1. Visa Requirement and Residence Permit
Whether you need a visa depends on the purpose and duration of your intended stay and your nationality. Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland do not require a visa for studying in Germany. They only need a valid ID card or equivalent document to enter the country. Upon arrival, they have to register at the Residents' Registration Office in the new place of residence (find the one responsible for your location here).
Residence Permit required
There are also certain countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if their stay in Germany is to last longer than 90 days, they must apply for a residence permit depending on the purpose of their stay. This applies to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Great Britain, Israel, and the USA. Citizens of these countries who wish to stay in Germany for more than three months, for example to study, must register at the Residents' Registration Office and apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
The same applies to students from Brazil, Andorra, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino. They can enter Germany without a visa if they do not plan to work in Germany afterwards. Part-time jobs during studies are exempt from this rule.
However, there are sometimes exceptions. It is therefore advisable to contact the German embassy or consulate general in your country before your departure (German embassy and consulate finder).
Visa required
Citizens of all other countries must be in possession of a visa when entering Germany. As visas are mandatory, you must apply for a visa at the German consulate in your home country. It can take up to several months to obtain a visa, so you should allow plenty of time before your planned departure. The website of the German Federal Foreign Office lists visa requirements for all countries and the addresses of German consulates abroad. The German consulate in your home country will help you with any questions regarding your visa application.
Important information for Indians, Chinese and Vietnamese: As of November 1, 2022, APS (Academic Evaluation Center) certificates will be a mandatory part of the documents to be submitted with the visa application (learn more).
2. Applying for the right Visa
There are two types of visas available if you are coming to Germany to study from a country that requires a visa. If you have already been accepted to a university, you can apply for a visa for study purposes. If you are still waiting for an acceptance letter or have to take an entrance exam, you can apply for a prospective student visa. The basic requirement in both cases is that you have to prove that you have enough money to support yourself.
Also check the Visa Navigator of the German Federal Foreign Office.
Visa for Study Purposes
If you have already been accepted to a university and want to enter Germany to begin your studies, you can apply for a visa for study purposes (study visa with admission to a German university). This visa is usually valid for three months, during which time you must enter Germany and apply for a residence permit for study purposes at the Foreigners' Registration Office in your new place of residence.
Prospective Student Visa
If you are still waiting for an acceptance letter or need to take an entrance exam, you can apply for a prospective student visa (study visa without admission). Prospective student visas are valid for three months and can be extended to six months if you are accepted to an institution of higher education or enroll in a basic or preparatory German language course within that period. If you are admitted to a university within this period, you can then apply for a residence permit for study purposes.
3. Required documents
The following documents are usually required to apply for a visa:
- Valid ID card
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Records of previous study and language skills
- If applicable: letter of acceptance from your higher education institution
- If applying for a prospective student visa: a recognized higher education entrance qualification
- Possibly a health certificate
- For Indians, Chinese and Vietnamese: APS certificate
4. Plan with sufficient lead time
The key to a successful visa and residence permit application is proper planning. Visa applications can take several months to process, so it's important to apply early. It is also advisable to schedule your arrival in Germany in a way that will allow you enough time to enroll at IGC and complete some administrative procedures, as proof of enrollment is required to obtain a residence permit for study purposes. Last but not least, do not enter as a tourist, as a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa.
Check out our IGC Visa Guide for more helpful tips to ensure a successful visa application.
Information status: April 2024
