Due to an extensive range of courses and academic programs, worldwide students are drawn to pursue education at German universities. But the first step to manifesting those aspirations is a visa. You need to apply for a German visa three months before the commencement of the academic term or your planned visit. You can apply six months in advance of your trip. However, it is preferred to apply well before that to combat any unanticipated hindrances in the application process. In this article, you will learn about the German student visa, permits and requirements. So, read below to know more. 

Which countries do not need a study visa for Germany?

European Union citizens and residents of Australia, Andorra, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, the United States and South Korea do not require a visa to study Germany. However, a Student Residence Permit is necessary.

Visa is essential for citizens of other countries.

Germany student visa where to apply?

In total, Germany has nearly 148 Embassies and 244 Consulates worldwide. The German Consulate or Embassy of your country will be where you will submit your visa application. You may also need to schedule a visa interview. If there is no German Embassy or Consulate in your country, you will have to locate one in a neighbour country. Or the application centre to which the German authorities have outsourced visa applications.

German study visa requirements

Before the visa application, you must prepare the following documents;

• Filled-out application form
• A valid passport and at least two photocopies of your passport
• Acceptance letter from a German University
• Academic record transcript
• Recent passport-sized photographs of yourself
• Your birth certificates
• Your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Transcript of your academic record
• Evidence of your previous education (school leaving certificate, degree certificate if applicable)
• Evidence of financial security (around 10,000 USD per year)
• Criminal Record

The Application Process

The German visa application process can be condensed into a few basic steps.

Appropriate Documents

Double-check your documents and ensure they are valid. This can be done without help from a third-party consultancy.

Arrange a Visa Interview

Once your required documents are ready, arrange an appointment for a visa interview by following the steps given by the German Consulate or Embassy in your country. It is essential to do this a few weeks beforehand as there are occasions when all the student visa interview slots are occupied.

Pay Visa Application Fee

It is usually around 70-90 USD, and the exact amount varies according to your embassy and local currency rate. You should have proof of payment when you go for your visa interview. In case your application is rejected, your fee is non-refundable.

Prepare for the Interview

While one cannot know what will be asked in a visa application interview, you should still prepare to answer questions. These questions may be about your stay and studies in Germany, your plans, and your financial status.

You will be informed whether your visa has been accepted or rejected after the interview. If your visa has been accepted, the next step will be to get a Student Residence Permit in Germany.

German student visa processing time

This visa application can take 25 days to process. However, it is also dependent on the German Embassy and the country from which you are applying. It may also take 6-12 weeks in some cases, with the lengthiest processing time being three months.

What is a Student Residence Permit?

A Student Residence Permit is a title required to live in Germany for people pursuing a degree. It is also needed when taking part in language courses, study exchange programs or any training/internships in Germany.

The exceptions for this are citizens of EU/EEA countries, Japan, Australia, the Republic of South Korea, Canada, Israel, the United States of America and New Zealand.

Citizens of these countries do not require a student residence permit.

How can a student get a residence permit in Germany?

To get a residence permit, a student must ensure that the following essential documents are ready; 

• Valid visa
• Passport
• Identity card 
• residential housing confirmation from your landlord that is signed or a tenancy agreement
• Residents' registration form.

A registration form to apply for the student residence permit can be found at the foreigner's registration office. Typically, there is no fee required to register.

Within three months of your arrival, you should apply for the permit. The processing time generally takes up to two or three weeks.

Can I change my student visa to a work permit?

Now you know about the German student visa, permits & requirements, so get to know that EU citizens can seek employment in Germany without a work permit. However, students from non-EU countries can work in Germany by extending their residence permits for about 18 months to find jobs related to their studies.

Once a suitable employment position is secured, you need to apply for a German residence permit or an EU Blue Card. To become a permanent resident, you require a permanent settlement.