If you have received your notification of admission to university or a foundation course, you should apply for a student visa. Student visas are usually valid for three months. Within these three months, you will have to apply for an extended residence permit at the Alien Registration Office in your university town.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR A VISA APPLICATION
You can obtain a complete list of documents required for a visa application from your German diplomatic mission in your home country. Normally, you are asked to present:
– Certificate confirming health insurance coverage
– Proof of financial resources
– Certificates of past academic work and achievements
– Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course in Germany
– For a student applicant visa: university entrance qualification recognised in Germany
– For a student visa: notification of admission from your German university (or a statement from the university confirming that your prospects of gaining admission are good).
Residence permit
You have to apply for a residence permit if you
– Are not a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, and
– Intend to study longer than 90 days
You have to apply for a residence permit at the Alien Registration Office in your university town within your first three months in Germany.
Make sure to take the following documents with you when you apply:
– Confirmation of registration from the Residents’ Registration Office
– Confirmation of private or public health insurance coverage
– Student ID from your German university (certificate of enrolment)
– Proof of financial resources (if you didn’t present it earlier when you applied for a visa)
– Valid passport and current visa, if you have one
– Certificate of health (if applicable)
– Your tenancy agreement (if applicable)
– Biometric passport photos (if applicable)
– Money for the residence permit fee (inquire at the International Office about the current rate)
You initially receive a two-year residence permit which can be extended if necessary. The approval of an extension depends on whether your studies have proceeded “properly” (i.e. you are keeping within the standard period of study for your degree programme). You have to present a letter of confirmation to this effect from your university. And remember: You must apply for an extension before your residence permit expires!