With free world-class degrees and no-tuition fees for local and international students, Germany has become the topmost preferred country for students worldwide. Almost 400,000 International Students are now studying in Germany.

The significant rate of growth of Bangladeshi going to Germany is Student Visas and how the application is processed.
German Student Visa

To study in Germany, you mandatorily need a German Student Visa. The minimum duration of this visa is about three months and it can last up to 4 years depending on the duration of your course. This visa can be extended under certain conditions. The German Student visa can be later used to obtain Permanent Residence.

Upcoming Intakes for Universities in Germany

The general timelines for application submission are as follows:

Intake 1: Summer Semester – Submit your application before January 15th
Intake 2: Winter Semester – Submit your application before July 15th

Top 10 Universities in Germany for International Students

Here are the top 10 Universities for International Students as per QS rankings in Germany:

QS World University Rankings

University Name

61

Technical University of Munich

62

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

64

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

116

KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

121

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

130

Freie Universitaet Berlin

144

RWTH Aachen University

147

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

168

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

186

Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg

After your graduate business degree, you can extend your residence permit to find a job & settle in Germany.

Documents Required for a German Student Visa.

For the visa process to be started, your documents need to be in place. Though the document requirement is too long, with accurate information, you’ll be good to go.

Find the list of documents that are required for your Germany Student Visa Process:

Documents for Visa Application Documents to Approve University Admission
National visa application which is duly filled and signed Academic Certificates( 10th, 12th and Degrees)
Your valid passport Conditional Admission Certificate: “Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid”(in German)
Photocopies of your passport. Confirmed Intensive Course: “Intensiv-Sprachkurs”(in German)
Birth certificate Proof of Language Course (3 months fee proof)
Marriage certificate (If applicable) Admission Certificates: “Zulassungsbescheid”(in German)
Birth Certificate(For dependent children) Health Insurance
Photographs (Recent) English Proficiency Test/German Proficiency Test
Financial Proofs for a German Student Visa – “Finanzierungsnachweis” (in German)
Deposit €10,236 in a German Blocked Bank Account
Fund Proof for Parents ( Income, Financial Assets)
Recommendation Letter from German Resident “Verpflichtungserklärung”(in German)
Scholarship Certificates
Bank Guarantee (by Recognized German Bank)

German Study Visa Requirements for Bangladesh Students

Bangladeshi form one of the largest groups of international students at German universities.

The growth rate of the intake of Bangladeshi Students in Germany is growing hugely; having almost doubled in the last five years. Bangladeshi students who wish to study in Germany need a German national visa for programmes that are longer than 3 months. You can get a Schengen visa for a 3-month course.

The German study visa requirements are quite stringent. International students are required to have valid documents and a residence permit in Germany for a national visa.

There are three types of Study Visas for Germany:

  • German Student Visa
  • German Student Applicant Visa
  • and the German Language Course Visa.

The German Student Visa is the most popular among these visa types.
Let’s take a look at the requirements for the Germany Study visa, one at a time.

  1. Correct and CompleteDocumentation

There are some documents that Bangladeshi students need to get a German student visa. This is one of the main German study visa requirements. The documents required (original and 2 copies) include:

  • Passport
  • Visa application form
  • An A4 sheet copy of the information page of the passport
  • Cover letter or an admission letter from the German University
  • German language fluency scores
  • Proof of your funds.
  • Educational certificates, colleges and universities
  • Receipt proof of Student Visa fee
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Schengen Visa proof (if you had one before)
  • German residence permit (if you had one before)
  • Personal cover letter with purpose and duration of stay

Note: The German embassy can have extra German study visa conditions. They would ask you for additional documents if necessary.

  1. Financial Resources Proof

The proof of financial funds is called ‘Finanzierungsnachweis’ in German. This is one of the most essential German study visa requirements. The main things applicants need to provide are:

  • A bank guarantee from a Germany Bank
  • Scholarship certificate (if any)
  • The scholarship should include information about the total costs that it covers.
  • A letter called ‘Verpflichtungserklärung’ by a resident of Germany was issued at the Alien’s Registration Office. This applies if a German resident is covering the course study costs
  • A German blocked bank account deposit confirmations of €10,236 in total. This is a special account for international students. It proves that they can cover the expenses of their stay for a year. This covers the €853 they need for living expenses per month
  • A letter of commitment for fee payment from the applicant’s guardians. This includes evidence of their financial assets and income records
  1. University Letter of Admission

Another of the German study visa requirements is a letter from the university of choice. This appears after a few weeks of the application submission in an email. You need to print the email and show that as the admission letter proof. You should show it in your home country’s German embassy during the visa application.

  1. German Entrance Qualification for Higher Education

Students need to show that they can qualify for higher education programs in Germany. The requirements under this topic are as follows.

 Zulassungsbescheid

The requirements for this are:

  • Bangladeshi students need to show their admission agreement in this study program
  • A higher education provider recognized in Germany must issue this
  • It should include information regarding the language in which you would study
  • It must include your course duration information

Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid

Bangladeshi students need to show conditional admission proof of this.

