Visa

In general foreigners wishing to study in Germany will need a visa. A visa has to be obtained before entering Germany. There are many different types of visas and it would be advisable for you to contact the relevant German diplomatic service in your home country (Embassy or General Consulate) that will be able to help you in applying for a visa. 
Please note that, in order to obtain a visa, you need to prove that you can finance your studies at a German university. At least the first year must be fully financed. Currently German authorities require proof of finance of a minimum of 585 Euros per month (7.020 Euros for the first year).

Citizens of European Union member states can enter Germany without a visa. A valid passport or identity card is sufficient.

A visa is not required for semi-annual visits of up to three months for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. (see list below)

Argentina Australia Bermuda Brazil Brunei Canada Chile Costa Rica Croatia El Salvador Guatemala Island Israel Japan     Korea (Republic Korea, South)

Liechtenstein Macao Malaysia Mexico New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Panama Paraguay Singapore Switzerland United States Urugay Vatikan City Venezuelah

For these three month the only requirement is a valid passport or identity card. If you are not a citizen of the above-mentioned countries, you need a visa to enter Germany. To apply for a visa, please contact the German diplomatic representation in your home country. 

There are a number of possibilities and types of visa depending on what your situation is. Take a look at some of the scenarios below designed to give you a rough guideline on what is available.

Scenario One:

You have been accepted or are in the process of being accepted at a German institute of higher education. To apply for a visa, you will need:

• Notification of admission to a German higher education institution or preparatory course from the Studienkolleg.
• If the German institute of higher education needs to interview you first then they will provide you with the relevant paperwork for which you can apply for a visa for the duration of the interview stay.
• You have to prove that you have sufficient financial means at your disposal.
• You have to prove that you have a qualification entitling you to study in your home country i.e. a secondary school leaving certificate. More information on this can be obtained directly from the International Offices at the relevant institute of higher education.
• You will also have to prove that you have a comprehensive health insurance

Scenario Two:

You have not yet been admitted to a German higher education institute, you can apply for a student application visa which is valid for up to three months or more and which can then be converted into a full visa for study purposes once you have gained admission.

Scenario Three:

You can also apply for a visa if you simply want to attend a language course in Germany. However, this is only valid for the duration of the language course and cannot be converted into a full study visa. If you would like to begin your studies directly after your language course you will have to mention this when you apply for your visa so that the correct type of visa can be allocated to you.

For further information, please contact your German diplomatic representation near you.

Compulsory Registration in Germany:

Once you have arrived in Germany you will have to inform first of all the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in your town or city and afterwards the foreigners' registration office (Ausländerbehörde). You also have to inform them of any change of address.

QUICKLINKS:

• Federal Foreign Office - Visa Requirements
• Foreign Missions in Germany
• German Missions Abroad

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