Visa Requirements for Nepalese Students to Study in Germany

Germany is known for its high-quality education and career opportunities after graduation for Nepali students. A degree in Germany offers its students a world-renowned diploma and the chance to work in one of the world's best economies. Therefore, this is when you have to plan the visa requirements carefully.
The visa application is one of those things, along with all the supporting documents like proof of university admission, financial statements, and health insurance. Failing to submit any of these will delay or risk your application. Thus, you must first understand the timeline and the visa requirements of the German Embassy.
This guide explains each step of the process clearly. From understanding what paperwork you will need to receiving advice on how to position your application in the best light, it is meant to smooth that process. You will fulfill this dream of studying in Germany if you prepare well enough, thereby starting a new journey of learning and development opportunities.

Where Do I Apply for a German Student Visa in Nepal?

You should apply for your student visa at the German Embassy in Kathmandu because they process long-term visa applications.

Since there are a lot of applications in Nepal, you should register for an appointment waiting list. Then, the embassy will notify you when you can have your appointment set up.

Checklist of Documents for Visa Requirements for Nepali Students

1. Personal Documents

First, ensure your valid passport has a minimum validity of 12 months with two blank pages.
Biometric Passport Photo: Additionally, provide one recent photo (not six months old).
Visa Application Form: Complete the form via VIDEX.
Passport Copies: Submit not only A4-sized photocopies of the passport's data page but also the last page.
Citizenship Certificate: original and one copy.
Signed Declaration of True Information: Furthermore, this ensures the authenticity of your application.
Birth Certificate: certify and translate the documents if required.

2. Academic and Admission Documents

Letter of Motivation: A self-written statement explaining your reasons for studying in Germany, which program you choose, and your career goals.
Proof of Admission: An official acceptance letter from any recognized German university to pursue a full-time program or course.
Educational Certificates:
- School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets.
- Higher Secondary Certificate and mark sheets.
- Bachelor's degree and transcripts (if applicable).

3. Your resume:

Please attach your resume of your educational and professional experience and qualifications.

4. APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate

Suppose you hold educational degrees from India or China. In that case, the German Embassy requires you to obtain an APS Certificate unless you receive a public scholarship from Germany or the European Union.

Students applying to EIIET do not need an APS Certificate. We encourage you to obtain an APS Certificate to avoid unwanted delays and streamline the process.

A flowchart showing the checklist of documents needed for Nepali students to study in Germany, including Personal Documents, Academic & Admission Documents, APS Certificate, Language Proficiency, Financial Proof, Post-Visa Approval Documents, and Visa Fee.

5. Language Proficiency

English Proficiency Test: Certificates like TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent tests are required. Meanwhile, note that different programs have varying requirements.
German Language Certificate: Goethe Center Kathmandu or VHS Bhaktapur can issue certificates that the German Embassy will accept, if applicable.

6. Financial Proof

You must demonstrate financial capability to cover your expenses in Germany. Accepted proofs of your financial condition include:

Scholarship Confirmation: If applicable, this proves that a scholarship fully funds your fee.
Formal Sponsorship Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung): You should get the sponsorship letter from a sponsor residing in Germany.
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto): Authorities might request this later, even though they do not mandate it at the application stage. Authorities might request this later, even though they do not mandate it at the application stage. Ensure that at least €11,904 is deposited as of January 2025 into the account to meet the first year’s living expenses.
Employer letters showing income details.
Business registration or tax payment records.
Bank statements or property documents.

6. Post-Visa Approval Documents

Flight Reservation: To be submitted after visa approval.
Health Insurance: Proof of coverage for your stay in Germany.
Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance valid on arrival in Germany to the date of enrollment at the University (mentioned in your admission letter) (approx. 3 months)

7. Visa Fee

The application fee is €75, payable in NPR equivalent unless you have a scholarship exemption.

How can I apply for a German student visa in Nepal?

Once you get admitted into a study program in Germany, you should submit a visa application at one of the German diplomatic missions in Nepal. Here is a quick step-by-step guide regarding the application process:

Find out where to submit the application: You must first find the correct German diplomatic mission in Nepal that is processing student visas.
Make an appointment for your visa submission: Please note that you cannot submit your application without a prior appointment. Also, depending on the embassy's workload and the season/time of the year, it may take several weeks before you can get an appointment.
Have all the necessary documents prepared: Note that you must acquire all your required documents early enough before your appointment date since incomplete applications can be among the basis of denial.
Apply for the visa: On the appointment day, you need to visit the embassy or the consulate and submit the required documents, biometrics that include fingerprinting, and undertake a visa interview.
Pay the visa fee: You may be required to complete the visa fee payment on your visa appointment date at the embassy or consulate— this varies by the German diplomatic mission This may take 8 to 10 weeks to get your application processed and to get an answer from the embassy.

Can Nepalese Citizens Work in Germany With a Student Visa?

Yes, Nepali citizen with valid student visas in Germany can work throughout their studies— with some limitations. They can work 120 full days or 240 days per year. If you need to work more than the permitted hours, you must get permission from the Employment Agency and the Immigration Office (Agentur für Arbeit).

Can Nepalese Nationals Get Permanent Residence With a German Student Visa?

Nepalese citizens cannot obtain residence permits in Germany with a student visa. If you want to continue living in the country after your studies, you must find employment and then apply for a work visa or an EU Blue Card—if you’re a qualified individual. Also, If you do not have a job after you finish your course, you can apply for a job seeker visa and spend another six months in the country searching for employment. Finally, If the search is successful, you must apply for a residence permit for employed foreigners in Germany, which can eventually lead to permanent residence.

How Long Does a German Student Visa Interview Take in Nepal?

An interview for a German student visa can take anywhere from an hour to several hours. This depends on the embassy or consulate, their questions, and how you answer them. However, if there is a considerable number of applicants, the embassy will try to keep the interview as short as possible so as not to cause an overload of applicants.

Spouse-Dependent Visa Process for Nepalese Students in Germany

If you are a student in Germany and wish to bring your spouse on a dependent visa (Family Reunion Visa), here are the requirements and steps:

Eligibility Criteria

Make sure that you have a valid German student residence permit.
Proof of financial capability to support your spouse without government assistance.
Adequate accommodation for both you and your spouse.

Required Documents for Spouse visa

Valid Passport of your spouse (with at least two blank pages).
Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
Passport Photos: Two recent biometric photos.
Marriage Certificate: Attested and translated into German (if applicable).
Copy of Your Residence Permit: Proof of your legal stay in Germany.
Financial Proof: Evidence that you can support your spouse (e.g., bank statements, blocked account with sufficient balance, or proof of regular income).
Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement or letter confirming suitable housing.
Health Insurance: Coverage for your spouse.
Basic German Language Certificate (A1 Level): This certificate is highly recommended but not mandatory.

For spouse application processing:

Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy in Nepal.
Prepare Documents: Organize two sets of required documents neatly.
Attend the Visa Interview: Your spouse must attend the interview with all the original documents.
Visa Fee: Pay the applicable fee (~€75).
Wait for Processing: The visa processing time can take 8-12 weeks.

Spouse Application Processing for EIIET website

Ensuring compliance with visa requirements is an essential step for Nepali students aiming to study in Germany. This eases the application process, and ensures that they not only focus on academics but prepare financially, document properly as well as understand what is coming their way. Given this, meeting the visa requirements to enter a country like Germany with its excellent education standard and abundance of both personal and career growth opportunities unavoidably unlocks a universe of possibilities. Additionally, Nepali students can enjoy some of the best educational destinations as well. With proper planning, you will soon be on your way to studying in Germany!