FREEBIE: The Complete 40 Step Guide To A German Student Visa

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With its trendy cities and low tuition fees, it’s not hard to see why Germany remains at the top of the non-native English-speaking countries for international students.

If you want to study abroad and chose Germany as your destination, you are in the right place.

This step-by-step guide to studying in Germany will save you from the confusion and the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet. Simply follow these 40 steps to secure yourself a timely admission to a university and prepare for your stress-free relocation.

Step 1: Budget Evaluation

When you are considering studying abroad, the first and the most important is to calculate your budget and the possibility of obtaining a scholarship or a loan.

The majority of universities in Germany do not provide accommodation, hence you need to calculate accommodation & blocked account costs separately from the budget you allocate to studies.

If you are aiming for low tuition or free of tuition fees courses at state universities, please refer to the Uni Assist website and proceed with your application accordingly. All the necessary information may be found there.

Step 2: Program Choice

This step is dedicated to deciding which course you are interested in, according to your budget, language knowledge, and preferences.

It is highly recommended to start this process not less than 3 months before decision making.

According to the budget, you can aim for different programs:

1000 € - 3000 € annual budget

This is a sufficient budget for short- and mid-term German language lessons in Germany.

The majority of the University programs in Germany are in the German language, hence if you know the language, you can secure yourself admission in free programs after completion of the course.

3000 € - 6000 € annual budget

This is a sufficient budget for long-term German language lessons as well as Studienkolleg – 1-year preparatory course in the German language. There are no Studienkolleg in the English language.

Successful Feststellungsprüfung (exam after 1 year of Studienkolleg) guarantees your admission to a free university.

6000 € - 9000 € annual budget

This is a minimum budget for the Private University Foundation, Bachelor (B.A. / B.Sc.) and Master (M.A. / M.Sc) programs in the English or the German languages.

9000 € - 12000 € annual budget

This is a good budget for Private University or Business School Foundation, Bachelor (BBA / B.A. / B.Sc.) Master (M.A. / M.Sc) programs in the English or German languages.

It is also a minimum budget for MBA programs in the English language.

12000 € and above

This is a good budget for High-Ranked Private University or Business School Foundation, Bachelor (BBA / B.A. / B.Sc.) Master (M.A. / M.Sc) programs in the English or German languages.

It is also a good annual budget for the MBA programs in the English language.

Step 3: Documents Preparation

According to your budget and the selected direction, you need to evaluate the level of your education and language knowledge.

Recognition

To study in Germany you need to have a recognized Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) - a confirmation that your degree is accredited. You can see if you qualify for studies in Germany with your diplomas on Anabin (KMK) website. If you are allowed to take up higher education studies at a state-recognized university in your country, the possibility that your foreign diploma is recognized as an equivalent to German is high. However, you need to confirm it here.

If your school leaving certificate allows you to study in your home country, you should be able to secure a place to study in Germany as well. Make sure to check if your secondary school leaving certificate (High School Diploma, Matura, A-Levels, IB, American Diploma with or without SAT, Bachilerato, etc) is equivalent to the German Abitur. A-Level and IB have strict subject requirements. Contact me to find out more.

In the case when a diploma from your home country is not equivalent to a German diploma you will also learn on that website if you need to take further examinations to be granted access to German Higher Education (Studienkolleg).  

In Studienkolleg, you will learn the German language as well as selected a list of subjects that are relevant for the chosen major. Students with qualifications from outside Europe may need to take Feststellungsprüfung entrance examination after attending a preparatory Studienkolleg. Exceptions apply. Contact me to see if you qualify for an exception.

If you already have a Bachelor Degree, you can apply for a Master program in Germany. With relevant work experience, you can also consider MBA programs.

If you have already completed a few semesters or years at an accredited university, your credits can be taken into consideration and you can apply as a transfer student.

Language

You’ll also need to check the language requirements. Would you like to study in English, German or both languages? How well can you speak, read and write?

One of the main prerequisites of the German visa is German language knowledge (A1 to C1 according to the situation). Should the university teach in English, you are required to submit confirmation of the English knowledge.

There is a myriad of language schools & preparatory courses in Germany, where you can take German language lessons from scratch (as an example, online), learn the language while you are preparing for a visa. This way, when you arrive, you will have a minimum command of the German language.

Step 4: Research

Start researching at least 3 months before deciding. Mind the deadlines of the universities & make sure to read about the school & university system in Germany before you proceed.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has a database of almost 2000 programs available to search from, including 1,389 programs in English. There are a lot of mixed programs available as well (English and German).

