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All study destinations·Germany, National visa for study (D visa), section 16b Residence Act
Study visa check

Check your Germany study visa application before you apply

This page shows what the official pages say a Germany study visa application must contain, in their own words, with a free pre-check of your answers.

Visa section of the German mission, after the foreigners authority of the university town has given its viewConsulate General of Germany in Lagos and Embassy of Germany in Abuja, with the foreigners authority (Auslaenderbehoerde) of the university townNational visa for study (D visa), section 16b Residence Act

What is being checked

Your admission letter, the money the rules ask you to show for living costs, your fees, the language level for your course, health insurance where it is asked for, and your past visas.

Why applications fail

Money shown in the wrong form or below the amount the rules set, an admission that is not final, or papers that do not match each other.

What our software does

The free pre-check reads your answers against these rules and shows where they usually fall short. Paid study checks for Germany are not open yet.

01
Residence Act, section 16b (1); embassy student list: admission letter

Admission letter from a German university

For the purpose of full-time studies at a state or state-recognised university or a comparable educational institution, a foreigner is granted a temporary residence permit if he or she has been accepted by the educational institution.

What the officer assesses: Whether you hold a current admission letter from a German university, for full-time study, that names the course, the start date and the language the course is taught in.

You need a letter from a German university that says it has accepted you. It must name the course, the date it starts, and the language it is taught in. The course must be full-time. If you must first go to a preparatory college (Studienkolleg), bring that admission too. If you have no admission yet, this is the wrong visa: there is a separate visa for people still applying to universities.

Where this comes from 3 official sources
  • For the purpose of full-time studies at a state or state-recognised university or a comparable educational institution, a foreigner is granted a temporary residence permit if he or she has been accepted by the educational institution.

    Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), English translation, Section 16b (1)

    Translation includes amendments by Article 3 of the Act of 8 May 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 152) · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Admission Letter (current) from a German University, stating, the course, the starting date and the language of instruction

    University studies: student visa documents (German Missions in Nigeria), Sorting list with explanation: Admission Letter (current)

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • 6. Admission Letter 7. If applicable: Admission to preparatory college (Studienkolleg)

    Sorting of application: National - Student (PDF), Sorting of application, items 6 and 7

    Status: June 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

  • The current admission letter from the German university, showing the course, the start date and the language of instruction
  • If it applies, the admission to the preparatory college (Studienkolleg)
  • A copy of the data page of a passport issued in the last 10 years, valid for at least 6 more months, with at least two free pages
02
Embassy student list: proof of paid tuition fees

Tuition fees paid, where the university charges them

Proof of payment for the first year of study.

What the officer assesses: Whether, if your university charges tuition fees, you show the first year is paid with the university's own confirmation, or, if it will not take a full payment, that the money is added to your blocked account.

Many public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees. If yours does charge them, you must show that the first year is paid, with a receipt from the university. If the university will not take the full year at once, put that money into your blocked account on top of the living-cost money.

Where this comes from 2 official sources

Evidence that addresses it

  • Proof that the first year of tuition fees is paid
  • The university's confirmation that it has received the payment
  • Or, if the university does not accept full payment, a blocked account confirmation that includes the fee money
03
Residence Act, section 5 (1) no. 1; embassy page: financial means

Money for living costs: EUR 992 a month

University studies (including preparatory language courses) 992 EUR net per month

What the officer assesses: Whether you show EUR 992 for each month of the stay, up to one year (EUR 11,904 for a year or longer), by an official blocked account opening confirmation, a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklaerung) marked as verified, a part-time job contract in Germany, or a public scholarship.

You must show you can pay for your life in Germany. For university study the amount is EUR 992 a month. You only need to cover up to one year, so a 2-year course needs EUR 11,904. Most students use a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Open it in good time, before you apply. The embassy only takes the bank's official confirmation that the account is open, showing how much was paid in and how much you can take out each month. A bank transfer slip on its own is not enough. Another way is a formal obligation signed in Germany by someone who lives there, at their local office. It is only accepted if it is marked "nachgewiesen", which means that office has checked the person can pay. It must be no older than six months.

Where this comes from 9 official sources
  • The required amount must cover the total amount needed for your planned stay in Germany, up to a maximum of one year.

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), Financial means: required amounts

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • 2-year degree programme in Germany: You must provide proof of funds totaling €11,904 (12 × €992). Although the programme lasts two years, proof is only required for a maximum of one year.

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), Financial means: university studies

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • University studies (including preparatory language courses) 992 EUR net per month

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), Financial means: university studies

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Open the blocked account in good time BEFORE applying for a visa.

