When planning to study in Germany, it is important to understand the timeline and requirements for obtaining a student visa. This will ensure a smooth transition into their academic endeavours. The application procedures for the winter and summer semesters may differ slightly. In both cases, international students still need a comprehensive guide to support them with their visa and university applications.
A guide to studying in Germany
Studying abroad can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to grasping the complex procedures and timelines involved. International students seeking to pursue their education in Germany typically start their journey with the visa application process.
In this article, we explore the timelines that international students must follow as they prepare to start their journey. Both the summer and the winter semester in Germany are covered. The timelines show important steps for students applying for a German visa, helping them understand the process better.
For a more detailed checklist for your journey to Germany, check out the Fintiba Companion – our step-by-step guide throughout your journey.
Application timeline for your winter semester in Germany
You want to start your studies in the summer semester instead? Click here for the summer semester timeline!
Stage 1: Prepare your university application
The first stage of the German university application process is research and preparation. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for a successful application. It also helps students find the right academic programme and university that aligns with their goals and aspirations.
Begin by researching available study programmes in Germany that match your field of interest. Consider factors such as the programme’s curriculum, specialisation options, and career prospects upon graduation.
Next, be sure to check your eligibility to study in Germany. Review the admission requirements for each programme and university, and make sure to understand the academic and language prerequisites. Additionally, check if you can begin your studies right away or if you need to do a preparatory course first.
At this stage, it is also essential to gather all the necessary certificates and documents. Depending on your individual situation, language certification could include:
- IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programmes)
- GRE/GMAT (optional)
- German language certificate (for German-taught programmes)
You should also start working on your letter of motivation as well as getting a letter of recommendation if required.
Goal of this stage: Shortlist your desired universities and have all required documents for university application ready. This ensures a smooth start to the winter semester in Germany.
Get a free comprehensive checklist to ease your way to Germany
Don’t let the stress of moving to Germany get in the way of your exciting new adventure. The Fintiba Companion provides relevant information throughout your German adventure with a comprehensive checklist – tailored to your individual situation.
From your university application to the visa application, down to settling in Germany – never miss any important step on the journey.
Stage 2: Begin your university application
You have done your research and short-listed universities in Germany and study programmes. It is now time to start the German university application process.
For the winter semester in Germany, the application period commonly begins in mid-April to mid-July. It is recommended to start applying as early as possible. You should also keep in mind that while most universities follow the same calendar, some have different application deadlines. Therefore, make sure to confirm this on the individual universities’ websites.
The university may require you to apply directly or via uni-assist. The process could look like one of the following two ways:
Uni-assist:
- Create a uni-assist account
- Set up an application for each of your selected study programmes
- Pay the handling fees
- Send the physical documents to uni-assist
Direct application:
- Visit the university’s website
- Find a dedicated page for the application process and arrange all required documents
- Send the documents as instructed
Stage 3: Apply for your German student visa
If you have received a university admission, congratulations! It is now time to start with your German visa application.
At this stage, it is very important that you understand all the requirements for applying for a German student visa. The visa course in the Fintiba Academy guides you through the entire process, ensuring a successful student visa application.
In addition, Fintiba also offers a customised package inclusive of a blocked account, health insurance and free travel health insurance. These are all requirements for the German visa.
Be sure to book your visa appointment and have all your documents prepared well in advance.
While it is not a compulsory visa prerequisite, this is also the right time to start looking for accommodation in Germany.
Stage 4: Prepare for Germany
You’re almost there now! After getting your visa, you should now prepare for your move to Germany for a smooth start to your winter semester. One of the first things you should do now is to book your flight and create a packing checklist.
You can also take this time to brush up on your German and learn more about Germany and its culture.
Stage 5: Your first few weeks in Germany
Welcome to Germany! After arrival, there are a few official things you need to complete during your first few weeks. These tasks ensure you have a smooth beginning.
