How to Apply for German Student Visa

Do you want to apply for a German student visa? If your answer is yes, this is for you. A student visa is required for international students who wish to study in an educational institution in Germany(with exceptions for students from certain countries).

In 2026, Germany is highly recognized as one of the top study destinations for international students– Tuition is free, Students can work and study, and students get a chance to learn a new language and a direct pathway to work in Germany after completing their studies. If you want to learn in detail how you can apply for a German student visa without stress, keep reading.

This guide contains everything you need to know about the process of obtaining a student visa to Germany.

What is a German Student Visa?

A German Student Visa is a legal document required for international students who wish to study in Germany. Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss nationals are exempt from applying for a student visa and can study in Germany without one. A German student visa will give you the right to remain in Germany and work for the duration of your course. A German Student Visa is quite affordable, but it does require you to follow a due process if you want to be successful. It could take around 6 to 12 weeks to process your German student visa and a visit to the German consulate in your country is a part of the process. In some cases, it can take up to 4 months to get your visa decision.

Types of German Study Visas

As an international student, the type of visa you need for Germany depends on your study program:

• The Schengen visa (C visa) for short courses that last up to three months, and

• The national visa (D visa) is for courses that last more than three months.

You can get a national visa (D visa) for different study programs in Germany, including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or exchange studies, participating in pre-academic measures (such as Studienkollegs), and non-academic German language courses.

Depending on your situation, you can apply for one of the three types of German national visa (D visa) for students:

• German Student Visa. If you were accepted to a German higher education institution to start studying in a higher education program (e.g. bachelor’s degree, master’s degree).

• German Student Applicant Visa. If you applied to a state-approved higher education institution or preparatory course and have a good chance of getting accepted, but have not received a letter of admission or confirmation of application yet.

• German Language Course Visa. If you want to attend intensive German language courses in Germany, without plans to continue studying elsewhere.

Eligibility Criteria for a German Student Visa 

To be eligible for a German student visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have been accepted to study in a recognized higher education institution in Germany.

• You must show proof of funds, which is a minimum of €11,904(as of 2026) in a blocked account to support your living expenses in Germany or proof of scholarship.

• You must show proof of German/English fluency if it’s required for your study program.

Who Needs a German Student Visa?

You need a German student visa if any of the following situations apply to you:

• You are a citizen of a country whose nationals need a visa to enter Germany

• You are from a country whose citizens can enter Germany without a visa for short visits, but your study program lasts more than 90 days

• You are a non-EU or non-EEA student planning to study in Germany for a long period

For non-EU and non-EEA students, the visa requirement depends on your country of citizenship.

Visa-Free Entry for Study (Residence Permit Required After Arrival)

Students from certain countries can enter Germany without a student visa. However, they must apply for a German residence permit for study purposes after arriving in Germany and before their 90-day stay expires.

This rule applies to students from the following countries:

• Australia

• Andorra

• Brazil

• Canada

• El Salvador

• Honduras

• Israel

• Japan

• Monaco

• New Zealand

• San Marino

• South Korea

• Switzerland

• United States
   

These students must register their address in Germany and apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office.

Student Visa Required Before Entry

Students from countries not listed above must apply for a German student visa before traveling to Germany. They must complete the visa application at a German embassy or consulate in their home country and receive approval before entering Germany.

Failing to apply for the correct visa before travel can delay or prevent enrollment, so students should always confirm their visa requirements early.

How much is a German student visa fee?

The German student visa fee costs €75. Applicants must pay this fee when submitting their visa application at the German embassy or consulate. The fee usually covers the processing of the application and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

Document Required for a German Student Visa 

Here are the documents you need to prepare for your German student visa:

• Valid passport.

• Copy of your passport’s biometric page.

• Birth certificate.

• Completed visa application form.

• Marriage certificate (if applicable).

• Your child’s birth certificate (if applicable).

• Recent passport-style photographs (up to 3). You can get biometric photos conveniently from MyBiometricPhotos.com.

• Photocopies of previous German residence titles (if applicable).

• Letter of acceptance from a German university or similar institution as one of the following:

  • University admission letter “Zulassungsbescheinigung”.

  • Letter of admission in a foundation course.

  • Letter of admission in the propaedeutic course.

  • Letter of admission in a preparatory German language course.

• Authenticated certificates of earlier education such as one of the following:

  • German university entrance qualification “Abitur”— if you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad.

  • Recognized foreign academic qualification. It must show you have a qualification equally recognized as the German Abitur.

  • Academic records or transcript.

• Proof of language skills such as certificates approved by the German government e.g., Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Assessment English.

• Proof of travel insurance (for your initial stay).

• Complete CV.

• Motivational letter.

• Proof of financial means as one of the following:

  • Confirmation of a German/EU scholarship or stipend.

  • Formal obligation letter by a sponsor in Germany (Verpflichtungserklärung).

  • Proof of blocked account showing you have a minimum of €11,904 for your stay in Germany.

  • Letter of declaration by a parent(for minors).

