Three types of German student visa
If a foreigner wants to study in Germany, there are three types of student visas which he or she may apply for.
1. The “Language Course Visa,” which is valid only for a short period.
2. The three-month “Study Applicant’s Visa,” which is valid as long as the applicant has not yet been admitted by a German university.
This type of visa is usually resorted to by applicants whose application has not yet been approved by the university or learning institution. Usually, the applicant is allowed to enter the country for purposes of taking the examination which shall be the basis of whether his application shall be approved or not.
Once his application for admission to the learning institution is granted, he will now be allowed to convert his visa status into a Visa for Study Purposes.
3. The “Visa for Study Purposes.” This visa is the most sought-after visa by foreign students.
Extension may be allowed in certain exceptional cases
Upon expiration of the Language Course Visa, a foreign student is allowed by law to continue his studies via either a Visa for Study Purposes or a Study Applicant’s Visa. Under the law, however, such conversion of visa status may be allowed only if he filed the application for the subsequent visa while he was still outside Germany. Thus, if the applicant did not file for the second visa before he enters German territory, then he will be obliged to leave from the country once his Language Course Visa expires.
This is because under German law, in no instance may a foreigner be allowed to convert his visa status from one type to another once he is inside the country.
School certification required
In order for the student visa to be granted, the applicant must first obtain a certification from the school of his choice showing that he has been accepted by the learning institution to enrol.
The applicant must likewise show that he has the financial capacity to study in Germany for the duration of the course.
The application for the study visa should be submitted at the country of the applicant, who must attach the other essential requirements with the said application.
As earlier stated, the German government does not allow a foreigner who is already inside the country to convert his visa status from one type of visa (such as that of a tourist Visa) to that of a student visa. Thus, it is very imperative that the application for a student visa be submitted while the applicant is outside German soil upon filing the application.
Essential Requirements:
1.Valid passport
2.Passport-sized photos
3.Certificate of admission from a university recognized and accredited by the German government
4.Evidence of previous academic performance
5.Proof of complete financial support for the period of the course
In order for the applicant to be issued the student visa in time for the regular schedule of classes in Germany, he must make sure that:
He submits the application together with all the attached essential requirements at least eight (8) weeks before the planned trip to Germany
He completely accomplishes the application form
Should the applicant have any queries, he should feel free to contact Manila Visa and Immigration Consultants, Int’l, Inc. located in Malate, Manila Philippines
Family members may be brought in by student in some instances
As a general rule, holders of student visas are not allowed to bring their family with them in Germany. In some instances, however, the family members of the student visa holder may be allowed to live with him if he is a scholarship holder, or on a postgraduate course. In these instances, the student visa holder must be able to support himself as well as the family members. There must also be adequate accommodation for the whole family.
