Student Visa Application for Germany: A Guide to land in KLU on time and hassle-free
Visa. What a powerful word! In capital letters (VISA) one of the greatest tools to move around the world with your money always available (kaching kaching!), and in lowercase, the one we tackle in these lines, the key to unlocking a world of possibilities in a new country. This time, here in Germany, thanks to your admission into KLU! But like most of the best things in life, it takes some hard work (and for this one also a lot of patience) to achieve it, so we’ll try to release some tension off your shoulders with a quick guide for you to have a smooth bureaucratical ride and a zen mind during the process. For any extra tension, consult your yoga instructor.
CHECKING YOUR BOARDING GROUP: DO I EVEN NEED A STUDENT VISA?
Not all students are required a visa to study in Germany. If you are an EU citizen, show proudly your magenta passport and forget this step. Nationals of some specific countries can also enter Germany without a visa and apply straight here for a residence permit. For everyone else, the appropriate sticker on the passport is the only ticket valid to a life-changing experience in the land of the “Franzbrötchen”.
If you are unsure, you can always do a quick check with our Student Services fellas, some of the coolest and most helpful people on Campus. They know and will then refer you to the responsible authority for specific information.
Watch out! If you need a German visa make sure you apply for the right type of visa to study. The biggest no-go: do not enter Germany with a tourist visa. That’s a one-way ticket to frustration. KLU won’t be able to enroll you as a student and your visa cannot be changed to a student visa in Germany, so you will end up having to reapply and go back to your country. Save yourself time, stress, and unnecessary costs by doing the right thing from the start.
HAVE YOUR PASSPORT READY: THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Start early. Start early! Seriously, START EARLY!! The number one reason why students arrive late on Campus or need to defer their admission for a year later is due to their visa not getting on time. Once you are here, don’t worry, we’ll let you procrastinate on other things, but unfortunately, KLU has no leverage on the timings for your visa processing, so please start as soon as you receive your letter of admission.
Every country is different, so check with the authorities (German Embassy, Consulate, or Visa center) in your country. In general, though, applicants need some basic documents:
- A valid passport: if you are an avid traveler you probably know by heart the expiration date, but if you didn’t check it recently, definitely do it before you go on the visa mission.
- Visa application form: in many countries it is possible to submit this online, but Germans do like their paper copies, so make sure you always have a printed version with you (same for other documents). Pro-tip? Blow the dust off one of your parent’s big old binders and bring it with you. You’ll be happy to have one around for your documents.
- Your KLU admission letter: included bragging rights.
- A biometric photo: but leave the winks and selfie vibe for cooler pics.
- Proof of health insurance for Germany: because your mom deserves peace of mind. This can be a tricky one, so you want to make sure you do it right.
- Proof of financial resources: depending on the country, Germany wants to know that you can support yourself, which usually means opening a blocked account. Dealing with banks stresses you out? Don’t panic, we got you. Going through this process can be completely painless if you know how to do it.
- Statement of purpose and interview: this is only sometimes needed but should be taken seriously, as some applications are rejected in this last step. State clearly why you want to study at KLU and how this decision fits your future plans.
FIND YOUR SEAT, STOW YOUR LUGGAGE: THE WAITING GAME
You got your papers, your bank account, and booked your appointment with the authorities in your country. Now it’s out of your hands (and ours, unfortunately). Visa processing times will vary depending on the country and the demand. It can take a few weeks or some months for the authorities to complete the process. In the meantime, what about moving forward with things that you *can* control? Quick list coming through!
- Start grasping (or improving) your German – do you know how to ask for the toilet yet?
- Start checking options for accommodation – without losing your mind, if you follow this article.
- Familiarize yourself with the public transport (aka your best friend) in Hamburg; and jump again on your bike to practice. That’s an insanely useful skill in Germany.
- Discover all the other cool things you’ll be able to do once you arrive: where to go, where to eat, where to study, or ask our current students what they like to do.
If you feel the embassy/consulate has “forgotten” about your case, of course, it is smart to enquire and make sure they have all the necessary information. However, by experience, try to let the authorities do their job in their own time and pace. No one likes to be nagged over and over. If you started early, surely you’ll get your visa on time!
Once your visa is approved, off you go to book your flight, go shopping for a good coat (waterproof!) and sunglasses (yes! We have sunny days here too!), and make your wish list for the farewell party.
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT!: THE RESIDENCE PERMIT
Congrats! This process took a lot of your patience but you mastered it. Now, bureaucracy unfortunately is not over (it kind of chases you during your entire adult life) and with the visa you have one more small but important step to be all set. Once you settle in Hamburg you have to apply online for your residence permit. Don’t procrastinate! We recommend you do it in your first 6 weeks and with all the new experiences we assure you they fly by! Once your application is processed you will be contacted for an appointment with the Hamburg authorities, and for this last step is key that you bring:
- Your passport (duh!), but please, really, don’t forget your passport.
- Your student visa.
- Proof of residence (called “Anmeldung” – registration of your address in Hamburg).
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of financial means (Yes, the blocked account again!).
- Enrollment certificate from KLU.
And a big smile and some German always help, but they are optional. ;)
NOW SIT (IN CLASS) AND ENJOY!
Once the process is completed, you’ll have all your brain bandwidth to focus on your studies and on enjoying life in Hamburg with your brand-new friends. After some months, the whole visa thing will be no more than a distant memory, and a cool stamp on your passport that you’ll be able to show off with pride for as many decades as you choose. If you have the energy for more, the best you can do is to become a student ambassador and help other future students follow your path to KLU. You surely know how they feel.
Contact:
KLU Student Recruitment