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Step by step: How to get a student visa in Germany

written by
Natasha Machado
11/4/2024
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5 min
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In our guide, we will make it easier to get a student visa in Germany. Let's talk about how to prove your language proficiency, how much to prove income, what documents are essential, and what areas are available to graduate. Come with us!

How to get a student visa

Having a student visa in Germany requires a few steps. It all starts with approval at a university. Then you travel to Germany with a tourist visa. This is possible thanks to Schengen Treaty. Then, you ask to change your student visa when you are already there, you can check the form hereto.

This process is pretty easy. It also helps prevent you from doing a lot of paperwork in Brazil. The visa costs around 75 euros, but the price may change each year. So it's good to see the current price in the Official government website, before applying for a visa.

Language proficiency

Knowing the language well is very important for Study and Work in Germany. Most schools require an attestation to prove that you know the language of the course well. For courses in English, exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge and Duolingo are accepted.

Private universities have courses in English. In these courses, you don't need to know German. But many public courses are only in German. In such cases, you need to prove that you know German well. There are many German proficiency exams that are accepted in Germany. Some examples are the TestDaF and the DSH.

It's important to start studying for these exams early. This can avoid problems and delays when applying for a visa. There are several specific courses for this purpose that you can take here in Brazil.

Financial requirements for a student visa in Germany

Obtaining a student visa in Germany requires confirmation that you have enough money to live on during your studies. The German government normally asks students from other countries to demonstrate that they have around 12,000 euros a year. This money is to cover costs such as housing, food, and transportation.

You will confirm this with a”Blocked account“(a blocked account) at a German bank. You have to put the money in this account before going to Germany. This requirement ensures that you are able to support yourself without the need for financial assistance from the government. Planning and collecting this money in advance is very important to obtain a student visa.

Required Documentation

Ensuring that the documents are well organized is crucial to obtaining a student visa for Germany. The documentation you need varies depending on the course you plan to take.

For baccalaureate courses, which generally last three years, you need to have this set of documents in hand:

  • High school diploma and transcript, both original and with their respective certified translations into English;
  • Certificate that proves your competence in the language that the course requires, validated by exams such as Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge;
  • A current and valid copy of your passport;
  • Your resume, with all necessary updates;
  • A letter of at least 500 words, in which you tell us why you want to study in Germany;
  • Proof that you have a blocked account;
  • Results of admission tests;
  • Any other documents that the German educational institution or consulate may request.

To search for a master's degree or an MBA in Germany, which lasts from one to two years, you may need the following documents:

  • An original copy of your undergraduate diploma and transcript, officially translated into English;
  • A certificate that shows that you know the course language well. This can be proven with exams such as Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge;
  • A recent copy of the passport;
  • Your resume, which must be up to date;
  • A motivation letter with at least 500 words, where you say why you want to do a master's or MBA in Germany;
  • For those who want to do an MBA: You must show that you have at least one year of professional experience in the area (internships do not count);
  • Proof that there is money in your blocked account;
  • Other documents that the German university or consulate may request.

Don't forget: it's always good to seek expert help, so you'll know what documents you need for your specific situation. That's because the process may change depending on the course and university you chose.

How to choose the right undergraduate course in Germany

Germany is renowned for the quality of its higher education and offers a wide range of courses that meet different interests and career goals. Students can choose between traditional programs such as Business, Engineering, and Marketing, in addition to innovative courses aimed at the creative market, such as Game Design, UI/UX and Cinema, among others.

German educational institutions are known for keeping their curricula aligned with the best practices in the market, which provides practical education focused on real work needs. In addition, many of them maintain partnerships with companies, favoring internship and employment opportunities after graduation. Whatever the area of interest, there is a course in Germany that can open doors to a successful career.

Length of stay allowed with a student visa

With a student visa in Germany, you can stay in the country for the duration of your course. For degrees such as baccalaureates, the permanence may be up to three years, while master's degrees and MBAs range from one to two years.

Job opportunities in Germany

While studying in Germany on a student visa, you have the possibility of work up to 20 hours a week during the semester. Not only does this help supplement your income, it also provides valuable professional experience. The minimum wage in Germany is one of the highest in Europe, at €12.41, which may contribute to your livelihood in the country.

Upon completion of your course, German law allows you to Stay in the country for another 18 months to look for a job, which is known as a “job-seeking visa”. During this period, you are allowed to work in any type of employment until you find a position in your field of study. This extension is an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience in Germany and increase the chances of a long-term stay in the country.

Be easy

In conclusion, Germany offers incredible opportunities for study and work. With correct guidance and planning, the student visa and the subsequent process can be done in a simple and efficient manner. Na Be easy, our team of experts is always ready to help you on this journey. Your German adventure awaits you. Get in touch with us and let's make your dream of studying in Germany a reality!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy