Studying in Germany is a dream for many students cross world, and obtaining a student visa is crucial in making that dream a reality. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to get a German student visa, covering all the essential requirements and procedures.

Read More: An Ultimate Guide to Germany Student Visa: Germany Student Visa Requirements, Processing Time, Fees, Interview

Eligibility for a German Student Visa

To be eligible for a German student visa, you must meet the following main requirements: 

• Admission to a German University or Higher Education Institution: You need to have an unconditional admission letter from a state-approved or state-accredited German university, university of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule), or another higher education institution.
• Proof of Financial Resources: You must show that you have enough funding to cover your living expenses for at least one year. The required amount is set annually and varies by German state but is typically around €10,332 per year or €861 per month.
• Health Insurance Coverage: You need comprehensive health insurance valid in Germany for your studies.
• German Language Proficiency (in some cases): For specific degree programs taught in German, you may need to prove your German language ability by providing a language certificate like the TestDaF or DSH.
• No Criminal Record: You must have a clean criminal record and pose no threat to public safety in Germany.
• Payment of Visa Fees: You must pay the required visa fees when applying.

Study Types Eligible for a German Student Visa

A German student visa can be granted for the following study types:

• Full-time academic studies
• German language courses for studies
• State preparatory college 'Studienkolleg' – a course required for international students whose school-leaving certificates are not recognized in Germany
• Propaedeutic course
• Mandatory preliminary internship

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German Student Visa Requirements

To apply for a Germany student visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Two completed national visa application forms.
• A valid passport (check passport requirements)
• Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs (follow strict photo requirements)
• Proof of admission at a Germany education institution (University admission letter, letter of admission to a foundation course, propaedeutic course, or preparatory German language course)
• Proof of German language proficiency for German-only or mixed-language study programs (e.g., German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH), Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF), Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS), or German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD))
• Proof of English language proficiency for English or mixed-language study programs (e.g., Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS))
• Authenticated certificates of earlier education
• German university entrance qualification 'Abitur' or recognized foreign academic qualification equivalent to the German Abitur
• Academic records or transcripts
• Curriculum vitae with evidence of previous and current internships and work experiences (if applicable)
• You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for at least one year. The required amount is set annually and varies by German state but is typically around €10,332 per year or €861 per month.
• You need health insurance coverage that is valid in Germany for the entire duration of your studies. For international students, costs with a public health insurance company start at €120.34 per month for those under 23 years old and around €235 per month for those over 30 years old.
• Motivational letter explaining your reasons for choosing the specific university and study program, as well as your study plans and how these studies will improve your career and life
• Marriage certificate and birth certificate of any children (if applicable)
• Proof of deposit of the German student visa application fee

It is essential to provide the original documents and two photocopies of each.

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Bank Balance Needed for a German Student Visa

The amount required to be deposited into a blocked bank account when applying for a German student visa is €11,208.

Alternatives to a Blocked Bank Account

It is possible to apply for a German student visa without a blocked bank account if you fulfil one of the following requirements:

1. Submitting your parent's documents certifying their income and financial assets
2. A friend or relative with pr in Germany can guarantee to cover your living expenses (Verpflichtungserklärung)
3. Presenting a scholarship award notification from a recognized institution (e.g., DAAD, Max Planck)

If you cannot meet these requirements, a blocked account becomes a mandatory prerequisite for studying for a visa in Germany.

German Study Visa Fees

International students applying for a Germany student visa are charged the following fees:

What You Can and Cannot Do with a Valid German Student Visa

As a holder of a German student visa, you can:

• Apply for an extension of the student residence permit if you haven't completed your planned studies within the visa period and will complete them in a reasonable time.
• Work part-time for up to 120 working days yearly, even if you're already working part-time at an academic institution where you are studying, as long as it doesn't interfere with your study progress
• After graduating, apply for a residency visa in order to look for work, which allows you to search for a job or become self-employed for up to 6 months after completing your studies in Germany; you may also take temporary jobs while seeking a permanent position related to your academic qualification.

However, as a holder of a German student visa, you cannot:

• Take a full-time job that requires you to work 240 working days per year
• Abandon study lessons, as failing to participate may lead to the cancellation of your eligibility to remain in Germany

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Duration of Stay with a German Student Visa

You can initially stay in Germany for three months with a student visa. Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit to study. You will be granted a residence permit for a maximum of two years, though this can be extended based on how long your studies take.

Steps to Follow After Arriving in Germany with a Student Visa

After arriving in Germany with a student visa, you need to follow these steps:

• Find permanent accommodation in Germany (student residence, flatshare, or rented apartment)
• Get covered by German health insurance 'Krankenversicherung' (mandatory for everyone living in Germany)
• Matriculate (enrol) in your studies to get the certificate of enrollment
• Open a current bank account (Girokonto) with a recognized German bank.
• Register your living address in Germany at the 'Einwohnermeldeamt' (Resident's Registration Office) or 'Bürgeramt' (Citizen's Bureau) and obtain confirmation of registration 'Meldebestätigung.'
• Apply for a residence permit to study at the 'Ausländerbehörde' (Foreigners' Registration Office) as soon as you receive the confirmation of registration while your student visa is still valid.

By following these steps and providing the required documents, you will be well on your way to obtaining a German student visa and pursuing your academic dreams in Germany.