German Study Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students
If you wish to stay in Germany for a period longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a long-term visa, also called residence permit. If you wish to pursue a language course and the course lasts more than three months, you also need to apply for a study permit. The visa fee amounts to €75 and it’s only payable in Naira.
Steps to take to apply for a German study visa in Nigeria
In order to get a visa, you need to make an appointment to be booked via e-mail. Applications can only be accepted if all necessary documents are being provided at the date of the interview. Please note that incomplete applications will be rejected.
Admission letter or confirmation by Studienkolleg or language school
Proof of financial means (either scholarship of a federal German or EU organization, Verpflichtungserklaerung, opening confirmation or blocking confirmation for a blocked account)
Passport copy
After an appointment has been made, an email of confirmation will be sent to you. If your application is successful, your visa should arrive around a month later.
All you need to know about opening a blocked bank account
This is an essential part of your visa application and German law states you must have a minimum of €10,236 in order to fund the first 12 months of your studies. The choice of bank amongst foreign students in Germany is Deutsche Bank and you can find their online application for a closed account here.
DO remember to apply for an account in plenty of time as this can be a lengthy process and it’s vital that you have your money ready to be accessed for when your studies begin in Germany.
If you’d like to work while studying
If you’re considering working alongside your studies, the German government allows international students to work a total of 120 full or 240 half days.
However, you cannot undertake a freelance or self-employed position. The above requirement also includes any unpaid or voluntary work you opt for.
Useful information
For Nigerian students in Germany requiring consular assistance:
https://nigeriaembassygermany.org
Nigeria Embassy Germany Neue Jakobstrasse Nr. 4 10179 Berlin – Germany
