For African nationals who want to gain admission into a German higher education institution, there are specific requirements that you must meet. In this article, we look at the key areas and give you an overview. For detailed information, please read our Study In Germany guide.
Higher education entrance qualification
Every university and course in Germany has specific entrance requirements. The decision if you meet these requirements, or not, is up to the university.
More often than not, students that come from outside the EU don’t gain direct entry to German universities. However, if you have studied for 2 to 3 semesters back home, it is enough to earn you direct admission to the program of your choice.
You do need to learn German though, or brush up on your German skills. Despite what people believe, there are very few undergraduate degrees in Germany that are taught in the English language.
The Central Office for Foreign Education’s ANABIN database offers detailed information on foreign countries’ admission requirements. You may want to check it out to know whether your foreign qualifications are enough to join a certain study program.
Most students will have to take a pathway program and sit an entrance examination as part of the application process.
University Admission Documents
You have already checked the database and found out that you fulfill all the requirements. You already know the study program that you would like to pursue. The next step is to check if you meet the entrance criteria of your selected course and university – and have the documents required.
Remember that papers required differ from one university to the other, as do application deadlines. The list below shows some of the most common documents applicable to most universities, universities of applied sciences and for both undergraduate and master’s degrees.
- You will need:
- A completed application form
- Certified copy of your high school certificate
- Translated copies of your transcripts and certificates
- A copy of your passport
- A passport photo
- Proof of German language proficiency
Seed Educational Consulting assists students with the visa application process.
Proof of finances
International students must provide evidence that their tuition fees are covered, and that they can support themselves during their time in Germany.
Students from African countries must show proof of their finances when applying for a study visa to Germany. You must show that you have around 10,236 Euros in your account per year to sustain your stay in Germany.
You will be required to deposit this money into a blocked bank account account. Upon successful admission to your degree programme, you will get a certain amount of money each month for upkeep. You must deposit another 10,236 at the beginning of the next academic year.
Health insurance
International students are obligated to have health insurance that covers the entire period of their studies in Germany. You need the documentation as part of the visa application process, so it is advisable to take out insurance in your home country.
Study Visa
Like all international students, Africans require a visa to study in Germany. You can apply for your visa at the German consulate or embassy in your home country. They will ask for some documents like proof of finances and health insurance.
The visa processing time depends on the consulate in your home country. Once in Germany, you are required to get a residence permit.
Seed Educational Consulting
Our services can help you with everything you need on your journey to Study In Germany. Our experienced team can assess your profile and make recommendations for you.
We can advise on the best German language and pathways programmes. The cities and universities that may be interesting to you. And, of course, we can assist with your visa application.
