Visas
Non-EU students need a visa to study in Germany and must apply to the German Embassy or Consulate in their own country.
EU students do not require a visa to study in Germany.
Basically, we differentiate between two types of visas:
- The Schengen Visa is issued for a short stay of up to three months per half-yearly period. Holders of a Schengen Visa must leave the country again after three months at the latest. This means the Schengen Visa is not suitable if you wish to study in Germany for more than three months.
- A National Visa is issued for stays lasting longer than three months.
If you wish to study, you must apply for a national visa for the purpose of studying (Student Visa).
Student applicants who have not yet been admitted to a German university or Studienkolleg can apply for a Student Applicant Visa. This is valid for three months and can be converted into a residence permit for the purpose of studying once you have been admitted to a higher education institution.
A Language Course Visa is only valid for the length of the language course and cannot be converted into a student visa.
The granting of a visa could take several months, so apply in plenty of time and make sure you get all the necessary information.
Please note: a "tourist visa" cannot be converted into a "student visa", and as a tourist you are not eligible to study in Germany. So it is essential to pay attention to the word preceding "visa" and make sure you have the correct document.
