
Studying in Germany is a dream for many Bangladeshi students because of the country’s high-quality education system, globally recognised universities, and affordable tuition fees. However, before packing your bags, you’ll need to understand the German student visa process. This guide explains everything Bangladeshi students need to know, from admission requirements to financial proof and the visa application process.
Who Needs a German Student Visa from Bangladesh?
Every Bangladeshi student who plans to study in Germany must apply for a German student visa. Short courses of up to 3 months may only require a Schengen visa, but for degree programmes or long-term study, the student visa is essential.
Visa Types for Bangladeshi Students
There are 3 main visa categories for Bangladeshi students:
- Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken): For students with confirmed admission to a German university.
- Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung): For those still in the process of securing admission, allowing entry to attend interviews or admission tests.
- Language Course Visa (Sprachkursvisum): For students enrolled in intensive German language courses.
The most common visa type for Bangladeshi citizen who want to study in Germany is the student visa.
Eligibility Requirements for Bangladeshi Applicants
To get a German student visa, you need to meet certain basic requirements. The German government checks every application carefully to make sure students are ready for their studies.
University Admission or Conditional Admission
Visa applicants must hold either a final admission letter from a recognised German university or a conditional admission letter. Conditional admission is often accepted if you are required to complete preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) or language classes before enrolment.
Academic Background and Transcripts
You must also provide the German embassy with academic qualifications equivalent to German standards. This includes:
- Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts (if applying for a Master’s)
- Certified copies of all transcripts and certificates
Language Proficiency Requirements
Depending on your chosen programme, you will need to prove proficiency in German or English. The most common requirements include:
- German programmes: Language skills at B1 or B2 level through recognised certificated from Goethe-Institut, TestDaF, telc Deutsch or DSH
- English programmes: An equivalent of B2 or C1 level from accepts institutions such as IELTS or TOEFL
Required Documents Checklist for Bangladeshi Students

Every student visa application must be supported by properly prepared documents. The typical checklist for Bangladeshi students includes:
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Passport with at least 2 blank pages and valid for at least 12 months
- Two biometric passport photos according to German standards
- Admission letter or conditional admission proof from a German university
- Academic certificates and transcripts from your high school education or bachelor’s degree
- Proof of language skills, either German or English, depending on your chosen study programme
- Proof of financial means (e.g. Blocked Account, scholarship, or sponsorship)
- Proof of health insurance coverage, both travel health insurance and long-term German insurance
- Signed motivation letter highlighting you want to study in Germany
- Professional CV providing an overview of your academic and work experience
We would also like to provide you with some tips to help you have a smooth application process:
- Always double-check the checklist on the website of the German embassy in Dhaka and arrange all requested documents in the exact order outlined by the embassy.
- You will be required to translate any documents you might have in Bengali to German or English by official translators.
- Make sure all documents are complete and up to date. If any document is missing or filled in inaccurately, your visa application might be delayed or rejected.
Financial Proof Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
To successfully get a German student visa, internationals need to prove you have enough money to live in Germany. This requirement also applies to Bangladeshi students.
Accepted Forms of Financial Proof
There are various ways you can provide proof that you will be able to sustain yourself financially to the German embassy in Dhaka:
- Blocked Account: This is the most common and easily accepted method. Your money is “blocked” in an account and then transferred to your German bank account in monthly instalments after you arrive in Germany. Opening your Blocked Account with Fintiba ensures a fast, easy and fully digital process.
- Scholarship letter: A scholarship award certificate is another way to prove that you can cover your living costs. The scholarship amount needs to be at least €992 per month, otherwise you will still be required to open a Blocked Account to cover the remaining amount.
- Declaration of commitment: Also known as “Verpflichtungserklärung”, this is a formal obligation letter from a German resident that states that they will take full financial responsibility of you during the duration of your studies. They typically will need to provide proof of their income.
Blocked Account Amount and Monthly Minimum
The Blocked Account is the easiest way to show financial proof. As of 2025, the minimum standard amount you need to show is €992 per month, making it €11,904 for the first year. This amount must be deposited into the Blocked Account before applying for the visa, allowing you to get the blocking confirmation that demonstrates to the authorities that you have enough funds to cover your living costs.
Health Insurance Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
German law required that all international students must have health insurance. Your insurance needs to cover you properly while you study in Germany.
For the student visa application, Bangladeshi students need to provide proof of 2 types of health insurance: travel health insurance and long-term German health insurance for your stay, either public or private.
Summary of Required Coverage and Proof Format
Your travel health insurance needs to:
- Have a coverage of at least €30,000
- Cover emergency hospital treatment
- Include repatriation back to your home country
- Be valid until you activate your long-term health insurance in Germany
Additionally, the coverage of your long-term German health insurance, whether public or private, would typically include:
- GP appointments
- In-patient and out-patient treatment
- Maternity care
- Basic dental care
- Medical tests and medication
It is recommended to take out your insurance with German companies as they usually meet the required standards. This ensures your health insurance meets the visa requirements.
To show proof of your health insurance coverage, you will need to submit a certificate or confirmation letter issued by a German health insurer.
Appointment and Submission in Bangladesh
Applying for your visa involves several steps. You need to book an appointment, prepare your documents, and submit everything in order and on time.
Where to Apply? German Embassy Dhaka or VFS?
