Who Needs a Study Visa for Germany?
You need a Germany student visa if you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen and you want to study in Germany for more than 90 days.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa needed.
Citizens from some countries (e.g. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan): You can enter visa-free but must apply for a residence permit in Germany.
All others: Must apply for a study visa before entering Germany.
Types of Germany Student Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Student Applicant Visa | For students who have not yet been admitted to a university and need to be in Germany to apply. |
| Student Visa | For students with a university admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid). |
| Language Course Visa | For those attending an intensive German language course (not for university study). |
Basic Requirements
You generally need to submit:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent biometric passport photos
- University admission letter or proof of application
- Proof of academic qualifications (e.g., diplomas, transcripts)
- Proof of German or English language proficiency (depending on course)
- Proof of financial resources (€11,208/year or €934/month)
- Health insurance valid in Germany
- Motivation letter
- CV or academic resume
- Visa fee