Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)

Germany · for applicants from Nigeria

Verified · 20 August 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: 20 August 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

≈ ₦116,608

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

116,608

Total government fees

64

≈ ₦116,608

Proof of funds (must hold, not pay)

Blocked account (Sperrkonto)

£10,193

18,571,646

Indicative. 1 GBP = 1,822 NGN · 16 September 2026. 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

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We carry Germany and the study route over from this page. The first screen shows both so you can change them, then it is two answers about you and picking your route. Your full profile is checked later, with your desk team.

Common questions about the Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken)

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Real outcomes

Real, consented, initials-only outcomes with days-to-decision will appear here as cases close. The embassy decides; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Prepare for the interview

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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.