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Germany student visa: a step-by-step guide

To study in Germany you need a national visa (type D) for study, issued by the German Embassy in Cairo. When you arrive you swap it for a residence permit at the local foreigners’ office. The three things that take longest are the blocked account, legalising your certificates and getting an appointment, so start them first.

Checked against official sources on 25 October 2026.

  1. 01

    Open a blocked account

    A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account you pay a year of living costs into before you apply. Once you are in Germany you can take out a fixed amount each month.

    Amount required, 2026
    Per year€11,904
    Per month€992

    Providers such as Expatrio and Fintiba open blocked accounts online; allow 2 to 4 weeks for the account to open and your transfer to arrive. Only the provider’s confirmation showing the amount paid in and the monthly amount released is accepted.

    Instead of a blocked account you can show a scholarship from an official German body, or a formal declaration of support (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone living in Germany. Some universities that collect accommodation and living costs in advance accept a lower blocked amount: ask the university for a letter that states this before you rely on it.

    Watch for a change in 2027

    The amount follows the German student grant (BAföG), which is due to rise from winter semester 2027/28. Check the figure again if you apply in 2027.
  2. 02

    Arrange health insurance

    • For the visa: insurance that covers all Schengen countries, for at least €30,000, with no exclusions, valid from the day you enter Germany. Many blocked-account providers sell this as a package.
    • After you enrol: students usually switch to German statutory health insurance (for example TK, AOK or Barmer).
    • Under 18: check that the plan accepts minors; many student plans do not. Families often go straight to a statutory insurer.
  3. 03

    Legalise your certificates

    Your latest school or university certificate must be presented as the legalised original. The German Embassy can only legalise an Egyptian document once it has the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp, so the order matters. Allow at least 3 to 4 weeks.

    A common route for American Diploma students

    1. School
    2. Cognia
    3. Ministry of Education
    4. Exams administration
    5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    6. German Embassy

    If that route is delayed

    1. Amideast
    2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    3. German Embassy

    Translate the certificates into German or English if they are in another language. The originals are returned to you.

  4. 04

    Fill in VIDEX and prepare your file

    Complete the national visa form online on VIDEX, print it and sign it. Then gather:

    • Passport: issued in the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages, undamaged and signed.
    • Photos: 2 recent biometric photos (taken in the last 6 months, light background).
    • Admission letter from the university or Studienkolleg, showing the language of teaching and the start date.
    • Language proof: German at B1 from a recognised test centre, or proof that your course is taught in English.
    • Motivation letter and CV, signed by you.
    • Legalised certificates from step 3, with translations.
    • Blocked account confirmation and health insurance from steps 1 and 2.
    • Copies: a single-sided copy of every document, not stapled.
  5. 05

    Extra papers if you are under 18

    Age is counted on the day you travel. You will also need:

    • Parental consent: a notarised letter from both parents allowing you to study and live in Germany.
    • Both parents’ passports (copies of the photo page).
    • Care in Germany: details of who will look after you, for example a guardian or a boarding arrangement, if the embassy asks.
  6. 06

    Book TLScontact and pay the fees

    German visa applications in Egypt are handed in at TLScontact, which has centres in New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, Alexandria and Hurghada. Book online; summer slots go fast.

    National visa fee (paid in Egyptian pounds, not refunded if refused)€75
    TLScontact service feeShown when you book

    Decisions usually take 6 to 8 weeks, and longer from July to September. Apply as soon as you have your admission letter and blocked account.

Common questions

How much money do I need in a German blocked account?
€11,904 a year, or €992 a month, in 2026. The amount follows the BAföG student grant, which is due to rise from winter semester 2027/28, so check it again if you apply in 2027.
How long does a German student visa take from Egypt?
Decisions usually take 6 to 8 weeks, and longer from July to September. Legalising your certificates takes at least 3 to 4 weeks and a blocked account 2 to 4 weeks, so start those first.
How much is the German student visa fee?
€75 for the national visa, paid in Egyptian pounds and not refunded if the visa is refused, plus the TLScontact service fee shown when you book.
Where do I apply for a German student visa in Egypt?
At TLScontact, which has centres in New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, Alexandria and Hurghada. You fill in the national visa form on VIDEX first.

Sources: German Embassy Cairo, study visa information sheet; German Federal Foreign Office (blocked account amount); German federal government on the BAföG reform, as reported in July 2026; TLScontact Egypt. Processing times and provider timings as published by blocked-account providers in 2026.

Want us to prepare it with you?

Our Germany visa packages are paid services: we check every document, book the appointment with you and prepare you for it. The decision is always the embassy’s.

See the packages and pricesWhatsApp +20 103 443 8590

German visa rules and amounts change. Check the German Embassy in Cairo before you apply.