Many students from Pakistan get stuck while applying for a German study visa. The process sounds complicated & the rules are always changing.
This updated guide will prepare you step by step & answer all your queries.
Don’t miss the question-answer session at the end.
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Table of content:
1. Type of german study visa for Pakistan
2. Office Responsible for Germany study visa
3. German student Visa requirements
4. How to get a Visa appointment
6. FAQS about Germany student visa from Pakistan
1. Types of German study visas for Pakistan
The Pakistani students need to apply for the “Category D, Long-term stay ‘student’ visa (German national visa)”
This type of visa is applicable in cases, where the applicant intends to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.
check the screenshot
1.1: The following 6 types of Pakistani applicants need to apply for Germany Long term stay ‘student’ visa
1. If the applicant is applying for a full-time Master’s, bachelor or Ph.D. program because such programs take years to complete.
2. Applicant with the intention of learning language & enrolled in “German language course”,
(Pathway program (Studienkolleg etc).
3. If the applicant is involved in some kind of Academic research that can take more than 3 months of stay in Germany.
4. If the applicant has the intention to visit Germany for training or Apprenticeship, which mostly lasts for 6 months.
5. International exchange students will also apply for Germany long-term student visa. Their program mostly lasts for 1-5 years.
(The parent’s consent & boarding fee etc is necessary in case they are under 18)
6. “Student application visas” are study visas without an offer from a university. This mostly last from 3 months to 9 months.
In all the above cases the Pakistani applicant must apply for a German long-term stay visa.
1.2: FEE for long-term stay- Germany student visa from Pakistan
The standard cost of the German long-term student visa for Pakistan is 75 euros. Which should be paid in PKR.
However Additional charges may apply in some cases.
Like the Islamabad embassy will charge you 500 PKR for passport return service through courier.
An extra fee of 350 PKR will be charged by Bank for the service.
1.3: Visa process time for long-term stay- Germany student visa
It can take from 6 weeks to 3 months. Strictly depends upon the individual cases.
The German embassies in Pakistan always prioritize students with GPA more than 3.7 or students who got fully funded scholarships from HEC or other public institutions.
NOTE:
Remember In very few cases, where Pakistani students got enrolled in some short German language or training program, That last in less than 3 months.
Then they should apply for a Schengen visa. students still need to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during this time.
The standard cost of the German short-term student visa (Schengen visa ) is 80 euros, but for those Under 18, the cost is reduced to 40 euros.
2. Office responsible for German student visas:
BAMF Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – BAMF is the government agency that is responsible for issuing every kind of visa in Germany.
This agency also issues every kind of study visa.
3. German study visa requirements for Pakistan:
2. Three Passport Size pictures
8. Correct processing visa fee receipt
9. NIC (National identity card)
10. IELTS or TOFEL certificate
11. Previous Visa rejection reason (if applicable)
12. Proof of German language skills (For bachelor)
14. Family registration certificate (FRC)
15. Copy of flight booking, & Hotel reservation
17. Polio & Corona vaccination certificate [Optional]
19. Statement of purpose/Cover letter/Letter of motivation [optional]
20. Other certificates [optional)
21. Police clearance certificate
22. Applicant declaration & other information forms
23. Appointment confirmation email
24. Marriage certificate & child birth certificate
25. Copies of all the documents above
26. Sponsorship letter (Optional)
1. Online Visa application form:
Download the correct Visa form for a student visa to Germany.
Application for German National visa form (Long term stay )
Fill it with the computer, sign & date it accurately.
The majority of the students need to fill out the “ German National student visa” form.
If their specific course is taking less than 90 days they should fill out the Schengen visa application form.
2. Passport Size pictures:
The general picture format for a German student visa is the following.
- Three recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos.
- White/grey background with neutral facial expressions. (Unedited)
- Avoid uniforms & the head should be 80% in the photo.
- The applicant should look at the camera.
- one photograph should be glued to the visa application
while the other should contain the applicant’s full name on the reverse side, & should be attached with a paper clip to the visa form.
The same rules apply to every Schengen country.
3. Valid passport:
A: A passport must have at least 18 months of validity from the date of visa application.
B: Applicants will also provide visa copies (if they have any).
