Skip to content
Home » Visas and Immigration » Types of Visas » Study German in Germany

Study German in Germany

You can apply to study German in Germany. For this, you need to apply for a Long Term Visa National Visa. Take note that the procedure is different from that of a tourist visa. 

Application Process

  1. Enrol at an accredited German language school
  2. Prepare your proof of financial means
  3. Book your Appointment for a Long Term Visa. 
  4. Take out health insurance
  5. Have your biometric passport photos taken
  6. Prepare your documentation, and make sure you have all the documents on this list.  Include a motivational letter. 
  7. Have your interview at the embassy
  8. Wait for approval
  9. Book your flight tickets.  You only book your flight tickets after the Visa is approved.

Tips

  • Always include a motivational letter as to why you want to study German in Germany. It could be for example in preparation for further studies at a University or Apprenticeship.
  • I can recommend the following company to take out medical and travel insurance. They cater for students and are accepted by the embassy – Klemmer
  • The language course must be for 5 days a week with a minimum of 4 hours per day. – Min 20 hours a week. The VHS is a good option.
  • Proof of financial means: a minimum of 934UR per month (as of 2023) for one year in advance. Therefore 11.208 EUR needs to be available with one of the following options:
    • A blocked account at a German bank showing the minimum amount of 11.040 EUR (withdrawal limit of 920 EUR per month). A blocked account is a bank account from which no money or only a limited amount of money can be withdrawn. Additional information can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website.  Always choose a reliable bank to open your Sperrkonto.  Additional info on the Study in Germany website.
    • A Formal Letter of Obligation, pursuant to sections 66-68 of the Residence Act valid for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Germany, which must be applied for at the relevant Alien’s Office by the resident/ host in Germany. Please note, sufficient funds (creditworthiness) must be proven by the 2sponsor and be confirmed on the Formal Letter of Obligation by the relevant Alien’s Office
    • Proof of sponsorship or bursary from a German institution (e.g. DAAD) or the South African government
    • Statement of income/financial circumstances of the parents as well as an assurance of their support. In these cases, the blocked account (see above) must be opened after arrival in Germany.
  • The visa application process takes between 4 and 6 weeks.

Where to find information

German tutors listed on our website

Karin Gärtner – German Tutor

Before lockdown I taught German in the evenings as part of classes the Deutsche Schule Durban offered to adults and children. During lockdown things went mostly online and I teach via skype. I also have students living in Germany. I am a South African German, German was my major at Stellenbosch University. I am a retired teacher offering online as well as face to face lessons. The study material I work with, are the Menschen books, A and B levels. New offering! Conversational sessions/lessons where one learns through talking.  

Beyond the Class-room

As an English teacher i am always looking at fun ways to interact with my students, especially during the stay at home times we have recently experienced. So i started putting my creative mind to work to put together fun interactive books for kids to either do at home or when out and about.   The interactive busy books have an assortment of themes to choose from including: Farm animals, Frozen, Paw Patrol, Dinosaurs, Peppa-Pig, Transport and Tinkerbell. They are filled with basic skills for kids aged 3 to 7 years including: learning to spell and write their own names, learning ABC’s, colours, puzzles, number recognition, fine motor skills, size sorting and more. Each page and the attachable pieces are laminated. Easy to wipe clean with the white board marker provided.   Each book has a different design and skill set. It provides hours of fun, mind challenges and cognitive thinking. Instructions in each busy book can be in English or German with the activities in English.  Fun, easy learning.

