Student Visa for Germany 2027
If you’ve got an admission letter from a German university, the next big task is the visa It’s not hard, but it has a lot of paperwork, and small mistakes can slow things down by weeks. Here’s how the process works.
The money figures below are for 2026 Germany has not published the 2027 blocked account amount yet, so check the latest number before you transfer anything.
What you need first
You need admission to a state-recognised university in Germany Most programmes also want proof of language, usually level B2 in German or English, depending on the language of your course You also need to prove you can pay your own living costs for the whole programme, and you need health insurance.
Proving you have the money
There are three ways to show this. The most common is a blocked account at a German bank, which needs at least €11,904 for 2026, or about €992 a month You can also use a scholarship letter, or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany who agrees to cover your costs.
Documents to prepare
Embassies ask for slightly different things, so read the checklist on your own embassy’s website In general, expect to need:
- the signed visa application form
- biometric passport photos
- a passport valid at least 3 months beyond your stay, with 2 blank pages
- your university admission letter
- language certificate
- proof of funds
- health insurance proof
- school and university certificates with transcripts
- a CV and a motivation letter
- the fee receipt
Documents that aren’t in English or German usually need an official translation.
Fee and processing time
The visa fee is €75 and it is not refunded if you’re refused. Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks at some embassies and up to 12 weeks at others, so apply as early as you can once your documents are ready. Don’t book a final flight until the visa is approved.
How to apply
- Get your admission letter and open your blocked account (or arrange another proof of funds).
- Fill in the application on the Federal Foreign Office portal, then book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country.
- Go to the appointment with your documents and pay the fee.
- Wait for the decision. The embassy can ask for extra documents at any time.
- Once you’re in Germany, register your address and apply for your residence permit at the local foreigners’ office. The visa only gets you in; the permit is what lets you stay.
What if you don’t have admission yet?
There’s a separate visa for people still looking for a place. It lasts up to nine months and can’t be extended for the same purpose You need a school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for university, language proof, and a blocked account of at least €1,091 a month (2026 figure). Once you’re admitted, you switch to a normal study residence permit.
Working while you study
Students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year. After you graduate, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that matches your degree.