Types of Programs by Visa Type:

• German Language Courses:
• Short-term (below 90 days with Schengen Visa)
• You are not required to open the Blocked Account with this visa type
• You need to go back to your country once you finish the course
• You are not allowed to work with this visa
• You cannot apply to universities or extend visa in Germany
• Long-term (above 90 days with National Visa)
• You must sign up with Studienkolleg / Master enrollment program
• Language visa is not a stand-alone visa. You need to have an additional course or university admission plan in mind
• You are required to open the Blocked Account with this visa type
• You can stay in Germany to apply to universities with this visa (up to 2 years from the entry to Germany)
• You are not allowed to work with this visa (exception: Christmas & Easter holidays only)

Preparatory Courses (Studienkolleg)

• Long-term (above 90 days with National Visa)
• You are required to open the Blocked Account with this visa type
• You can stay in Germany to apply to universities with this visa (up to 2 years from the entry to Germany)
• You are not allowed to work with this visa (exception: Christmas & Easter holidays only)

University Courses (Foundation, Bachelor, Bachelor, Master, MBA)

• Long-term (above 90 days with National Visa Type D)
• You are required to open the Blocked Account with this visa type
• You can stay in Germany after graduation to search for a job (18 months)
• You are allowed to work with this visa (20 hours / week – 240 days / year; 40 hours / week – 120 days / year)
• Majority of Business Programs include an Internship (work semester) at a company

According to what plays the biggest role in your university selection, you need to research more on the topics of:

1.   Location

2.   Accreditation

3.   Ranking

4.   Major Choice

5.   Minimum Entry Requirements (GPA)

Step 5: University Choice and Application

Finding a university in Germany according to your major will not be a problem, because of the available opportunities. The amount of choices and quality is very high, the question rather is if you have a preferred city in mind.

I recommend to apply to several universities (up to 5) instead of counting on just one, this broadens your choices, escalates your success chances and you would not waste time if one university does not provide a positive answer. Finding a university and a study program may take time if you haven’t given much thought to this, please let me know if you need assistance in your search.

Consider university intakes and deadlines before making your application and make sure to have all documents in order. Strictly follow the admission process of an individual university or ask me for assistance.

Application Documents Overview:

Now that you have decided what university and what study program you want to attend you must collect your documents and organize them.

In Germany, you need to submit relevant to future studies education level proof. It means if you have a Bachelor and Master degrees already, but you are applying for a Master in Germany, you need to submit your Bachelor Degree.

Education proof

• 11th or 12th grade result for Studienkolleg / Bachelor
• Bachelor result for Master
• Diplomas are generally not accepted
• HND or community college is difficult to have recognized in Germany and to have them accepted towards bachelor studies etc
• If you already have Master or MBA degree - make sure to have it ready for application as well

Language proof

• English (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Waiver*)
• German (DSH, Test Daf, Goethe Zertifikat, TELC, Alternative)

Additional Documents

Passport, motivation statement (very important)**, Application Form with Application Fee**, Financial Solvency***, CV (if relevant), work experience proof (if relevant).

Important Facts

1.   If all of your documents are in German it is a safe bet. Some universities also accept documents in English.

2.   Once you have gathered all the necessary documents for admission, go ahead and apply directly unless the requirements state to go through the Uni Assist.

* Generally studying in English medium previously is not enough unless university is British/American or alike. If English was used actively at work (and you have sufficient work experience to prove it - it might also work.

**To be prepared after university selection has been done.

**Some universities will ask you for proof you have sufficient funds to cover 1-year tuition fees. The blocked account might not be enough - be ready to submit additional proof.

Some universities provide application fee & English test waiver as well as scholarship options. Contact me to find out more.

Step 6: Admission & Visa

Admission to private universities and language schools can take 1-3 weeks. Whereas state universities and Studienkolleg on average take 1-3 months to get back to the applicant with the admission decision.

Conditional (Provisional) Offer Letter

Once you have secured admission at a university or language school where fees apply, the school will send you a provisional (conditional offer letter).

-> You have 1 or 2 weeks’ time to consider other options and to finalize your decision.

• This is the right time to
• Apply for a Blocked Account opening
• Schedule your visa appointment date

Provisional Acceptance letters cannot be used to apply for a visa, but can already be used to open your Blocked Account and to transfer the sum. It is highly recommended to start the Blocked Account procedure from the moment you have received the offer.

To avoid missing out on the visa appointment time & date, schedule it right away. It is easier to cancel it, should you not make it.

