How can a student get a German visa?

German Student Visa Application Process and Fees

International students planning a long-term stay in Germany to study at German universities must apply for a visa to stay for more than 90 days uninterruptedly. During the application process, students over the age of 18 must apply in person. However, students under the age of 18 must be submitted by their parents to complete the application process. International students who receive a national visa from Germany will also have the right to free movement in Schengen countries for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

How Long Does It Take to Get a German Student Visa?

German student visa processing time can vary depending on several factors and generally depends on the consulate, the type of visa applied for and the season. However, as a general guide, the German student visa processing process consists of these stages:

Application and Making an Appointment:
- Firstly, the person who wants to apply for a visa must make an appointment at the German consulate or embassy.
Submission of Application and Documents:
- On the appointment date, the applicant applies for a visa along with the required documents.
Interview (if any):
- In some cases, an interview may be requested to obtain additional information from the applicant.
Visa Process:
- Evaluation phase of documents and application. During this period, additional documents may be requested from the applicant.
Decision and Notification:
- Once a decision is made whether the application is approved or not, the applicant is notified.

The time it takes to obtain a German student visa can usually vary between 4 and 12 weeks. However, this period may be shorter or longer in certain cases. During peak periods, particularly September and January, visa applications are likely to be busy, which may impact processing time. To minimize the waiting time, students are advised to submit their documents completely and accurately and to follow the less busy periods and apply during those periods.

Documents Required for German Student Visa

German student visa requirements vary depending on the education type and the specific conditions of the student. However, in general, the following documents are required for German student visa application:

Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Visa Application Forms:
Completed and signed German visa application form.
Biometric Photo:
Biometric photographs complying with the standards required for a German visa.
Letter of acceptance:
Official acceptance letter from a university in Germany.
Letter of Intent:
A letter of intent written in German or English by the applicant regarding the education he wants to receive in Germany.
Educational Documents:
Diplomas, certificates and transcripts of your most recently completed education level.
German Language Proficiency Certificate:
If you will be studying in German, you may be asked to provide a document proving your language proficiency. Certificates such as the Goethe Certificate or TestDaF are generally accepted.
Documents Showing Financial Status:
Documents showing that you can cover your living expenses and tuition fees in Germany. These documents may include bank statements, financial commitment letters or scholarship certificates.
Health insurance:
A health insurance policy that is valid in Germany.
Accommodation Arrangements:
Documents about where you will stay in Germany (for example, rental agreement or hotel reservation).
Flight Ticket Reservation:
Your round-trip flight ticket reservation according to your planned dates.
Visa Fee Payment Document:
Document showing that you have paid the student visa application fee.

German Student Visa Fee

Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa or the consulate or embassy the student is applying to. Student visa fees get updated regularly, therefore it is suggested to check the updated fees from official sources and websites. However, in general, student visa fees include application fees, biometric data collection fees, health insurance fees and fees for some extra services such as courier service or consultancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About German Student Visa Application Process and Fees

German student visa process consists of these stages: 1. Application and Making an Appointment: • First of all, the person who wants to apply for a visa must make an appointment at the German consulate or embassy. 2. Submission of Application and Documents: • On the appointment date, the applicant applies for a visa along with the required documents. 3. Interview (if any): • In some cases, an interview may be requested to obtain additional information from the applicant. 4. Visa Process: • Evaluation phase of documents and application. During this period, additional documents may be requested from the applicant. 5. Decision and Notification: • Once a decision is made as to whether the application is approved or not, the applicant is notified. The time it takes to obtain a German student visa can usually vary between 4 and 12 weeks. However, this period may be shorter or longer in certain cases. During peak periods, particularly September and January, visa applications are likely to be busy, which may impact processing time. To minimize the waiting time, students are advised to submit their documents completely and accurately and to follow the less busy periods and apply during those periods.