Want to Study in Germany? Here’s How to Apply for Germany Student Visa: I remember being both excited and nervous as I prepared to travel to another country for my studies last year because I had been granted a Visa. It was basically a mixed feeling. And I believe many people can agree on this.
The feeling of applying for a Visa is far more nerve-racking and exciting. The uncertainty can be extremely taxing, and when your application is rejected, the consequences can be devastating. So why don’t we make things a little easier for you? Not only should you apply for a visa, but you should apply in such a way that you are guaranteed to get one.
Tips on how to Apply for Germany Student Visa
I was astounded to learn that an international student can stay in Germany for three months with a student visa. You will almost certainly need to apply for a study permit within that time frame. You can also get a two-year renewable permit, which can be extended if your studies require it.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR GERMANY STUDENT VISA?
This is simple, just as you contacted an embassy the last time you wanted to travel outside your country. The first step in applying for a Germany student visa is to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country. This can be done online or by going to the Embassy/physical consulate’s location. The addresses of German diplomatic missions can be found on the Federal Foreign Office’s website at www.germany.info/visa.
WHAT TYPE DO I NEED FOR GERMANY STUDENT VISA?
If your studies will last more than three months, you will need a Schengen visa. Your German student visa application can take up to 25 days to be processed on average. The processing time varies by country and German embassy.
German National Visa: A German National Visa is required for studies lasting more than three months. It is important to note that if you arrive in Germany with a German national visa, you must extend your stay by obtaining a German residence permit for studies, which you can obtain by contacting the Foreigner’s Office.
Some people have been known to wait until their visa expires; however, if you do this, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. While your entry visa is still valid, we recommend that you contact the Foreigner’s Office. Why do what you can do today when you can do it tomorrow?
GERMAN NATIONAL VISA APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
It can take months for a visa to be issued, so apply as soon as possible, even if you have not yet been accepted to a higher education institution. Please keep in mind that a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa. The following documents are required to apply for a German national visa:
- Completed and signed national visa application form.
- Valid international passport.
- Photocopies of your passport (up to 2).
- Certificate of birth.
- Marriage certificate. (If you are married).
- Child’s certificate of birth. (If you have kids).
- Recent passport-style photographs. (up to 3).
- Photocopies of previous german residence titles. (if applicable).
- Previous Schengen visa.
- Previous German resident permit.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Germany’s strict policy requires that you demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself before beginning your studies. And one way to demonstrate this is to set aside 10,236 Euros for one year (for more information, see our post on Germany Free Tuition Studies). You will be required to provide a “Finanzierungsnachweis,” or proof of financial resources, when applying for a Germany Student Visa.
The number of visa applications rejected by German missions in 2019 is estimated to be around 268.856, with an alarming total of 241.796 rejected in 2018. You should use a blocked account as proof of financial resources to increase your chances of getting your student visa.
What is A Block Account?
A blocked account is a special type of bank account for international students in Germany that allows you to demonstrate that you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year while studying.
Fontina/Sutor bank is one of the simplest and quickest ways to open a German blocked account. Fontina’s blocked account is accepted by German embassies/consulates all over the world. It was estimated in 2020 that an international student in Germany spends a minimum of €853 Euros per month. As a result, a block account with a minimum balance of €10,236 is required before applying for a German student visa.