Keywords: German student visa, how to apply for a German visa, study in Germany, student visa Germany step-by-step, visa requirements for Germany
Regarding my complete process of moving from Argentina to Germany to complete my PhD in History, the visa application was not the most difficult step, but it was one of the more bureaucratic ones and, in my case, one of the longest and most stressful. This is the order you should follow. Give yourself enough time for each step and do not try to accelerate the process, because it usually doesn’t depend on you, but on the university, the bank, and German embassy staff.
Step 1: Find a University and Get Admission
It doesn’t matter if it’s for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree: you will need the admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) from a recognized German university (staatlich anerkannte Hochschule).
There are two types of admission:
- Unconditional: You meet all requirements.
- Conditional: You meet the requirements for admission, but you may still need to submit missing documents (e.g., language certificate, final diploma from your Bachelor’s degree).
Step 2: Apply for a Student Visa (Visum zum Zweck des Studiums)
If you already have an admission letter, apply for a student visa. If you don’t yet have admission and want to go to Germany to apply in person, you’ll need to apply for a Student Applicant Visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung). This visa allows you to stay in Germany for a limited period (up to 9 months) in order to meet the admission requirements and apply for a place at a university.
Remember: You always apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 3: Open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
This is a critical step. In my case, it delayed the whole process due to a mistake in filling out the form to open the bank account. German authorities require proof that you can support yourself financially during your studies. As of 2025, you must show access to €11,208 per year (around €934 per month). Some banks offer this service for international students.
If you already have a confirmation letter for a scholarship (for example, from a German institution), you won’t need a blocked account, just the confirmation letter is enough.
TIP: Be careful when filling out the bank form. There are questions regarding tax status that must be answered correctly—mistakes can cause delays.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents for the Embassy
You’ll need to collect:
- Admission letter from a German university
- Proof of financial resources (blocked account or sponsor/scholarship letter)
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Visa application form (available on embassy website) and biometric photos
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on your program)
- Motivation letter and sometimes a CV
Check the specific requirements on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your country.
Step 5: Make an Appointment at the German Embassy
This step is quite simple but can delay your process if you don’t act early. Book your appointment as soon as possible, because waiting times can be long! Some embassies allow you to register months in advance.
At the appointment, you’ll submit your documents and have a short interview. Don’t worry: if you meet the requirements, this interview is usually a formality. Still, be prepared to explain:
- Why you want to study in Germany
- How your studies fit into your career plans
- How you’ll support yourself financially
Step 6: Wait for the Visa Decision
Visa processing times vary, but generally take 6 to 12 weeks. Be patient, and ensure your contact information is correct.
TIP: Don’t book your flight until you receive your visa approval.
What Does a German Student Visa Allow You to Do?
- Study at an accredited German institution (university, Hochschule, or technical school)
- Enter and legally reside in Germany during your studies
- Work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a special permit
- Work as an academic assistant at your university (with approval)
- Travel within the Schengen Area
- Apply for a visa extension if your studies aren’t finished
- Stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to look for a job related to your field
What a Student Visa Does Not Allow
- You cannot work full-time year-round (except on holidays or with special permission)
- You cannot switch to regular employment unrelated to your studies without changing your visa status
- You cannot bring family members automatically—separate applications with specific conditions are required
- It does not grant permanent residency directly (but it can lead to it after graduation and employment)
Applying for a student visa to Germany can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, it’s absolutely manageable. If you’re unsure about what documents you need or how to structure your motivation letter, I can help, as described in my Services. Working with me makes the process simpler and faster. Contact me or send me a message.