-Matsuda |
| A, M | Müller, Tatjana | 254 | Fingers |
| B, C, E, F, G FEG + H,I | Bergener, Carolina | 258 | Stenzel |
| B, G, S | Schweinsberg, Claudia | 248 | Schlömer |
| C, E, L, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z | Atas, Fatine | 250 | Shepherd |
| D, F, J, K, N | Finger, Katharina | 253 | Miller |
| EU | Schäfer, Elfi | 257 | Atas |
| H, I, J | Horse mackerel, Larissa | 249 | Squat |
| H, I, O, P, Q, R | Schlömer, Judith | 248 | Schweinsberg |
| K, L, S, FEG + Q,R | Geiseler-Matsuda, Elke | 256 | Bangert |
| M, N, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z FEG + O,P | Stenzel, Dominik | Bergener | |
| O, P, Q, R | Hocke, Beate | 245 | Horse mackerel |