Germany is one of the top choices for international students and there are currently over
400,000 international students pursuing their degrees in the country. It’s well known for
its top universities and for offering inexpensive yet high-quality education to students
from within and outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area
(EEA).
If you want to study and live in Germany then this guide is for you. We’ve compiled
comprehensive and updated information including the requirements for studying in
Germany, how to apply for a visa, and proof of funds. We also have answers to
frequently asked questions by international students like you.
Requirements To Study In Germany
To study in Germany as an international student, you’ll need to meet some requirements
and we’ve grouped these into separate categories, which we’ll explain in detail shortly.
1.Study Programme
2.University Admission Requirements
3.University Application Documents
4.Proof of Funding
5.Student Visa
6.Accommodation
7.Health Insurance
8.University Enrollment
1 . Study Programme
For you to study in Germany you’ll need to pick a study programme from your preferred
university. Find a course you like and gather as much information as you can regarding
the course requirements as well as the university requirements. You can visit the German
Academic Exchange Service DAAD
to see the various German Institutions and select
your preferred course of study.
2 . University Admission Requirements
Once you’ve found a study programme you like, it’s time to think about the admission
requirements. Generally, for you to be admitted into any German university, you must
meet certain criteria set by the university. Such as:
- Your certificates or academic qualifications must be recognized by the university
you chose. What this means is that you’ll need to have a
Hochschulzugangsberechtigung – HZB which is the recognized “higher education
entrance qualification” in Germany.
- preparatory course known as Studienkolleg.
test known as TestAs.
- Students whose degree programme is taught entirely in German will be required to
provide proof of German language proficiency such as TestDaF or Deutsche
Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSG).
- Students whose courses will be taught in English are required to provide their
TOEFL and IELTS scores. Particularly this who are non-native English speakers.
3 . University Application Documents
The documents required for application may differ based on the university. But there are
key documents which are usually requested for. They include:
- A correctly filled and completed application form
- High school diploma certificate
- A transcript of your modules and grades
- Other relevant academic documents
- Proof of language proficiency
- Copy of your passport and passport photo
- Application fee
- Motivation letter
4 . Student Visa
Find out if students from your country need a visa to study in Germany and if you do, go
ahead and apply for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country. You’ll
need to provide the necessary documents, attend interviews and wait for their response.
Typically, the time frame for processing a German visa is anywhere between two weeks
to three months.
5 . Proof of Funding
As an international student, if you fall under the countries that require a visa to study in
Germany, then you’ll also need to provide proof of funding when you apply for your visa.
There are various ways you can provide proof of funding, but the most popular is
opening a blocked account. You’ll need to fund your account with a total of €11,208
which is approximately the amount of money needed to take care of your living expenses
in Germany for one year.
6 . Accommodation
Accommodation might be your biggest financial challenge as an international student in
Germany as rent over there doesn’t come cheap. Notwithstanding, there are various
accommodation options to choose from. Some accommodation options and their price
range include:
- German halls of residence- €250 per month
- Shared flats- €365 per month
- Private apartments- €390 per month
Whichever one you choose, make sure to register your address at the registration office in
Germany.
7 . Health Insurance
Having health insurance is very important if you want to study in Germany. International
students must be insured in the healthcare system while they are living in Germany. If
you are from one of the EU/EEA member states, you’re free to use your healthcare
insurance from your home country. Although you’ll need to obtain a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC).
Meanwhile, if you’re not from any of the member states of the EU/EA, then you’ll need to
provide proof of health Insurance for your student visa application and also during
university enrollment. You’ll also have to pay a monthly amount to public or private
health insurance providers if you’re above the age of 29.
8. University Enrollment
Enrollment into the University comes right after you have been offered admission. This
process involves submitting all the required documents at the Office of Students Affairs
and getting your courses registered so that you’re able to attend lectures, exercises and
examinations. The required documents for enrollment include:
- National passport /national ID card
- Confirmation of admission to studies
- German university entrance qualification
- Student health insurance
- Recent passport-sized photographs
Do you need a visa to study in Germany?
Yes. Depending on the country you come from, you might not need a visa to study in
Germany, but you’ll still need to obtain a residence permit if your course of study lasts
more than 90 days. However, if you fall under the countries that require a visa, then the
next step to take is to identify what kind of visa you’ll be needing.
