Visa needed?
All persons who wish to study at a high school, college or university in Germany are required to obtain a residence permit.
Where to apply?
Citizens of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, as well as EU citizens may apply for their residence permit after entering Germany without a visa.
Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain a residence permit prior to entry. Due to local particularities handling and processing may vary slightly among the German missions involved.
How to apply?
Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person. Upon submission of all required documents the application will be forwarded to the Aliens' Office (Ausländeramt) competent for your intended place of residence in Germany. Student visa applications take about 25 days to be processed. After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Office the Consulate will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa. The Aliens' Office requires all residence permit holders to register upon their first arrival. A final residence permit for the duration of your studies will be granted in Germany after arrival..
Required Documents
- two fully completed application forms and required declaration in duplicate
- two passport photographs (strict requirements)
- valid national passport and one copy
- additional for non-US citizens: original of valid US alien registration card or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R) and one copy
- letter of acceptance of a German university/language school/college and one copy
- evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany and one copy
Please note: In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents.
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