On average, the university gives you 10 days to pay a security deposit to save your seat in the program. To finalize your decision, the enrollment fees to secure place in the program are to be paid (from 1000 to 4000 Euro according to university choice).

Once the fees have been paid, you receive visa documents per post or per email. 

Visa Application

Due to queues in the German embassies, make sure to make a timely application at the Consulate or the Embassy nearest to you. If you are living in a different from your home country, you can also apply for a German visa in the German embassy there.

Things to keep in mind:

• Make sure to collect all the required documents in one file and to arrive on time for your visa appointment
• Insurance & Accommodation confirmations are not required for visa application. Generally, applicants are asked to submit international insurance covering you for 90 days abroad when picking up the passport from the embassy
• I highly recommend you to start searching for accommodation 90 days prior to arrival in Germany.
• If you have a large gap between previous studies and future studies in Germany, it is not a problem for the German embassy, as long as you can clarify it in your motivational statement and CV (Curriculum Vitae) – tell more about your work experiences and occupations
• General National Visa Rule waiting times are 19 working days (1 month), but due to high queues in some countries, a decision may last up to 3 months.
• In difficult cases (previous visa refusals to Germany or other countries), the decision may be up to 6 months.

So you are a happy foreign student who has been granted a place in the program of your choice at a German university! Congratulations on having a conditional offer letter!

Attention!

 Your offer is probably still conditional though. Make sure to double-check that. Conditional means either that you need to submit more documents or that you need to pay the deposit fees to secure and save your seat. Conditional offers generally have expiration dates (1-2 weeks) - do not miss out otherwise you lose your place in the program!

Any offer is conditional (provisional) until you have paid the deposit fees and your visa application either will not be accepted or your visa will be denied (if you apply with conditional offer letter). Once you have paid the deposit fees, your offer letter becomes unconditional (final) and that is the one you need for the visa application.

Let’s start with the steps you need to undertake to secure yourself smooth and 100% visa success rate:

Step 7: Check availability for the visa appointment once again and schedule it unless you have done it earlier and in a timely manner

a. You go to the German embassy/call them/visit the website and

b. Schedule an appointment for a National Visa Type D (for studying purposes above 90 days with an unconditional offer letter). You might not have an unconditional offer yet, but you can schedule an appointment. It is riskier if you miss out on a date than if you cancel it.

Step 8: Apply to open a blocked account, unless you already have it under control. Make sure to check this useful article as well as this useful article regarding the blocked account law and the alternatives. The blocked account can be opened with a conditional offer letter and it is not a problem.

Step 9: Transfer the funds to the blocked account and get a confirmation unless you went for the alternative option.

Step 10: Pay the deposit to the university to receive an unconditional offer letter, unless you have already done so.

Step 11: Collect all documents for a visa

a. Application Form(s)

b. Your background & education documents including English/German language tests

If you do not have such a test, confirmation of English medium studies must be presented or a document from the university in Germany that they tested your English knowledge and you are good to go.

c. Financial solvency documents (including but not limited to blocked account confirmation) – the more the better!

d. Motivational statement and CV

e. Unconditional offer letters, contracts, and confirmations of payment from the university

f. Other requirements of the German embassy according to the territory where you live

The majority of documents must come in original and 2 certified copies in preferably German language. English is widely accepted as well.

Make sure to double-check the checklist for the National Visa for studying purposes above 90 days in Germany (Type D), go point by point and cross out the documents you have prepared. 

Step 12: Prepare for visa interview (rehearse the same topics you were having during the university interview and in your motivational statement).

a. Important is to prove that you plan to come back (even if you don’t) and to prove you have something holding you back in your country: family, flat, friends, future plans, business, puppies

Step 13: Apply for a visa

a. You do not have to give your passport and you can keep it

b. You need to wait 1-3 months for the visa decision (may take up to 6 months from some countries). Minimum is 19 working days

Step 14: Start accommodation search the same day you applied for a visa. Better safe than sorry. This article will be of very big help to you.

Step 15: Edit your LinkedIn and CV and start applying to jobs to understand the market. How to find a job on the market in Germany without speaking German? You will find out from this article.

Step 16: Start learning German intensively for the next 1-3 months from the moment you have applied for a visa.

Step 17: Receive an SMS/Email/call from the German embassy that you need to appear with your insurance and passport – it means your visa is approved! Get insurance once the visa result is clear (for 90 days from the arrival date). Once you arrive in Germany, you will obtain the German insurance on subscription.

