Please use the Federal Foreign Offices's Visa Navigator (click here to access) to check the official entry visa requirements for Germany.
IF you need an entry visa, then it is best advised to begin the process as soon as possible. To ensure a sufficient processing time, it is recommended to submit a completed application 5-6 months in advance, if possible.
The first step is to refer to the official information provided by the German Embassy/Consulate responsible for your current place of registered residence. You may use the Consulate Finder to search for the responsible German mission.
In most cases, an online application for a national visa for study purposes can be submitted conveniently using the international portal - Consular Sevices Portal (CSP). If an online application option is unavailable for your selected 'country', the portal will guide you on how to proceed using an offline visa application procedure. Please reach out to us if any further information is needed.
IF you hold any previous educational qualifications from an institution based in China/India/Vietnam, note that an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is mandatory before you can apply for a student visa for Germany. An APS certificate, once obtained, confirms that your academic documents and educational qualifications have been verified. Please follow the detailed information available on the official websites.
The following documents are generally necessary for a national visa for full-time study purposes, however, the exact requirements may vary from a case-to-case basis and depend upon the country of application:
We strongly advise you to submit a well-prepared application to increase the likelihood of a quicker and positive outcome.
- Valid passport
- Completed VIDEX visa application form
- Educational transcripts, degrees, and certificates
- A recognized English language certificate (ideally C1 level, e.g. IELTS or ALTE member)
- Proof of basic German language skills, if acquired (e.g. TELC or Goethe certificate or equivalent)
- APS certificate (if applicable)
- ESCP Letter of Admission/Certificate of Enrolment (primary version) and/or current semester matriculation letter from Berlin's programme office team
- Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter)
- CV in tabular format
- Proof of funds for living expenses (e.g. Fintiba blocked account or declaration of commitment)
- Proof of funds for outstanding tuition fees (if applicable)
- Receipt of first-year tuition fee payment
- German health insurance confirmation
- Travel insurance confirmation
- Accommodation confirmation (covering your initial stay in Berlin)
- Birth/marriage certificate or name-change documents (if applicable)
- Recent passport photos
- €75 visa fee (subject to change)
- Cover letter (a self-prepared letter addressed to the German visa authorities summarizing your application and documents being submitted)
- Reference or recommendation letters (if required)
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above checklist has been prepared based upon previous students' experiences. German visa authorities or local immigration offices reserve the right to request additional documents.