They should also show proof of admission in ‘Intensiv-Sprachkurs,’ an intensive course. The letter shows that you can participate in this intensive language course before getting admission. The course lasts for 6 months, with 18 lesson hours in one week.

The requirements for this are:

  • You have to show the letter of confirmation from the ‘uni-assist’
  • Communication proof with the university about final admission
  • Applicant’s admission confirmation proof
  • Proof of language course fee payment for the first 3 months


Studienkolleg

It is a foundation-level course of 1 year. It prepares students for ‘Feststellungsprüfung’. It means a university-level assessment examination one has to sit for. You need to have good language skills at the CEFR B1 level to attend the course.

The documents required are:

  • Copies of the leaving certification from your foreign school
  • Average grades in studies. Applicants can get it from the ‘Oberschulamt’ state education officials in their city
  • Proof of CEFR B1 level language skills
  • The statement about how your foreign certificate is equal to a German school-leaving certificate

The study visa requirements for ‘Studienkolleg’ are:

  • Proof of participation in the course
  • Proof of any communication about final admission with the university
  • Letter of confirmation from the ‘uni-assist’
  1. Proof of Previous Educational Qualification

One of the important German study visa requirements for Indian students is showing their education proof.

The documents necessary are:

  • Marks sheets
  • Degree certificates (for applicants of Ph.D. and Mastery courses)
  • School-leaving certificate (original)
  1. Language Proficiency

One of the German study visa requirements is language skills. Bangladeshi students need to show proficiency in either the German language or English language. Students can also show both certificates if they are fluent in both.

Rules for German language skills 

Foreign students need to show their skill level in the basic German language. They can also show certificates from German learning courses.

Students can also give an education completion certificate of a study program in German.

In German international programs, knowing some basic German language is helpful.

 The acceptable German language grades for each program are:

Educational program (in Germany) Grade level (Language test)
Bachelor’s Degree

DSH II Level

CEFR C1 Level
Master’s Degree

DSH I Level

DSH II Level
Doctoral Degree

No specific requirement.

The individual education providers choose the language they allow for admission.

The certificates that Bangladeshi students can show as German skill proof are:

DSH I Level

  • UNIcert III
  • DSH Certificate (Level 1 and more)
  • The least total of 14 points in TestDaF Certificate
  • GDS Certificate (C1 Level or more)
  • Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule Passing Certificate
  • Education Ministers’ Conference language certification (Level 2 + C1 all sections)

CEFR C1 Level

  • Education Ministers’ Conference language certification (Level 2 + C2 all sections)
  • GDS Certificate (C2 Level or more)
  • DSH Certificate (Level 2 or more)
  • Around 4 points in four sections of TestDaF Certificate

Other certificates include:

  • ‘Feststellung Prüfungszeugnis’ Assessment Exam Certificate
  • ‘Abitur’ German University Entrance Qualification
  • Goethe-Institut Test Certificate
  • Certification of telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
  • Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD Zertifikat C1)
  • telc Deutsch B1 Certification (for music or art colleges only)

Rules for English language skills

International study programs in Germany are held in English completely. These students need to have strong English-speaking skills.

Non-international study programs need basic English skills or good German skills from students.

The institutes for higher education in Germany have their own rules for non-English speaking students. The certificates that Bangladeshi students can show as English skill proof are:

  • TOEIC certificate
  • Educational Certificate from an English-Speaking School. The language score must be 6 (B2)/5 (B1) during schooling years
  • Cambridge English Certificates. (C2 Proficiency, C1 Advanced, B2 First, or B1 Preliminary)
  • At least 5.0 (B2) or 4.5 (B1) in IELTS scores
  • TOEFL Scores- IbT-internet based test-60 (B1)/80 (B2) points. CbT- computer-based test- 130 (B1)/170 (B2) points. PbT – paper-based test- 450 (B1)/500 (B2) points
  • UNIcert® minimum II (B2) or I (B1)
  • University Degree from an English-speaking country (higher education)
  • Students with University Entrance Qualifications from an English-speaking country
  1. Health Coverage

One of the main visa requirements is applying for health insurance. Bangladeshi students have to cover their medical needs for emergencies.

There are two types of healthcare insurance in Germany. They are:

  • Private insurance: One can customize it as needed.
  • Public insurance: It covers basic medical problems only. Most people can get this.

The health coverage plans for Bangladeshi students in Germany have certain rules. The rules for PhD students are:

  • They should try private health coverage plans.
  • Foreigners over 30 years cannot get statutory insurance.
  • Students starting their 14thsemester in Germany cannot opt for public insurance.

The rules for preparatory course students are:

  • These students cannot get public health insurance in Germany.
  • They can opt for private health insurance plans only.

The rules for foreign exchange students are:

  • These students can opt for both public and private health coverage plans.
  • Most foreign exchange students opt for private insurance plans as they are easier to handle.

The rules for scholarship doctorate students are:

  • Those who are unemployed with lengthened courses choose private insurance plans.
  • They can choose a plan based on how much they can pay every year. It also includes how much cost their scholarship can cover
  1. Visa Fees

Paying Visa Fees is one of the important German study visa requirements. This is a required step. The payment costs are as follows:

  • National visa applicants above 18 years of age must pay €75 as fees.
  • National visa applicants under 18 years of age must pay €37.50 as fees.
  • It takes 25 days to process a national visa. For extra documents, the time can extend to 12 weeks in total.
  • Applicants applying for a German Residence Permit have to pay €110 (approx). This takes 8-12 weeks to complete the process.