If you are applying for a German student visa, you can either go to the German Embassy in Dhaka or use VFS, a service that works with the embassy. The right option depends on whether you are applying for a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
For Bangladeshi students moving to Germany to start their bachelor’s education, you are required to apply through the embassy. After registering yourself on the Consular Services Portal, you will receive an email from the German embassy allocating an appointment to you.
On the other hand, if you want to pursue your master’s degree in Germany, your visa application process will include the VFS. First, you need to register on the Consular Services Portal. You will receive an email with a link to book an appointment with VFS.
Biometric Capture and Interview

All visa applicants must attend the appointment, either at the embassy or VFS. During this appointment, the visa officer will capture your fingerprints for biometric data. With your application documents, you will also be required to submit biometric passport-sized photos that meet the German standards. We recommend having these taken at a professional studio.
There is also high possibility that your appointment will involve a short interview conducted by the visa officer. They might ask about:
- Your study plans and why you chose your course
- Why you want to study in Germany
- Your plans after graduation
- Your German language skills
Document Legalisation and Translation Standards
Your documents need to be properly prepared before submission. This includes getting official approval from relevant authorities, like Bangladeshi government offices. This means that, in certain cases, an official stamp from Bangladeshi officials might be required on your documents.
Additionally, if any of your documents are in Bengali or any other language, you will need to have this translated to German or English. Most embassies, including the one in Dhaka, prefer if you have the documents translated to German. The translation must be done by official certified professionals.
Processing Time and Tracking for Bangladeshi Applications
Understanding how long the visa process takes helps you plan better and know what to expect.
Typical Processing Times and Peak Seasons
The average processing time for the German student visa in Bangladesh is around 4 weeks. However, delays are common during peak intake seasons (July–September and January–March). Submitting a complete set of documents, ensuring all information is correct and following instructions given by the embassy is key to make sure you don’t have an even longer delay.
How to Track Your Application
In most cases, you cannot track your visa application. After your appointment, the embassy will inform you about the processing time you can expect and that they may contact you if they need further information or documents.
Typically, they discourage you from reaching out to inquire about your visa application status. When the embassy is done processing and has made a decision, they will contact you to collect your passport.
If the Application Is Refused
Germany has a high visa acceptance rate, approximately 90%, but still sometimes visa applications get rejected for various reasons. This doesn't mean you can't try again. Understanding why applications get rejected helps you improve your next attempt.
Common Reasons for Refusal in Bangladeshi Cases
The most common reasons for a German student visa rejection are:
- Insufficient money proof: Your financial documents aren't convincing enough or do not meet the standard requirements (at least €11,904 for the first year)
- Language issues: Your German or English levels do not meet the criteria, and the visa officers are not convinced you would be able to follow your lectures.
- Missing documents: You didn't include all required papers, or they weren't prepared correctly
- Doubts about intentions: They're not sure you really want to study or will return to Bangladesh
If your visa gets rejected, the embassy will provide you with a letter that clearly indicated the reason why you could not be granted a student visa.
Remonstration Process and Reapplication Timeline
As of 1 July 2025, Germany has announced significant changes to the German visa remonstration process. This process, which allowed visa applicants to directly request the responsible German embassy to review their visa rejection, has been abolished worldwide. This means that if you want to appeal your visa rejection, you will have to file a lawsuitwith the Administrative Court in Berlin.
The easier route to take after your visa has been rejected is to reapply and make sure you correct the previous mistakes that caused the initial rejection. There is no timeline to when you can reapply, but we advise you to be meticulous with the new application process to avoid another rejection.
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Where Do I Submit My Application in Bangladesh?
If you are going to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Germany, you need to submit your application directly to the German Embassy in Dhaka. On the other hand, if you’re moving to Germany for a master’s degree, you will submit your student visa application to VFS, a visa outsourcing service working with the German embassy. Check the German Embassy website for current procedures.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Bangladeshi Students?
IELTS is not always required - it depends on your course language. If your programme is taught in English, you'll usually need IELTS, TOEFL, or similar tests. If your programme is in German, you need German language certificates instead. Some universities accept other tests or have their own language exams.
How Much Funding Is Required for a German Student Visa from Bangladesh?
You need to provide proof of at least €11,904 per year (€992 per month) either through a Blocked Account, scholarship award or formal obligation letter from a German resident. If you have a scholarship, the amount needs to be at least €992 per month, otherwise you will still be required to open a Blocked Account to cover the remaining amount.
How Long Does the Visa Process Take in Bangladesh?
The student visa application process in Bangladesh usually takes at least 4 weeks. However, this could be longer during university intake seasons or if your documents are incomplete or inaccurate. Make sure you apply at least 3 months before you want to travel to allow plenty of time.
Can I Work While Studying in Germany on a Student Visa?
Yes, you can work part-time while studying. Many students find part-time jobs to help with expenses and gain experience. Students can work 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without special permission. If you get a job at the university, for example as a research assistant or tutor, you are exempted from these working hours limits.
Can I Apply Without Final Admission Using a Conditional Offer?
Yes, you can apply with conditional admission, provided it is issued by a recognised German university and states what you must fulfil to get a final admission letter.
Can Dependants Accompany a Bangladeshi Student?
Your spouse or child can join you in Germany if: You have settled in Germany and received your student residence permit. The marriage to your spouse already existed when you got your residence permit. You intend to stay in Germany longer than 1 year You can financially support both you and your dependant(s) Keep in mind that your family member would have to apply for the family reunification visa from the German embassy in Bangladesh.
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