Germany student visa

1. Schengen visa for study, training or research

   Visa needed

   Applicants making a short visit for study, educational training or scientific research who need a visa.

   Stay

   Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

   Entries

   One, two or multiple entries.

   Fee

   No visa application fee. An outside application service may charge an additional fee.

   Processing

   15 calendar days for an application accepted for processing with no issues; delays can occur.

   1. Apply to Germany's embassy or consulate if Germany is your main destination.
   2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry, with the relevant supporting documents.
   3. Attend in person for a first application and interview. Provide fingerprints and a digital photo if required.

2. Visa-free school group from the European single market

   No visa needed

   Pupils who are not European single market nationals but legally live there and travel with a general education school group and a teacher.

   Stay

   A short stay or transit.

3. Visa-free school group from a visa-free country

   No visa needed

   Pupils who normally need a visa but live in one of the listed visa-free countries or territories and visit Germany on a school excursion with a school group and teacher.

4. Long-stay study permission

   Other permit

   Students from outside the European free movement system who plan to stay for more than 90 days and need long-stay permission.

   Stay

   Generally a long-stay visa for less than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods.

• Relevant supporting documents for a study or educational training visa application.

• School group exemptions require travel as part of a school group accompanied by a teacher.
• A fee exemption does not remove the need to apply for a visa when one is required.
• Some long-stay study procedures are shared across Schengen countries.

Questions