Well done you! You are ready to go to Germany and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

But… you are now only halfway done!

Wait a minute, why halfway you would think?! Correct, you have been deemed eligible to study at a German institution, but now is the time to reach the country. Challenge number two.

I have written down the exact order of things you should follow. You can print out this checklist for yourself and go through it step by step. You will do just fine if you follow this order. If not, things can get messy.

German Student Visa: To Do Before Arrival

Step 18: Notify your agency / school about your visa result

This way, you will receive arrival tips from the German side to help you prepare.

Step 19: Read all emails from your agency / school

The majority of schools send you pre-arrival information warning you about different procedures. Read all these emails through and learn them by heart. Print them out if necessary, and take them with you.

Step 20: Pay your university fees if you haven’t paid yet

Attention: the majority of universities will not let you enter the building, or register at campus if you haven’t paid your semester or annual fees (as per student contract). Many universities offer big discounts if you are paying on an annual basis or for the whole program right away. Make sure to inquire if such options exist for you. If you pay in advance, you quite often save yourself from the risk of tuition fees raising in the next years.

Step 21: Send your agency / school a confirmation of payment and make sure to check with them if:

a) Airport pick us is provided or not

Generally, universities do not provide an airport pick up in Germany. Should it be provided, ask for the cost. It can be 20-300 Euro depending on the location. If the airport pick up is not provided, make sure to ask your agency / school how to reach the school or your accommodation with public transport or taxi, and how much it costs.

b) Accommodation is provided or not

Generally, universities do not provide accommodation in Germany. Here you will find an Accommodation Article to help you start accordingly. Move-in is restricted to a certain date. If you arrive earlier, make sure to book yourself a short-term stay in an Airbnb / hostel / hotel. Alternatively, confirm with your agency / school your arrival date & time and a possibility to check-in.

Step 22: Buy / exchange currency to Euro

Since Germany is a heavy cash reliable country, take both credit cards, and cash with you. Do not rely only on your credit card. If you do not manage to access your bank account or credit card, you will go through some gruesome experience. Germany, most probably, has a different country’s currency. To avoid that, get up to 1000 Euro cash with you and just in case check for locations of the Western Union offices. Better safe than sorry.

Step 23: Decide on a travel date & purchase travel insurance

In Germany, insurance is mandatory. Hence, to be able to pick up your visa, you must prove, that you have health insurance. You can choose a local insurance provider and purchase international insurance for the period of your visa (90 or 180 days) from the day you plan to fly to Germany. Generally, a visa is given from the date when your studies start, however, you can ask for an earlier entry date (2 weeks or even up to 1 month). The first insurance can come from your country, but it must be an accepted insurance provider that covers you abroad. When you arrive in Germany, you must obtain German insurance on a contract basis. 

There are a few examples of the insurances you can use: 

• Fintiba
• Klemmer International
• TK
• AOK
• Care Concept
• eXpatrio

Step 24: Pick up your visa

Step 25: Book your flight

2 important points:

• Take a look at your class schedule

Does it make sense to arrive much earlier? I understand you can’t wait to be here, but don’t make your stay much more expensive for your parents, just because you can’t wait. Arrive right before your class starts or exactly when your accommodation starts.

• Take a look at the public holidays in Germany

Is there a festivity? Or a public holiday? Or a weekend? In Germany, nothing is open on these dates, and you can trust me, no one will answer your emails or calls, because you were supposed to be aware of it.

Step 26: Notify agency / school once you have booked your flights

Forward them to people in charge of accommodation & airport pick up (if applicable).

Step 27: Collect all your original documents, and take them with you

All documents you used for a university application or visa appointment at the embassy – take all originals with you. You will need 65% of them at the registration day at the university. The rest might be required when you least expect it. It is easier to take them with you now instead of organizing your relatives to send an express shipment. As an example, your birth certificate (translated to German and officially certified) is needed to obtain a German passport or to marry in Germany. You will not be able to do anything unless you have these documents with you. Dig into all your old documents, and bring a big package of documents with you when initially flying to Germany.

Step 28: Start learning German to know basic phrases

Generally, Germans speak English very well, but you never know who you encounter. Be ready and take an English-German vocabulary in case. 

Step 29: Learn more about the public transportation system

Download an underground map and the applications for public transport to your phone. It is highly reliable and punctual with a possibility to commute to any point in the big cities by underground, trains, trams, buses, cars, and bicycles.

