Visa for higher education studies
This visa is for individuals admitted to a German higher education institution. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses is an essential requirement.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Identity
Biometric passport photographs
Three recent biometric passport photographs, less than 6 months old. They must be taken against a white background and not be digitally altered. Two photographs must be affixed to the application forms; the third is to be attached separately to be scanned.
Common errors
- The photograph is more than 6 months old, the background is not white, or the photograph has been digitally altered.
Passport
Your valid passport, which must be presented in the original. It must have been issued less than 10 years ago, contain at least two blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the intended period of stay. The case must contain two copies of the data page, page 3, as well as of previous visas (including those in old passports).
Common errors
- The passport is not valid for long enough, it does not have enough blank pages, it is not signed by its holder, or it is damaged.
Resources
Proof of funds for studies
Proof of financial resources of at least €934 per month, i.e. €11,208 for the first year. This proof can be in the form of a confirmation of a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto), a scholarship award letter or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung). The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The amount substantiated is below the required threshold. The blocked account confirmation does not state the total amount paid in and the available monthly amount.
Education
Diplomas and transcripts of records
Your latest school or university degree (baccalaureate, bachelor's, master's) accompanied by the transcript of records. Egyptian documents must be translated (into German or English), authenticated and legalised before the appointment. The case must contain the originals and two copies.
Common errors
- The documents are not translated, authenticated or legalised as required. The transcript of records is missing.
Letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid)
The letter of admission from a university, a university of applied sciences, or a German higher education institution. A confirmation of enrolment in a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) with a fixed date is also accepted. The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The document provided is a simple confirmation of application and not a definitive letter of admission.
Proof of language skills
A B1 level German language certificate, from a standardised test compliant with ALTE standards. If the studies are in English, proof that English was the language of instruction at your previous institution is accepted, possibly supplemented by enrolment in a language course in Germany. The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The language certificate is not from a recognised body (not ALTE-compliant) or the level is below B1 for a course in German.
Insurance
Proof of health insurance
Proof of health insurance valid for all Schengen states, with a minimum cover of €30,000. It must not have any limitations or exclusions of benefits. This private insurance must cover the period between your arrival in Germany and your enrolment in the statutory health insurance scheme after your university registration. The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The cover is less than €30,000, the insurance is not valid throughout the Schengen area, or the insurance policy excludes long-term stays.
Other documents
National visa application form and declaration
The national visa application form, to be completed online via the VIDEX application, must be fully completed and signed. You must also enclose the corresponding declaration, signed. The case must contain two sets of these documents.
Common errors
- The form is incomplete, is not signed, or the required declaration is missing.
Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae personally written by you, with no gaps in your history, and signed. It must detail your educational background and any professional experience. The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The CV shows unexplained gaps, is not signed, or was not written by the applicant.
Letter of motivation
A personally written and signed letter of motivation. It must clearly state your motivations, expectations and objectives regarding the chosen course and university. The case must contain the original and two copies.
Common errors
- The letter is not signed, or its content is too generic and does not demonstrate a motivation specific to the study project.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.