Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)

Germany · for applicants from Nigeria

Verified · 22 June 2026

For non-EU students admitted to a German university or preparatory course. Most public universities are tuition-free, but a blocked account (Sperrkonto) proving living costs is the key requirement. Leads to an 18-month post-study job-search permit and then a work permit.

Rules last verified: 22 June 2026 · by Elizabeth O

At a glance

Embassy processing

Varies (Nigeria: expect added scrutiny + APS certificate)

Our turnaround

5–7 working days

Done-for-you Standard

Government fees

~£64

≈ ₦117,056

Why applications get refused

Blocked account below minimum

Funds under €11,904 or source not credible.

Fix: Deposit the full current amount from a clear, evidenced source.

Missing APS certificate

Required APS verification not completed.

Fix: Obtain the APS certificate before booking the appointment.

Doubt over study intent

Course/plan inconsistent with background.

Fix: Show a coherent study plan and academic fit.

Document checklist

Required

Valid passport

When: "all"

University admission letter (or Studienkolleg/conditional)

When: "all"

Blocked account confirmation (€11,904)

When: "all"

APS certificate

When: "countries where required (verify Nigeria)"

Language certificate (programme-specific)

When: "all"

Health insurance + biometric photos + VIDEX form

When: "all"

Application timeline

1. Prepare your application

Gather documents, draft supporting letters, complete forms

1–3 weeks

2. Rekoja review (if Done-for-you)

Specialist checks your file before you submit

5–7 working days

3. Submit online or at visa centre

Biometrics appointment may be required

1 day

4. Embassy decision

Standard processing. Priority options may be available.

Varies (Nigeria: expect added scrutiny + APS certificate)

All-in government fees

These are the fees you pay to the government, not Rekoja's service fee. Shown at the indicative exchange rate.

Mandatory

Student visa

£64

117,056

Total government fees

64

≈ ₦117,056

Proof of funds (must hold, not pay)

Blocked account (Sperrkonto)

£10,185

18,628,365

Indicative. 1 GBP = 1829 NGN · 2026-08-03. Government fees change. Confirm on the official website before paying.

What a free chatbot cannot do

A free AI can tell you the rules. Rekoja does the harder part: we verify them against the official government source, prepare the actual application file, catch what gets people refused, and a specialist checks everything before you submit. We stand behind our work.

  • Rules verified against the official source, with the date
  • Document checklist built for your specific profile
  • The inconsistency check that catches what gets people refused
  • A human reviews your complete file before submission

Know your real chances for this route

Free, in about a minute. Your eligibility, gaps, and the all-in cost estimate. No signup to see the score.

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The assessment pre-selects Germany and the study route for you. You can adjust before you run it.

Common questions about the Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)

Sourced answers to the most-searched questions about this corridor are being verified and will appear here. Start the free assessment or ask the desk directly.

Real outcomes

100% approved

Based on 12 reported outcomes across all Rekoja cases. This is a look back at past cases, not a prediction. The embassy decides; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Prepare for the interview

Many study routes include an interview or credibility check. Done-for-you Premium includes a live interview-preparation session with a specialist: the questions officers actually ask on this route, practised with you before the real thing.

Preparation improves your readiness, not the decision. Practice, never a guarantee.

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Not a visa decision or legal advice. Rules shown are as of the last verification date above. Immigration rules change. Confirm before filing. The embassy decides, not Rekoja.