It is most important to enrol in your university and do the city registration. You will also need to activate your health insurance and set up your blocked account payouts.
» Click here to see all the steps you should take to make sure you get well settled into Germany.
Application timeline for your summer semester in Germany
You want to start your studies in the winter semester in Germany instead? Click here for the winter semester timeline!
Stage 1: Prepare your university application
Research and preparation are the first steps in the German university application process. This stage is essential because it lays the groundwork for a strong application. It helps students in selecting the course of study and university that best suits their objectives and desires.
Start by looking up study programmes in Germany that are offered in your area of interest. The programme’s curriculum, specialisation opportunities, and post-graduation employment prospects are just a few things to take into account.
Afterwards, take the time to confirm that you are qualified to study in Germany. Review the qualifications for admission to each programme and university, paying close attention to the academic and language requirements. You should also check if you can start studying right away or if you must do a preparatory course first.
Collecting all required certificates and paperwork at this time is very important. Depending on your specific scenario, language certification may consist of:
- IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programmes)
- GRE/GMAT (optional)
- German language certificate (for German-taught programmes)
Additionally, you need to get started on your letter of motivation and, if necessary, secure a letter of recommendation.
Goal of this stage: Shortlist your desired universities and have all necessary documents for university application ready. This facilitates a smooth start to the summer semester in Germany.
Get a free comprehensive checklist to ease your way to Germany
Don’t let the stress of moving to Germany get in the way of your exciting new adventure. The Fintiba Companion offers you relevant information throughout all stages of your German adventure with a comprehensive checklist – tailored to your individual situation.
From your university application to the visa application, down to settling in Germany – never miss any important step on the journey.
Stage 2: Start on your university application
Now that you’ve researched and chosen universities and study options, it’s time to begin the application process for German universities.
For the summer semester, the application period commonly begins in December to mid-January. It is recommended to start applying as early as possible. Keep in mind that some universities have differing deadlines even though most follow the same application cycle. Therefore, be sure to verify this on the websites of the individual universities.
The universities may need you to apply directly or through uni-assist. The procedure might follow one of two methods:
Direct application:
- Visit the university’s website
- Find a dedicated page for the application process and arrange all required documents
- Send the documents as instructed
Uni-assist:
- Create a uni-assist account
- Set up an application for each of your selected study programmes
- Pay the handling fees
- Send the physical documents to uni-assist
Stage 3: Apply for your German student visa
If you’ve been accepted to a university, congratulations! It’s now time to begin the German visa application process.
Understanding every prerequisite for requesting a German student visa at this stage is crucial. The visa course in the Fintiba Academy guides you through every step of the process. It also facilitates a successful student visa application.
In addition, Fintiba also offers a personalised package that includes a blocked account, health insurance and free travel health insurance. These are also requirements for the student visa.
Make sure to schedule your visa appointment and to have all of your paperwork ready in advance.
Looking for accommodation in Germany is not required for a visa, but it is a good idea to start now.
Stage 4: Prepare for Germany
You’re almost there now! It’s time to get ready for your anticipated move to Germany after you get your visa. Making a packing checklist and booking a flight should be among your main priorities right now.
During this period, you can also brush up on your German and discover more about Germany and its culture.
Stage 5: Your first few weeks in Germany
Welcome to Germany! There are a few tasks you have to complete during your first few weeks in Germany. This will guarantee a smooth transition.
City registration and university enrolment are of utmost importance now. Additionally, you need to set up your blocked account payouts and activate your health insurance.
» Visit this page to learn about all the steps you need to follow to ensure a seamless adjustment to your new life in Germany.
The Fintiba Companion: Guiding your way to Germany step-by-step
Never miss an important step on your journey to Germany. From preparing your university application to mastering your visa application and navigating through daily life in Germany – the Fintiba Companion provides you with relevant information throughout all important stages of your German adventure within a comprehensive checklist – tailored to your individual situation.
Last update: July 20, 2023