Visa Information for Studying in Germany
Who Needs a Visa?
If you are a citizen of a non-EEA country (non-European Economic Area), you will most likely need a student visa to study in Germany.
Check this list to see whether your country requires a visa:
List of countries requiring visas (Federal Foreign Office)
Students from EEA countries (including EU countries) do not need a visa and can apply directly to any SAE Diploma or Bachelor program offered at their preferred campus.
Admission Requirements for Bachelor Programs
Before applying for a visa, make sure you are eligible for university-level study in Germany.
Use this tool to check your eligibility:
uni-assist University Admission Check
To help us speed up your process, feel free to send us a screenshot of your result.
Step-by-Step: Visa Application Process
1. Apply to SAE and receive your conditional offer
2. Pay your enrollment fee – This is mandatory before we issue your official Letter of Acceptance
3. Receive your Letter of Acceptance (LoA) – You need this document to apply for your visa
4. Submit your visa application to the German embassy or consulate in your home country
5. Wait for approval – The process may take up to 3 months, so apply early!
Suggestions based on our experience
Experience has shown that the Fast Track Bachelor (24 months) may lead to better visa approval rates than the Standard Bachelor (36 months). However, both formats are possible – and we’ve seen successful Standard Bachelor visas.
Students from the following non-EEA countries often have smoother visa experiences:
• USA
• Canada
• Israel
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Japan
Applicants from other countries are also welcome, but should plan for longer processing times and additional documentation.