Linguistika

A Multifaceted Language Service founded by Stephanie Schaffrath TAILORED ONLINE LANGUAGE TUITION: With over 12 years of experience teaching languages, Linguistika is committed to providing high-quality language instruction to individuals of all ages and levels of proficiency. Not only is our team of native speakers experienced in preparing students for international language examinations, ranging from A1 to C2 levels, we are also incredibly proud of our remarkable 100% pass rate and 86% average. 🇬🇧 English tuition for French speakers 🇫🇷 French tuition for English speakers 🇬🇧 English tuition for German speakers 🇩🇪 German tuition for English speakers 🇬🇧 English tuition for Italian speakers 🇮🇹 Italian tuition for English speakers 🇬🇧 English tuition for Portuguese speakers 🇵🇹 Portuguese tuition for English speakers 🇦🇺 IELTS & PTE Prep for English speakers   SPECIAL EVENTS INTERPRETATION: When marrying two people of different cultural backgrounds, having an interpreter to facilitate the wedding celebrations is often crucial, as it ensures that all attendees, regardless of language barriers, can fully engage and understand the significance of the ceremony. It not only fosters inclusivity but also reinforces the idea that love knows no linguistic boundaries.   Cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in shaping a wedding ceremony’s essence and significance. It acts as a bridge connecting the past with the future, embodying the values, traditions, and customs passed down through generations. Incorporating cultural heritage elements into a wedding not only adds depth and authenticity to the occasion but also symbolizes the couple’s commitment to honouring their roots and celebrating the unique tapestry of their love. Our amazing team of native French, German, Italian and Portuguese speakers is beyond excited to facilitate your special day. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Related content

List of Long Stay Visas

Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. You will always apply for your first long-stay German Visa at the German Embassy in South Africa.This might also apply when you change your type of visa e.g from study to work. The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.From now on, you will have the opportunity to apply for the following types of visa online via the Consular Service Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Appointments for national visas can be booked online (free of charge). Residents of the following countries/provinces must submit their visa application to the indicated mission: Online appointments Embassy Pretoria: Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Lesotho, Swaziland Online appointments Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape. To sponsor someone’s visit for example your adult child who wants to study in Germany and does not qualify for the financial requirements, you need to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung List of long term visas As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide the links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. Blue Card (minimum salary and university degree). You can find additional information on Make it in Germany. You can also download this handy flyer about an EU Blue Card Employment Visa – for qualified professionals.  Subcategories are : Skilled worker holding a University degree IT specialist with professional experience Research stay Skilled worker with vocational training qualification – As a skilled worker with vocational training qualification, you can be issued a residence permit to engage in skilled employment that your qualification enables you to perform. Have a look at the current professions in demand. Please note that some university degrees from foreign universities are classified as vocational training qualifications in Germany. Work in case of partial recognition of qualification – If your vocational training has not been fully recognised by the competent German agency, you can apply for a visa to complete the necessary training in Germany and at the same time start to work. After completion and full recognition of your training, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). Flyer from BAMF.  Study Visa – General, Doctorate and German language studies. See also our page about studying German in Germany Au Pair Visa Jobseeker, vocational training or voluntary service visa Family reunification – Spouse – see also our page about this topic Family reunification  – Parent to a minor German child Family reunification – Child to a foreign parent (In case a foreign child intends to move to a foreign parent living permanently in Germany) Legal basis Residence Act Aufenthaltsverordnung AufenthV Federal Act on registration Visumhandbuch Resources on the web What type of visa do I need? – Make it in Germany Federal Foreign Office / Auswärtiges Amt Federal Office for Migration and Refugees / Bundesamt für Migration und Flugtlinge Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territor from the Bundesministerium der Justiz. Visa Regulations  Terminology Permanent Residence Permit Die Nierderlassungserlaubnis Residence Permit Der Aufenhalstitel Visa Das Visum Blue Card Die Blaue Karte Related content

