How long does a Germany student visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany student visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Germany student visa?

German mission or its outsourced partner; student national visas are decided by the mission and often the local foreigners' authority. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Germany student visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) or conditional admission; Proof of financing: blocked account (Sperrkonto) with approx. €11,904, scholarship letter or formal obligation letter; German or international health insurance valid from arrival; Academic certificates and transcripts; Proof of German/English language ability as required by the course; Motivation letter and CV; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Germany student visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Germany student visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany student visa — used for enrolling on a course, degree programme or exchange semester. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Germany consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€75

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany student visa

German mission or its outsourced partner; student national visas are decided by the mission and often the local foreigners' authority.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies)
2 biometric photos
University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) or conditional admission
Proof of financing: blocked account (Sperrkonto) with approx. €11,904, scholarship letter or formal obligation letter
German or international health insurance valid from arrival
Academic certificates and transcripts
Proof of German/English language ability as required by the course
Motivation letter and CV
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

National visa (standard)€75
Applicants under 18€37.5
Scholarship holders (DAAD and public funds)Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS/TLS service fee€30— Only when applying through an outsourced visa application centre.

Holders of DAAD or other German public-fund scholarships are exempt from the visa fee. After arrival you must convert the visa into a residence permit at the local foreigners' authority (approx. €100).

Booking an appointment

Book a national visa appointment through the mission's online system. Student slots are usually separate from Schengen slots and can be booked out 4–8 weeks in advance in peak season.

Practical tips

Open the blocked account (Sperrkonto) before applying — the confirmation is the single most common missing document and processing does not start without it.

What is unusual about the Germany process

Student visa decisions involve the local Ausländerbehörde in Germany, which is why processing can take up to 3 months. Apply as soon as you hold admission.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Germany Visa Application Centre – London
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Manchester — Germany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Edinburgh — Germany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Germany consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Germany student visa cost?: For a Germany student visa, the consular fee is €75. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National visa (standard) — €75; Applicants under 18 — €37.5; Scholarship holders (DAAD and public funds) — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. Holders of DAAD or other German public-fund scholarships are exempt from the visa fee. After arrival you must convert the visa into a residence permit at the local foreigners' authority (approx. €100). Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany student visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany student visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Germany student visa?: German mission or its outsourced partner; student national visas are decided by the mission and often the local foreigners' authority. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany student visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid) or conditional admission; Proof of financing: blocked account (Sperrkonto) with approx. €11,904, scholarship letter or formal obligation letter; German or international health insurance valid from arrival; Academic certificates and transcripts; Proof of German/English language ability as required by the course; Motivation letter and CV; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Germany student visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Book a national visa appointment through the mission's online system. Student slots are usually separate from Schengen slots and can be booked out 4–8 weeks in advance in peak season.
Can I apply for a Germany student visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇩🇪 Germany student visa: requirements, fee and processing time