Student Visa

Foreign students require an entry visa to study in Germany. However, if you come from an EU member state or country with which Germany has made a special agreement, you may enter the country without a visa. For more information, click here (list of countries from which nationals require an entry visa).

There are two general types of visas:

1. The Schengen visa (short-term visa) which allows foreign visitors to enter the country and remain for up to three months within a six-month period. This means you should not apply for the Schengen visa if you wish to study longer than three months in Germany.  

2. A national visa is issued to foreign visitors who plan on staying in Germany longer than three months.  

You must apply for and be issued an entry visa from the German embassy or one of the general consulates in your country before you travel to Germany. In order to receive a visa, you require a valid passport and proof of financial resources for the period of study in Germany. Depending on your status, you will be eligible for one of two possible visas: a student visa for those who have already received notification of admission from a German university, or a student applicant visa, confirming that you have already applied to university and are awaiting notification.

It may take several months for your visa to be approved. Therefore, begin the application process well in advance and make sure you have all the necessary information.  

Student visas are issued to those who have already been accepted by a German university. If you haven't yet been accepted, you can still enter the country on a student applicant visa. This type of visa is ideal for applicants who wish to improve their German language skills before commencing their studies. Student applicant visas are only valid for three months, but can be converted to a regular student visa if you receive notification of university admission within that time. A language course visa is only valid for the period of the language course and cannot be converted to a student visa.

Important! Do NOT enter the country as a tourist! Tourist visas cannot be automatically converted to study applicant visas or student visas. If you enter with a tourist visa, you will have to return to your home country and re-apply for a student visa!