Studienkolleg

    Welcome to the Center for International Students of the Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg

    Visas for University Studies

    Students from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland

    Entry possible without a visa, but must register with the residents' registration office

    Students from countries without an entry visa

    You can check with the Federal Foreign Office whether your home country is one of these countries (see link below). Here, too, you must register with the Residents' Registration Office and also with the Aliens' Registration Office to obtain a residence permit.

    Students from countries with visa requirements

    Allow sufficient time for the visa procedure, as it can take several months.

    Current regulations on visa requirements for all countries

    For all other questions, please contact the German embassy responsible for you:
    Addresses of German missions abroad

    The type of visa depends on whether you already have a permit. Under no circumstances should you enter Germany with a tourist visa, as this cannot subsequently be converted into a visa for the purpose of studying or applying to study.
    There are three types of visa:

    1. Language course visa for educational activities from 3 months to 1 year for participation in German courses
    2. Visa for study application: You are still looking for the right study program or do not yet have a letter of confirmation from your university.
      Period of validity: three months. It gives you the opportunity to meet the requirements for admission (successful completion of the entrance test).The period of stay can be extended by a maximum of six months. If you are admitted to the Studienkolleg during this time, you can apply for a residence permit for study purposes.
    3. Visa for study purposes: If you have been admitted to a German university. It is usually issued for three months. During this time, you must apply for a residence permit.

    Required Documents for Visa Applications

    You can find out which documents you need from your German embassy or consulate abroad. Normally you will need the following:

    • Admission or entrance qualification (Zeugnisanerkennung) for a degree program at a German institut of higher learning
    • Valid passport
    • Proof of health insurance
    • Proof of financial means
    • Proof of any German language proficiency
    • Possibly a health certificate

    Tips for applying for a visa

    When applying for a visa, it is important to note the following points:

    1. apply early enough (it can take several months and entry is not possible without a visa)
    2. apply for the student visa. A tourist or language visa cannot be subsequently converted into a “student visa”.
    3. Set a date for your arrival in Germany that allows you time to enrol at the university and deal with important authorities. Enrolment is a prerequisite for a residence permit for study purposes.
    4. Make sure that your passport is still valid. If your identity papers have expired, you will have to return to your home country in the meantime and have them renewed there.
    5. Prepare for the appointment at the embassy. You can find tips here
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