Reasons for Rejection of a German Student Visa

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on May 24, 2023 05:51 PM IST

Want to avoid having your German study permit application denied? This article discusses the most common reasons for the rejection of a German student visa and solutions to avoid mistakes that may lead to a refusal.

Reasons for Rejection of a German Student Visa

Rejection of a German student visa can lead to disappointment and disillusionment after months of effort and labour put into it. It is a very important document and rejection of it may drown all the attempts to study abroad. The German student visa is of several types and depends on the course and duration for which you are planning to study. 

Germany, like other countries, poses strict visa requirements with strict processes that need to be met for an aspirant to receive their visa. Submitting invalid or incomplete documents and applications, lack of proper proof of financial situation, and many other factors can lead to the rejection of your German Student Visa application. It is, therefore, necessary to make a flawless application and submit all the documents properly. 

Has your German Student Visa application been rejected? Let us discuss some of the common reasons why some applicants fail to attain a study permit for German during their visa applications and the things you can do to avoid them.

Talk to our study abroad counsellors who will guide you from start to finish in achieving your student visa in Germany. Have your applications reviewed by us and find out if there are things that need to be changed, removed, added, or improved.

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Reasons for Rejection of German Student Visa - Highlights

Let us discuss the common factors and grounds based on which a student visa for Germany can be rejected:

Type of Student Visa

  • Germany offers three types of student visas that international students can apply to that cater to different types of students and courses.

  • Applying to each university requires different processes and documents, therefore, applying for the wrong German student visa can lead to automatic cancellation or rejection of the application.

If you are wondering Can applying for the wrong type of German Student Visa get my application rejected? then the simple answer is 'yes'.

Germany offers three different types of Student Visas that any international student can apply for, however, each student visa has been designed for different types of international students with different study intentions. This, in turn, requires international students to submit different documents and forms that are unique to each type of German Student Visa.

As you will see going forward, not submitting all of the documents or submitting incomplete documents is a sure way to have your applications rejected even before you get a chance to explain yourself. 

Financial Situation

  • To apply for a German Student Visa, students need to provide proof of sufficient funds for sustenance in the country.

  • Keep your finances in check and provide the necessary documentation in a clear, concise, and neat manner.

The basic requirement of any visa application is the financial capability of the applicant. Whether you are travelling to a country to study or work, every country ensures that you, as an international traveller, are intending to travel back to your home country either on or before your stay permit expires.

Similarly, Germany has set a minimum amount that should be available in your bank account with other steps and processes that need to be fulfilled before the visa applications have been accepted. When researching the right visa, you will end up finding out about the financial requirements for a German Visa.

As per current regulations, Germany has set the minimum amount that should be displayed in an international student's bank account, which is EUR 10,332 a year. Distributing this between the months, a student should have at least EUR 862 per month to suffice for basic living. The commonly opted method of proving one's stable financial situation is through a blocked German bank account, which is pretty much an account from which you, as an international student, will be able to withdraw a total of EUR 861 each month.

Academic Records

  • Unsatisfactory academic records can be a reason for German authorities to object.

  • Have valid reasons for the unsatisfactory record and your motivation for success to reach your potential.

While this seems to be more of an aspect that would affect universities and colleges enrolling you in their programmes, the German authorities will also look into your academic record. A less-than-satisfactory academic record can catch their eyes and may lead them to question you during your interview.

Similar to other countries, Germany is also in need of skilled and qualified professionals in different sectors and industries. Thus, to ensure that all students entering the country for higher studies are motivated to be among the best in their fields, the authorities will go through their previous academic records, which include their high school results as well as undergraduate or graduate results whichever is applicable.

Language Requirements

  • Students wishing to study in Germany must possess language fluency in either English or German since programmes offered by German universities are taught in either of these mediums. They are classified as German-taught or English-taught programmes.

  • Students should practice communicating in either or both of the languages as German Visa officers may choose to communicate in either language.

Every country, whether English-speaking or not, has a language requirement that all international students are required to meet if they wish to study in the country. Similarly, Germany has posed the requirement of being relatively fluent in either German or English. While in most cases, you may end up pursuing an English-taught programme in Germany, international students may still be required to have a basic understanding and skills to communicate in German.

