- Visa types
- What is a Student Visa?
- Fees
- Processing Time
- When to apply?
- Success rate
- Working with a student visa
- Eligibility Criteria
- Requirements & Documents
- Money required
- Application process
- Validity
- Residence Permit
Video Course
How To Get Your German Student Visa Application Done — Quickly and Stress-Free
27 videos
incl. Checklist + PDF + Template
Let's get right to the essentials: if you're aiming to study in Germany and you're from Kenya, you'll need to obtain a specific visa to make that happen. We understand that many Kenyan students find this process daunting due to the extensive paperwork and procedures involved. If you’re one of those students feeling overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place! This article will address the key questions regarding the German student visa for Kenyans and help you navigate the complex process to secure your visa successfully.
It is our goal to inform you honestly and accurately, therefore, we need to add a DISCLAIMER:
You should use this text as a general guide, but it cannot be a legal consultation. The visa regulations are made and executed by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), and the local Foreigners’ Offices (Ausländerbehörde). Please be aware: some rules and procedures can vary from embassy/consulate to embassy/consulate (even within one country), and from Ausländerbehörde to Ausländerbehörde in Germany. That is why we highly recommend you also consult the German representation abroad near you, and the local Foreigners’ Office in Germany (which Ausländerbehörde is responsible for you depends on your residence in Germany) for information that applies to your case.
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What are the different types of German visas?
There are several types of German visas that might be relevant for Kenyan citizens. Let us introduce you to some of them:
- German Student Visa. Kenyan students need a German Student Visa if they wish to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Germany. A key requirement for this visa is having an admission letter from a German university.
- German Student Applicant Visa. If a Kenyan student has applied to a German study program but has not yet received an official letter of acceptance, s/he might be able to apply for a German Student Applicant Visa. Getting this type of visa increases the chances of arriving in Germany on time and not missing the start of the studies. IMPORTANT: Make sure to check the possibility of applying for the student applicant visa at the German Embassy in Kenya.
- German Language Course Visa. Kenyans who want to enroll in an intensive German language course in Germany can apply for a German Language Visa. It’s advisable to consult with the local German Embassy in Nairobi to confirm your eligibility for this visa type.
- German Job Seeker Visa. Kenyan students who have completed a degree at a German university can apply for a job-seeker visa immediately after graduation. This visa allows them to stay in Germany for 18 months to find suitable employment.
- German Family Reunion Visa. German student visa gives Kenyans studying in Germany an opportunity to bring their family members with them through the so-called German Family Visa. Depending on individual circumstances, eligible family members may include spouses, children, and parents.
In a word, if you're a Kenyan student planning to pursue a degree at a German university, the German student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken – Visa Type D) is typically your primary option.
What is a German Student Visa?
A student visa for Germany is a specific type of visa you can obtain if you have applied to a study course at a German university and received a letter of admission (also known as a letter of acceptance). The study program that qualifies you for a German student visa can be offered by various higher education institutions in Germany, including Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Academies of Arts, Music, and Film.
For Kenyan students, a German student visa is usually issued for an initial period of 3 months. Within this timespan, students are expected to travel to Germany and complete the necessary formalities, such as applying for a residence permit.
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Student Applicant visa (or Visum zur Studienbewerbung) is a type of visa which you can get if you have applied to a German university but do not have an acceptance letter yet, or if you need to prepare yourself in Germany for your studies, for example, by taking a language course, going through the Studienkolleg Preparatory Course, doing a compulsory internship etc. In general, you are considered a student applicant if you are interested in studying in Germany but have not yet been officially admitted to a German university.
Germany Student Visa Costs for Kenya
German student visa costs 75€ for Kenyans (37.5€ for minors), just like for everyone else. Kenyan students have to pay the money in the local currency - Kenyan Shilling (KES) - during the visit to the visa Application centre for Germany in Nairobi (TLScontact). Hence, it is crucial to always check the up-to-date exchange rate before visiting the application centre. For example, as of 24.09.2024, the German student visa fee in Kenyan Shillings is 10.750 KES (5.375 KES for minors). As for the payment methods, the TLScontact accepts both cash and bank card payments.
In addition to the visa fee, Kenyans must pay a service fee of €28.50, or approximately 4.350 KES, which is charged by TLScontact for data processing, information collection, organizing an appointment etc.
In general, even if your application is rejected, you cannot get your money back. In other words, the German study visa fee and the service fee are not refundable.
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Usually, if you hold a scholarship from a German public institution (e.g., DAAD), you do not have to pay the visa processing fee (75€). Please double-check this information with TLScontact and/or the German Embassy in Kenya.
Germany Student Visa Processing Time for Kenya
How long does it take to get a German student visa from Kenya?
German student visa processing time for Kenya is usually 1-2 months. However, the processing time might take longer in individual cases.
In fact, the processing is conducted by the German Embassy in Nairobi, not the TLScontact. Once you submit your complete application and pay the visa-related fees, TLScontact will send your application to the German Embassy in Kenya. As soon as the Embassy receives it, the processing starts.
When should Kenyans apply for a study visa in Germany?
As soon as they receive the letter of acceptance from the German university!
According to the German Diplomatic Mission in Kenya, outsourcing the student visa application receipt to TLScontact allows Kenyan applicants to get an appointment without any waiting times. Thus, Kenyans can book an appointment at the visa centre and submit their German student visa application in no time!
That is why visa processing time is arguably the main "concern" for Kenyans. Considering that aspect, we suggest Kenyans apply for a German student visa as soon as they receive the letter of admission from their study program. This strategy will drastically increase their chances of arriving in Germany on time.
