General information

Foreign students usually require a national visa to enter Germany if they wish to study in Germany.

Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand. Please note that until the work permit has been issued you will not be able to work yet.

The processing time for student visas is approximately four weeks.

*Necessary documents

Please do not staple the documents!

• Completed and signed application form:
  Please fill out the online application (VIDEX) form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
• Printed and signed Declaration Use of Mail Services
• Printed and signed Visa Declaration
• Valid national passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany, with 2 subsequesnt blank pages) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• Recent biomatrical passport photograph, stamped (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background, not older than 3 months). Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted. - please do not attach the photo to the application form
• Proof of Canadian residence permit, e.g. PR card, work/study permit
• Admission Letter from a university in Germany or conditional acceptance letter
• Letter of motivation providing information why you wish to study in Germany
• Proof of qualifications: school exit certificate allowing access to university OR Bachelor/Master certificates with transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae including your educational and professional achievements
• Proof of Language proficiency in which the course will be conducted
• Proof of sufficient funds for the entire stay (minimum of 934 EUR per month - for full-time studies: 11.208 EUR)
  • Proof of a blocked account (you have free choice of provider) showing a minimum amount according to the duration of your intended stay (also see opening a blocked bank account), or
  • Proof of sponsorship/scholarship by a German institution, or
  • Formal letter of obligation, according to paragraphs 66, 68 of the German Residence Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant's stay in Germany

• Proof of housing in Germany with full address
• Prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope (Canada Post only), Regional standard to Ontario or National standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only)
• Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• Visa fee: see here

To be provided prior to final approval of the visa application:

• Flight dates according to your itinerary
• Proof of sufficient health/travel insurance coverage valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)

Please note that all documents other than in German or English must be translated into German language.

Please note that we can process only complete applications. If you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.

Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents.

Additional information

• If your spouse and/or children are going to accompany you, you must submit a complete set of application documents for each family member. Please provide the original and one copy of the marriage certificate and the children's birth certificate.
• Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
• Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
• Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.

Appointment booking

All Canadian residents need to apply at the Consulate General in Toronto in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.