Visa?
The German student visa fee is €75 and must be paid by a bank transfer. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country and not older than two months. Getting your Student Residence Permit is an essential step once you arrive in Germany.
Make sure to go through the following steps carefully:
• Register your address in Germany.
Register your address with the local residents registration office closest to your home in Germany. Afterwards, you’ll receive the confirmation of registration “Meldebescheinigung”.
• Set an appointment with the Immigration Authorities closest to you. When you go to set an appointment, you should acquire an application form.
• Bring the necessary documents on the day of the interview.
The documents you will be needing on the day of the interview are:
• Standard required documents for a student residence permit. (Including the filled out application form and registration confirmation letter).
• Proof of admission/enrollment in your study programme.
• Original certificates of earlier education.
• Registered address in Germany.
• Proof of Health insurance.
• Proof of financial means (any of the following):
- Blocked bank account.
- Letter of Commitment.
- Scholarship Award.
• Proof of English/German proficiency (Depending on your degree programme).
• Confirmation you have paid the German Residence Permit in Germany fee.
Here’s what you are eligible to do with regards to your student residence permit:
• Extend your student residence permit. German authorities usually give student residence permits for the duration of your study programme. However, if you find it necessary to extend it due to your study programme taking longer, you should apply for an extension before your permit expires.
The extension fees are usually lower in comparison to when you first apply.
• Work during your study programme.
You are allowed to work full time for 120 days or part-time for 240 days for the duration of your programme.
However, you are not allowed to sign long-term contracts.
• Stay in Germany after you finish your programme.
You can apply to extend your permit after you finish your programme for up to 18 months. This should be done if you want to find a job in Germany during that period. If you do find a job, you must apply for a German Employment Residence Permit.