Information for students

Visa requirements for studies and language courses in Germany


If you wish to study at a university or learn German at a language school in Germany you are required to obtain a residence permit. This visa must be issued before you can enter the country; you should therefore apply for it at the German Embassy in Singapore in good time – at least eight weeks before your planned departure for Germany!
Please note that you cannot apply for a residence permit in Germany and that you cannot convert a “tourist visa” into a “student visa”.
The residence permit can be issued only upon approval by the responsible authorities in Germany. This procedure can take up to 2 months. You will be notified as soon as the approval is granted.


The German Embassy can issue the following types of visa:

  • a student visa for graduate or post-graduate courses at a university or
  • a visa for language courses, which is valid only for the duration of the course. This visa cannot subsequently be converted into a student visa. However, if you do intend to commence your studies in Germany immediately after your language course, you can apply for both the language course and the student visa simultaneously before you enter Germany".


Documents required (original and 2 photocopies):

  • a valid passport and student pass,
  • two duly completed application forms,
  • two passport size photos,
  • recognized entitlement to university admission (usually a high school diploma or graduation examination certificate),
  • evidence of previous academic performance (original documents + copies),
  • letter of acceptance by a German university or confirmation of registration for a language course,
  • proof that complete financial support for one year is guaranteed (for your expenses you have reckon with an equivalent of about EUR 650,-- per month); please provide bank statement showing the cash flow for the past three months,
  • if parents support the studies financially the following documents have to be submitted by them: identity cards,  bank statement showing the cash flow for the past three months, sponsor letter. In addition, the birth certificate of the applicant is required.

    The visa fee is SGD 130 (payable in cash; please bring exact amount).

Insurance
In order to be able to enroll at a German university or language school you must obtain a German health insurance through an insurance company of your choice, either from the locally operating public insurer (Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse or AOK) or a private company. The government-regulated price for a student health insurance is currently about EUR 50,--. The insurance must be obtained before enrollment and must be in effect by the day you register.


Bringing along your family

In exceptional cases, holders of a scholarship or postgraduate students may be allowed to bring along their family. Family member can apply for a family re-union visa.


For further information please contact the consular section of the German Embassy (Tel.: 6533 6002).