Visa Process

How to apply for a student visa

Find out more about the visa process

  • Make sure that you apply for a student visa as early as possible.
  • The process may take up to several weeks.

 

APS for Indian applicants

Starting November 1,  2022, APS certificates will be a mandatory part of the documents to be submitted with your visa application.

New Academic Evaluation Centre (APS)

Appointment at the embassy

You should start your visa process as soon as possible, no later than after receiving your letter of admission from IGC/Hochschule Bremen (PDF document is sufficient for this).

Please apply for a visa appointment at the German embassy or contact an embassy-appointed organization such as VFS right away. It may take weeks before you will get an appointment.

Application process

You will find all information about the application process and requirements on the website of the respective German Embassy of your country.

Please be aware that only a “student visa” allows you to study in Germany. If you enter Germany with a tourist visa, we will not be able to enroll you. Only a few states have exceptions in this regard. Read more about special regulations on entry and residence.                                                          

Due to the pandemic-related restrictions, the processing time for applications of any kind is significantly extended! Please read more about the procedure for applying for a student visa.

Documents needed for visa application

To obtain a student visa you must provide or have proof for a lot of documents. You will find information about all requirements on the website of the respective German embassy of your country. If an organization such as VFS is mandated by the Embassy to do this, you will receive further support and information from them.

Please read and check your documents carefully, if even only one document is missing on the day of your visa appointment you will have to apply again. To get a new appointment may take weeks! 

Most international students are required to set up a so-called "blocked account" for living expenses. We recommend the service of the company Expatrio. They are certified by the German Foreign Office. In their service package they also offer health insurance and a bank account for Germany at very favorable conditions. You can find more information about it on: https://www.expatrio.com/

Job Seeker Visa - study and stay

After the successful completion of your master study you may apply for a “job searching visa.” This visa will be valid for 18 months.

Requirements for the application are:

  • Master certificate
  • Proof of valid health insurance
  • City registration in Germany
  • Financial background

Dont worry, we will help you to apply for it. Read more about the residence permit for postgraduates.