Germany Student Visa Requirements

Germany Student Visa: Short Summary

In order to study at BIC you will require a student visa. Your student visa is valid for six months and stamped into your passport by the German embassy. Once you arrive in Germany, be sure to keep in mind that your visa must be extended before the expiration date stated on your initial visa. If you have questions about your visa, please don’t hesitate to ask during our open office hours or write us at info@berlin-international-college.de 

Why do I need a visa?

The student visa is a type of residence permit that allows you to stay in Germany for the duration of your studies. After you conclude your studies at BIC, and start your studies at university, you will retain your student visa status. Once you complete your university studies you will be eligible for an 18-month stay-back visa, allowing you to remain in Germany for 1.5 years after graduation.

Who needs a visa?

All students from non-EU countries require a visa to study in Germany, and some students even require a visa to enter Germany when travelling for their studies. To find out whether a visa is required for your country, please use the following link from the German embassy:

Homepage - Consular Services Portal 

All Visa Requirements

If you’re planning to study in Germany, obtaining a student visa is one of the most important steps. This residence permit allows you to stay in Germany throughout your studies, from your time at BIC to your university degree. After graduation, you may even qualify for an 18-month stay-back visa to launch your career in Germany.

Most non-EU students are required to apply for a visa, and in many cases, this is also necessary for entry into the country. The process is typically completed online through the German Consular Services Portal and requires proof of English proficiency (minimum B2 level) along with supporting documents.

If your visa application is unsuccessful, don’t worry, we’re here to support you. Our team provides guidance on next steps, and many students are successful upon reapplying. Additionally, in case of rejection, you are eligible for a partial refund in line with our policies.

Required Documents for the Visa:

• BIC Acceptance Letter + Conditional University Admission Letter
  (Received from BIC during the admissions process)
• Passport (valid beyond one year)
• Proof of Blocked Account (Link to Blocked Account Page)
• English Proficiency Certificate (min. B2, i.e. IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 72, Cambridge B2)
• Final High School Certificate 
• BIC Payment Receipt
  (Available for download over Flywire)
• APS Certificate (China, India, Vietnam)
  (To confirm your high school diploma)
• Letter of Motivation (if applicable)
• CV/Resume
• Proof of Health Insurance (Mawista, Expatrio etc.)

Proof of Financial Resources

To study in Germany, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses.

• How does the proof process work?
  Students typically open a blocked account, deposit the required amount, and receive monthly withdrawals after arrival. The process includes choosing a provider, completing an online application, verifying identity, and transferring funds before the visa appointment.
• How much money is it?
  The required amount is currently €11,208 for one year.
• What are the options to proof financial resources?
  Options include a blocked account, a formal sponsorship (Verpflichtungserklärung), or a recognized scholarship covering living expenses.

What language skills are required for a student visa?

In order to receive a student visa you must provide the embassy with an English proficiency certificate equal to level B2.

The following certificates are accepted by the German embassy:

Accepted English Certificates:

• IELTS (minimum 5.5)
  International English proficiency test
  https://www.ielts.org
• TOEFL (minimum 72)
  Academic English language assessment
  https://www.ets.org/toefl
• Cambridge B2
  Upper-intermediate English qualification
  https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/

How to Apply for a Visa

In most cases, applying for a visa to study in Germany is done online. Over the following link you can find detailed information about the visa to study in Germany, along with the application portal found at the bottom: Consular Services Portal | Studies and Search for a place to study. Follow the steps below to start your application:

1. Visit the following website and scroll to the bottom: Consular Services Portal | Studies and Search for a place to study
2. Select your country and your local embassy, and click on ‘Apply Online Now’ *please note, not all countries utilize this portal- please check with your local embassy if your embassy is not listed.
3. Complete the registration form with your personal details
4. Confirm your email address
5. Complete the registration for the two-factor authentication
6. Open ‘Process 1’ and click on the ‘Open Application’ button
7. Complete the ‘Entry Form’
8. Complete the ‘Application Form’ – be sure to complete all sections fully
9. Once fully completed click ‘To the Documents’ on the pop-up
10. Upload your required documents (see above)
11. Submit application

What if my visa is rejected?

If your visa is rejected please inform us immediately and send us the rejection letter you received from the German embassy. Based upon the reasoning for the rejection we offer you personalized support to decide what the best next steps are. In most cases students simply reapply for the visa after a rejection, which is often successful after the second time.

Will I receive a refund if my visa is rejected?

Yes! If your visa is rejected you will receive a partial refund. Please note that a 10% administrative fee along with the proportional course costs (pro rata temporis) will be kept.

Types of Study Visas

There are various study visas available for Germany, depending on your academic plans and stage of preparation. Students applying to BIC will require a student visa, which is granted to those enrolled in a full-time study program.

Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)
For students admitted to a full-time degree program or preparatory course (e.g. Studienkolleg like BIC). This is the most common visa and allows long-term study in Germany.

Student Applicant Visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung)
For students who have not yet received a university admission but plan to apply in Germany. This visa allows you to stay in Germany while completing applications or entrance exams.

Language Course Visa (Sprachkursvisum)
For students attending intensive German language courses (typically 3–12 months). This visa is suitable if your primary goal is language learning, not immediate university enrollment.

Which visa is right for you?

• If you already have admission (e.g. BIC): Student Visa
• If you are still applying: Student Applicant Visa
• If you want to learn German first: Language Course Visa

Choosing the correct visa depends on whether you already have admission, are still applying, or are focusing on language preparation before starting your studies.