C: Passport must have at least two blank pages.
D: All the previous passports must also be attached. (If they have any)
4. Academic documents for german study visa from Pakistan:
This includes all your certificates & academic record like
A: Bachelor’s transcript & certificate (If a student is applying for a master’s)
B: Master’s transcript & certificate (if the student is applying for Ph.D.)
C: Metric & FSC transcripts (10-12th Grade) (A level) (DMCs) and certificates (if the student is applying for Bachelors)
D: English proficiency certificate from the university.
E: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies in which you are applying)
F: Three Letters of recommendation from the university & also the detail of the Referees.
(It requires specifically in case of university admission, but good to carry them along with your educational documents)
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Dear offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities of Pakistan.
HEC office attests bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
D: English proficiency certificate from the university.
E: Course summary (to explain your courses & how your previous courses & studies resemble your future studies in which you are applying)
F: Two Letters of recommendation & also the detail of the Referees.
From the university (it require specifically in case of university admission, but good to carry them along with your educational documents)
5. Admission letter:
Without a university admission letter, the Applicant can’t apply for a Germany study visa.
The admission letter could be unconditional, conditional, or an invitation to preparatory school.
A: Confirmation of admission in studies “Zulassungsbescheid”.
This letter shows that the student is confirmed by the university. This letter must be signed by the applicant & it should contain the
1. Course name
2. The Estimated duration of your course
3. Official Dates on which course will begin
4. Tuition fee
5. language course
B: Conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid) and a confirmed intensive course (Intensiv-Sprachkurs).
This letter means that applicant will take a language course (more than 6 months & not less than 18 hours per week) before getting final admission to the university.
The letter can also state whether the applicant needs to fulfill any further criteria or not.
As proof for this letter, the applicant must provide
1. confirmation as an applicant,
2. “Uniassist” letter,
3. Paid fee receipt of 3-4 months at least
4. Any else communication between applicant & university
C: Admission to “Studienkolleg” (University preparatory course)
In easy words to go for “Studienkolleg” applicants must give the exam of “Aufnahmeprüfung”. which is a German Language & math test for a bachelor.
As proof of this letter, the applicant must provide
1. Proof to be a member of the course
2. “Uniassist” letter,
3. Any else communication between applicant & university
6. Block Bank Account for German study visa from Pakistan:
The most important part of a German study visa is the applicant’s economic status.
It requires a Block account of Up to 11,208 euros.
In simple words, it is an account in which a student has to deposit a minimum amount of 11,208 euros, which will be given back in installments of 934 euros per month for the next 12 months.
The student will not have direct access to the blocked account, but upon arrival in Germany, the block account will be transferred to a German bank, where the student can withdraw 934 per month.
This is the student’s one-year security with the government regulators.
It is proof that they have all the financial resources to survive in Germany.
Because According to the calculations of student scholarship regulators in Germany, the student will need at least 934 euros per month to survive in Germany, so in total, you have to deposit 11,208 euros.
Students can also use the account of a guardian or close relative for this task.
& then by reaching Germany this block account should be opened in a German bank account.
There are 6 Methods to open a Block bank account.
In other words, students can access 6 providers which can help them make the GBA (German block account)
Applicants don’t need to make a block account if they have a sponsor. Click here
NOTE:
Students cannot withdraw more than 934 euros per month from a blocked account. This is applicable from 01.01.2023.
So at the beginning of the stay, a student might need to spend more than 934 euros in a month (for a rent deposit, etc). It is therefore advised to have sufficient funds.
7. Proof of all legal fees:
It’s the proof or receipt of the university application fee, or language course, or preparatory course fee.
It could also be the fee for the first semester or the whole year of university fee. (depends on the situation)
8. Correct processing visa fee receipt:
The Visa fee is not refundable, so make sure the form is correctly signed & filled. Also, you need to show your visa application fee receipt at the time of the interview.
9. NIC:
National identity card, Domicile & birth certificate. ( Depends on individual nationality)
10. IELTS or TOEFL certificate:
IELTS= 6.0, and TOFEL= 550 is the minimum score requirement for a German study visa. (If the courses are offered in English)
The applicant must provide one of these certificates.
Want to score 7 bands in IELTS? don’t miss our ultimate guide.
