What do I need for my student visa?
If you want to study in Germany, you need a student visa. This is officially called a Residence Permit for Study Purposes. For a successful application, you will need several forms and documents. You need to organize these before your visa appointment and then bring all the documents with you to the authorities.
The most important documents for a study visa are a valid passport, a biometric passport photo, the official application form, health insurance for Germany, and financial evidence. You will also need a certificate of enrolment from your college or university or a conditional letter of admission.
If you are already in Germany and applying for a student visa, you will also need a registration certificate from the Residents' Registration Office for your German address.
Where and when do I apply for the student visa?
You can apply for a student visa either in your home country or in Germany if you are already there. In your country of origin, you will receive your student visa from the German embassy or consulate. After you have received the visa, you may enter Germany.
If you are already in Germany, you can apply for a student visa there. The application is made at the relevant visa office. Depending on the city and federal state, these offices have different names, for example, Landesamt für Einwanderung, Einwanderungsbehörde or Ausländerbehörde.
Bring all documents with you to your visa appointment. Bear in mind that sometimes you will have to wait a long time for an appointment. Make an appointment at the visa office as early as possible. Processing your application also takes a long time. If you apply in Germany, you will have to wait at least five to six weeks for your visa, sometimes longer.
All required documents are important, but certain documents require more effort to prepare. These include health insurance and proof of your financial means.
Financial evidence for a student visa
Financial evidence for a student visa is provided by a so-called Blocked Account. This is a German account into which you pay a specified amount of money. You can find out the current amount required from the authorities' website, as the amount increases every year.
You are not allowed to withdraw this amount because it serves as security. Alternatively, you can provide proof of a scholarship or your parent's financial support. The standard option, however, is a Blocked Account.
Health Insurance for a Student Visa
Every student needs health insurance in Germany. You will need proof of insurance for a student visa and your university. Foreign insurance is not permitted, as every student must be a member of a German health insurance scheme.
You have the choice between statutory health insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV). There are different providers, and the decision is up to you. However, there is an important difference between GKV and PKV.
For a student visa, it doesn't matter which health insurance provider you choose. The authorities and universities accept memberships from all German GKVs. The situation is different with PKV. Here, you need FULL health insurance. Visa offices and universities only accept full health insurance.
