If you wish to study in Germany and you already have an unconditional acceptance letter (e.g. Bachelor, Masters, PHD or exchange studies) please contact our service provider VisaMetric.

If you have 1. a conditional letter of acceptance from a university or are 2. searching for a place to study, you will need to apply with the German Embassy.

All persons who wish to travel to Germany searching for a place at a college or university in Germany are required to obtain a residence permit. In order to enter Germany, a visa has to be issued that allows you to apply for studies.

This visa is a national visa but does also entitle you to enter the other Schengen countries for a stay up to 90 days.

After submitting your visa application, your visa file might be forwarded to the competent German authorities. Therefore, it can take several weeks up to months to process your national visa applications. After the application has been approved, the German Embassy will issue a national visa with the duration for up to one year. A final residence permit will be granted in Germany by the Immigration Office if you intend to stay in Germany permanently.

Please prepare your application with all of the following documents in the given order. Please bring your original certificates and translations if applicable. Please DO NOT staple any documents.

Incomplete documentation may result in the rejection of your application.

• VIDEX application form fully completed including declaration Section 54 (2) 8, duly signed
• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 6 months after arriving in Germany with at least two empty pages) + copy
• Irish residence permit + copy
• 1 biometric passport size picture, not older than six months with a bright background and frontal view of the face (please do not attach the picture to the application form) Digitally-altered passport pictures will not be accepted
• CV on career with certificates and diplomas
• Motivation letter with information about
  • 1. General motivation
  • 2. Planned course of action to find a university place (sector, region, intended place of residence/ accommodation etc.
• 1. Copy of the letter of conditional acceptance from a German university
• 2. Proof of qualification to be accepted at a German university
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay (the equivalent of 992.00 EUR per month, 1 year: 11,904.00 EUR): blocked account (for further information see website)
• Proof of housing in Germany with full address (e.g. rental contract, hotel reservation) OR invitation letter in case of private accommodation with name, full address and their passport copy
• Self-addressed envelope (An Post only), 9,50,- Euros stamp or Envelope and stamps can be purchased for 12 Euros at the Embassy
• Visa fee: 75,- Euros (contactless payment options are not available)
• After approval: Health insurance covering you for the duration of your visa

Please note that the German Embassy Dublin reserves the right to ask for additional documents at any time during processing. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted.