Germany has published a structured guide for international students seeking to apply for study visas. The official Make It in Germany portal outlines four compulsory steps that applicants must complete before submitting their visa applications. These steps are designed to ensure that international students are well-prepared for their academic pursuits in Germany. The requirements include confirming academic qualifications, proving language proficiency, securing a university place, and demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
The first requirement is confirming that existing academic qualifications are recognised within Germany. Foreign secondary school certificates and university credentials do not automatically qualify an applicant for admission to a German institution. Prospective students can check their eligibility through the DAAD database on admission requirements, which indicates whether additional examinations may be necessary. This step helps to ensure that international students meet the necessary academic standards for their chosen programmes.
Language proficiency forms the second step in the application process. Students enrolling in German-taught programmes must present one of five accepted certificates: the DSH, TestDaF, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Deutsches Sprachdiplom II, or the Goethe C2 certificate. These certificates have been valid proof of German language competency for university admission since 12 February 2016. Students applying to English-language programmes are generally not subject to this requirement, providing flexibility for those studying in English.
Securing a place at a German university is the third step in the application process. Applicants can search for eligible programmes through the Study in Germany database and apply either directly to their chosen institution or through uni-assist, which manages the admissions process on behalf of many German universities. This step enables students to explore various academic opportunities and choose the best fit for their interests and qualifications.
Proof of financial means is the fourth and arguably most demanding requirement for international students. Students from countries outside the European Union or European Economic Area who need a residence permit to study in Germany must demonstrate they can cover both tuition and living expenses. The most common method is opening a blocked account in Germany containing a minimum of €11,904, the current 2026 threshold. This requirement helps to ensure that international students can support themselves financially during their studies.
Once all four steps are satisfied, applicants can proceed to the visa stage. Citizens of EU member states, as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, do not require a visa. Nationals from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are among a limited group also exempt from this requirement. All other international students, including those from most African nations, must obtain a student visa before travelling to Germany to study.
The guidance published on the Make It in Germany portal aims to assist international students in navigating the application process for study visas. By following these four steps, applicants can ensure they meet the necessary requirements and increase their chances of a successful application. Germany's efforts to streamline the application process are expected to attract more international students to its universities.
Key points
- International students must confirm their academic qualifications, prove language proficiency, secure a university place, and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency before applying for a study visa.
- Students from outside the EU must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency with a blocked account holding at least €11,904.
- Germany's Make It in Germany portal provides a structured guide to help international students navigate the application process for study visas.