Step 30: Research in advance about the cultural & geographical differences

How cold will it be when you plan to arrive? The perception of ‘cold’ in different countries varies. You do not want to sit in a jacket inside the classroom. The Winter temperatures may fall to -20C. In the Summer, you can enjoy up to +35C.

Read about the food and other German habits. There is a lot of vegetarian and vegan dishes and always alcohol-free options at any event, so do not be lost – simply ask. There are shops for all nationalities, including Afghani restaurants, Russian shops, Japanese bars, Indian Restaurants, etc. – if you cook at home, you can easily buy all the necessary ingredients in the shops in an indicated section.

Step 31: Make a notarized copy of your passport

In Germany, you are obliged to have your ID with you all the time. Since you are a foreigner, you need to take your passport. Unless you make a notarized copy of your passport. If anything happens, you can call emergency numbers in the embassy or consulate of your country, as well as your agency / university.

Step 32: Fly to Germany

Reminder - make sure to fly to Germany only after:

• You have booked insurance
• You have received visa stamped in your passport
• You have secured accommodation (or at least looked into the accommodation matter)

German Student Visa: To Do After Arrival

Step 33: Pass the passport control

Be ready for passport control. You will be asked a few questions about the duration of your stay, where you will study and what. Don’t be afraid, simply prepare your answers in advance. Have contacts of your agency / school nearby, in case you cannot answer the questions, let the officer call them (hopefully during working hours).

Step 34: Buy yourself a transport pass

Always make sure to purchase transport tickets. In the machines, you frequently find instructions in the English language. Alternatively, ask people around for assistance. It is highly recommended not to ignore the ticket purchase. Long-term it is cheaper for you to buy the transport pass, as the fine will cost you a monthly sum in some instances. And you do want to have a clean visa history in Germany, I am sure.

Step 35: Once you have arrived, send an email or a text to your school/agency that you have safely landed and reached your accommodation

It goes without saying, that you need to notify your relatives.

Step 36: Respect university rules: 

• Do not come to university without a notice

Closer to the semester start, the admissions team of the university is very busy, and it is not easy to find time to meet you in person. University also might be closed. Come exactly when you are asked to arrive for a registration day, not earlier.

• Arrive punctually to the Registration Day

In Germany, it means, you must be at the place and time before the indicated time (arrive 7:45 for 8:00 O’clock meeting). Bring all your documents in one folder (admissions representatives will take the necessary documents). Ask questions - this is one of the few opportunities where you can ask all the questions on your mind and to receive all the necessary information on the next steps. Do not be shy. Prepare the list of questions at home.

Step 37: Enjoy the culture shock

You will have it. Everyone has it.

Step 38: Get acquainted with bureaucracy

Until your visa expires, there are a few things you have to do, and it is highly advisable not to procrastinate. Make sure to complete all these activities outside of your class time. It is your responsibility to organize bureaucratic appointments in your free time and not to sacrifice your education time.

After you have secured a flat, these are the things you have to do (follow the order):

a.       Register your address in the immigration office nearest to your flat

b.       Buy books for studies (unless they were provided by the institution). Make sure your name is on the post box. Alternatively, ask your school if you can order books there

c.       Notify your university on the address change and request a matriculation & transport pass discount document from university (can only be given after the full payment for semester/year/program has been done)

d.       With the confirmation of the registered address, access your Blocked Account to unblock it in either of the German banks

e.       Collect all the other necessary documents for visa extension apart from a) matriculation b) blocked account confirmation c) address registration and schedule an appointment with immigration office for your visa extension

f.        Apply for extension and wait for a notification (when the visa or biometric card is ready) which you will receive by post

Step 39: Learn the German post

-          In Germany, things are done by post a lot. You receive your credit card by post, as well as your credit card pin code. You also receive your passport by post from the embassy if you apply for another country visa once. Do not be afraid, as the postal services in Germany are safe and fully reliable

-          Once you have registered your address, you will receive a letter from the ‘radio tax’. Do not ignore it and start to pay right away (manually) unless you give them a written confirmation that it can be taken out from your bank account. Do not disregard this tax!

-          If you receive letters in German and you cannot understand something, never put them aside. Always bring them to your German-speaking friends or university. They will help you translate and solve the situations

-          Never throw any letters until you are 100% sure you would not need it in the future (as an example proof of payment etc.)

Step 40: Stay calm

The new chapter of your life starts now! There will be ups and downs. But you made it! Your family is very proud, and now you need to work hard graduate with distinction! Best of luck!

Study In Germany - Application Form

Interested to Study In Germany? Apply with me today to a university of your choice. My consultations are free of charge. Contact me any time.

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