Non-EU/EEA students need a national visa for study purposes (Visum zu Studienzwecken) to study in Germany for longer than 90 days. This guide covers eligibility, the blocked account requirement, the APS certificate needed for some countries, and what happens after arrival — for the post-study Job Seeker Visa, see our dedicated Germany Job Seeker Visa and EU Blue Card guide.
Who Needs a Visa?
| Nationality | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | No visa required |
| Non-EU citizens | National student visa required |
| Applicants from India, China, Vietnam, and select other countries | Also need an APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) verifying academic credentials |
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a German student visa, you must:
- Hold an admission letter from a recognised German university, or a conditional admission letter if applying via a Studienkolleg
- Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with the required funds
- Hold valid health insurance (public or private, depending on age and prior coverage)
- Get an APS Certificate, if required for your country
- Show academic qualifications equivalent to German university entrance requirements
The Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
The Sperrkonto is Germany's proof-of-funds mechanism: you deposit money into a blocked account, and only a fixed monthly amount can be withdrawn once you're in Germany.
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual amount required | Approx. €11,904/year (updated periodically by German authorities) |
| Monthly withdrawal limit | Approx. €992/month |
| Common providers | Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio |
Alternative proof includes a formal sponsor declaration ("Verpflichtungserklärung") from a Germany-based sponsor, or a scholarship confirmation.
Application Process
Step 1: Secure Admission
Get your admission letter from a German university or Studienkolleg.
Step 2: Get APS Certification (If Required)
Applicants from India, China, Vietnam, and a few other countries must first get their academic documents verified by the APS before applying for the visa.
Step 3: Open Your Blocked Account
Set up a Sperrkonto with an approved provider and deposit the required amount.
Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment
Apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admission letter | From your German institution |
| Blocked account confirmation | Sperrkonto proof of deposit |
| APS certificate | Where required |
| Health insurance | Public (gesetzliche) or private, per your age/status |
| Academic transcripts | Certified copies and translations |
| Motivation letter | Explaining your study plan |
Step 5: Processing
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Visa decision | 6–12 weeks (can be longer during peak season) |
Step 6: Arrival — Register and Convert to a Residence Permit
Within 2 weeks of arrival, register your address (Anmeldung) at the local registration office, then apply for your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the local Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office).
English Requirements for German Universities
Germany has a large and growing number of English-taught Master's programmes, particularly in engineering and business:
| Level | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| English-taught Bachelor's | IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90 |
| English-taught Master's | IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 90–100 |
| German-taught programmes | TestDaF or DSH (German proficiency), not IELTS/TOEFL |
Many public German universities charge little to no tuition, even for international students, which is a major draw independent of the visa process.
Work Rights on a German Student Visa
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual limit | 140 full days or 280 half days per year |
| Weekly equivalent | Roughly 20 hours/week on average |
| Student assistant (Werkstudent/Hilfskraft) roles at your own university | Often exempt from part of the standard cap, subject to Ausländerbehörde rules |
After Graduation
Graduates can convert their student residence permit into an 18-month Job Seeker Visa to search for qualifying employment, which can later lead to the EU Blue Card and eventually permanent residency. See our full breakdown in the Germany Job Seeker Visa and EU Blue Card guide.
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