German Student Visa Requirements for Egyptian Students (2026)

Academic Documents for Egyptian Students

Your academic documents are the foundation of your German student visa application. The documentation process begins well before your visa appointment, as you'll need to gather certificates, verify their authenticity, and obtain official stamps from Egyptian governmental bodies.

High School/University Certificate Requirements in Egypt

Egyptian students must submit official proof of their previous education, depending on the level they are applying for in Germany.

If you are applying for a bachelor’s programme, you will need your high school certificate (Thanaweya Amma) with a full grade breakdown. The German Embassy requires both the original certificate and a certified copy.

If you want to pursue a master’s degree in Germany, then you’ll need to provide both your original previous university degree as well as a certified copy of it.

All academic certificates, which are not in English or German need to be submitted along with a certified German translation. Additionally, the documents must go through the legalisation process before your visa appointment.

Transcript and Degree Verification Rules for Egyptian Applicants

German visa authorities pay close attention to the authenticity and completeness of your academic documents. Your transcripts must include:

• Subjects studied

• Grades received

• Duration of study

Additionally, Egyptian academic documents require a specific authentication process before they can be accepted for German student visa applications.  

The German Embassy in Cairo can only legalise Egyptian public documents that have first received a pre-authentication stamp from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This authentication chain exists because German authorities need assurance that your Egyptian credentials are genuine and haven't been altered.

Allow at least 3 to 4 weeks for the complete authentication and legalisation process, accounting for waiting periods at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the German Embassy.

Financial Proof Requirements for Egyptian Students

For Egyptian students applying for a German student visa, proving sufficient financial resources is an essential part of the application. German visa authorities require clear proof that you can cover your living costs throughout your stay without relying on governmental funds.

This means meeting specific thresholds through approved financial instruments. The standard requirement currently stands at €11,904 per year (as of 2026). You have various options to demonstrate this, such as a Blocked Account or a scholarship.

Blocked Account Rules for Egypt

A Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) remains the most reliable and widely accepted form of financial proof for Egyptian students applying for a German student visa. This specialised bank account must be opened with a provider recognised by German authorities.  

It works by restricting access to the money until you are In Germany, then the funds are released to you in monthly instalments. This ensures you have a stable and consistent budget for your monthly expenses.

We recommend opening your Blocked Account at least 3 weeks before your visa appointment. This gives you buffer time in case you need to do an international bank transfer, which can often take up to 10 business days.  

German authorities only accept an official blocking confirmation from the Blocked Account provider that indicates the exact amount has been deposited and how much money will be available per month. Bank transfer receipts, informal confirmations, and mobile banking screenshots will not be accepted.

Acceptable Bank Statements and Sponsor Proofs for Egyptians

While the Blocked Account remains the most used method, Egyptian students have alternative options to demonstrate financial proof. Acceptable alternatives include:

• An official scholarship award certificate from a recognised German institution, clearly indicating the amount and duration of funding. If the amount is under €992 per month, then you will need to open a Blocked Account to cover the remaining amount.

• A formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a German resident for the entire duration of your studies.

Visa Application Process in Egypt

Egyptian students must follow a specific procedural pathway when applying for German student visas, and understanding the appointment system, documentation submission order, and biometric requirements will help you avoid common delays.

Where to Apply: TLScontact Egypt

German student visa applications for Egyptian students are handled through TLScontact, the official external service provider authorised by the German missions.  

Egyptian students cannot apply directly at the German Embassy – you must book your appointment and submit your documents through TLScontact. Your complete application is then forwarded to the German Embassy for decision-making.

There are 4 TLScontact centres in Egypt: New Cairo, El-Sheikh Zayed, Alexandria, and Hurghada. You will need to create an account on the official TLScontact website and follow the instructions provided.

It’s important to note that the service fee charged by TLScontact is separate from the visa fee paid to the German government.

Document Submission and Biometric Appointment

Your appointment at TLScontact involves two main parts: submitting your complete documentation package and providing biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Egyptian students should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time with all documents organised in the order specified on the TLScontact checklist.

The standard document package for Egyptians applying for a German student visa includes:

1. Completed national visa application form (signed in three places)

2. Valid passport (must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)

3. Two recent biometric passport photographs (meeting German visa photo requirements)

4. German university admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)

5. Blocked Account confirmation or alternative financial proof

6. Proof of health insurance coverage

7. Authenticated and translated academic certificates and transcripts

8. Motivation letter explaining your study plans and career objectives

9. Curriculum vitae

10. Proof of German language proficiency (if required by your programme)

At your TLScontact appointment, the staff will review your documents for completeness, but not eligibility. They will also take your fingerprints, collect the visa fee, and provide you with a receipt and tracking number.

Your passport will remain with them throughout the processing period and will be returned to you with the visa decision.

Processing Timelines for Egyptian Applicants

Standard processing times for German student visas from Egypt typically range from 6 to 8 weeks. The local immigration authority in the German city where you will be living must also approve your visa application and this is factored in the average processing time.

You should plan your application timeline working backward from your intended travel date. If you need to arrive in Germany by October for winter semester, you should submit your visa application in July.

Translation and Notarisation Requirements in Egypt

Document translation represents one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of the German student visa process for Egyptian applicants. Not every document requires translation, but those that do must meet specific standards recognised by German authorities.

Egyptian students must work with qualified translators whose credentials are accepted by the German Embassy in Cairo. Informal translations or non-certified translation services will result in rejection.

Documents That Must Be Translated for German Missions

All documents issued in Arabic must be translated into German for your student visa application. The German Embassy in Cairo specifically requires German-language translations authenticated by sworn translators found on their website.

Documents for your German student visa application that require German translation include:

• High school certificate (Thanaweya Amma) with complete grade transcript

• University degree certificates from Egyptian institutions

• Academic transcripts showing all courses and grades

• Financial documents issued only in Arabic

• Birth certificate (if requested)

• Marriage certificate (if requested)

Documents that typically don't require translation include:

• Blocked Account confirmation (usually issued in English or German by providers)

• International health insurance certificates (if issued in English or German)

• IELTS or TOEFL certificates (already in English)

• DAAD scholarship letters (typically issued in German or English)

Notary, Sworn Translator, and Certified Copy Rules in Egypt

Egyptian students must understand the distinction between different types of document authentication required for German visa applications.

Sworn translators (Übersetzer) are professionals authorised by the German Embassy in Cairo to provide legally recognised translations. The German Embassy maintains a list of approved sworn translators in Egypt, and you must use someone from this list.

Certified copies are photocopies of original documents that have been verified as accurate reproductions by an authorised official. In Egypt, certified copies can be obtained from the issuing institution or the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication department.