It is important to find out whether you need a German student visa as soon as possible before your course starts, because it may take several months to apply for a visa. Many students may find that they don't need a student visa, just a residence permit. The following is the classification of German study visas and the application instructions for everyone.
Do you need a German study visa?
-Applicants from EU countries (including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein):
If you are an applicant from an EU country (including Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), you don't need a German student visa before entering the country.
-Applicants from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Korea or Switzerland:
If you are an applicant from these countries, you don't need a visa. However, you need to register with the local resident registration office and the foreigner registration office within two weeks of entry.
-Applicants from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino or Taiwan Province Province:
If you come from these countries and plan to work before or after your degree, you only need a German student visa. In this case, you should apply for a visa through the German embassy or consulate in your country. Whether you have a visa or not, you need to apply for a residence permit within two weeks of entry.
-Applicants from other parts of the world:
If you come from other countries not listed, you need a German student visa. You should apply through the German embassy or consulate in your country at least three months before the start of school.
How to apply for a study visa in Germany
If you need a German student visa, you should apply as early as possible and start applying at least three months in advance. You need to contact the German embassy or consulate in your country.
You need to provide admission certificate, valid passport, recent health examination and enough funds to support your first year in Germany.
(about 659 euros -870 dollars per month). The embassy may also need your proof of no criminal record.
If you plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, the purpose of applying for a visa is to study, not a Schengen visa, which only allows you to stay in Germany for three months.
In addition to the student visa, you need to apply for a residence permit after entering the country.
How to apply for a residence permit
Once you enter the country, you must register with the local registration authority (citizen service center or household registration office) within two weeks. You must apply for a residence permit and provide a valid passport.
(There is also a student visa, if you need to apply for a student visa), admission certificate, residence certificate, health insurance (your university may be able to help with it), and sufficient funds for the first year (about 659
Euros-$870 per month).
Although you have been required to provide proof of language proficiency when applying for a university, you may need to provide it again to obtain a residence permit. For courses taught in German, international students need to provide the scores of Telford or entrance German test for courses taught in English.
(mostly postgraduate courses), TOEFL or IELTS scores are required.
This residence permit is valid for two years. If necessary, you need to renew it before it expires.