Students from countries outside the EU, EFTA, or the US must apply for a student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken) at the German embassy/consulate in their home country, presenting the following documents:

A valid passport and 3 additional passport photos. Confirmation of application or admission to a German Institution of Higher Education.Proof of sufficient funds-

Do not enter Germany with a tourist visa only, since this can’t be changed into a student visa.

A student visa allows you to enter Germany and to stay in the country for a short period of time only (max. up to three months). In order to get the permission to stay for the entire study period, students must apply for a residence permit at the local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within a week upon arrival in Germany.