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), 1) Blocked account

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • A confirmation that does not include this information is not sufficient. Proof of lodgement or transfer of funds without the aforementioned confirmation from the bank is not sufficient.

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), 1) Blocked account

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • The formal obligation can only be accepted as adequate proof of finance with the remark “nachgewiesen” (the financial capability of the sponsor has been verified).

    Financial means (German Missions in Nigeria), 2) Formal obligation

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • As a rule, a residence title is granted subject to the following conditions: 1. the foreigner’s subsistence is secure;

    Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), English translation, Section 5 (1) no. 1

    Translation includes amendments by Article 3 of the Act of 8 May 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 152) · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Only a certain amount can be withdrawn every month from the blocked account.

    Opening and closing a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto), What do I need to bear in mind when opening a blocked account?

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have 11.904 euros at their disposal for one year.

    Proof of financial resources (Study in Germany, DAAD), Proof of financial resources

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

  • The official blocked account opening confirmation, showing the amount paid in and the amount you can take out each month
  • Or a formal obligation (Verpflichtungserklaerung) under sections 66 to 68 of the Residence Act, marked "nachgewiesen", not older than six months, original and one copy
  • Or a contract for a part-time job in Germany, up to 20 hours a week
  • Or a scholarship award from public funds or a recognised scholarship body
04
Residence Act, section 16b (1); embassy page: language skills

Language of the course: German C1 or the course language

Proof of knowledge of the language needed for the specific course of studies is only required if the foreigner’s knowledge of the language has not been tested in the decision on acceptance

What the officer assesses: Whether you show the language the course is taught in, at the level it needs: German C1 for a German-taught course with no preparatory course, by a certificate no older than one year from an ALTE testing body (in Nigeria, the Goethe-Institut or OeSD), unless the university already tested it when it admitted you.

You must be able to follow the course in its own language. For a course taught in German, with no German course first, the usual level is C1. If your course starts with a German preparation course, no level is needed. For a course taught in English, show the English level the university asked for. In Nigeria the embassy only takes German certificates from the Goethe-Institut or the OeSD. A certificate must not be older than one year, and all four parts (reading, listening, speaking, writing) must be passed. If the university already checked your language when it admitted you, the visa section does not need more proof.

Where this comes from 4 official sources
  • Proof of knowledge of the language needed for the specific course of studies is only required if the foreigner’s knowledge of the language has not been tested in the decision on acceptance and language acquisition is not the aim of the preparatory measures for the course of study.

    Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), English translation, Section 16b (1)

    Translation includes amendments by Article 3 of the Act of 8 May 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 152) · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Study in German (without prior course) C1 Study in German (with prior course) None

    Language skills (German Missions in Nigeria), What language level do I need?

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • If you take your language exam in Nigeria, we only accept certificates from the Goethe-Institut or Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD).

    Language skills (German Missions in Nigeria), How do I prove my language level

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Certificates issued by any institution testing in accordance with the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) are accepted. The test may not be older than one year.

    University studies: student visa documents (German Missions in Nigeria), Sorting list with explanation: Language skills

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

  • The language certificate, no older than one year, with all four parts passed
  • For German taken in Nigeria: a Goethe-Institut or OeSD certificate
  • The admission letter, showing the language of instruction and any language test the university already made
05
Embassy student list: CV, letter of motivation, school results and transcripts

Study history, CV and letter of motivation

detailed expectations regarding the planned stay anticipated career and personal benefits, as well as future plans

What the officer assesses: Whether your CV, school results in date order, transcripts, proof of work and signed letter of motivation together tell a clear story of why this course in Germany, and what you plan after it.

The embassy asks for your CV, a signed letter of motivation, all your school results in date order (primary, secondary, WAEC or National Diploma, degrees), and transcripts. Your CV must list your certificates, training and work. Your letter must say what you expect from the stay, how it helps your career and life, and your plans after. Any gap since your last study should be clear from your CV and backed by work papers. At the interview you answer a few questions about your plan.

Where this comes from 3 official sources

Evidence that addresses it

  • A CV listing certificates, diplomas, qualifications, training and work experience
  • A signed letter of motivation: what you expect from the stay, the benefit to your career and life, and your future plans
  • School results in date order: primary, secondary, WAEC or National Diploma, bachelor, master
  • Transcripts of records of your previous and current studies
  • If you have worked: work contracts, employer letters or salary slips
06
Residence Act, section 2 (3); embassy page: health insurance

Incoming health insurance for a long stay

Therefore, you are required to provide an incoming health insurance policy.