Types of Germany Study Visas
For studies that last up to 3 months, you’ll need a Schengen visa and for studies that are
above 3 months, you’ll need a German national visa. But there are generally three types
of visas, let’s take a look at them.
- German national visa: this visa is given to international students who have been
admitted into one of the official universities of Germany and are about to undergo
their undergraduate, exchange, graduate or postgraduate studies.
- German Student Applicant Visa: if you’re going to Germany to apply for
admission in person, then this is the visa you need. This visa does not allow you to
study in Germany and is only valid for the university application process.
- German Language Course Visa: if you’re going to study a language course in
Germany, this is the visa you need.
Study in Germany Student Visa Requirements
To get your German Student Visa, you’ll need to provide the following
1 . Visa Application Documents
- Filled out and signed national application form
- A valid national passport
- Two photocopies of your passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Child’s birth certificate (if applicable)
- Three copies of your recent passport-style photograph
- Photocopies of previous German residence titles (If applicable)
2 . Proof of financial resources “Finanzierungsnachweis”
Applicants must prove they have enough money to live in Germany for one year. This
can be done through any of the following:
- €11,208 deposit confirmation at a German blocked account. It’s called a blocked
account because the money cannot be withdrawn until you’ve arrived and started
your studies in Germany.
- Evidence of your parent’s financial assets and income records plus a letter of
commitment.
- Letter of commitment “Verpflitchtungserklärung” by someone with permanent
residence guaranteeing the Alien Registration Office that they will cover all your
expenses during your studies.
- Bank guarantee issued by a recognised German bank.
- Scholarship awarding certificate from a recognised scholarship provider showing
the amount awarded and cost covered.
3 . Proof of University Admission
- “Zulassungsbeschied” is the document of confirmation of admission in studies
issued by a recognised university in Germany, stating when you’re resuming
studies and the language you’ll be taught in.
- “Bedingter Zulassungsbeschied” which is a letter of proof of conditional
admission and “intensiv-Sprachkurs” meaning a confirmed intensive course. This
letter shows that you have been confirmed to participate in an intensive language
course which usually lasts for more than 6 months with up to 18 hours of lessons
per week. Included in this also is the- letter from “uni-assist”, confirmation of
admission as an applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions
for final admission and proof of payment for the language course.
- Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course “Studienkolleg”.
This also includes a letter from “uni-assist”, confirmation of admission as an
applicant, communication with the university regarding conditions for final
admission and proof of payment for the language course.
3 . Evidence of your earlier education
This includes your original school leaving certificate and degree certificate (if you’re
entering into Master’s or PhD).
4. Student health insurance
5. University entrance qualification
6. Certificate of German or English Proficiency
How To Apply for A German Student Visa
The process of applying for a German Student Visa differs from country to country but
there are some general steps which you are expected to go through.
1.Locate the German embassy or consulate in your country one closest to you to get
more information about the requirements and how to set up visa appointments.
2.Review the procedure and requirements. Once you find the German website for
your country, go to the student visa section and review all the requirements for
your country and the procedures to set up a visa appointment.
3.Set up a visa appointment. Make sure you apply for your visa weeks ahead of time
to avoid unnecessary delays.
4.Have all your visa application documents ready.
5.Prepare for your visa interview. At this stage, you’ll also need to pay a visa application fee of €60 – €75 and have the payment confirmation with you at the
interview.
German Student Visa FAQS
- How much bank balance do I need for a German study visa?
As of 2022, you need to have a total of €11,208 in a German-blocked account before
applying for a study visa.
- How long does it take to Process a German Student Visa?
On average it will take about 25 days for your visa to be processed. But the processing
time is largely dependent on your home country. All other German visa applications are
processed within three months.
- What is the cost of tuition in Germany?
Tuition fees in Germany vary based on the university and program you apply to. On
average, international students can spend up to €26,000 per year for a Bachelor’s degree
and €40,000 per year for a Master’s. However, there are plenty of universities that have
zero tuition fees. Some of these are:
●University of Mannheim
●University of Stuttgart
●University of Hamburg
●University of Cologne
●University of Bremen
- What is the average cost of living as an international student in Germany?
Germany is a pretty affordable country with the average cost of living for international
students ranging from €700 to €1,000 per month including accommodation.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of the necessary documents and criteria for studying in
Germany, you can start your journey as an international student. For more information
about the student visa requirements and application process, visit the Germany Study
Visa website and check out our study board for more updates on studying abroad.
