Germany's student visa (National Visa Type D) is required for all African students planning to study in Germany for more than 90 days. For DAAD scholarship holders, the process is streamlined, your scholarship letter covers the financial proof requirement that often causes the most complications for self-funded applicants.
Germany's visa process is thorough but predictable. If you prepare your documents correctly and apply at the right time, there is no reason the visa should be refused for a legitimate scholarship student. This guide covers everything you need from application to arrival.
The German Embassy requires: a valid passport (valid for at least the duration of your studies plus three months), completed national visa application form, two recent biometric passport photographs, university admission letter, scholarship award letter (for scholarship holders) or proof of blocked account showing €11,208 (for self-funded students), health insurance valid for Germany, proof of accommodation in Germany, CV and academic certificates, and the visa fee (currently €75). Some German Embassies also require an appointment booking through their online portal, which can have waiting times of several weeks, book as early as possible.
Self-funded students applying for a German student visa must open a 'blocked account' (Sperrkonto) with a German bank (Deutsche Bank, DKB, or Expatrio) showing a deposit of €11,208, this is proof you can fund one year of living expenses. DAAD scholarship holders do not need a blocked account because the scholarship letter demonstrates financial support. If you are applying to a German university without a scholarship and funding your own studies, opening the blocked account 6–8 weeks before your visa appointment is essential.
German visa processing typically takes 4–8 weeks from the date of your appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate. Some African countries have backlogs of 8–12 weeks. Apply as early as possible. German universities typically want you to arrive 1–2 weeks before term starts for orientation. If your visa is taking longer than 8 weeks and term is imminent, contact your university's International Office, who can often expedite the process through the German Foreigners' Office.
No. The visa application process is handled in German at the Embassy, but you do not need to demonstrate German language skills for the visa itself. Your university admission letter specifies the language requirements for the programme. English-language programmes require IELTS/TOEFL, and German-language programmes require TestDaF or DSH certificates. The visa officer does not test your German.
For scholarship holders, your bank balance is irrelevant, the scholarship covers your financial requirement. For self-funded students, you must show the blocked account of €11,208. Having a low bank balance without a scholarship or blocked account will result in visa refusal.
The Germany national visa fee is €75. There are no additional surcharges for African nationalities. DAAD scholars typically have their visa fee covered by the scholarship: check your award letter. Additional costs include biometric photos, document translation and notarisation (if required), and travel to the German Embassy (which may not be in your city).
Yes. German student visa holders can work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year without needing additional work permission. Beyond this limit, you need approval from the Foreigners' Office and your university. DAAD scholarship terms allow limited part-time work provided it does not interfere with your academic performance.
Yes. After completing your degree, you can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa, which allows you to stay in Germany and look for graduate-level employment. Once you have a job offer, you apply for a work permit. Germany's EU Blue Card allows fast-track permanent residency for highly skilled workers after 21–33 months. Many African scholarship graduates use this pathway before eventually returning home.
Last updated: April 2026. Find scholarships on StudiePoint AI →