11. Previous German study visa Rejection:
It’s important to let the consulate know about the previous visa rejections.
The applicant may have missed the deadlines or the visa got rejected for financial reasons.
Whatever the reason was, a written explanation & refusal letter should be provided.
12. German language skills (For Bachelor):
Pakistani applicants for a german study visa must provide proof of German language proficiency, according to the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) should be provided.
If the field of studies is going to be lectured in German, tests such as “Zertifikat Deutsch” at least an A2 level certificate or better [by Goethe-Institut (GI)] should be provided.
However, it is advised to contact your university & ask about the level of German language needed in your course.
13. Travel & Health insurance certificate:
Pakistani applicants can apply for two types of health insurance for a german study visa.
1. Public health insurance,
2. Private health insurance
Students under 30, who are enrolled in a degree course at a German university, can apply for public health insurance.
However, the same option isn’t available for Ph.D. students or students above 30. They can only apply for private health insurance.
Pakistani students can check the possibilities here, Health insurance.
14. Family registration certificate (FRC):
Family registration certificate (FRC) issued by NADRA offices in Pakistan.
A family registration certificate means that your record is related to the NADRA database. NADRA offices are present in all cities of Pakistan.
Please note that a family registration certificate is mostly required in embassies. The applicant can also apply for it online.
(Entirely depends on the individual case)
This document specifically contains the names & information of your siblings & parents. (or spouse in some cases).
This information is also needed sometimes in scholarships & visas, so it’s better to make the certificate.
15. Copy of flight booking, & Hotel reservation:
The booking confirms your date of arrival in the country and in the particular city.
The hotel reservation shows that the applicant has a place to stay.
16. Affidavit:
(Entirely depends on the individual case)
It is mostly required to incase of Sponsorship.
Affidavit of the Parents/uncle or any guardian & even in some cases your own saving and job certificate to show that you can support yourself.
17. Polio & corona vaccination certificate:
(Entirely depend on individual cases)
The polio vaccine certificate could be still important in cases of some specific countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc.
There is no need to quarantine or do the PCR test anymore, but the vaccination record is important.
18. CV:
Cv is optional in embassy visa cases but compulsory for university admission.
It’s good to keep it along with your academic documents.
Germany mostly accepts CVs in Europass format.
It should contain all your academic information & contact details.
19. Statement of purpose/cover letter/Letter of motivation:
Statement of purpose is optional in visa embassy cases but compulsory for university admission.
A well-written cover letter & Letter of motivation always add extra points to the scholarships/admission you wish to achieve.
The German consulate in Karachi specifically asks for LOM.
20. Other certificates:
This is optional but students can add more certificates from their internships & course portfolios. Some embassies also It can make your case stronger.
21. Police clearance certificate for a student visa to Germany:
(Depending on the individual case)
Applicants don’t need it for a short-term visa, but for a long-term stay (Germany Student visa) PCC certificate is needed.
A police clearance certificate shows that there is any criminal case pending against the applicant at the time of the visa application process.
22. Applicant declaration & other information forms:
Pakistani students are needed to fill out the following forms, before their visit to the German embassy.
1. Applicant declaration form.
3. Information sheet for prospective students (For Karachi embassy only)
23. Appointment confirmation email:
Pakistani students should also carry the appointment confirmation email to their interview.
Though it is only required in the Islamabad embassy, it’s better to carry it for the Karachi embassy too.
24. Marriage certificate & child birth certificate
The married applicants should provide their marriage certificate & children’s birth certificates. They can ask their local authorities for family registration.
25. Copies of all the documents
Students should carry all two sets of A4 photocopies of all documents when applying for a German study visa.
Photocopies should be Complete and readable – Not stapled.
The German embassy reserve the right to ask for additional documents, which is why it’s good to carry the optional documents.
The passport will not be returned until the final decision on the visa is taken.
26. Sponsorship letter (Optional)
The sponsorship letter is required in cases where the applicant doesn’t need to show the GBA (German block account).
it can be given even by “Blue card holder”.
A German passport holder for a sponsor is not necessary.
The sponsor must make a “Declaration of commitment” for a long-term stay (national visa)
[ Verpflichtungserklärung für langfristige Aufenthalte].
