ENTRY REGULATIONS

As an international student you will need a visa to study in Germany. Applicants from EU/EWR nations as well as some other nations are exempt from this regulation.

You will need to apply for your visa at the embassy / consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in your home country. A visa must be applied for well in advance of your departure (at least 2 months ahead of time!).

Important: International students who have proof of admittance to a German university or "Studienkolleg" will be issued a so-called student visa (“Studentenvisum”).

It is possible for applicants who are interested in studying in Germany to be issued a study applicant’s visa (“Studienbewerber-Visum”). This visa enables an applicant to collect information about studying in Germany or to obtain admission prerequisites for studying at a German university. This visa can then be extended once one is in Germany, eliminating the need for a return trip home. When applying for the study applicant’s visa you will also have to prove your entitlement to university study, for example with a formal recognition of your previous diploma or degree through the “department for the acknowledgement of certificates”.

Please do not travel to Germany on a tourist visa! This cannot be changed into a student visa, and students are not allowed to study in Germany on a tourist visa. You will not be able to apply for a student visa once in Germany.

More comprehensive information regarding visa application requirements is available from your German Embassy or Consulate.
It is extremely important to give correct and complete information regarding your reasons for travelling to Germany (e.g. to study). If you do not do this, the visa you receive will be designated for a specific purpose and you will not be able to convert it later.

contact: incoming