Visa and Residence Permit

If you are applying from your home country, you must obtain a German student visa before arrival. Students from China, India, or Vietnam must also provide an APS certificate issued by the Academic Evaluation Center unless they hold an international degree.

If you already have a residence permit for study purposes from France, Italy, or Spain, you do not need to apply for a German visa. Instead, your home institution must notify the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) at least 30 days before your arrival. You will then receive a §16C certificate, confirming your right to study in Germany. This certificate is not required for entry, but serves as proof of your legal status within Germany and other Schengen countries.

For detailed procedures and required documents, visit the BAMF website.

​For comprehensive and official information on visa requirements and application procedures for studying in Germany, please consult the German Federal Foreign Office's visa information page.

Additionally, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides detailed guidance on visa requirements and the application process for international students.

Before traveling to the UK, check whether you need a visa on the UK Home Office website.

Standard Visitor Visa (for stays up to 6 months): Allows multiple entries but cannot be extended or switched to another visa. You cannot work, do an internship, or apply for the Graduate Immigration Route. Apply online before traveling: Standard Visitor Visa application.

Student Visa (for stays over 6 months): Required for students planning to stay longer, do an internship, or work (up to 20 hours per week during term time). You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Letter from ESCP to apply. Check details on the UK Visas & Immigration website.

Choose the right visa before applying, as switching while in the UK is not allowed.

If you are an international student planning to study in Spain, it is important to check the visa requirements based on your nationality and the length of your stay. Non-EU students typically need a student visa, which must be obtained before arriving in Spain. We recommend consulting the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country for the latest visa guidelines. Additionally, make sure to arrange health insurance, accommodation, and necessary financial documentation to ensure a smooth transition to student life in Madrid.

Our advice is that you look over this list of required documents and assess how much time it will take to collect these items before making your appointment to assure you will have a realistic amount of time to complete everything.

If you are an international student planning to study in France, it is essential to prepare for your arrival in advance. Depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay, you may need a student visa. We recommend checking the official guidelines on Campus France to determine the visa type required for your studies. You can also perform a simulation thanks to the visa assistant on the website France visas.

Additionally, ensure you arrange health insurance, accommodation, and a French bank account before your arrival to facilitate a smooth transition into student life in France.

If you need a visa to study in Italy, check the official guidelines from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify the requirements and necessary documentation. Your visa must be a Type D (study visa), allowing you to stay for the duration of your studies. Since visa procedures can take time, we strongly recommend preparing your documents in advance and booking an appointment as early as possible. For official information, visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.