Visa
Which visa do you need?
Three visa categories cover almost every student route to Germany. Open a card to see the full requirement list, processing time and legal source.
- Student visa processing
- 6–12 wk
- Blocked account (12 months)
- €11,904
- Consulates in Türkiye
- 3
- Entry visa validity
- 90 days
Student visa processing
Blocked account (12 months)
Consulates in Türkiye
Entry visa validity
Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)
For applicants who already hold an unconditional or conditional admission letter from a German university.
Language Course Visa (Sprachkursvisum)
For intensive German courses of at least 18 hours per week. Cannot be converted into a student visa from inside Germany.
Applicant Visa (Studienbewerbervisum)
For students who need to be in Germany to apply, sit an entrance exam or attend a Studienkolleg assessment test.
Always check your local mission
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity
- University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
- Proof of financial means — blocked account with €11,904 or a formal sponsorship
- Health insurance valid from the date of entry
- Language certificate matching the programme's language of instruction
- Two biometric photos and completed VIDEX application form
Processing time
6 – 12 weeks after the interview appointment
Validity
3 months entry visa, converted to a residence permit in Germany
Source: Federal Foreign Office — Studying in Germany (auswaertiges-amt.de)
Before the interview
Blocked account
€11,904 for 12 months, paid into a Fintiba or Expatrio account before the interview.
Appointment queue
Book the consulate slot the moment you have your admission — Istanbul waits run 4–10 weeks.
Accommodation proof
A dorm confirmation or a signed rental contract strongly speeds up the decision.
Watch first
Visa videos
A mock interview, the blocked account flow and your first two weeks — previewed in short clips.
One-click checklist
Download your visa checklist
Two printable PDF drafts with checkboxes: the consulate folder and the first 14 days after landing. Tick items off here to watch your progress bar fill.
Student visa appointment folder
PDF draftEverything the consulate asks for on interview day, in the order the officer opens your folder.
14 checkbox items · 2 pages
Your progress
0 of 14 done · 0%
First 14 days in Germany
PDF draftAnmeldung, insurance, bank and residence permit, sequenced so nothing blocks you.
8 checkbox items · 1 page
Your progress
0 of 8 done · 0%
After the visa
Arrival & settling in
Anmeldung within two weeks, health insurance activation, blocked account unlock, semester ticket and the residence permit appointment — in the right order.
Follow the full study path