Germany with over 300 educational institutions with more than 15,000 different study courses, has become a center of attraction for internal students. While some international students will be needing a visa to get to Germany others may be needing a resident permit. You can read further to explore how to apply for Germany Student Visa.
This article will all guide you on the Germany Student Visa requirements, fees, checklist, and processing time.

Do I need a Germany Student Visa?

As mentioned earlier, not every international student who wants to study in Germany needs a Visa.
However, applicants under the following categories need not apply for Germany Student Visa;

 Applicants within the European Union (including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).

 Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, and South Korea.

Those in this category do not need visas to study in Germany. But will need to register at the Residents’ Registration Office and the Aliens’ Registration Office to get a residence permit. This is to be done within two weeks of arrival.

 Those from Brazil, Andorra, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino, or Taiwan.

Similarly, those in this category who chooses to work before or after their degrees will have to apply for a visa. While students from Taiwan must have a passport (which includes an I.D card number) both visa holders and non-visa holders must apply for a residence permit.
Note: Applicants from any other part of the world not captured above, will need a German Student Visa.

What Type of Visa Do I need To Study in Germany?

The type of visa to apply for to study in Germany is dependent on your intentions for visiting the country. There are three kinds of Germany Student Visas;

• Language Course Visa: To study a German language course in Germany, you will need this special visa. Usually, the courses last from 3 months to 1 year.

• German Student Applicant Visa: This visa only allows you to stay in Germany and apply for a university degree. It doesn’t allow you to study in Germany. It is valid for 3 months with the possibility of an extension of up to 6 months.

• German Student Visa:  It is a long-term visa. It is for those international students who have been accepted into an official university in Germany.

Germany Student Visa Requirements

The following are the requirements for a German student visa;
• Visa Application Documents.
a. Well filled and signed national visa forms
b.  Valid national passport.
c. two photocopies of your passport.
d. Certificate of birth
e. Marriage certificate (if married)
f. Birth certificate of your child (if applicable)
g. Three recent passport photographs. The format is 3.5cm by 4.5cm.
h. If applicable, photocopies of previous German residence titles.
I. Previous Schengen Visa.
j. Your previous residence permit.

• Proof of financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)

To be granted a German student Visa you will need to meet the following financial requirements;
o You need to have a deposit confirmation of €10,332 at a German blocked bank account. If you wish to open a blocked bank account, it is possible through Fintiba. It is generally accepted by German Embassies and Consulates.
o More so, you will present a letter of commitment and evidence of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
o Commitment letter by a German resident. The German resident who will cover your study costs will take this letter to the Alien’s Registration Office.
o Scholarship certificate indicating the amount.
o Guarantee form issued to you buy a German bank.
• Proof of University Admission
This will include;
o Letter of admission
o Admission letter in foundation/propaedeutic/German language course.
i. Certificates of previous education.
ii. A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
iii. A motivational letter. It is used to explain why you have chosen your intended program of study and what you intend to achieve.
iv You will need travel health insurance coverage.
v. Statement of payment for visa application.
vi Proof of proficiency in the German language ( this is for German and mixed language programs)

How to Apply For A Germany Student Visa

Below you will get a general guide on how to process your Germany student visa. Though the processes differ from country to country, the procedures outlined below will help you in making your application.
i. Locate the German Embassy or Consulate in your country: There you will get more information about the requirement and book a visa appointment. Finding it difficult to locate the embassy or consulate? You can simply check it up on Google.
ii. Review all the Required Documents and Procedures: Upon location of the German Embassy or Consulate, you can proceed to their official website to look up the required documents and procedures.
iii. Arrange A Visa Appointment: you can do this by following the procedures outlined on the official website of the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
iv. Get the Visa Application Documents handy: Make sure you get all the required documents ready. Do a thorough double-check to avoid omissions or mistakes.
v. Prepare for the Visa Interview: You can get likely interview questions from the web. This will help narrow your attention to areas questions may be gotten from.
Note; Go with your visa application payment confirmation for the interview. The fee is usually €60.00-€75.00.

How Long Does it Take to Process the Germany Student Visa?

It usually takes up to 25 days. Though it is largely dependent on the German Embassy and the country the application is made from. In some cases, it takes up to 3 months.

When is the Right Time to Apply for Germany Student Visa?

• You should apply for your Germany Student Visa as early as possible.
•  Apply for the visa 6 months ahead of your travel time. The earlier the better, to avoid missing the interview slots.

After You Arrive in Germany with a Student Visa

On arrival in Germany, they are necessary steps you need to take. These steps will help legalize your stay in Germany.
• Register your address in Germany: Register your address at the registration office near your new home. Most importantly, you will be needing the following for a successful registration;
i. An Identification document.
ii. Your visa.
iii. A rental contract or other proof of your address.
Get a German Health Insurance

Enroll in studies: To participate in studies you will have to officially enroll at the university within the stipulated time.
 Open a current bank account from an officially recognized German bank.

Apply for a Germany Student Residence Permit: Once you are done registering your address, you should apply for your Student Residence Permit in Germany. You have just 90 days from the day you entered Germany to apply for a Germany Student Residence Permit. Below are the documents required to apply for a residence permit for studies in Germany:                                             1. Duly completed application form for a residence permit.
2. National Passport/National I.D card

3. Evidence of permanent address in Germany.

4. Confirmation of registration.

5. Rental contract.
6. Confirmation letter from your landlord
7. Recent passport photographs.
8. Proof of being admitted in studies.