Document checklist generator

Your document checklist

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• University admission or conditional admission letter (required)A confirmed (or conditional) admission letter from a recognised German higher-education institution, or proof of a Studienkolleg place.
• Proof of financial resources (blocked account) (required)Evidence you can cover living costs — most applicants open a blocked account holding the annual minimum and releasing a fixed sum each month.
  Fintiba

  Open your German blocked account

  Most German student-visa applicants open a blocked account to prove funds. Fintiba is BaFin-regulated and accepted by German embassies.

  Open a blocked account

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• Health insurance valid in Germany (required)Travel/incoming health insurance covering the period until enrolment, then statutory or recognised private student health insurance.
  SafetyWing

  Student & travel health insurance

  Health insurance valid in Germany covering the gap before statutory enrolment — required for the visa.

  Get a quote

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• Proof of language proficiency (required)English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE as the university specifies. German-taught: TestDaF/DSH/Goethe.
  Duolingo English Test

  Take the Duolingo English Test

  Cheaper and faster than IELTS, accepted by many German universities. Check your programme accepts it first.

  Book the test

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• Valid passport (required)Passport valid for the intended stay, plus biometric photos meeting embassy specification.
• APS certificate (nationality-dependent) (if applicable)Applicants from certain countries (e.g. India, Vietnam, China, Pakistan) must obtain an APS certificate before applying.
• Tuition / proof-of-funds transfer (if applicable)If transferring tuition or topping up a blocked account from abroad, use a low-fee provider to avoid losing money on FX.
  Wise

  Transfer tuition & funds with low FX fees

  Send proof-of-funds or tuition to Germany at the real exchange rate instead of losing money to bank markups.

  Send money with Wise

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• Connectivity on arrival (if applicable)An eSIM gives you a working number and data the moment you land — useful for city registration (Anmeldung) and bank setup.
  Airalo

  Get an eSIM before you land

  A working number and data the moment you arrive — useful for Anmeldung and opening a local bank account.

  Browse eSIMs

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• Proof of accommodation (often requested) (if applicable)Many consulates ask for a tenancy agreement or dorm confirmation; book early as student housing is scarce.
  HousingAnywhere

  Find student accommodation

  Book mid-term student housing before arrival — consulates often ask for proof of accommodation.

  Search housing

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