How do I get a German student visa?

To study in Germany (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD or Studienkolleg) you need a national visa (category D) under § 16b of the Residence Act (AufenthG). In short: admission → proof of funds → health insurance → application following your German mission's current checklist → residence permit in Germany.

#Step by step

1. Get admission or proof of application. A university admission (direct or via uni-assist) or a Studienkolleg admission. Studienkolleg and a preparatory language course required by your admission both count as part of the study purpose under § 16b.
2. Prove your funds. Usually with a blocked account (Sperrkonto) or a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung). For 2026 the reference amount is €992 per month, €11,904 per year (BMI notice BAnz AT 29.08.2025 B1, checked 15.10.2026). Details: Blocked account update 2026.
3. Sort out health insurance. For national visas, the required type and duration of cover are set out in the mission's category leaflet (Merkblatt) or in the Auslandsportal.
4. Apply. German missions in Türkiye handle study and study-applicant visas exclusively via the online Auslandsportal (source, checked 15.10.2026). The official page does not say since when this rule applies; 15.10.2026 is only the date we checked it. Take your document list from the current checklist there; see our FAQ "What documents are required for a visa application?" for details.
5. After arrival. Register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of moving into a flat and apply to the local Ausländerbehörde for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) before your visa expires. It is usually issued for two years (at least one) and extended as long as you can still complete your studies within a reasonable time.

#Which visa type?

• Degree studies and Studienkolleg: § 16b
• Language course not preparing for studies: § 16f (work up to 20 hours per week)
• No admission yet: study-applicant visa (Studienplatzsuche) – check the conditions with your mission.

#Processing times

Appointment and decision times vary by mission and season, so we don't quote fixed figures. Start preparing as soon as you have your admission letter.

Official information: tuerkei.diplo.de – Studium