General Information

The visa entitles you to enter Germany. After you have arrived in Germany, if all requirements are met, you will be issued a residence permit corresponding to your purpose of stay. It is not possible to apply for the residence permit directly in Germany.

Leaflets on requirements for application for a student or language course visa

Click here to find the lists of documents needed

Apply online

You can apply for your visa online via the Consular Services Portal. You will receive
feedback as to whether your documents are complete. You can adjust and correct
documents directly. Your appointment at the German mission abroad will then be
quick and efficient: you present the requested original documents, provide your
biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and pay the fee.

All applicants who fulfill one of the following criteria can apply under the category “Study – Specific qualifications”:

• holding a letter of admission for PHD studies or
• holding a bachelor's degree with a grade of 1. Class issued no more than 2 years ago and having been accepted to a master's degree (also a DSH course-related admission to the master's program) or
• PhD study in Germany or
• holding a scholarship financed from German public funds or European supported funds for a study or a PhD in Germany or

• When holding a signed “Aufnahmevereinbarung” / hosting agreement concerning your research fellowship with a university or research institute accepted by the “BAMF”

All other please apply in the other categories:

• Application (Language Course) or
• Study Regular

APPLY ONLINE NOW

Application procedure

Please present current documents and a complete application.

The processing time is several weeks.