For many, this starts at one of the country’s leading business schools, which range from Mannheim in the south, home to Mannheim Business School, all the way up to ESMT Berlin, at the heart of the German capital’s thriving tech scene. In fact, four German business schools make it into the Financial Times 2025 Global MBA Ranking.
To secure a place at a German university, you’re required to acquire a visa for study in Germany. So, how hard is it to apply?
Here we break down everything you need to know about Germany’s student visa process, from required documentation to processing time and language requirements.
Summary of the Germany student visa process
For non-EU based applicants, you’ll need to apply for a Germany student visa, requiring various documentation including a valid passport, passport style photos, proof of financial means, and a letter of acceptance. You can apply online but must submit documentation, biometric data, and an admin fee (€75) in person. You can expect to wait around two weeks; German language is required but not for the majority of English language business school programs.
What documents are required for a student visa in Germany?
To kick off the German student visa application process, you need to gather certain documentation.
For one, a valid passport that has been issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least six months or the duration of your intended stay. This passport will need to have at least two blank pages for your visa. Alongside this, you’ll need to submit two passport style photos, as well as a photocopy of your biometric data page.
Also essential is a letter of acceptance from your university of choice, which you should have received on confirmation of your place of study. You may also be expected to provide previous academic transcripts—degree certificates, high school diplomas, and so on.
Alongside this, you may need to provide a letter of motivation, outlining your desire for studying in Germany, and your intentions for after you finish your degree. This is likely something you will have had to do as part of your business school application, and may cover similar themes.
Proof of financial means is another essential requirement for your student visa application in Germany. This means demonstrating you have the funds to cover the duration of your stay (both studies and living costs). For a one-year visa, this amounts to €11,904 (around $13,900), or €992 per month ($1150). Alternatively, you must demonstrate financial bursaries or scholarships that demonstrate your ability to cover your costs.
What is the step-by-step process to apply for a student visa in Germany?
After compiling your required documentation, you can start your Germany student visa application process.
You’ll need to create an account on the Consular Service Portal (or Osland Portal), through which you will complete your visa application form and submit certain documents electronically. You will also be able to book an in-person appointment at a visa administration center (often an embassy or consulate), where you’ll be required to present physical copies of these documents and submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
At this appointment, you’ll need to pay your visa application fee, which is €75 ($87).
What is the average processing time for a German student visa application?
Once submitted, you must wait to hear the outcome of your application. Germany’s student visa waiting times can vary, although you can expect to hear the result within around two weeks of submitting your biometric data. If you have previously lived in Germany, this may take longer, given that you’ll be subject to a more thorough review of your immigration history.
It’s worth noting that you can apply for your visa up to three months before your program’s start date. For the risk averse, it’s worth applying as far in advance as possible.
What are the language requirements for a Germany student visa?
In general, there is a minimum expected German speaking requirement for all applicants to German language programs. That said, the majority of German business school programs are English-speaking by default, given the wider international community they are looking to attract. For these programs, a minimum English language proficiency is required.
A gateway to Europe—and a business career
For those looking to forge a business career on the continent, Germany can be an ideal place to start—given that, economically, politically, and culturally speaking, the country sits at the very center of Europe.
Not just that, but Germany is particularly unique in its range of metropolitan hubs and distribution of activity—with 10 cities housing populations over 500,000, home to numerous thriving industries.
Applying to business school, and securing your German student visa, is the first port of call for many on an exciting new career journey across Europe.
