General information

It has to be distinguished if a language course is taken as a preparation for further studies or if it is a generic language course that does not serve as a preparation for your studies in Germany.

Participation in a generic language course which does not serve as a preparation for further studies can only be granted for a maximum period of one year. An extension of this visa is not possible.

Australian citizens as well as citizens of Canada, 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.

Necessary documents

Please do not staple the documents!

• Completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Only if the online application form is not available, you can print out this application form and fill it out by hand.
• Recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• Your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• Proof of visa status in Australia (VEVO) (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• Acceptance letter from a language institution (minimum of 18 hours/week)
• Curriculum Vitae and proof of your academic qualifications (if applicable)
• Motivation letter in English or German
• Proof of previous German language studies (if applicable)
• For a preparatory language course: acceptance letter/conditional acceptance letter from a German university
• For a preparatory language course: recognized entitlement to university admission (usually a high school diploma or graduation examination certificate) - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Proof of means of subsistence (minimum of 1,091.00 EUR per month)
  • Australian bank account statements of the last 3 months, or
  • Proof of a blocked account at a German bank 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 Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant's stay in Germany
• Evidence of health/travel insurance valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least 30,000.00 EUR and including repatriation costs and including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• Prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). 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: 75.00 EUR by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AUD). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) are not accepted.

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

• 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

Residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to apply at the Consulate General in Sydney in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.