To study in a European country, Pakistani students need an official study visa. German study visas are issued to international students enrolled in various courses of study in Germany.
When should you apply for the German student visa?
The best time to apply for a German study visa is when you gain acceptance from the university and secure funding to study in Germany. It generally takes 25 days to process your German visa application from Pakistan. But this time can be variable and the maximum time for processing a German student’s visa is 5-10 weeks. So you should apply for the visa as soon as possible to avoid any problems.
What are the German student visa requirements for Pakistani citizens?
The requirements for a German student visa for Pakistanis are:
• You must have an acceptance letter from a German university or preparatory school.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Germany, such as a blocked account, a scholarship or a sponsor.
• You must purchase a student health insurance policy.
Where to apply for a German student visa in Pakistan?
You can apply for a student visa at one of the following German diplomatic missions:
• German Consulate General in Karachi
• German Embassy in Islamabad
Waiting Times for Appointments in Pakistan
Method of booking the waiting time for the Processing Center appointment
• German Consulate General in Karachi: More than 12 months online
• German Embassy in Islamabad: More than 12 months online
How to Apply for a German Student Visa in Pakistan?
To get a German student visa in Pakistan, you must apply as per the instructions below:
• Apply for a study program in Germany.
• Find a German diplomatic mission in Pakistan.
• Make an appointment for your visa submission.
• Gather the required documents.
• Submit your application.
• Wait for an answer.
• Enter Germany.
Apply for a Study Program in Germany
To qualify for a German study visa, the most important step you need to complete is to get accepted to a German study program or language course. This is essential as you must present proof of your acceptance to the German institution as a part of your visa application. If you still haven’t been accepted or are waiting for a response regarding your application, you must apply for a student applicant visa and present proof that you submitted your application successfully.
Find a German Diplomatic Mission in Pakistan
Before you begin assembling your documents, you must first find the correct German diplomatic mission in Pakistan that is processing student visas. Several German diplomatic offices in Pakistan deal with student visa applications—make sure to locate one near your residence.
Make an Appointment for Your Visa Submission
As soon as you have located your nearest German embassy/consulate in charge of visa processing, make an appointment to submit your application. Please note that you cannot submit your application without a prior appointment. Also, depending on the embassy’s workload and the season/time of the year, it may take several weeks before you can get an appointment.
Gather the Required Documents
Until it’s time for your appointment date, you need to complete the required documents for your visa application. This will usually include documents such as your passport, educational qualifications, proof of financial support, and any important documents—you can find a full list of documents below. Please make sure you have all of the required documents on time for your appointment, as an incomplete application may result in visa rejection.
Submit Your Application
On the day of your visa appointment, you must visit the embassy or consult and submit the required documents. On the same day, you may also be required to submit your biometric data (fingerprints) and attend a visa interview.
Pay the Visa Fee
You may be required to complete the visa fee payment on your visa appointment given at the embassy or consulate—this varies by the German diplomatic mission.
Wait for an Answer
Once you submit your application and complete the visa interview, it may take 4 to 10 weeks for the embassy to process your application and give you an answer. You can enter Germany and start your study program if the answer is positive. If your Germany student visa application is denied, you will receive a letter detailing the reason for your denial and what you can do next.
What Documents Do Pakistani Citizens Need for a German Student Visa?
Pakistanis are required to submit 2 completed sets of documents. The documents needed for a German student visa application from Pakistan include the following:
• German national visa application form. Submit two completed and signed copies.
• Passport. The passport has to be valid for at least another three from the date of the visa appointment and have at least two blank visa pages.
• 2 copies of the passport’s bio page. Scan the passport pages containing your personal information and pictures in A4 format.
• Letter of acceptance in university, language school, or preparatory college. The language of instruction for the courses should be specified in the letter. Submit the original letter along with two copies.
• 2 visa pictures. If possible, you should take the pictures in a photography studio following the specifications of the German diplomatic mission in Pakistan.
• Your academic certificates/qualifications. Submit the original copy of any of these documents along with one copy.
• You should submit Copies of the O-level exam degree and along with the grade sheet, or copies of the A-level exam degree and grade sheet if you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany.
• Submit copies of the grade sheet along with the degrees of your previous university studies if applying for a Master’s degree program.
• Your resume. Please include two copies of your resume of your educational and professional experience and qualifications.
• Proof you can fund your studies. In most cases, you must submit a Confirmation for a Blocked Account or (if applicable) a scholarship. If someone is sponsoring you, submit a Letter of Sponsorship.
• German health Insurance for students. You can get a travel insurance plan from most local companies in Pakistan and international travel insurance providers such as AXA, DR. Walter, or Europ Assistance.
• A certificate of Language Proficiency. If the letter of acceptance does not specify that you are proficient in the language of instruction, submit a certificate of language proficiency ency in level B2, at least. Submit the original certificate along with two copies.
• For German language skills, only the following certificates are accepted:
• Test of German as a Foreign Language (The Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache- TestDaF).
• German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang- DSH).
• Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS).
• German Language Diploma (level II) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
• For English language skills, you must submit one of the following certificates:
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Note: The German Diplomatic Mission to which you apply can ask for additional documents if they see fit.
How Much Is the German Student Visa Fee in Pakistan?
The German student visa is EUR 75 or PKR 20,430.36—the visa fee is reduced to EUR 37.50 for minors or PKR 10,215.18. You must pay the visa fee in cash at the embassy/consulate. You can pay the German student visa fee in Pakistan country with cash or a credit card—depending on the embassy, other forms of payment are available, so make sure to check with the corresponding office.
How Long Does the German Embassy in Pakistan Take to Process a Student Visa?
In most cases, the German Missions in Pakistan will take about 4 to 10 weeks to process your student visa after the interview. However, if they ask for additional documents or are processing many visa applications, it could take an additional few weeks.
How Much Money Do You Need to Study in Germany?
You must show the German Embassy you have at least EUR 11,208 or or PKR 3,053,112.67 per year to apply for a student visa. In most cases, you must open a blocked bank account in a German bank and transfer the money there. The other most common method is if you win a scholarship. Either way, you have to settle your finances in Pakistan before applying for a visa.
After Arriving in Germany: Process for Students from Pakistan
After you travel from Pakistan to Germany, you have to register your address, activate your blocked account, register for health insurance, and get your residence permit.
Registering your address
As soon as you get your accommodation in Germany settled, you must register your address at the local registration office and get a Registration Certificate. You need this certificate to activate your blocked account and apply for a residence permit, so you should get to it as soon as possible.
Activating your blocked account
When you have registered your address, you have to open a German bank account so that the money from your blocked account can be transferred there. Along with the bank account, you will also receive a debit card or Girocard so that you can have access to your money. You will receive a monthly payout of EUR 934.
Getting health insurance
All Pakistani students who travel to Germany have to get health insurance. If you are under 30 years old, you must register for public health insurance (also known as “statutory”). Pakistani students over the age of 30 can only get private insurance, such as DR. Walter’s EDUCARE24 Comprehensive Plan. Either type has its own benefits, and they both offer adequate coverage.
If you are unsure about which type of health insurance you should get once you get to Germany, you can check here.
Getting your student residence permit
Since your German student visa is only valid for three months after arrival, you have to get a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, you need:
• The letter of acceptance to the university.
• Proof of your blocked account.
• The Certificate of Registration.
• Proof of health insurance.
You must submit the application for the residence permit at the local Foreigner’s Office