A student visa application is not a merit test: it is a documentary check. The consular authority looks for three proofs — that you have been admitted, that you can fund your stay, and that you are insured.
The blocked account, or Sperrkonto
This is an account opened with an approved provider, into which you deposit one year's budget. The money is then released in equal monthly instalments once you are in Germany. The reference amount is revised regularly by the German authorities: always check the current figure at the time you apply, never rely on a number found in a forum.
Accepted alternatives
- A recognised scholarship covering the stay.
- A declaration of commitment from a sponsor living in Germany (Verpflichtungserklärung).
- Proof of parental income, accepted depending on the case and the consulate.
Health insurance
Cover is mandatory from the moment you enter the country. Many candidates take out travel insurance for the period before enrolment, then switch to a student health insurance fund when they register at university. The two periods must follow on without a gap.
The standard file
- Valid passport and completed application forms.
- Admission letter or proof of a pending application.
- Proof of funds: blocked account confirmation.
- Health insurance certificate.
- Language certificate matching the level required by the programme.
- Diplomas and transcripts translated by a sworn translator.
The interview
The consular interview checks that the project holds together. Be ready to explain why this programme, why this city, and what you intend to do afterwards. A complete file with a vague project remains a frequent ground for refusal.
Plan for the delays
Between booking an appointment, opening the blocked account and processing the file, several months can pass. Start these steps as soon as the admission letter arrives, without waiting.
