Studying abroad is a dream for many Nigerian students. Germany offers many educational opportunities, but obtaining a student visa can be complicated and confusing. This article will provide a guide to Germany student visa requirements for Nigerian students, so you can ensure you have all the information and documentation necessary to start your international academic journey.
Nigerian students have always been important to Germany’s higher education scene. To date, the country has welcomed over 10,000 students from Nigeria and offers various courses to suit everyone’s needs and interests. According to the most recent statistics from the 2017/18 winter semester, 1,970 Nigerian students were enrolled in German universities. As a result, Nigeria is one of the top five countries of origin for African students in Germany.
Requirements for a German student’s visa vary depending on the course, but most Nigerian students who wish to study in Germany will likely need a visa. A visa is a legal document that allows a foreigner to enter and stay in a specific country for a certain period.
There are different types of German study visas, depending on the purpose of visiting.
- German Student Visa. This is the regular student visa for students who have been admitted to one of Germany’s official universities and are ready to begin their studies.
- German Student Applicant Visa. You will require this visa if you need to travel to Germany to apply for university admission in person. This visa does not allow you to study in Germany; it is only valid for applying to universities.
- German Language Course Visa. This type of visa is required to study for a German language course in Germany.
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When to Apply for a Germany Student Visa in Nigeria
Now, before we explain the german visa requirements, you may want to find out when to apply for a Germany Student Visa.
The best time to apply for a German student visa in Nigeria is as soon as you receive your university admission or acceptance letter and have secured the necessary funds to live and study in Germany.
This is one of the most crucial requirements, and if you have not been granted an official scholarship, you must show financial resources in other ways, such as having funds placed in a German-blocked account.
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Germany Student Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students
Germany is a popular destination for students from all over the world, and Nigerian students are no exception. To study in Germany as a Nigerian student, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the main ones:
- Visa Application Documents
- Proof of Financial Funds
- Proof of University Admission
- Proof of your Previous Education
- Student Medical or Health Insurance
- Certificate of German or English Language Proficiency
#1. Visa Application Documents.
The visa application should include the following documents:
- Dully completed and signed the national visa application form.
- Your current national passport.
- You must provide two photocopies of your passport.
- Your birth certificate.
- Your marriage certificate (If applicable).
- The birth certificate for your child (If applicable).
- Your most recent passport-style photos. (Up to 3).
- Photocopies of prior German residency documents (If applicable).
#2. Proof of Financial Funds.
To begin the visa application process, you must provide one of the following as evidence of financial resources:
- Deposit confirmation of €11,208 (₦5,488,367) at a German-blocked bank account.
- Letter of commitment by a German resident who is to cover your costs during your studies.
- A letter of commitment and proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
- Certificate of scholarship award. It must state how much money it covers.
- Bank guarantee. given to you by a well-known German bank.
#3. Proof of University Admission.
In addition, to be eligible to study in Germany as a Nigerian student, you will need proof of admission to a German university. This could be a “Confirmation of admission in studies” or an admission letter from the school confirming that you have been accepted. It will also state when you’re starting your studies and the language of teaching.
If, however, you were offered “Conditional admission,” the letter must indicate that you have been conditioned and confirmed to engage in an intensive language course prior to receiving final university admission. The course must span at least Six months and include at least 18 hours of instruction per week.
#4. Proof of your Previous Education.
Furthermore, to prove that you have completed an education in Nigeria, you will likely need to provide documentation such as;
- Original school-leaving certificate (SSCE & WAEC).
- Degree certificate. (If you are entering Master’s or Ph.D. studies).
You should be prepared for questions about your coursework and academic records.
#5. Student Medical or Health Insurance.
To be eligible for a german student visa, you will need to provide proof of medical insurance. This requirement comes as part of the new regulations put in place by the German government in order to improve the safety of its citizens.
Thus, Nigerian students applying for a student visa must show evidence that they have health insurance covering them during their stay in Germany. The medical or health insurance must be valid for at least six months after the student’s planned departure from Germany.
#6. Certificate of German or English Language Proficiency.
Nigerian students who wish to study in Germany must first obtain a Certificate of German or English Language Proficiency. The certificate must be obtained from a recognized institution and must show that the student has achieved the equivalent of at least Level B2.
You can also apply for a student visa online or at a German embassy or consulate if these requirements are met. Be sure to check the Garman Embassy website for any changes that may have occurred since the application was made.
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How to Apply For A Germany Student Visa in Nigeria?
After securing all the necessary documents listed above, you also need to start the process of applying for a Germany student visa by visiting the German Embassy or Consulate closest to your location.
To apply for a German Student Visa, take the following steps:
#Step 1: Locate the Closest German Embassy or Consulate
Try to find out which of the German Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria is closest to you. Most people prefer to use the German consulate office in Lagos. Whereas the Abuja office of the German embassy will be better access to residents in northern Nigeria. Please Google search for their physical address and contact information in case you don’t know their location! In addition, you may also visit the official website online to get more information about the requirements and set up a visa appointment.
#Step 2: Schedule A Visa Appointment
After confirming that you have all the requirements for the Germany student visa, you should set up a visa appointment by following the steps described on the official website of the German embassy in Nigeria. Please choose a date as soon as possible because all student visa interview slots can be filled quickly.
#Step 3: Prepare all the visa application documents
Once you’ve confirmed your visa appointment date, confirm all of your documents to ensure they’re all in order. You can do it yourself, and there is no need to pay outside consultants or companies to do it for you.
#Step 4: Prepare for Your Visa Interview
You must pay the visa application fee and bring the payment confirmation to your visa interview. A German student visa in Nigeria costs €75 (₦36,726 as of January 2023). The cost for applicants under the age of 18 is €37.50 (₦18,403 as of January 2023).
The fee must be paid at the same time as your visa application. The German Consulate in Lagos would only accept bills in denominations of 500 and 1000. Fees are payable in Nigerian Naira.
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Final Word!
In conclusion, if you wish to study in Germany as a Nigerian student, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Germany student visa requirements. Specifically, you will need to provide evidence of financial stability and proof of your enrollment at a qualifying institution. The German embassy in your home country can provide more detailed information on the process.
Finally, if you have taken the time to read this article, we trust you will find this information valuable. Please share this article with a friend by clicking on the social media buttons below. Best wishes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bank balance required for a German student visa?
As of January 2023, the amount required by the German Embassy to be deposited into the blocked bank account when applying for a German student visa is €11,208 (₦5,488,367).
How much is a German student visa in Nigeria?
German student visas in Nigeria cost around $75 (₦36,726 as of January 2023). This fee is usually non-refundable, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Can Nigerian Students Work in Germany?
Yes, Nigerian students can work part-time in Germany. You may work a total of 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If you intend to work more than this, you must apply for a work permit from the Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde).
What are the requirements to study in Germany from Nigeria?
To study in Germany from Nigeria, you will need to have a valid passport and a visa. Additionally, you will need to have a valid student visa, which is valid for the duration of your course and can be extended if needed. You will also need to have proof of financial support, which can come in the form of a bank statement, scholarship, or an international student loan. Please check the above to see the full Germany student visa requirements!