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Student visa
All important information from a lawyer on visa requirements for students in Germany.
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what a student visa is and when students can apply for a visa
how student exchange works in Germany
how to apply for a visa for vocational schools
How to apply for a student visa in Berlin
1. School attendance in Germany
2. Requirements for student visas
3. Student exchange visa
3.1 Student Exchange Visa Requirements
3.2 Student exchange AJA placement
4. Visa for vocational schools
5. Apply for a student visa in Berlin
6. FAQ Student Visa
7. Conclusion
1. School attendance in Germany
Since March 1, 2020, the visa process for students in Germany has been significantly simplified. A residence permit for school attendance can now be issued regularly if students wish to attend a school in Germany starting in grade 9. This has made school attendance considerably easier for international students.
2. Requirements for student visas
International students wishing to attend school in Germany require a student visa. For the visa to be granted, certain requirements must be met. One of the most important is an acceptance letter from a recognized school in Germany. The school must confirm that the student has been accepted for the appropriate grade level.
The school class the student wishes to attend must not consist exclusively of students of a single nationality. International diversity must be ensured (Section 16f, Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act). Furthermore, the visa is generally only issued to students in the 9th grade and above. Younger students may only receive approval in exceptional cases if there is a specific reason.
Another key consideration is financial security , as students must also meet the general requirements of Section 5 of the Residence Act. The costs of schooling and living expenses must be primarily covered by parents or another sponsor. This must usually be proven by a blocked account or a declaration of commitment.
In addition, underage students must provide consent from their legal guardians . This consent must be notarized, especially if the student is traveling to Germany without their parents. If the student is living with a host family or at a boarding school in Germany, this must also be documented. Students must also provide proof of sufficient German language skills or that the school offers special language support programs. If the school is an international school, this proof may be waived.
3. Student exchange visa
A student exchange offers international students the opportunity to attend school in Germany for a limited period of time . The basis for issuing a student exchange visa is Section 16f Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act. Since the amendment to the law on August 1, 2017, it has been clarified that there is not necessarily a direct one-to-one exchange between German and foreign students. Rather, it is crucial that a global exchange is promoted over the long term.
A temporary student exchange differs from regular school attendance in Germany. While a residence permit for longer school attendance requires a more comprehensive review, the student exchange visa is specifically designed for short-term educational stays .
3.1 Student Exchange Visa Requirements
A student exchange visa allows young people to attend school in Germany for a limited period of time—usually up to one year. The stay must be organized by an official exchange organization or directly by a school and serves the purpose of promoting international understanding, which is why it is recognized as a public interest. If the student is under the age of 18, the consent of their legal guardians is required.
3.2 Student exchange AJA placement
For applicants who come to Germany through an agency of the AJA Association , simplified rules apply regarding language proficiency requirements. For applicants who come to Germany through an agency of the AJA Association, simplified rules apply regarding language proficiency requirements . If German language skills are present but cannot be documented with a certificate, the exchange organization must provide a comprehensible assessment of language skills in its covering letter – for example, in a letter of commitment. In such cases, the visa office may conduct a case-by-case review, for example, through a personal interview with the applicant.
If you have no or only limited language skills, it is sufficient for the exchange organization to confirm that you will attend a language course either in your country of origin or after arriving in Germany . This eliminates the need to take a language test before submitting your application. This simplified procedure reduces bureaucratic hurdles and allows for flexible handling of language proficiency certificates without burdening applicants with additional tests. This represents a significant relief, especially for young people participating in an exchange program.
4. Visa for vocational schools
The Skilled Immigration Act clearly distinguished school-based vocational training from general school attendance. Since then, it has been subject to Section 16a of the Residence Act, meaning that international students no longer require a traditional student visa to attend a vocational school, but rather a vocational training visa .
In order for such a residence permit to be granted, the training must lead to a state-recognized professional qualification . This is only the case if the training is organized according to federal or state law. Another key requirement is that the educational program must not be reserved exclusively for citizens of a specific country.
Exceptions only apply if the school education is based on bilateral or multilateral agreements. In such cases, a residence permit can also be granted for special programs.
5. Apply for a student visa in Berlin
In Berlin, a residence permit for school attendance can be applied for at the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA). To do so, applicants must have a primary residence in Berlin , and a personal appearance at the responsible authority is required by prior appointment. The required documents include a completed application, a valid passport, a recent biometric photo, a certificate from the school stating the duration and general conditions of their stay, and proof of secure livelihood. Exchange students can provide this with a written statement from their host parents; students not attending the program as part of an exchange program need a blocked account with sufficient funds or a letter of commitment. Proof of valid health insurance is also required; travel health insurance is sufficient for exchange students.
The fee for issuing a residence permit is €100 for adults and €50 for minors, while students on an organized exchange are exempt. Processing time is typically five to six weeks, so timely application is essential.
6. FAQ Student Visa
Who can apply for a visa to attend school in Germany?
International students from the 9th grade onwards can apply for a visa to attend school provided they have received an acceptance letter from a recognised school and meet the other requirements (Section 16f Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act).
How long is the student exchange visa valid?
The national visa for student exchange is usually issued for up to 12 months, but never beyond the actual planned length of stay.
Can students be exempt from the visa fee?
In certain cases, exchange students may be exempt from visa fees, provided there is reciprocity between the participating countries. This regulation is contained in Section 52, Paragraph 7 of the Residence Ordinance.
Can a student stay and study in Germany after completing school?
Yes, switching from school to university is possible. Students do not need to provide proof of willingness to return if they wish to begin studying in Germany after graduation.
7. Conclusion
A student visa for Germany under Section 16f of the Residence Act allows international students from the 9th grade onwards to attend a recognized school in Germany. Requirements include an acceptance letter, an international class composition, the consent of a parent or legal guardian, and proof of financial security (e.g., a blocked account or a declaration of commitment). Simplified conditions apply to student exchanges, particularly when arranged through AJA organizations (simplified language certificates). However, a training visa (Section 16a of the Residence Act) is required for vocational schools.