Visa Cost Calculator
Every cost of the German student visa process on one page. From Sperrkonto to the flight ticket — what you must not skip, and what you get back.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Student Visa Costs
Total cost breakdown, refund policy, and required documents
How much does a German student visa cost in total? ▼
The visa fee itself is €75. But total costs including required documents reach €12,200–€13,000: Sperrkonto setup (€89–€150) + Sperrkonto block amount (€11,904) + insurance (€110–€140) + uni-assist fee (€75) + translations (€80–€200) + APS (~€250 in some countries) + flight (€300–€600).
Is the visa fee refundable if rejected? ▼
No — the €75 visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. You can appeal within one month if rejection seems unjustified. Sperrkonto block amount IS refundable if visa fails (refund process 2–4 weeks).
Can I avoid the Sperrkonto requirement? ▼
Three alternatives: (1) Scholarship letter showing equivalent monthly support, (2) Parent guarantee (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany, (3) Some unis accept a bank guarantee from a German bank. Sperrkonto is the most common path for self-funded students.
Do I need health insurance before applying for the visa? ▼
Yes — travel insurance covering minimum €30,000 for the first 90 days is required at visa interview. After arrival, you switch to mandatory student health insurance (€110–€140/month) like TK, AOK, or Barmer for the rest of your stay.
How long does the German student visa process take? ▼
Appointment booking: 4–12 weeks wait at consulates. After interview: 6–12 weeks processing. Plan to start at least 4 months before your intended program start. Some consulates (Istanbul, Tehran, Ankara) have longer queues — book as early as possible.