Last updated 2025-06-09
Studienkolleg
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to foreign individuals who intend to enhance their professional skills by attending vocational training in Germany.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A national visa, in most cases, has a limited validity of 3 to 6 months. Depending on the purpose of stay, it is usually necessary to apply for a residence permit after entry. If the planned stay does not exceed one year, a visa may be issued for the entire duration of the intended stay.
from 3 months to 1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
As a rule, this visa serves only as an entry document allowing a limited period of stay. Within the first 90 days of their stay in Germany, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit in accordance with their purpose of stay at the competent foreigners' office. It is recommended to contact the local immigration office as soon as possible after arrival. Otherwise, the period of stay is limited to the date indicated on the visa. Consular officers determine the validity of the visa based on the applicant’s specific circumstances.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
In most cases, visa extensions are not granted; however, it is possible to apply for an extension of the residence permit at the immigration authority before its expiration. A visa can only be extended if it is impossible to leave Germany due to the need for emergency medical treatment, serious illness, or the death of a relative; force majeure; or natural disasters.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 1 month to 1 month 10 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Such visas generally require approval from the immigration authority in Germany. The visa can only be issued after this approval has been obtained. Therefore, the processing time is approximately 4 to 5 weeks. However, in individual cases, the applicant may be required to submit additional documents or materials based on specific circumstances, or may be invited to an in-person interview, which can significantly extend the processing time. Furthermore, if the applicant has previously lived in Germany, the processing time may be prolonged, as the immigration office may need to review their prior immigration history.
€75 - for adults
€37.50 - for children under 18 years old
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fee may be waived, or the amount may vary depending on the nationality, marital status, specific purpose of visit and other individual characteristics of the applicant. In addition, certain categories of visa applicants are exempt from paying the national visa fee: - Spouses of German citizens, same-sex partners in a civil union, minor children of German citizens and parents of minor German citizens and family members of EU/EEA citizens; - Members of diplomatic missions, consular representations and international organizations based in Germany, their spouses and children under 25 years of age; - Foreigners receiving scholarships from public funds in Germany, as well as their spouses or residential partners and minor children if they are included in the sponsorship; - In individual cases for the protection of cultural, foreign interests, development policy or other important public interests or for humanitarian reasons. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Visa application form
Official national visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Medical insurance policy
Registration of state medical insurance is possible only after registration at the place of residence in Germany. In this regard, during the visa procedure for the period before enrollment in an educational institution, an additional type of insurance, must be provided. It's recommend to conclude medical insurance for foreign citizens entering the country (the so-called "Incoming-Versicherung").
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Vocational training сontract
The contract for the passage of vocational training from Germany, indicating: - profession that applicant will receive as a result of professional training and terms of study, company where applicant will be trained and/or, if applicable, indicating the vocational school; - amount of monthly remuneration during professional training without deduction of taxes in euros.
Advanced training contract
An advanced training contract from Germany must be provided, along with one copy. The contract should include: - the company where the applicant will undergo advanced training and/or, if applicable, the vocational school; - the terms and objectives of the professional development; - a detailed training plan; - the language in which the professional development will take place.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Financial evidence
Proof of the financing of the stay for the purpose of study, at least for the first academic year at the rate of 934 euros per month (11.208 euros per year) with a translation into German and 1 copy.
Declaration of commitment/guarantee
An official declaration of commitment/guarantee. The application must be issued no earlier than 6 months before the submission of the documents, and it must indicate the purpose of the stay – "study". If applicable.
Birth certificate
Applicants under the age of 18 are required to provide a birth certificate with an apostille and a notarized translation into German in one copy.
Parental consent
For applicants under the age of 18, a notarized consent from the person(s) holding parental (or guardianship) rights for unaccompanied travel abroad and a prolonged stay of the child in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, along with a notarized German translation, must be provided, together with one copy of each.
Academic CV
Documents about previously received education: about the last school and higher education (for example, a certificate of maturity, bachelor's degree, diploma) in the original with the notarized German translation with 1 copy.
Proof of language skills
Confirmation of the language skills required to master a particular specialty (at least B2), with 1 copy.
Biography
A biography presented in the form of a table, without gaps between time intervals, indicating the full address and contact information with 1 copy.
Motivation letter
A self-written and signed motivation letter in German, in which applicant explains in detail the reasons why she/he wants to complete the planned training, what plans she/he has for her/his professional future after training - with 1 copy.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Study
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
€37.50 – €75