Depending on the programme that a student wishes to pursue, their language requirements will also vary. Therefore, if you choose a German-taught programme, then make sure you are fluent in the language. Meanwhile, if you are pursuing an international programme or an English-taught programme, then make sure you are fluent in English.

Visa Interview

  • One of the common areas where applications get rejected is the visa interview. Students must brush up on their communication and interview skills to ace the interviews.

  • Students must connect with either international students who are already studying in Germany and have passed their interviews or connect with study abroad counsellors.

One of the biggest reasons your German student visa applications can be rejected is the lack of documentation or incomplete sets of documents being submitted with the student visa application form. Valid and/or authorised documents work as proof of meeting the different eligibility criteria for a German student visa. Therefore, students must provide all the documents neatly and cleanly.

How to Avoid Rejection of a German Student Visa?

Having discussed the basics behind the reasons for the rejection of a German student visa, we can now move on to understanding all these reasons in detail. Read the following commonly observed reasons and solutions to avoid such situations:

How to Avoid Applying for the Wrong German Student Visa?

Now that you know how devastatingly bad it can be to apply for the wrong visa, the first step is to educate yourself on the different types of German student visas available for aspiring students, which are:

  • German Student Visa - Appropriate for those who have already applied and received an admission offer from one of the recognised universities in Germany.

  • German Student Application Visa - Appropriate for those who are aspiring to study in Germany but either is yet to find an appropriate programme, apply for admission in person or have applied already and display a great probability of being accepted as students at a German University. If you wish to travel to Germany before receiving your answer to a university admission application, then this is probably the best option for you.

  • German Language Course Visa - As the name suggests, students who aspire to study the German intensive language course for up to a year.

Seeing that each visa caters to different applicants with different intentions and requirements, applying for the right visa becomes incredibly crucial. Research everything you can about the different types of student visas and the documents and forms that need to be submitted along with all the processes involved in receiving the visa, to avoid any hassles regarding this.

How to Avoid Financial Complications in German Student Visas?

Financial complications are one of the easiest ways to have your German student visa cancelled or rejected at the time of application itself. While the solution to this seems pretty straightforward, there are certain steps that students can take to ensure there are no financial complications when applying for their respective visas.

The first and foremost step that has been known to work is to create a German Blocked account where you can deposit the minimum amount to suffice for living in the country for at least one year. You are required to display that you have access to EUR 861 each month.

The more important tasks are depended on the sponsor of the student studying in Germany. Now this sponsor, be it your family member or a third party who is willing to sponsor your education abroad, should provide proof of sufficient funds for the same. Additionally, your sponsor should also provide proof of monthly income while also not sponsoring more than they can handle.

When processing your application for the German Student Visa, the authorities will scrutinize the smallest of details. Therefore, provide the financial documents in a neat, concise and clear manner, devoid of unnecessary misunderstandings.

Find Out the Requirements for Your German Student Visa Now!

What should I do if I have a Less than Satisfactory Academic Record for a German Student Visa?

If you find yourself having less than satisfactory academic records, worry not as it is not the end of the world. You will still be able to apply for a German Student Visa. However, the authorities may question your academic record and would want to know if you possess the skills and understanding to complete a programme in Germany and earn a degree in the end.

You, as a German student visa applicant, will have the opportunity to justify the marks and scores you have earned in the previous academic programmes. Therefore, if you are in this situation, be prepared with the answers that showcase your motivation and determination for completing all university tasks and successfully earning your degree. If you have a good reason as to why you couldn't reach your potential in the academic years before, then you can also point them out, only if asked.

How do I meet the Language Requirements for a German Student Visa?

Students who fail to communicate properly with German visa officers will automatically be rejected. Therefore, before applying, it is better to take up some German language courses to develop some skills in communicating in German as well. Moreover, since you will be applying to a German university, you will anyways be required to meet the language requirements set by the university itself.

Therefore, study and prepare for the different language proficiency tests and score well. However, it can be beneficial to attend a few language classes in German to have a basic understanding and skills for communication purposes.

