Who needs to apply for a visa for the purpose of studying for the entrance to Germany?

All foreigners who are NOT a citizens of the following countries:

• All EU countries

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

• Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Corea, USA, Brazil have to apply for a residence permit in the Alien's Registration Office Magdeburg after the entrance to Germany.

Where do you have to apply for a visa?

In the German representation in your home country.

Which kind of visa is required?

Please apply for a visa for the purpose of studying.
A tourist visa does not allow you to study.

Applicants that have not received the admission to a German university or to a Studienkolleg (preparatory courses) yet, can apply for a so called study applicant's visa. It is valild for three months and can be turned into a visa for studying after the reception of the admission.

Please note: The risk remains with the student that after entrance to Germany no admission is being given by the university or Studienkolleg.
If you would like to attend to a language course in preparation for study you have to state this in your application for the visa.
For this purpose you need to apply for a visa for the purpose of studying or for a study applicant's visa.

Please note: There exists also a visa for attending to a language course only, but this visa can NOT be turned into a visa for studying and does therefore not apply to you!

Which kind of documents are required to apply for a visa?

You need:

• a passport with a sufficient period of validity

• the admission to study/Studienkolleg/language course or confirmation of application (depending on the kind of visa you are applying for)

• proof of financing of currently 11,904 euros for one year (992 euros per month) via a blocked account, a scholarship or a declaration of commitment

For further information on the requirements please ask the respective German representation in your home country.

Please note: You have to cover with a German health insurance for the entire period of your study in Germany. Please inform yourself carefully which kind of proof of health insurance is necessary for your visa application so that you do not have to get covered with another health insurance after your arrival to Germany. For further information on the necessary health insurance cover for studying see here.

When should you apply for your visa?

You should start preparing your visa application as early as possible. The duration of the entire visa process varies greatly: it can take anywhere from a few working days to several months.

For further information on visa regulations please see the webside of the Foreign Office of the Federal Rebublic of Germany.

How can "VisaFlow Student Onboarding" support you?

VisaFlow: Your partner for your journey to Germany

To ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Magdeburg/Stendal, we would like to introduce you to VisaFlow.

VisaFlow is a platform designed to make the transition to Germany easier for international students. The app provides detailed, step-by-step guidance throughout the moving process to ensure no deadlines are missed and helps you through the sometimes complex bureaucratic procedures.

VisaFlow supports you in all aspects of settling into your new life as a student in Germany.

The best thing about it:

As a student at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, VisaFlow is completely free of charge for you! 

Simply use the code 'HSMDSDL25' from Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences to set up your free account on platform.visaflow.app.

In addition, you have the opportunity to connect with other international students who are on the same journey to Germany via VisaFlow's student community. Join the conversation by using this link: VisaFlow WhatsApp Group.