How to get a student applicant visa for Germany

Dreaming of studying in Germany but still waiting on your university acceptance? The student applicant visa offers the unique opportunity to move to Germany and explore your academic options from the inside, whether that’s visiting campuses, attending entrance exams or submitting applications in person.

It’s an ideal pathway for students who want to get a head start on their future while experiencing the German lifestyle first-hand.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

• The difference between the student applicant visa and student visa

• What documents are required for the visa

• How to demonstrate active university applications

• How and where to submit your application

• What to do once you arrive in Germany, including address registration, opening a bank account and converting your visa once accepted into a university.

Don’t worry: it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Let’s dive into how it all works.

Understanding the student applicant visa for Germany

The Student Applicant Visa (or Visum zur Studienbewerbung) allows prospective students to enter Germany for up to nine months to prepare and apply to universities.

Unlike the standard student visa, it doesn’t require you to be accepted into a program beforehand. That’s what makes it ideal for students who want to get a feel for the country, attend entrance exams or apply to universities that require in-person interviews or assessments.

Once you’re admitted to a program, the visa can then be converted into a full student visa from within Germany, so there’s no need to return home if you’re planning a long-term move.

How to choose between the student applicant and student visa

Uncertain which visa is right for you? It all comes down to timing. The student visa is for those who already have a confirmed admission from a German university. It allows you to begin your studies as soon as you arrive and typically lasts for the full duration of your degree.

In contrast, the student applicant visa gives you time to complete the application process within Germany. This flexibility is especially useful if you're applying to multiple universities, need to attend in-person entrance exams or want to visit campuses in person to get a feel for them before making your final decision.

Who can apply for a student applicant visa?

To be eligible for Germany’s student applicant visa, you’ll need to have completed secondary education in your home country and meet the academic requirements for German university entry.

This usually involves having qualifications equivalent to Germany’s Abitur. The Anabin database is a very helpful place to find out if your degree is recognised in Germany.

You must also show that you are genuinely working towards a university admission. This includes having a clear plan for which schools you’ll apply to and being able to provide evidence, such as email correspondence with admissions offices or proof of exam registrations.

Required documents for the visa application

To apply for Germany’s student applicant visa, you'll need to submit a range of documents, most of which are standard for German visa applications.

Your visa application must include:

• Completed visa application form
• Biometric passport photos that meet official standards
• Information about your educational qualifications (such as high school diploma or transcripts, with certified translations if they are not in German or English)
• A CV and motivation letter (outlining your academic background and the reasons why you are looking to study in Germany).

You will typically need to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a minimum balance of at least €11,300 for one year to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay. Alternatively, a formal declaration of financial obligation from a sponsor in Germany may be accepted.

Having visa-compliant health insurance is essential for your stay in Germany. As a student, Feather can support you through this transition, helping you move from expat insurance to a public plan seamlessly when the time is right. Their team makes sure you’re fully covered and compliant every step of the way.

Health insurance is another crucial requirement. You must have visa-compliant insurance that fully covers you for the duration of your stay in Germany. Feather offers affordable, visa-approved expat insurance plans that are an ideal starting point, and when the time is right for you, can also help with switching to a public health insurance plan for more comprehensive coverage.

You should be able to provide proof of where you’ll stay in Germany, such as a hotel booking, student housing confirmation or a rental agreement.

How to prove you're actively applying to German universities

When you submit your visa application, one of the key things that the German authorities will look for is proof that you're actively pursuing admission to a university.

This could include university correspondence, a written list of universities you're applying to with their deadlines or confirmations of any applications or entrance exams you've registered for. Enrolment in a preparatory or language course related to your planned studies is also very strong evidence of intent.

Submitting your visa application

Applications must be submitted at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Most embassies require you to book an appointment in advance. It’s wise to begin preparing your documents several weeks ahead of your scheduled interview, as processing times can take anywhere from four to twelve weeks.

During your appointment, you’ll present your documents and may be asked questions about your academic plans. The visa fee is generally €75 and must be paid at the time of submission.

Keep in mind that requirements can vary slightly by country, so always check your local embassy’s website for the most up-to-date checklist.

After you arrive in Germany: what to do next

Once your visa is approved and you’ve arrived in Germany, there are a few important steps to complete.

1. Register your address

You must register your address (Anmeldung) at your local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) within 14 days if you can. It’s not uncommon to miss this deadline by a day or two, but the longer you leave it, the trickier it will be to carry out other administrative tasks. When you go to register your address, you will need to show a signed confirmation from your landlord, known as the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, along with your passport and rental contract.

2. Open a German bank account

Setting up a bank account is an essential step after arriving in Germany. This is necessary to access your blocked account funds and to pay your rent, insurance and other day-to-day living expenses. N26 and Revolut are both trusted by many expats after arriving in Germany.

3. Review your health insurance

If you’ve used a short-term health insurance plan for your visa application, you’ll want to upgrade to long-term student coverage once you’re enrolled. Public and private health insurance plans are available to students in Germany, and whatever you decide, Feather makes this transition easy with a process that’s all handled online and with English language support.

4. Convert your visa to a student residence permit

Finally, once you’ve been admitted to a university, you’ll need to book an appointment at your local Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) to convert your visa to a student residence permit.

Be sure to bring your letter of admission, proof of insurance and updated financial records.

Begin your studies in Germany

Applying for a student applicant visa is one of the best ways to start your education journey in Germany, especially if you’re still exploring your options or planning to attend entrance exams. With the right preparation, this visa gives you the time and space that’s so important to make informed decisions about your future while legally residing in the country.

Health insurance is a required and essential part of this process. Feather’s visa-compliant insurance coverage for student applicants makes this step easy, affordable, and fast: it’s the perfect first step towards studying in Germany with confidence.