Germany is a place to be when it comes to the quality of higher education, research infrastructure, teaching methodology, low-cost studies and career prospect. That is why many internationals continue to believe that Germany is the best place for pursuing their higher education further.
On the other hand, not every foreign person is able to pursue such a dream, right away. This because several nationalities are NOT allowed to enter and stay in the territory of Germany without enjoying the appropriate German Visa. In our case, a visa needed is the authorising official document required to permit a non-German national to enter and stay in the territory of Germany for the purpose of studying, in a specific intended period.
Therefore, being a foreigner who:
- Just received the Acceptance Letter from a German University,
- Soon is expected to get A Response on his/her University Application in a University in Germany,
- Has to Enroll in A Foundation Course before applying in a German University,
- Needs to Take a Foundation Course (Studienkolleg) to prepare for the test “Feststellungsprüfung” – qualification assessment examination
- Needs to Complete a Doctoral Degree
- Wants to Engage in a Research Project in Germany
Speaking of the appropriate time, there is no fixed period where you should make the visa application, but it is highly suggested to do it early enough in advance from your planned travel to Germany. Typically, 3 (three) months before the start of planned studies, worked suitably for many who already went through the same experience. But, let us together see what else you need to know about getting a German Visa for study purposes.
Which are German Visa Types for Study Purposes?
As we explained earlier, whenever you want to travel to Germany for study purposes, you have to apply for the appropriate German Visa, related to the purpose of your travel and stay there – studying.
What follows is the explanation of 3 (three) types of German Visas for study purposes:
- Language Course Visa – is the perfect option for those that want or need to learn the German language in Germany.
- Student Applicant Visa – if you want to study in Germany, but are still trying to find the right program or you still haven’t got the confirmation letter from your University
- Student Visa – if you have already been accepted to a German university.
Where and How to Apply? As we stated earlier, the place where you should apply for your visa is the German Embassy or Consulate in your country. First, you need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview. On the day of the interview, you should offer your visa application documents. Additionally, you will need to respond to the interview questions that the consular officer prepares in order to closely examine you as a potential visa candidate.
Leave A Visa Appointment Soon ENOUGH. Before doing anything else, in order to apply for the Student Schengen Visa you need to set up a visa appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country. Check up for the available dates and make the appointment in the online system on the website of the German Embassy or Consulate in your country, soon after you will be able to plan your departure time.
Visa Interview – Visa interview is the moment where you meet with the consular officer directly as a visa applicant. The same time you need to present all the visa required documents, as your consular officer asks for them orderly. During a visa appointment the officer also makes you questions about the application, as well as personal ones which you have to answer carefully and truthfully.
Paying your Student Visa – Applicants have to pay the visa fees by a bank transfer. Student visa as of 2008 is 60 Euro. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the Consulate in your home country and not older than two months.
Pay extra attention to application deadlines as late applications are not admitted. Commonly, application deadlines for a Studienkolleg are:
- Before January 15 for the summer semester
- Before July 15 for the Winter semester
More information: http://www.germany-visa.org/student-visa/