What the officer assesses: Whether, when asked after a positive decision, you give an incoming health insurance policy that covers you from arrival until German health insurance starts, with no clause that drops cover for a long or permanent stay.

Health insurance is a must for everyone who lives in Germany. Once the visa section decides yes, it asks you for an incoming health insurance policy. It covers you from the day you arrive until your German health insurance starts, for example when you enrol at the university. Read the policy: it must not stop cover for people who live in Germany for a long time.

Where this comes from 4 official sources
  • If a positive decision has been made on your visa, you will be asked to provide an incoming health insurance.

    National visa for long term stays (German Missions in Nigeria), Decision on the application and further procedure

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Therefore, you are required to provide an incoming health insurance policy. This insurance must not include any cancellation clauses for long-term stays

    Health insurance requirements in Germany (German Missions in Nigeria), Health Insurance Requirements in Germany

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Foreigners have a secure subsistence if they are able to earn a living, including sufficient health insurance coverage, without recourse to public funds.

    Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), English translation, Section 2 (3)

    Translation includes amendments by Article 3 of the Act of 8 May 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 152) · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Certificate confirming health insurance coverage

    Visa (Study in Germany, DAAD), Required documents for a visa application

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

  • An incoming health insurance policy for a long stay in Germany, with no clause that removes cover for residents
  • The policy dates, starting on or before your arrival
07
Embassy notice on forged documents; Residence Act, section 54 (2) no. 8

Forged documents or false information

any visa application submitted with forged documents or documents containing false information will be immediately and automatically rejected.

What the officer assesses: Whether every document comes from the real issuing office or court, and whether anything on the form or in the papers is untrue.

Only bring documents made by the real offices or courts. If a document is forged or has false facts, the application is turned down at once. Your name goes into a warning database, which hurts later applications, and you get an entry ban for the whole Schengen area. If you lost a document, get a new one from the office that made it, and tell the visa section at your interview.

Where this comes from 3 official sources
  • The consulate expressly points out that any visa application submitted with forged documents or documents containing false information will be immediately and automatically rejected. The applicant will be entered into a warning database, which will also negatively affect any subsequent visa applications. And the applicant will be issued a Schengen-wide entry ban.

    University studies: student visa documents (German Missions in Nigeria), Important Notice

    checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • Please only submit documents issued by officials at the competent authorities or courts.

    Visa for Germany (German Missions in Nigeria), Forged documents

    dated 11 May 2026 · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

  • has furnished false or incomplete information in order to obtain a German residence title, a Schengen visa,

    Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), English translation, Section 54 (2) no. 8 (a)

    Translation includes amendments by Article 3 of the Act of 8 May 2024 (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 152) · checked against the page on 4 November 2026

Evidence that addresses it

  • Original documents from the offices or courts that issued them, with one set of copies
  • Birth certificate or birth register extract, and any affidavits (for example change of name), issued by the competent office or court

This is a national long-stay visa (D visa) for study at a German university. It is not a Schengen visit visa. From Nigeria you apply online through the Consular Services Portal, and then go in person to your appointment, usually at the Consulate General in Lagos. The consulate takes in study applications through VFS. The German mission sends your application to the foreigners authority (Auslaenderbehoerde) in the town of your university, and the visa is issued only once that office agrees. The visa only lets you enter Germany. After you arrive, you must go to the foreigners authority straight away, and it gives you a residence permit for study. For university study the money you must show is EUR 992 a month, which is EUR 11,904 for a year, most often in a blocked account. The official pages do not list refusal reasons, so these grounds follow the documents the embassy says a student must bring and what section 16b of the Residence Act says. The refusal notice gives the reasons for your case. The visa fee is EUR 75 and is not paid back after a refusal. The Study in Germany site is run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which the Federal Foreign Office funds.

Free check

Where does your study application stand?

Six questions, read against the requirements above. Nothing you choose leaves this page.

  1. 1 Where are you with your place on the course?

    The school’s confirmation (a CAS, a letter of acceptance or an I-20) comes before the visa, and the visa is checked against it.

  2. 2 Have you paid the course fees?

    Fees paid reduce the money you have to show, and in Ireland and most Canadian cases they must be paid before you apply.

  3. 3 How will you pay for your living costs?

    Every destination checks that the money is there and that its source makes sense.

  4. 4 How will you show your English?

    The UK and Ireland set a level for the visa itself; Canada and the US rely on the school’s own entry requirement.

  5. 5 How does this course follow your last study?

    Officers ask why this course, now, and a gap or a change of subject has to be explained.

  6. 6 What is your visa history?

    A previous refusal for any country has to be declared and answered.

Answer all 6 questions to see the result. Nothing you choose leaves this page.

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