Visa Application Guide to Study in Germany for Malaysian Students
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: Jan 2025
TL;DR: Visa Application Guide to study in Germany for Malaysian Students
To study in Germany, Malaysian students need a student visa. Here’s how to apply:
- Choose the Right Visa: Most students need a Student Visa.
- Prepare Documents: Gather your passport, admission letter, proof of financial support (around €10,000), health insurance, academic records, and visa application form.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book a visa appointment at the German Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
- Submit Documents & Pay Fee: Submit your application, pay the visa fee (€75), and provide biometric data.
- Wait for Processing: Visa processing takes 4-12 weeks.
- Collect Visa & Travel: Once approved, collect your visa and travel to Germany. Upon arrival, register with local authorities.
Start early, stay organized, and you’ll be on your way to studying in Germany!
Germany is one of the top destinations for students from all over the world, and Malaysia is no exception. Known for its excellent education system, affordable tuition fees, and high standard of living, it’s no surprise that many Malaysian students dream of studying in Germany. But before you can pack your bags and book a flight, you need to navigate the visa application process. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the steps!
Why Study in Germany?
Before diving into the visa details, let’s quickly highlight why Germany is a popular choice for Malaysian students:
- High-quality Education: Germany is home to some of the world’s best universities, offering a wide range of courses, many of which are in English.
- Affordable Education: Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees or charge very minimal fees, even for international students.
- Job Opportunities: Germany has a strong economy, and students can work part-time during their studies and even after graduation, giving them a chance to gain valuable work experience.
Step 1: Know the Type of Visa You Need
As you can see above, there are many types of visa to Germany.
As a Malaysian student planning to study in Germany, you’ll most likely need one of the following visa types:
- Student Visa: This is the most common visa for students planning to pursue a full-time degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.) in Germany.
- Language Course Visa: If you plan to attend a language course, you’ll need this visa.
- Preparatory Language Course for Further Studies Visa: If you join one of our university preparation courses, this is likely the visa we will apply for you.
For this article, we’ll focus on the Student Visa.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Before you apply for your visa, it’s important to gather all the necessary documents. These are the key documents you’ll need:
- Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Germany.
- Admission Letter: You’ll need a confirmation letter from a German university, proving that you’ve been accepted into a degree program.
- Means of Subsistence: Germany requires students to show that they can support themselves financially during their stay. Our students open a Blocked Account to show their financial proof.
- Proof of Academic Qualifications: You’ll need to provide your academic transcripts and certificates (e.g., STPM, A Level, etc.) that meet the entry requirements of your chosen program.
- Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. You’ll need to provide proof of health insurance.
- Visa Application Form: You must fill out the visa application form available on the German Embassy website.
- Passport-sized Photos: You will need a couple of recent passport-sized photos that meet the embassy’s requirements.
Visit the German Embassy Kuala Lumpur’s website for the complete list of documents.
Step 3: Begin Your Application
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment at VFS Global
After completing your application, schedule an appointment at the VFS Global Application Centre.
It’s important to plan ahead because visa processing can take several weeks, so make sure you apply well in advance (at least 3 months before your course begins).
Step 5: Submit Your Application
On the day of your appointment, bring all your documents, including the visa application form, passport, admission letter, financial proof, insurance details, and any other required paperwork. VFS Global will also take your biometric data (fingerprints and photos) as part of the process.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
The visa fee for a student visa is €90 (roughly RM 420) and is payable at the counter.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Step 7: Visa Approval and Collection
Once your visa is approved, you’ll be notified, and you’ll be able to collect your visa. At this point, you’ll have the green light to travel to Germany and start your studies!
Step 8: Enter Germany
When you arrive in Germany, make sure to have all your important documents handy, including:
- Your passport with the student visa
- Admission letter from the university
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of health insurance
You’ll need to register with the local authorities (called Anmeldung) within the first two weeks of your arrival in Germany. This is a straightforward process and can usually be done at the local town hall (Bürgeramt).
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Start Early: Visa applications can take time, so the earlier you begin the process, the better.
- Be Accurate: Double-check all your documents to ensure there are no mistakes, especially in financial proof or your personal information.
- Check Embassy and VFS Global Guidelines: The German Embassy’s and VFS Global’s websites are your best resource for the latest visa application details, fees, and timelines. Make sure to check it regularly.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about anything, you can always contact the embassy or VFS Global for guidance.
Sounds like a lot of work? If you join our University Preparation Programme, we’ll assist you with the visa application.
Conclusion
Applying for a student visa to Germany can seem overwhelming, but with proper preparation and the right information, it’s a manageable process. Remember, Germany offers an incredible opportunity for higher education, and the effort you put into securing your visa will be well worth it. So, start early, stay organized, and before you know it, you’ll be all set to begin your academic journey in one of the world’s top educational hubs.
Good luck, and enjoy the adventure of studying in Germany!