German Grammar and Language

Here are some links to German Grammar information.It is a compilation of information I gathered over time. I hope you find it useful. Please notify us if you find any errors. Where to learn German On this page you can find links to off-and online resources to learn German. There is also a list of Apps. Basic Grammar Kasus / Cases Nominativ, Akkusativ, Dativ and Genativ Artikel Bestimmt und Unbestimmt Adjektivendung In English it is just red, in German, it can be rote, roter, roten, rotes or rotem. This page has some tables and explanations to help you. Pronouns Verbs Tips A sentence can have a Subject, Direct Object, and Indirect Object. Also important is the Verb (action). Within one sentence you can have different Cases The Subject is always in the Nominative Case. The Direct Object (What/Who or Wen?) is mostly in the Accusative Case (may also depend on the Präposition or Verb). The Indirect Object (To Whom? or Wem?) is mostly in the Dative Case (may also depend on the Präposition or Verb) In a sentence with just a Subject and Direct object, the basic word order is Subject -Verb – Accusative (Der Mann (subject) isst den Apfel (direct object)) in a sentence with dative and accusative case the basic word order is: Subject-Verb-Dative-Accusative (Das Kind (subject) gibt der Mutter (indirect object) einen Kuss (direct object).  Of course, there is an exception when two pronouns are involved eg Ich schenke ihn ihr see more here. The normal rule is Dative before accusative,  If both the dative and the accusative objects are pronouns, then accusative before dative

Learning German

Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible language courses, while mobile apps make learning easy wherever you are. For a more interactive experience, attending in-person classes can provide practical lessons and opportunities to practice with others. European Language Framework In Germany, the European Language Framework (CEFR) is widely used to assess language proficiency. This framework helps learners understand their current skill level, identify areas for improvement, and work towards internationally recognized certifications. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, there’s a path to mastering German that fits your needs. Level Group Level Description ABasic user A1Breakthrough or beginner Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. A2Waystage or elementary Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. BIndependent user B1Threshold or intermediate Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. B2Vantage or upper intermediate Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. CProficient user C1Effective operational proficiency or advanced Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. C2Mastery or proficiency Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Online Courses Online German courses are becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals who wish to improve their language skills. If you are considering taking a German course online, you may be pleased to know that several institutions offer high-quality language instruction. These courses typically cover a range of language competencies, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension.  Goethe Deutsche Welle www.deutsch-uni.com www.alumniportal-deutschland.org Lingoda LerneDeutsch For small school going children – Scoyo Udemy offers thousands of courses for German. The following were recommended to us: A.1.1 , A1.2,  A2.1, A2.2  Learn German in South Africa The following institutions offer traditional classroom courses which provide face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers. You will have the opportunity to learn German in a supportive and structured environment, with experienced instructors who will guide you through every step of the process.  Goethe Institute Johannesburg The German Language & Cultural Institute Study German in Germany The best way to learn any language is by attending classes and practising it in a real-life setting. Not only do these classes enhance your language skills, but they also expose you to German culture and open doors to new friendships and experiences.  Local Volkshochschule – VHS Berlitz Language school Integration course If you received your residence permit after January 1, 2005, and cannot communicate at a basic or adequate level in German, you may be required to attend an integration course. This requirement is determined by the immigration office when your residence permit is issued. If you are receiving citizens’ benefits and are instructed by the relevant office to participate in an integration course, attendance is mandatory. Cost Exemptions and Reimbursements Exemptions from Costs:If you receive citizens’ benefits, unemployment benefits, or assistance to cover living expenses, you can apply for an exemption from course fees. Additionally, those facing financial or personal hardships may also qualify for an exemption. Reimbursement of Costs:If you pass the final test of the integration course within two years (or three years for special target groups) from the date your Eligibility Certificate (Teilnahmeberechtigung) was issued, you may be eligible to have half your course fees reimbursed. This requires completing and submitting an application to the appropriate branch office. For detailed information, visit the BAMF website or the BAMF NAvI website. Exam preperation The first hurdle is to pass the A1 and A2 exams. The following websites offer mock exams to help you prepare for the exams.. Goethe practice materials DW Placement Tests My German Teacher is a Youtube channel, they offer tips on how to pass the A1 exams Listed tutors If you are looking for one-on-one German classes, we have German tutors listed on our website   Apps Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but thanks to modern technology, we now have access to interactive language learning apps that make learning fun. Podcasts and videos Another fun way to learn german is by listening to podcasts or watching videos. Audible has a great selection