German Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to know to apply for a German student visa: required documents, the blocked account, embassy appointment, and what to expect.
The German student visa (National Visa – Type D) is your gateway to studying in Germany. This path is not complicated; you just need to follow the steps in order and with care.
Step 1: University Admission
First and foremost, you need one of these two:
- Final Admission (Zulassungsbescheid) from a German university, or
- Conditional Admission combined with enrollment in a language course or preparatory college (Studienkolleg)
Without admission, the embassy will not accept a student visa application.
Step 2: Blocked Account
You must prove that you have the financial resources to live in Germany for one year. In 2026, this amount is approximately €11,904 for one year, which is deposited into a blocked account and only a portion can be withdrawn monthly. Read the full blocked account guide in our dedicated post.
Step 3: Health Insurance
To have your visa issued, you need travel health insurance, and to enroll at the university, you need student health insurance (public or private). Public student health insurance is usually around €145–150 per month in 2026.
Step 4: Consular Services Portal & Documents
The application process for Afghan students is fully digitalized. The old waitlists have been discontinued, and you must apply online through the official Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal).
How the Online System Works:
- Register Online: Create an account on the Consular Services Portal.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the online visa application questionnaire, which generates a personalized checklist of required documents.
- Upload Your Scans: Upload clear, high-quality scans of all required documents to the portal.
- Online Review: The consular team will pre-screen your uploaded documents. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will notify you through the portal so you can update them.
- Schedule the Interview: Once your digital application is approved, you will be able to book your in-person appointment. Since the German Embassy in Kabul is closed, this in-person appointment is scheduled at the German Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan (or another designated regional mission).