What are the Common Documents required to apply for different kinds of German Student Visas?

While some documents remain common for the three different kinds of German student visas, some documents vary. The initial step is to receive proof of admission to a German University through either a university admission letter, letter of admission to a foundation course, letter of admission to a propaedeutic course, or letter of admission to a German language course. This acts as the main document to acquire a German student visa.

How to Ace the German Student Visa Interviews?

One of the best ways to clear German student visa interviews or even ace them is to talk with those who have already been through the process. Reaching out to fellow students who have cleared the interviews previously or study abroad experts is a sure way to improve your chances of clearing the German Student Visa interviews.

Documents for German Student Applicant Visa

An acceptance letter from a German University proving your application for studies along with an official letter of reservation of place of the study programme is the foremost document required to get a German study visa approval. Alternate documents considered in place of the official letter are confirmation of application or a certificate of the university or preparatory course provider indicating the students need to be present physically for admission. Besides these, the remaining documents required for a German Student Applicant Visa are:

  • Two completed national visa forms

  • Two recent biometric portrait photographs

  • Proof of acceptance prospects in higher studies

  • Certificate of registration in a study programme or a preparatory course or a German language course

  • Recognised school leaving certificate or equivalent

  • Proof of German/English proficiency (whichever is applicable)

  • Proof of financial stability

  • A Curriculum Vitae

  • Proof of previous academic records or certification

  • Valid student health insurance

  • Valid passport

  • Receipt of German Student applicant visa fee

  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay

Documents for Language Course Visa in Germany

Apart from a certificate of enrolment or a confirmed registration in a language course from a German institution, international students must provide the following set of documents:

  • Two completed visa application forms

  • A valid passport

  • Proof of financial stability to study in Germany

  • Valid student health insurance for language course students

  • Two recent portrait photographs

  • Three photocopies of passport ID pages

  • A Motivation Letter or an SOP for attending the language course

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Receipt of language course visa fee

Note: The student visa requirements stated above are for reference purposes only and are subject to change at the discretion of the German federal government.

Unsatisfactory Visa Interview

Another one of the biggest areas where students have had their visa applications rejected is their unsatisfactory visa interviews. While the documents and application form you submit may provide an outlook on you as a person, interviews provide a more vivid picture of your skills and capabilities of being useful.

Inability to answer questions, improper communication, and misbehaviour of any kind will all lead to your visa applications being rejected. Students planning to study in Germany must be prepared accordingly.

How to Ace the German Student Visa Interviews?

One of the best ways to clear German student visa interviews or even ace them is to talk with those who have already been through the process. Reaching out to fellow students who have cleared the interviews previously or study abroad experts is a sure way to improve your chances of clearing the German Student Visa interviews.

Tip: You can get in touch with our study abroad counsellors who have helped thousands of students clear their German Student Visa applications and interviews. Connect with us now by registering and raising your doubts and concerns.

What To Do if German Student Visa Gets Rejected?

A German student visa application can be a time-consuming and exhausting process. You must gather a tonne of paperwork, organise it, get ready for an interview, and double-check everything to make sure you didn't forget anything. Even if you believe you have followed all the necessary steps, one careless error could result in your visa application being denied.

Despite the possibility of panic, take comfort. You can always try again and cross your fingers for success if you believe the error was real. Here are the steps to take to reapply for a German student visa: 

  • You must submit an appeal to the Embassy if you want to reapply for a German student visa. The appeal must be written persuasively and include good justifications, such as a factual basis.

  •  Additionally, if necessary, you can subsequently provide extra documentation to support your eligibility for a visa.

  • Everything depends on the cause of rejection. You should reapply to Germany if you can provide evidence to refute the visa officer's determination. It would be a waste of time and money otherwise. Also, remember to take notes and learn from your mistakes so that you don't make the same ones again.

As you can see above there are several reasons for getting a German student visa rejected. It is therefore necessary that you remain cautious while applying and while appearing for the interview. There are several precautions that you can take during the application process so that you do not have to go through the same hassles of the application once more. However, nothing should discourage you from applying for the visa again even if it gets rejected in the first go.

Are you interested in learning more about studying in Germany? Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.

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