Visas
As a general rule, all foreigners staying in Germany for more than 90 days wanting to work or study in Germany need a visa before entering the country.
Depending on the country, issuing a student visa for studying in Germany can take up to 6 months. Though the process is often quicker, we advise all admitted students to book an appointment with the embassy in their countries as early as possible.
* EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Germany.
APS
The APS Certificate is mandatory for Chinese students who are interested in studying in Germany. Before applying to a German university you have to hand in your academic certificates and documents to the APS office in Beijing. This procedure may require some time. We would recommend you to book an appointment as soon as possible.
You can read all about the APS on their official website or by contacting the German embassy.
Residence permit after entering Germany
After moving to Germany, students are required to register as a resident at their new address with the local authorities and apply for a residence permit (“Aufenthaltserlaubnis”) at the immigration authority. This document is the permit that allows non-EU or non-EEA nationals to live and study in Berlin for the duration of the program.
Upon receiving a valid residence permit in a Schengen member country, you may travel to another country within the Schengen zone, visa-free, using a valid passport for up to 90 days per six-month period.
Can my residence permit be extended after the MIM is finished?
According to current German regulations, after finishing a graduate degree in Germany, you have the option of extending your residence permit for up to 18 months. During this time, you can search for suitable employment that complements your German university degree.