International students often need a visa to enter Germany. Sometimes they also need a residence permit. Whether you need these documents depends on which country you are from and how long you intend to stay.
For non-EU students, a visa is needed as the official authorizing document required to permit a non-German national to enter and stay in the territory of Germany to study for a specific intended period.
Types of Study Visa
Depending on the intent of your visit, you need to apply for the proper Visa to Germany. If the purpose of your visit to Germany is educational and long-term, you are not entitled to the Short-term/Schengen Visa (C Visa). However, you will have to apply for the Germany National Visa (D Visa), which is long-term.
There are three types of Student visas in Germany which are:
· Student Applicant Visa
If you still haven't gotten a formal admission letter from the university you applied to, or you need to enter entrance examinations offered by the university. It is valid for three months and can be extended to 6 months.
· Student Visa
This is a long-term visa if accepted to a German university. Remember to register with the Alien Registration Office in the German city you reside in within two weeks of your arrival so you can obtain your Residence Permit.
· Language Course Visa
German Language Course lasted from 3 months to 1 year.
Documents Required for German Student Visa
You must submit the following documents to apply for any of the German Study visas:
· Duly completed Germany Student Visa Application form.
· Your valid passport. It should be valid six months before your departure from Germany and have at least a blank page.
· Proof of civil status.
o Marriage certificate.
o Birth certificate.
o Birth certificate of children.
o Death certificate of spouse.
o Ration card if applicable.
· Two photographs: The photos must be of high quality and identical.
· When applying for a language Course Visa: A motivational letter for attending the language course.
· Proof of Covered student health insurance for the entire period of easy in Germany
· Proof of accommodation in Germany: You must show evidence that you have a place to stay during your studies in Germany.
· Curriculum Vitae: Attach to your CV evidence about any previous and current internship and employment.
· The minimum financial means are at least €10,332 per year or €861 per month. The following are accepted as proof:
o Personal financial statements for the last three months.
o A scholarship award certificate.
o Written confirmation of parents or sponsor that they will cover your costs.
· If not admitted yet:
o Recognized School Leaving Certificates.
o Confirmation of application: This is usually an e-mail from the university confirming the successful application submission for studies.
o A certificate of admission in a preparatory course: In German, this is called “Propaedeutic Courses” or a registration confirmation letter in a German language course (containing not less than 18 hours of lessons per week).
o A recognized school leaving certificate, “Abitur.” Or the equivalent of it.
o Proof of German or English language proficiency (depending on the language in which lessons are taught).
o Evidence of former education: Certified of former degree
· If admitted to a university:
o Acceptance letter from the university. A document, a university admission letter confirming your application for studies, and an offered place to study in the program you have applied for
o Certificates of earlier education. Submit all certificates of previous formal and informal education.
What you Can do While having a German Student Visa
As a holder of a German student visa, you can:
· You are applying for an extension of the student residence permit: This is possible if you haven’t completed your planned studies within the visa period, and you’ll be completing them reasonably.
· Applying for a residence permit for job-seeking after graduation: You will be eligible to apply for a residence permit only if you have completed your studies in Germany. With such a residence permit, for up to 6 months after graduation, you can search for a job or get self-employed. You can even get a temporary job while searching for a permanent position that directly matches your received academic qualification.
· Get a part-time job: You may work up to 120 working days/year, even if you are already working part-time in an academic institution where you are studying. However, your work must not interfere with your study progress.
How Long Can You Stay in Germany With Student Visa?
With a German student visa, you’ll be able to remain in Germany for the initial three months. Within this period, you’ll be required to apply for a residence permit to study. The maximum period you’ll receive through such a residence permit is two years. You’ll also be allowed to extend the residence permit, depending on the length of your studies.
When to Apply for a Student Visa
The German Student Visa application and the necessary documents should be submitted at least eight weeks before the date of traveling to Germany to avoid any possible delay.
Where Should I EnsconceMy Germany Student Visa Application?
You must apply for a German Student visa at your country's German Consulate or Embassy. Your passport will remain at the Embassy/Consulate, where you have used it during the entire process of visa proceedings. If you need to withdraw your access, whether traveling or else, you must apply again from the beginning.
How to Apply for a German Student Visa?
To apply for a German student visa, you must go through the following steps:
· Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form.
· Collect the required documents.
· Schedule an appointment.
· Go to the visa application center for the interview.
· Pay the German student visa fee.
· Submit biometrics.
· Wait for processing.
Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form
You can find the form here. Fill out the application form with detailed and accurate information about yourself and select the appropriate purpose of travel.
Collect the required documents
Collect all the documents required for application, depending on your admission status.
Schedule an appointment
You should schedule an appointment for a German student visa interview at the German Embassy or consulate in your home country. You can only have your student visa application processed by booking an appointment before attending the interview.
Attend the interview
Make sure to be on time at the application center since they may not accept your application if you are later than ten minutes. After verifying your appointment letter, you will be issued a token.
When you go to the visa application center for the interview, you should have with you the document file. You should submit your application when you attend the interview, so ensure everything is in order. The submission may take about 10 minutes.
Pay the German student visa fee.
After the authorities verify your application, your information will be entered into the online system of the German consulate. Then, you will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, please make sure to verify all the details are correct and sign the form.
You will have to pay a fee for the German student visa, which is €75.
Submit biometrics
The final step is to provide your fingerprints. This is a quick process that usually takes 7 to 8 minutes. This includes capturing a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.
Wait for processing
After going through these steps, the application procedure has now been completed. The Embassy or consulate will process your application, which may take 6 to 12 weeks. The consular officers may also ask for additional documents in the meantime. Make sure to provide anything extra they ask for.
Can I Work in Germany With a German Study Visa?
International students in Germany can work with a German study visa while carrying on their studies, but the number of hours they can work is restricted.
· Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can work freely in Germany for 20 hours a week during term time (including voluntary work).
· Students from other countries can also work, but they cannot exceed more than 120 full days a year or 240 half days. Unused days cannot be carried over to the following year.
· International students with a residence permit: who want to work in Germany after their studies can extend their Visa for up to 18 months as long as they have found a job in their field of study.
· Graduates from EU/EEA countries can stay and seek work without any restriction or permission. After two years of employment in Germany, it is possible to apply for permanent residency status in Germany.
After You Arrive in Germany With a Student Visa
With a German student Visa, you can freely travel to the country. However, after you arrive in Germany, you must follow the steps to make your stay in Germany legal.
1. Register your address in Germany: You should register your address at the office closest to your home in Germany. You will need an identification document, your Visa, and a rental contract or other proof of your address.
2. Applying for a German Student Residence Permit: After registering your address, you should apply for your Student Residence Permit in Germany. Note that you have 90 days from entering Germany to do so. You first need to appoint a meeting with the Immigration Authorities nearest your living location in Germany. There you can also get the application form.