Master Student in Germany: Securing a Visa
Germany has become one of the top destinations for international students to pursue their Master’s degrees. Its high-quality education system, reputable universities, and the opportunity to learn in a multicultural environment are some of the reasons why many students prefer to obtain their postgraduate education in Germany. However, before you can realize your dream of studying in Germany, you must secure a student visa.
The visa application process can be daunting, with several requirements to fulfill and strict deadlines to follow. Nonetheless, if you are well-informed and proactive in submitting your application, you can increase your chances of obtaining a student visa and ultimately, fulfilling your academic aspirations in Germany.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of securing a student visa to study in Germany as a Master’s student.
Types of Visa
Category C Visa (Schengen Visa)
If you are a non-EU student planning to study a Master’s degree in Germany for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Category C visa, also known as a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows you to enter and stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Category D Visa (National Visa)
On the other hand, if you plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you will need a National Visa, also known as a Category D visa. This category of visa has two sub-categories.
Study Visa
A study visa is issued to international students who have secured admission to a German university to pursue a Master’s degree. With a study visa, you can stay in Germany for up to 3 months while waiting to obtain a German residence permit.
Student Applicant Visa
The student applicant visa is for students who have not yet received an admission letter from a German University. You can use this visa to enter Germany to search for a suitable Master’s degree program. With a Student Applicant Visa, you can stay in Germany for up to 6 months.
Requirements for a Master’s Student Visa
– Acceptance Letter for a Master’s degree program at a German University
– Proof of Financial Support. This can take the form of a blocked account, a scholarship, or a financial proof from a sponsor or parents.
– Health Insurance. You must obtain a German health insurance policy that meets the requirements of the German health care system. Students under 30 years of age can enroll in a public health insurance scheme while students over 30 must have private health insurance.
– Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
– Biometric Passport photographs.
– Completed Visa Application Form,and other supporting documents.
The visa application process varies by country and the German embassy or consulate where you are applying. However, the application process usually involves these steps:
– Research and choose your desired Master’s degree program in Germany and submit an application to the university.
– Receive an acceptance letter from the university and apply for a study visa or student applicant visa.
– Obtain a health insurance policy that complies with German law.
– Open a blocked bank account or obtain proof of financial support.
– Gather all required documents and submit a visa application at the local German embassy or consulate.
FAQs
1. What is a blocked account, and how much money must I deposit in it?
A Blocked Account is a specifically designed bank account for international students. It requires the student to deposit a specific amount of funds for their entire stay in Germany. As of 2021, students are required to deposit €10,332 into their blocked accounts.
2. Do I have to speak German to study a Master’s degree in Germany?
Not necessarily. Some universities offer Master’s courses in English, especially in areas such as business, technology, and engineering, where English is widely spoken.
3. Can I work while studying in Germany?
Yes, as an international student, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and for full-time during semester breaks.
4. How long does it take to process a student visa?
The visa processing time varies depending on the country where you apply. However, it typically takes between 4-6 weeks. To avoid delays, it’s recommended that you apply for a visa as early as possible.
5. How long can I stay in Germany after completing my Master’s program?
After completing your program, you are allowed to stay in Germany for an additional 18 months to search for employment opportunities, as long as you have a valid residence permit. If you secure employment in Germany, you can apply for a work visa.
Conclusion
Obtaining a student visa to study a Master’s degree in Germany can be overwhelming. However, with adequate preparation, you can fulfill your academic aspirations. Make sure you gather all the necessary documents, adhere to deadlines, and seek information and assistance where needed. With determination and commitment, you can secure a visa and start your journey to a successful career in Germany.