Visa and Residence Permit

As soon as you have received the Information Letter from Bielefeld University you should start to prepare for your life in Germany.

Citizens of EU Member States, EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) or states that have entered a bilateral agreement with the German Federal Republic, e.g. Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, United States of America.
Students who wish to stay in Germany for longer than three months and that are from a country other than the above-mentioned generally must obtain a stamp (visa) from the German embassy or consulate in their home country. Contact details can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Check the website of the Federal Foreign Office to find out whether or not you need a visa and to check on regulations for the entry and residence in Germany.

Please note: A tourist visa (Schengen visa) is only valid for a maximum of three months. It cannot be converted into a visa for the purpose of studying.
Please apply for your visa as early as possible because it usually takes some time until your documents are processed.
- Letter of admission from Bielefeld University
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
  You need to prove that you will have an amount of currently 659€ (Effective September 2011) per month at your disposal. You can use a confirmation of your bank or a document in which your parents declare to finance your life in Germany. If somebody who lives in Germany will finance your studies, this person must prove that he/she has the means to do so.
- Evidence of the education in your home country (certificates)
- Health insurance policy
- Passport Photographs
- You can apply for a residence permit as soon as you arrive in Bielefeld.