More than 375.000 students come to Germany every year to start their studies. In order to pursue your studies in Germany, you need a student visa obtained from the consulate of the home country (with the exception for some countries). The student visa you get from the home country will be valid for 90 days. Once you arrive in Germany, you must convert the visa into a residence permit within the first 90 days. The permit might be granted for one year or in some cases up to two years depending on the proof of finance you submit to the Foreign office. Once the study program is completed, you can obtain a job seeker visa.

Eligibility

Some of the required documents for applying are:

• Visa application form
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Photo
• Previous German residence titles or visa if applicable
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of university admission
• Degree certificates
• School leaving certificate
• Language certificates (English, German)
• Health insurance
• University entrance qualification
• Flight tickets (if necessary)

For proof of financial resources, a blocked account is necessary, in which 8640€ shall be deposited. You could also show the confirmation of loan, letter of commitment and evidence of your parent’s income and assets, scholarship awarding certificate, bank guarantee or Verpflichtungserklärung (letter of commitment from a German resident).

Procedure to apply for a student visa to Germany

The procedure depends on the home country, and we have provided an  overview of the general process.

1. Find the local consulate/visa office. You can find it by checking German missions in your country
2. Check out the requirements and the documents necessary
3. Book an appointment
4. Prepare all the documents
5. Prepare for the visa interview
6. Attend the appointment, provide your documents and pay the visa fee (non-refundable)

After coming to Germany

Once you arrive in Germany, you must register in your university (Immatriculation), get a public health insurance and register your apartment in the city. With these documents and also other documents like passport, photos, etc you can apply for the residence permit at Foreign Office within ninety days of arrival, in order to extend your visa. As an international you might find difficulties in communicating with the officials or filling forms in German. That is why we have created a platform where you can ask for help and get a Buddy who can accompany you to the offices or help you in any process.

What is MyHelpBuddy?

MyHelpBuddy is a platform where any international student or expat can ask for help and find people who are ready to support. For example, if you need help in German Bureaucracy, certified translation or explanation of contracts, interpreter to accompany you to registration, foreign office, etc, you can post your request and get connected with Buddies.

If you are someone who is living in Germany and would like to become a Buddy and offer support to newbies, you can REGISTER AS A BUDDY and post your offer.