HOW A SPONSOR CAN MAKE Declaration of commitment for a long-term stay (national visa) FOR PAKISTANI OR INDIAN STUDENTS?
Step by Step process
- First, the applicant needs to apply for a German national visa at the German embassy in their country.
- Then the sponsor will take an appointment with the “Foreign registration authority” in his city. like for example if the sponsor is living in BERLIN, then they will take an appointment by Email or post.
Email: B5@lea.berlin.de (attachments should only be sent in PDF format)
post: Landesamt Einwanderung, B 5, Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Sponsors living in other cities should do this according.
3. In the email the sponsor should mention visa type & sponsorship reason.
(Either study or marriage intended etc)
4. All the details related to the sponsor’s job & income should be mentioned.
The amount of the monthly minimum net income depends on your marital status and maintenance obligations.
Marital status is important because the authorities want to do the necessary calculation that how sponsors will support the visa student with the number of kids.
5. After getting all the details the “Foreign registration authority” will let the sponsor know about the additional documents.
How much is the minimum income required of the sponsor for a German Study visa?
The details are given:
To visit a language course/school:
2,410 euros without any maintenance obligations (Means after cutting the taxation)
3,340 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person
3,906 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons
To study / for vocational training:
2,450 euros without any maintenance obligations
3,400 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person
3,935 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons
For job search or a wedding:
2,590 euros without any maintenance obligations
3,590 euros with maintenance obligation for 1 person
4,029 euros with maintenance obligation for 2 persons
Documents required from the sponsor for a german study visa:
1. German ID-Card (Personalausweis) oder passport
2. Passport copy of the person applying for a national visa
3. Information about marital status and existing maintenance obligations to spouses, life partners, or minor children
4. Proof of creditworthiness
for example the last 6 proofs of net income or employment contract
5. Completed form “Zusatzerklärung zur Verpflichtungserklärung”
6. Proof of the main residence
7. Certificate of registration at the main residence or lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord
More documents In individual cases further documents may be required.
All the forms can be downloaded in the link. Link for Berlin:
Fees of the sponsor:
The fee for the sponsor form for German study is 29.00 Euro
If You have any questions related to your German study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
4. How to book a German study visa appointment in Pakistan?
There are three German consulates in Pakistan. Karachi, Islamabad & Lahore.
The Lahore consulate is honorary, so it doesn’t deal with study visas.
Pakistani students can book their appointment either in Karachi or Islamabad embassy.
4.1: German embassy Islamabad: Study visa Step-by-step process
4.2: German embassy Karachi: Study visa Step-by-step process
See the jurisdictions.
4.1: German embassy Islamabad: Study visa Step-by-step process
- Fill out the visa appointment form online. Fill in the correct visa category.
- After filling out the form, the Applicant will be directed to the visa fee receipt of 75 euros.
- The applicant needs to submit the payment at Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Diplomatic Enclave Branch only. They will charge an extra fee of 350 PKR.
- Students should prepare all the rest of the documents discussed above & be there on time for visa interview.
- Students may also pay 500 PKR for the return of passports through a courier service.
Remember, If students have any questions they can also ask the German embassy in Islamabad through the contact form.
Embassy Islamabad Visa Section |
Postal address: Street: Ramna 5, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad Tel: (0092-51) 227 9430 – 35 |
Opening hours visa section |
Monday-Thursday from 14:00 – 16:00 hrs No inquiries regarding the status of a specific visa application, please! |
4.2: German embassy Karachi: Study visa Step-by-step process
- Fill out the visa appointment form online. Fill in the correct visa category.
- After filling out the form, the Applicant will be directed to the visa fee receipt of 75 euros.
- The applicant will pay the visa fee (equivalent to PKR) in cash, at the time of submission.
- Students should prepare all the rest of the documents discussed above & be there on time for visa interview.
Remember, If students have any questions they can also ask the German embassy in Karachi through the contact form.
The German consulate in Karachi:
Contact |
Postal address 92-A/7, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan. Tel.: (0092-21) 3587 3782 Fax: (0092-21) 3582 1597 |
Opening hours visa section |
Monday to Friday: 8:30 – 11:00 hrs |
Collection of passports |
|
5. German study Visa interview questions and preparation for Pakistani students:
Students are expected to ask the following questions.
