Studying in Germany: Language Course and University Applicant Visa

Do you want to study in Germany but don’t yet have sufficient German language skills for university? You can apply for either a language course visa or a university applicant visa. Both visas allow you to enter Germany for language preparation or academic orientation.

Language Course Visa for Germany

The language course visa is designed for students who first need to improve their German skills.

Required documents:

1. Enrollment in an intensive German course – at least 18 hours per week.
2. Proof of financial means
3. Blocked account (Sperrkonto): Minimum €11,904 per year (as of 2026)
4. Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung): Financial guarantee from a person residing in Germany
5. Basic German language proficiency – e.g., A1, A2, or B1 level

Note: The visa is generally issued for 9 to 12 months. Extensions are limited. Approval rates are usually lower than for the university applicant visa.

University Applicant Visa for Germany

The university applicant visa allows entry if you meet the academic requirements for a degree program but do not yet have sufficient German language skills.

Required documents:

1. Conditional admission from a German university
2. Enrollment in a preparatory German course – at least 18 hours per week
3. Proof of financial means (blocked account or declaration of commitment)
4. Basic German language proficiency

Advantages:

• Typically valid for 1 year
• Can be extended up to 24 months with regular course attendance
• Can be converted to a student visa after passing a recognized German language exam (DSH 2, TestDaF TDN 4, telc C1 Hochschule) and enrolling at a German university, without leaving Germany

Why choose a University Applicant Visa?

• Higher approval rates than the language course visa
• Longer stay for language preparation
• Direct transition to university studies after successfully acquiring German language skills