Find out more about the visa process
Starting your studies at the International Graduate Center means taking an exciting step toward your global career — and we’re here to guide you through every part of the visa process.
This page gives you all essential info for preparing your student visa, including requirements, financial proof, health insurance and what to expect when arriving in Germany.
If you need support at any point, our admission team is ready to help.
One general note: Make sure that you apply for a student visa as early as possible. The process may take up to several weeks.
For applicants from India:
Important info that appear from the Summer 2027 onwards!
For the current winter intake you do not need dMAT only the APS certificate!
Starting Summer term 2027, APS certificate plus dMAT test will be mandatory documents for your visa application.
Please find all relevant information for the Summer term 2027 here
Online Info Session on July 21, 2026
Get to know the IGC, Bremen, and our services! Our ISA team is here to answer your questions!
APS for Indian applicants requires dMAT from 2027 onwards
Starting Summer Term 2027, APS certificates plus a dMAT test will be a mandatory part of the documents to be submitted with your visa application. This new step in the process was initiated by:
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.
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.
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/
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.
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