Some additional requirements must be fulfilled by international students wanting to pursue higher education in Germany. Wondering what are they? All the information about the additional requirements is summarised below.
1. Student Visa
The most important factor in German university requirements is having a student visa. Visa requirements for students in Germany can vary depending on your home country, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your stay.
If you are from the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you will not need a visa to study in Germany. Similarly, there are a few more countries that fall under the exception of not needing a visa in Germany. You can check out if your country needs a visa in Germany on the Federal Foreign Office website.
If citizens from your country do need to obtain a visa to study in Germany, you should apply for a student visa as soon as possible. You may usually be issued with a Schengen visa or a national visa. You can apply for two types of visas:
- Student Visa (If you have been already accepted to a German university).
- Prospective student visa (If you are waiting for your letter of acceptance).
The documents required to apply for a student visa include:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Academic transcripts and language test scores.
- If applicable: letter of acceptance from your higher education institution.
- If applying for a prospective student visa: a recognized higher education entrance qualification.
Also see: Is It Easy To Get A Student Visa In Germany?
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Since visa procedures can take a lot of time, it is recommended that you start your application well in advance. You can apply for a prospective student visa if you have not yet been accepted to a university and convert it to a residence permit for studying once you are in Germany.
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2. Proof of Financial Resources
To obtain your student visa to study in Germany, you will need to demonstrate that you have at least EUR 10,332 (INR 9,27,300) available for living expenses while residing in Germany. A "Finanzierungsnachweis," or proof of financial resources, is the document you require. This document may also be required when you apply for a German residency permit.
There are several methods to demonstrate your ability to pay for your education. The subsequent kind of proof is conceivable:
- Your parents can provide documentation attesting to their earnings and wealth.
- It is guaranteed by someone who resides in Germany permanently that the Alien Registration Office will pay your costs.
- A security payment can be deposited into a blocked account.
- You have a bank guarantee available.
- You can present a scholarship award notification from a recognized scholarship provider.
Also see: Total Cost To Study In Germany
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Using a ‘blocked account’ specially designed for students can be very helpful in Germany. It’s called a “blocked account” because the money deposited into the account cannot be withdrawn until you have arrived in Germany.
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Make sure to inquire at the German embassy in your country as to which form of financial proof is required!
3. Certificate of Registration
In Germany, you have two weeks from the time you find a room or an apartment to register yourself at the Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office). After that, a registration certificate attesting to your registration at the specified address will be given to you.
The registration certificate is required for several purposes, such as establishing a bank account, requesting a parking permit, or registering for a library card.
4. Permit for Residence
A residency permit is not required for students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Upon registering with the residents' registration office, individuals obtain a certificate attesting to their residency rights in Germany.
You must apply for a residence permit and report to the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' office) if you are not from one of the aforementioned nations. If an international student has already been admitted to a university, they need a residence permit to study.
You will receive a chip card that can store your fingerprints and passport photo. It serves as documentation of your residency permit.
Also see: Jobs in Germany for International Students
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A student residence permit is issued for a period of up to two years. It must be extended promptly before the end of this period. Whether it is extended depends on whether you study regularly, i.e. take exams and gain credit points. The foreigners' office checks whether you are taking your studies seriously and will be able to graduate within an appropriate time frame.
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5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is an essential component of university requirements in Germany. Without it, international students are not allowed to enroll in German higher education institutions. In the case of an accident or sickness, the expenses of medical care and prescription drugs are covered by health insurance. Hence, upon enrollment, international students are required to provide documentation of their health insurance.
The following countries public health insurance programs are also accepted in Germany:
- Member states of the EU
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Morocco
- Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Serbia
- Tunisia
- Turkey
You will need to enroll in coverage in Germany if your domestic health insurance policy is not accepted there. It costs around EUR 110 (INR 9,870) monthly for a public health insurance policy up until the age of 30 or have completed your 14th subject-related semester at university. After that, the monthly premium jumps to EUR 190 (INR 17,060) or more, monthly.