They should be ready to answer it according to their understanding.
1. Why did you choose Germany and not another country?
2. Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
3. Some specific questions must be asked about the host university to know whether applicants know or not about their university.
4. The reason for selecting the (Specific) course & its objective?
5. What is your course structure or Course summary?
5. Who is your sponsor? What is your relationship?
7. What are your plans after the completion of the course?
9. What is the course commencement date? (When will your lessons/classes start?)
10. Where will you stay in Germany?
11. How much do you expect to spend per month at your destination city? On your rent, food & fee.
6. Frequently asked questions about German study visas for Pakistani students
(FAQS)
1. Is it possible for Pakistani students to study in Germany without IELTS?
YES, it’s possible in two cases.
1. If the course requires only the German language. OR
2. If the admission letter of the institution clearly mentions that they are satisfied with your English language, then IELTS can be skipped.
However, in other cases, it is clearly mentioned that IELTS with a minimum 6.0 band or TOEFL with a minimum of 550 points is required for a study visa in Germany.
2. How much time German study visa process take from Pakistan?
The visa process can take from 6 weeks to 3 months.
Remember, The German embassies in Pakistan always prioritize students with GPAs more than 3.7 or students who got fully funded scholarships from HEC or other public institutions.
NOTE: Strictly depends upon the individual case.
3. Can I apply with the 7th-semester transcript to a German university?
Yes, you can. By getting a “Hope certificate” from the university.
Students from Pakistan can attach the “Hope certificate” along with all the academic documents & fill out the admission application.
Most German universities give conditional admission letters with a hope certificate that if the student sends the 8th-semester transcript their admission will be finalized.
Plus German university admission process mostly takes time due to a huge number of applicants from around the world.
So students can get the 8th-semester transcript by then.
What is Hope’s certificate?
In simple words, It is a certificate based on the previous semester’s performance, that indicates that the candidate will pass the final exams with excellent results.
4. What if I put the wrong visa category while applying for a German study visa from Pakistan?
Unfortunately, you have to submit the application again.
Cancel the visa appointment and book a fresh one in the correct category.
Because the automated booking system relies on the information that the applicant entered.
So nothing can be done.
So always be careful to enter only correct data.
5. What if my German study visa got rejected from Pakistan? What should I do?
The main reasons for German study visa rejections are Financial incompetencies Language deficiency or sometimes Previous study is not aligned with future study.
Anyways Appeals and complaints about student visas in Germany can be done.
The applicant can appeal within one month of the consulate visa verdict by writing a convincing appeal letter.
If the applicant is unhappy with the reassessment, It can still be challenged in administrative courts later in Germany, Berlin.
6. While applying for a German study visa from Pakistan, Can I attach the sponsor letter instead of a block account?
Ans: yes you can. Even if your sponsor is not a German passport holder but a blue card holder.
In that case, The sponsor must make a “Declaration of commitment” for a long-term stay (national visa)
[ Verpflichtungserklärung für langfristige Aufenthalte]. See the details
7. German study visa for Pakistani students (SUMMARY):
- Take a visa appointment at a nearby German embassy, & choose the correct visa category.
(D Type, student long-term visa.) - Pay the visa fee, & make the (GBA) German block account of 11,208 euros.
- Prepare the list of documents discussed above Ie IELTS or German language, Health insurance, etc.
- Do the visa interview & wait for the result. It can take up to 12 weeks.
Check Germany’s study visa guide for international students.
Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions in the comments.
If You have any questions related to your German study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
Whatsapp Contact: +393512735708
Winter 2023 appointments are still not there, and the embassy website says that it might take six months to get an appointment while my master course will start from August, so what is the solution. Please guide me
Unfortunately, Its a kind of “first-come-first-serve” thing. But don’t lose hope, many students who irresponsibly book slots may be eliminated in the coming days, & you may get a chance.
Keep on trying.
My intended duration of stay and travel insurance starts from 1 st september for study visa. Can I travel to germany before that when my visa is accepted ? And around when will my visa be accepted with that date?
Can you tell when will visas for summer semester 2024 will open?
study visa from Pakistan