Student Visa Guide for Germany

Germany, the land of ideas, poets, and thinkers, is the fourth most popular destination among foreign students. The rich history, dynamic lifestyle, top-ranked universities, countless course options, affordable living, and high employability rates are the magnetic reasons that attract international students to Germany. There are over 35000 foreign students enrolled in one or the other university in Germany, seeking their degree in this higher education paradise.

Reasons to study in Germany

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is the home for more than 409 higher education institutions offering more than 14000 bachelor and master degree programs. Here are a few reasons to study at this ideal destination

• Low or No Education Fees: In today's highly competitive era, Germany is the only destination in the world whose universities charge no tuition fees from the students. International students might have to pay minimal administrative costs that contribute to around €250 per semester.
• World-class Universities: German universities are considered to be above the global higher education standards. These universities are valued for their quality of education, opportunities, and hands-on experience during the course timeframe.
• Global Recognition to Programs: The degrees at German universities are advanced in terms of their structure and the way they're delivered to the students. The programs are designed to meet the modern and up-to-date developments of the industry, preparing the students for global challenges. The certified degrees are well recognized and valued at the global level.
• Future Prospects: Graduates from different German universities, enjoy a high employability rate in the world's job market after the completion of their program. They are the most sought after job candidates and thus, some of the highest-paid employees. Employers respect the professional credits earned through the outstanding education in Germany and believe that the students can help to improve their business.
• Diverse Community: The citizens of Germany are well known for their welcoming and harmonious nature towards the numerous foreigners visiting or immigrating to the country seeking better opportunities. German universities attract a large number of international students who experience a diverse community in the country and see the world from a different angle.

Top universities of Germany

Known for their entreprenerial spirit and contributions in leading research and innovations German universities are counted amongst the best in the world. Some of the top universities of Germany are

• Technische Universität München
• Ludwig-Maximilians - Universität München
• Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Freie Universität Berlin
• Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Technische Universität Berlin
• Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
• Universität Freiburg

Visa to study in Germany

If you believe that Germany is the place for pursuing your education, then here are all the details about how to go about the entire process.

Student visas are non-immigrant visas issued to individuals seeking education in another country. Different countries have different rules and regulations to allow foreign students to attend school within their borders. If you're traveling to Germany for the purpose of education, you have to apply for an appropriate German visa relevant to your purpose and duration of the stay.

There are three types of study visas offered by the government of Germany

• Language Course Visa: Visa for language learning is issued to the students who are visiting the country in order to participate in the German language courses lasting from three months up to one year.
• Student Applicant Visa: If you have decided to study in Germany but haven't received the acceptance letter from any of the applied universities, you can travel to the country on this visa. It is valid only for the duration of the university application process.
• Student Visa: This visa is issued to the students who have received a valid acceptance letter from the applied university.

If the duration of your educational program requires you to stay in Germany for more than ninety days, you'll be required to get a residence permit which is valid for a maximum of two years. A resident visa needs to be renewed if the duration of your degree discipline exceeds more than two years.

Applying for the German Visa

After receiving the university letter of admission and securing the necessary funds it is time for you to apply for your German study visa. The general overview of the visa application process is as follows

1. Locate the closest German embassy to you: Search for an embassy or consulate near you in order to get information about the requirements of the application process and details of setting up the visa interview appointment. You can also get the information from the official website of the German embassy.
2. Reviewing the requirements and procedure: Review all the specific visa requirements and procedures according to your home country. Make sure you carefully check the documents to be provided before you set up your visa appointment.
3. Prepare all the documents: Organise your visa documents as per the list provided on the embassy's website. Double-check your documents to ensure that you have everything required. Fill up and print the Application for National Visa form and submit a duly signed copy of it along with the other documents. Also, you need to print out the Declaration on true and complete information form available on the embassy's website and sign it.
4. Schedule a visa appointment: Set up a visa appointment according to your schedule and a few weeks ahead of the desired time as the processing of application might take time. Make sure you act fast and smart to get your visa on time.
5. Prepare for your visa interview: Verify the exchange rate for your visa fee and obtain the demand draft accordingly. Your visa interview will only be confirmed after you pay the visa application fee. Prepare yourself in advance for the interview. Once through, you'll get the official answer on the status of your visa application.

Requirements

Visa Application Documents

• Valid national passport. (original and two A4 size photocopies)
• Filled up and signed the National Visa Application form.
• Declaration letter confirming the authenticity of the information provided.
• Cover letter stating the reason for your visa application. (Germain translation of the letter might be required)
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate. (If applicable)
• Certificate of German or English language proficiency.
• 3 recent passport size photographs. (read all the instructions related to the type of photograph valid for a visa application)
• Demand Draft.

Proof of adequate financial funds (any one of the following is valid)

• A German blocked bank account is a mandatory requirement for all the international students who wish to pursue a career in Germany. This account is used to prove that you have enough funds to support your stay in the country. As of 2020, it is determined that an estimated amount of €10,236 (per year cost) in the bank account is required by an individual to apply for a German Student Visa.
• Bank guarantee by a recognized German bank.
• Scholarship awarding certificate with the amount of cost it covers.
• Commitment letter by a German resident whose going to cover your cost during your studies.
• Letter of commitment and evidence of your parent's income records and financial assets.

Valid proof of acceptance in a university

• Confirmed admission letter issued by a recognized school in Germany.
• Proof of conditional admission and a confirmed intensive course. This letter is required to prove that you're conditioned and confirmed to enroll in an intensive language course before the final admission in the selected university.
• Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course.

Proof of previous educational qualifications

• School leaving certificate
• Degree or provisional degree

Cost involved in the process

The German student application fee costs around €75 for an applicant whereas a resident permit costs up to €110 for a visa applicant. The fees can be paid by the mode of bank transfer. Cheques and credit cards are not accepted. The fees are not refundable in case your visa gets rejected.

Working on a German student visa

According to the rules of the German government, a student can work for 180 days halftime or fulltime for 90 days in one academic year. Germany is the only country that allows a student to get employed in a part-time technical job in his relevant industry. Some of the universities also offer on-campus part-time jobs (Hi/wi) to the students. You can contact the placement cell of your university to get more information on these jobs.

Points to remember while applying for a German study visa

• You can be asked to submit some additional documents, depending upon your visa application, at the time of the interview.
• Appear in person and on time at your visa interview.
• Do not stick your photograph by yourself on the application form.
• The original documents related to your enrollment in a university can be checked at the airport.
• Your passport will remain at the embassy or consulate during the entire visa application process.
• It is advised to not take anyone with you at the embassy at the time of your interview as it can often ruin the applicant's first impression on the visa officer.