Visa & Residence Title
Students planning to study in Germany need to provide evidence of a valid residence permit or visa for study purposes to register at the University of Siegen. Visa exemptions apply for EU-nationals and students from countries for which visa requirements have been waived. For an Overview of Visa Requirements/Exemptions for Entry into the Federal Republic of Germany visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Visa Requirements for non-EU Students
Students from countries that require a visa for Germany have to apply for a visa for study purposes. Students holding a tourist or Schengen visa are not allowed to register and cannot apply for a residence permit for study purposes in Germany!
Visa Application
The visa application and all required documents have to be submitted at the German embassy or consulate at your home country as soon as possible.
The application requires a letter of admission or a confirmation of application issued by the University of Siegen as well as a proof of funding for the duration of study. Students seeking a degree at Siegen University usually need to submit a proof of funding for one year, exchange and short-term students usually need to submit a proof of funding for the duration of study in Germany.
Application for a Residence Title in Germany
The visa is often issued for three months. Within these three months, you need to apply for a residence title at the foreigners' registration office responsible for the place of residence in Germany.
Further Information
You find further information on visa requirements and application on the website of the Federal Foreign Office
» Federal Foreign Office: Entry and Residence
» German Missions Abroad
» Federal Foreign Office: Visa Requirements/Excemptions
Visa Exemptions for non-EU Students
Students from countries for which the European Community has waived visa requirements are allowed to travel to the Federal Republic of Germany for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa.
Application for a Residence Title in Germany
Within this 90-days period students have to apply for a residence title at the foreigners’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde) responsible for their place of residence.
Please note that an application for a residence title also requires several application documents including a confirmation of finances (usually a blocked account)!
Further Information
You find further information on entry regulations and visa exemptions on the website of the Federal Foreign Office:
» Federal Foreign Office: Entry and Residence
» German Missions Abroad
» Federal Foreign Office: Visa Requirements/Excemptions
International Students from EU Countries
EU-nationals do not require a visa to travel to Germany or study at a German university.
Non-EU Citizens: Directive 2016-801
Exchange students from a non-EU state who are already registered at an institution of higher education in an EU member state (third-country nationals) apply for a residence title in accordance with the Directive 2016-801.
For third-country nationals the University of Siegen sends a notification and required application documents to the National Contact Point at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
Students who hold a residence title under the Directive on conditions of entry and residence (Directive 2016/801/EU) in another EU member state may come to Germany and study here for up to 360 days without applying for a German residence permit.