Note: The processing period can go up for visa processing. Thus, you should apply for this very early.

  1. Tuition fees

Bangladeshi students need to show that they can pay the tuition fees in Germany. The fees for the courses are different for each university.

The average costs are as mentioned below.

Program

Average Tuition Fees (yearly)

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree

€500 -€20,000

Postgraduate Master’s Degree

€5,000 – €30,000

Note: Students can study without pay in Public German universities. But they still need to pay for their administration and enrolment charges annually. Thus, they need to show they have enough funds to cover this.

 

  1. Scholarships

Germany provides various scholarships for Bangladeshi n students and other international students. Many of the institutions in Germany allow this. Those with low funds can apply for such scholarships from top universities.

It is another of the German study visa requirements. Scholarship students need to show proof of confirmation during their visa application.

Some of the most popular higher-education German scholarships for Bangladeshi students are:

higher-education German scholarships for Bangladeshi students are:

  • DAAD WISE Scholarship Program
  • Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
  • Heinrich Boll Scholarships
  • Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships
  • ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship
  • Goethe Goes Global Scholarships
  • EMS Undergraduate Scholarship
  • WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management, International Scholarships
  • Master Scholarships at the University of Stuttgart
  • DLD Executive MBA Scholarship

How to Apply for a German Student Visa

Getting a Germany Student Visa isn’t very difficult. Here are the steps you need to follow:

 Step 1: Visit the nearest German Embassy or Consulate

Step 2: Understand the procedures and requirements

Step 3: Set up your Visa Appointment

Step 4: Make every Visa Application Document Ready

Step 5:Get prepared for your Visa Interview

Costs for a German Student Visa

Germany Student Visa €75

You can expect a one-stop solution for all your visa needs from profile evaluation, documentation, and application drafting to post-visa services with Kansas. If you are confused about filing the AIPP application, you can contact us immediately. We will be pleased to help you in any way we can.

Conclusion

Students applying to study in Germany must meet the different requirements to get a visa. You need to complete most of the criteria before the visa application.

Make sure that you have the following checklist of German Study Visa requirements before you apply:

  • Documentation
  • Financial Resources Proof
  • University Letter of Admission
  • German Entrance Qualification for Higher Education
  • Proof of Previous Educational Qualification
  • Language Proficiency
  • Health Coverage
  • Visa Fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Scholarships


FAQ 

What are the main reasons to study in Germany?

  • Tuition-Free Education:Public Universities in Germany offer Tuition-Free Education for local and international students.

  • Modern Infrastructure with World-class Staff Members:The Universities in Germany are known for their best infrastructure and best education curriculum

  • A plenty number of courses with English as a medium:English is a known language by many international students. Many courses in Germany are taught in English, and hence, it becomes easier for every student to live and study in Germany.

  • Internationally Recognized Degrees:The education system is widely recognized, and skilled students can easily get successful with the knowledge.

  • Plenty of Career Opportunities:A non-EU student can easily find employment in Germany by obtaining a work permit.

  • Opportunity for exploring:By enrolling for the study courses in Germany, you can get the best chances for exploring the country using public transport itself.

  • Chance to settle after Course completion:After completion of your education, you will have the opportunity to stay and search for a job opportunity.

  • Student-Friendly Universities:German Universities are very friendly and understanding with International Students.

  • Clean and Eco-Friendly: Germany is one of the cleanest countries in the world in terms of air, public roads, and neighbourhoods.

What is the processing time for a German Student Visa?

The average processing time of a Germany Student Visa Application can be up to 25 days. However, it can vary depending on the place you're applying to and the German embassy you are applying to.

What are the steps to obtain a Student Residence Permit?

A student residence permit is a residence title provided to international students who are planning to study in Germany. In order to complete their abroad education, a residence permit is mandatory for students.

Now let us find the steps for achieving the Student Resident Permit:

  • Find a permanent place to stay: After arriving in Germany with a student visa, you need to find permanent accommodation in your first week.

  • Registration at the Resident Office: Once you are done with finding your permanent accommodation, you can now register with the address at the Resident's Office. After completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation - “Meldebescheinigung.”

  • Get enrolled in Studies: You need to get officially registered at the university and participate in studies. Also, this has to be done within the enrollment period as per the deadline announced in the letter of admission.

  • Applying for a residence permit: After getting registered for studies, you need to get your visa extension. This can be done by applying for a residence permit for education.

What are the types of German Student Visas?

Germany offers different student visa programs, and these are mainly based on your study levels and degrees. You need to choose the visa program as per your studies in Germany.

The different types of visa programs include:

  • German Student Visa:This visa program is mainly opted by international students who are planning to get admitted to a German University. These students should be ready to start their education at a full-time university.

  • German Student Applicant Visa:This visa program is applicable to international students with a plan to apply for German Universities in person. The visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany. It will be valid for processing the application with the university.