Student visa Germany: What do I need to know for the visa application?

What is a student visa?

A student visa is a legal document that allows you to live and study in a particular country. When it comes to Germany, most European nationals can live and study there visa-free. However, international students from outside the Schengen zone (and/or the EU) usually need to be granted a student visa to do so.

Moreover, depending on the type and length of German education you’re interested in, you have a few options to choose from.

For example, if your studies won’t exceed 90 days (in any 180-day period), then you’re good to go with a basic Short stay (aka Type C) ​Schengen Visa for Germany. You’ll just need to clearly state the purpose of your trip during your visa application process —i.e., as “student” (and not “tourist”).

However, if you’re planning on studying longer than that — say, for a degree course — then you’ll need a national (aka Type D) German student visa.

PRO-TIP: AXA can educate you on the different Schengen visa types too (including a standard Schengen student visa).

What are my options for a German student visa?

That said, Germany specifically offers not two but three types of student visas. Here’s a quick breakdown of each (with some free German lessons for you just in case too):

1) Student Applicant Visa (aka ‘Visum zur Studienbewerbung’):

Designed for potential students not yet admitted to a university but, for instance, attending entrance exams (or fulfilling other admission criteria).

IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: The student applicant visa only permits participation in the application process (that is, it’s not for the eventual studies themselves).

2) Student Visa (aka ‘Visum zu Studienzwecken’):

Intended for those who have already been accepted into a German university and/or are enrolled in a preparatory course (aka ‘Studienkolleg’).

3) Language Course Visa (aka ‘Visum für Sprachkurse’):

For those enrolled specifically in language programs (as its name suggests) and valid for the duration of their particular course.

TWO PRO-TIPS:

1. The official website of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has a nifty little tool called the Visa Navigator — which “helps you to quickly and easily find the visa you need to enter and stay in Germany.”
2. And another great resource for international students coming to Germany is the German National Association for Student Affairs — so AXA recommends you study it too.

What are the requirements for a German student visa?

The specific paperwork you need will depend on your desired academic institution (and particular situation).

But, generally speaking, to apply for a German student visa, you will need the regular documents required for a German Schengen visa*, plus the following:

• Proof of admission (i.e., a university acceptance letter or enrollment in a preparatory course);
• Financial proof (for example, a blocked account or equivalent sponsorship evidence — but more don’t worry, we’ll explain below).

*NOTE: Keep in mind that proper Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory requirement too (more on that below as well!)

How much money do I need for a German student visa?

You’ll also need to show you can support yourself in Germany during your studies.

According to the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) — and via the German consulate in France, in this case — the minimum requirement for active students as of late 2024 is 934€/month (or 11,208€ annually).

Meanwhile, for student visa applicants, the required amount increases to 1,027€/month (under the German Residency Act), or 12,324€ annually.

Financial proof can be provided in several ways. One option is a blocked account — where the total required amount is deposited before enrollment (and can then only be accessed monthly).

Alternatively, a third party can provide financial support through a declaration of commitment (affirming they will cover the student's expenses).

And, finally, if a student has a scholarship — proof of the scholarship must be provided (along with bank statements to demonstrate the ability to cover any shortfall if the scholarship amount is insufficient).

IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: Keep in mind that that’s on top of your Schengen visa costs!

How long can a foreign student study in Germany?

That’s up to you and your school. Because if you apply for and are granted a national (aka type D or,”long-stay” visa), it can then be converted into a residence permit (which can then be renewed — or even turned into a passport down the line).

In other words, even if your studies go on for years — both your school and the German government will work with you to help you stay as a foreign student for the entire period.

How, where, and when should I apply?

Once you have all your paperwork in order, you should submit your application through the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

PRO-TIP: Germany’s Foreign Office can also help you find the German mission closest to you.

And once you do, just follow these steps:

• Check your local embassy’s specific instructions (as AXA’s just the middle person here);
• Book an appointment (keep in mind that many embassies have long waiting times, so schedule early!);
• Submit your application (again, ensure all documents are complete and in the correct format, language, and so on);
• Attend the scheduled interview (and be prepared to explain your study plans, provide proof of financial support, enrollment letter, biometric data, and so on). When you apply, meanwhile, will also obviously depend on your school. However, it’s recommended to start the process at least three to six months before your planned travel date. Because, after all — getting to class is usually no easy task (but especially if that class is in another country)!

How can AXA help?

And, finally, while AXA can’t necessarily help you ace any tests, we can bring you one big step closer to your studies in Germany. And that’s by doing what we do best — i.e., safeguarding your studies with some top-quality Schengen travel insurance!

First off, our plans meet all the requirements for being granted your German Schengen visa. They’re also affordable (even by student standards!), require no medical exam, have no age limit, and have zero deductibles.

And whether you are hitting the books, the campus bars, or the German great outdoors, AXA offers:

• 24/7 assistance;
• Free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (in English and a number of other languages);
• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses, including medical repatriation & transport;
• Up to 180 days of coverage in all Schengen and European Union countries (including — depending on the chosen plan — the U.K.).

Moreover, our application process is quick, easy, and straightforward. And the AXA travel insurance certificate — which is accepted by all German (and Schengen) embassies worldwide — can be downloaded and printed instantly too.

And — last but not least — in case your German student visa is denied, we offer a full refund in most cases! We’ll only ask for an official explanation letter as to why your visa was refused (from the corresponding embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

With AXA, your German academic adventure is sure to be both as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Happy studies, and ​​Gute Reise!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How to get a German work visa
• Going to Germany: Travel and Safety Advice
• How to get a German visa from India

FAQ

How long does it take to get a German student visa?

Typically around 6–12 weeks, but wait times can vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate. So, again, we recommend you apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date (and, of course, double-check with the German embassy or consulate in your country).

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring a work permit (check out the official sources above for more).

Can I extend my German student visa?

Yes, but only in certain cases. And both the German Federal Foreign Service and AXA can tell you more about Schengen visa extension too.