German Student visa

Duc Anh EduConnect offers comprehensive support throughout the entire study abroad journey. Our experienced team assists students with course and university selection, admission and scholarship applications, student visa assistance, accommodation arrangements, airport pick-up, and ongoing support while studying overseas.

As of 02/03/2020, student visa applications can only be submitted at VFS

Global: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/vnm/en/deu

I. Visa application documents include:

The following documents must be submitted in original plus 02 uncertified photocopies (the photocopies must be compiled into two complete sets). Once the application has been processed, the originals will be returned to the applicant. All documents that are not in German must be accompanied by a translation (except documents in English). The applicant must arrange the documents in the order below:

• National visa application form (long-term visa), completed in full and signed by the applicant (online form “Videx”);
• Two biometric passport photos, size 45 mm x 35 mm. Please glue 1 photo onto the visa application form and submit 1 loose photo;
• Valid passport (or recognised substitute travel document);
• Specific documents depending on whether you are applying for direct university admission, Studienkolleg (preparatory college) or university admission in Germany:

1. Visa application for the purpose of direct university admission must include:

• Unconditional letter of admission from a German university.
• If APS certificate is not available: Submission of a university or postgraduate degree certificate.
• If the university does not check language proficiency as part of the admission process:
• Proof of the language skills required for your chosen degree programme by submitting a language certificate issued by a test provider recognised under the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) (as a rule at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The language certificate must have been issued within the last 12 months prior to the date of application. Please also note that if the language examination consists of several modules, you must take all modules at the same test centre. Taking different modules at different test centres does not meet the requirement for proof of German language proficiency.
• Exchange students must submit the cooperation agreement between the university and the German university.

2. Visa application for the purpose of studying at a Studienkolleg (preparatory college) must include:

• Conditional letter of admission from a Studienkolleg or confirmation that you will attend a German language course preparing for university studies.
• Proof of the language skills required for the Studienkolleg by submitting a language certificate issued by a test provider recognised under the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) (as a rule at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The language certificate must have been issued within the last 12 months prior to the date of application. Please also note that if the language examination consists of several modules, you must take all modules at the same test centre. Taking different modules at different test centres does not meet the requirement for proof of German language proficiency.

3. Visa application for the purpose of applying for university admission must include:

a. One of the following documents:

• Confirmation of having registered for a place at a university, OR
• Confirmation of having applied for admission, OR
• “Final notification” from UNI-ASSIST (the central office assessing university applications), OR
• Invitation to sit the entrance examination of a Studienkolleg.
• Proof of language skills in the language of instruction by submitting a language certificate issued by a test provider recognised under the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) (as a rule at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The language certificate must have been issued within the last 12 months prior to the date of application. Please also note that if the language examination consists of several modules, you must take all modules at the same test centre. Taking different modules at different test centres does not meet the requirement for proof of German language proficiency.
• APS certificate or confirmation: Not required if you have an unconditional letter of admission from a German university.
• TestAS certificate: Not required if you already have an APS certificate and/or an unconditional letter of admission from a German university.
• Curriculum vitae in continuous chronological order: In particular, your complete educational and professional background to date must be listed.
• Statement of motivation: A personally written statement explaining your motivation for studying in Germany.
• Proof of financial means for your stay of at least 861 euros per month (for applicants applying for university admission: 947 euros per month). You must provide proof of sufficient funds for one year, i.e. 10,332 euros in total. Applicants applying for university admission must prove financial means for the admission period (at least 3 months, i.e. at least 2,841 euros). In principle, financial means can be proven by:
  • Formal obligation (“Verpflichtungserklärung”) according to §§ 66, 68 German Residence Act: proof that a third party will cover all costs related to your stay by submitting a formal declaration of commitment using the standard national form (please request details from the local Foreigners’ Office at the place of residence of the sponsor – sponsors living abroad long-term can submit the declaration at the competent German mission for their place of residence).
  • OR Opening a blocked account: During the visa process, you can prove your ability to cover living expenses by opening a blocked account. You are free to choose the bank with which to open this account. 
  • OR Sufficient scholarship: Written confirmation of a scholarship funded by the German state budget, a scholarship from a recognised funding organisation in Germany, or a scholarship from the budget of the country of origin if the student’s placement at a German university is arranged via the German Federal Foreign Office, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or another German scholarship organisation.
• Proof of adequate health insurance for entry, valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of arrival. 

In addition to the documents mentioned above, the German mission reserves the right to request further documents or information from the applicant if necessary.

II. Fees

• 60 euros (You may pay in cash using your local currency (based on the exchange rate on the day you submit your application) or by credit card in EUR)
• The fee must be paid directly at the Embassy’s visa counter when submitting the application. The fee is non-refundable even if the visa application is refused.

III. Processing time

The normal processing time for a complete visa application is 4 weeks. You will be informed by the embassy staff when to come and collect your visa. When collecting your visa, you must bring the payment receipt.

To facilitate quick processing of your visa application, the Embassy encourages applicants to:

• Use the online application form;
• Complete the application accurately and fully;
• Submit all required documents;
• Apply within the timeframe stipulated in the Visa Code: at the latest 15 days and at the earliest 90 days before the intended date of travel.

IV. Place of submission:

Visa applications for Germany are processed by the German Embassy or the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Please check with Duc Anh EduConnect team for more information. 

Please CONTACT US for FREE consultation and application.