Requirements for a German Study Visa

To apply for a German student visa, you must prepare and submit the required documents. To apply for a German Visa, you will need the following documents:

1. Completed Visa Application Form: You must complete the visa application form as part of your application. If you apply online through the Consular Services Portal, the form will be included in the application process. If you attend an in-person appointment at the German embassy or consulate, download the form in advance, complete it carefully, and bring the printed copy with you.

2. Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport to apply for a German student visa. Your passport should be issued within the last 10 years and must remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Make sure the passport has blank pages available for visa stamps.

3. Copy of Your Passport’s Biometric Page: You must have a valid passport to apply for a German student visa. Your passport should be issued within the last 10 years and must remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Make sure the passport has blank pages available for visa stamps.

4. Biometric Passport Photos: You must have a valid passport to apply for a German student visa. Your passport should be issued within the last 10 years and must remain valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Make sure the passport has blank pages available for visa stamps.

5. Proof of University Admission (Zulassungsbescheid): You must present your admission letter from the university, which shows that you have been given a place to study for the duration of the course you applied to.

6. Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis): You have to show that you have enough money to support yourself while studying in Germany. As of September 2024, the proof of funds for a German Student Visa is €11,904 per year or €992 per month for the first year. Some of the ways to fulfill this requirement include:

• A deposit confirmation showing that you have €11,904 in a German blocked bank account (Sperrkonto).

• Valid proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets (e.g. bank statement, job contract, etc.).

• Scholarship awarding certificate that specifies the expenses covered or monetary award.

• Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung) stating that they can cover your expenses while you’re a student.

• A bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.

If you are not using a blocked account, you may instead provide:

• Scholarship confirmation

• Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany

• Proof of parental income or savings
   

7. Travel Health Insurance: You need proof of health insurance coverage for at least your first 3 months in Germany. After arriving, you’ll need to register with a German health insurance provider.
    

8. Academic Records and Certificates, which may include transcripts, diplomas, and any other relevant academic documents.
    

9. Language Proficiency Proof: You may be required to provide proof of fluency in English or German, which can be presented in the form of a German language certificate (e.g., TestDaF, DSH) or an English language certificate (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)

10. Curriculum Vitae (CV): You will need to submit an up-to-date CV with your academic and professional background.
     

11. Motivation Letter: You will need a motivation letter explaining your reasons for studying in Germany, why you chose your university, and your plans.
     

12. Proof of Previous Study or Employment (if applicable): You may need to show your academic or professional history.
     

13. Copies of All Documents(originals and photocopies) of each required document.
     

14.  A printout of your appointment confirmation, if applicable.

Health Insurance for International Students

Students aged under 30 can register with the public or private healthcare system. Students pay a discounted rate for their Health Insurance. 

Application Process

You need to begin your student visa application around four months before the start date of your course. This should provide enough time to make an appointment, do the necessary paperwork, attend the interview, and wait the 6 to 12 weeks for your visa to be processed.

The process to obtain your visa involves liaising with the German consulate in your country, ensuring you have filled out all forms correctly, and having the necessary documents prepared.

1. Apply online or book an appointment

To apply for a German student visa, you can choose one of the two options depending on your country of residence. Starting in 2025, Germany has made the student visa application process more digital. Students can now fill out their application form online through the Consular Services Portal. They can also upload their documents, track their application, and receive updates online.

However, an in-person interview is still required before the visa is approved. This new online process is not yet available in all countries. To check if it applies to you, search for your country here and find out if you can do your application online. 

If your country does not support online applications, you must book an appointment at the German consulate responsible for your country. Depending on where you live, you can book this appointment online, by phone, or by visiting the consulate in person.
 

2. Set up a Blocked Account

A Blocked Account is a type of German bank account for international students to prove they have the funds to cover their costs of living during their studies.  In 2024, the amount you need to prove to the German authorities that you have enough funds to live in Germany is €992 per month. 

3. Apply for Health Insurance

Make sure you are registered for Health Insurance and have proof of this cover that is valid in Germany (in almost all cases, this will have to be with a German provider). You can start the registration process with one of Germany’s top providers, on our Health Insurance page today. 

4. Fill in the application form

This can be downloaded from your nearest German consulate’s website or online if you are planning to apply at the embassy. If you are applying online through the Consular Services Portal, you can fill out this form and all other required documents online and submit them online. When you fill out the application form, take care to check you have included everything that is asked. Ask a friend or family member to go over it for you to check you haven’t missed anything. An incomplete form can result in a refusal of the visa.

5. Check you have all the documents ready

Ahead of your appointment with the consulate or before you submit your application online via the Consular Services Portal, ensure you now have all documents ready. This includes your Health Insurance, passport, passport photos, high school certificate, course acceptance letter, birth certificate, proof of blocked account or funds, and the correctly filled-out application form itself.

Preparing your visa documents goes hand-in-hand with university admission:
Make sure you meet all German university admission requirements before your visa appointment. And don’t forget to explore the full Study in Germany hub to guide you from application to arrival.