Success rate
You might be asking yourself "What is the success rate of German student visa from Kenya?". That is an important question, and we have a clear answer to that! Based on our research conducted in 2022 and 2023, the German study visa success rate for Kenya is around 95%. Put differently, approximately 95 out of 100 Kenyan students succeed in their visa applications. Consequently, the rejection rate for Kenyans is approximately 5%. The major reasons for the rejection are incomplete application and insufficient financial resources.
So, as you can see from these numbers, your application is very unlikely to be rejected as long as it is complete, your documents are in good shape, and you have solid proof of sufficient financial resources. In a word, it is quite easy for Kenyans to get a German student visa.
Can Kenyan students work in Germany with a student visa?
Yes, Kenyan students can work in Germany with a student visa! Once you convert your student visa into a student residence permit, you will also receive an additional document called Zusatblatt in German. This paper outlines your work rights in Germany. Specifically, as a Kenyan student in Germany, you can work 280 days per year part-time or 140 days per year full-time.
Additionally, as a student from Kenya, you are not allowed to work in a self-employed or freelance capacity in Germany. However, if you are employed as a student assistant at your university, there are no restrictions on the number of working days. Nevertheless, you are still required to notify the German immigration authorities about this job.
And remember, Kenyans are eligible for a German job-seeker visa (also known as the 18-month visa) after successfully completing their studies in Germany!
Eligibility Criteria
Getting a German study visa is not like getting admission into a degree program. The Embassy in Nairobi - which makes the decisions related to your visa application (not the TLSContact) - does not require a specific minimum GPA, a specific number of ECTS points, or a specific subject background - things are much simpler in this case.
Here are the requirements for a German student visa for Kenyans:
- You should have a letter of admission from a German university;
- You should be able to finance your stay in Germany fully.
Hence, Kenyan students must fulfil just 2 prerequisites to be eligible for a German study visa. Of course, to get the visa, the applicants need to provide the visa application centre with some more documents. We elaborate more on that below.
Germany Student Visa Requirements for Kenyans
When applying for a German study visa, it is of utmost importance to present the right documents to the TLScontact in Nairobi. If your student visa application is not complete, this can lead to the rejection of your application. Hence, you should take the requirements seriously! Here is the checklist of the documents that Kenyans have to submit when applying for a study visa to Germany:
List of documents for a German Student Visa
- Application form. You (the applicant) must complete and sign the German student visa application form for Kenyans. It is usually quite self-explanatory and easy to fill out: it asks you to provide information regarding your personal details, travel dates, contact details, etc. Note: fill out the form using the capital letters only!
- Passport. Students from Kenya must provide their original passports and a copy of the data page. The passport itself should have a minimum of 2 free pages. Besides, on the application day, the document should be valid for at least another 6 months.
- Biometric photos. Kenyan students should provide 2 biometric passport photos (usually not older than 6 months). The size of the photo should be 35(W) x 45(H). The background should be without shadows, with a uniform white background. Further details regarding the photo quality, head position and the rest can be found here.
- Admission letter from a German university. A letter of admission, or Zulassungsbescheid in German, is a document that you receive from the study program or foundation course you applied for. It informs you that your application was successful and that you are offered a spot in the program. Besides, this letter provides you with enrollment details.
- Proof of finances. Here, Kenyan students should demonstrate that they are able to cover all their living expenses while in Germany (e.g., accommodation, health insurance etc.). Currently, the amount to be proved set by the German government is 992 Euros per month or 11,904 Euros per year. Note: In case your study program charges tuition fees, you also need to provide proof that you have already fully covered the study costs for the first year OR you should increase the blocked amount accordingly.
- Certificates of past academic achievements. For example, a Bachelor's degree with the transcript of records. Also, school diplomas with grades.
- Proof of language skills. Usually, German Embassy in Kenya accepts proof of language skills that is approved by the study course that you applied for. For instance, if you have studied in English in Kenya and your German study program recognizes this as proof of required English skills, then the Embassy should also accept it. In general, certificates like TOEFL and IELTS (in case of English-taught study programs) or Goethe Institut and ÖSD (in case of German-taught study programs) are accepted.
- Curriculum vitae. Among others, your German-style CV should include information regarding your academic background, work experience (including internships), extracurricular activities, and skills. The CV should be without any unexplained gaps, written either in English or in German.
- Letter of motivation. Motivation letter (LOM) is a document in which prospective Kenyan students need to convincingly demonstrate their motivation to come to Germany, to seek admission to the specific study program, and to explain how their future plans are connected with studying in Germany. You should compose the LOM either in English or in German.
- Health insurance. You have to provide proof of valid health insurance at the time of visa approval. For instance, an incoming health insurance which is valid for 1 year from the day of entry to Germany is a viable option.
- Appointment confirmation. You should take with you the printout of the letter/email confirming your appointment at the TLScontact.
Remember:
- The requested documents should be submitted as originals with one set of attached A4-size photocopies.
- The documents should not be stapled.
- You have to arrange the documents according to the order outlined by the German Embassy in Nairobi.
- If your documents are not in English or German languages, you should also attach an English OR a German certified translation.
- The application should be complete. If a document is missing, the format is wrong, or even the signature is missing, your German student visa application might be rejected.
- The Embassy might request additional documents.
How much money do I need for a German student visa?
Currently, Kenyan students need at least 11,904 Euros per year (aka 992 Euros per month) to get a German student visa. So, as long as they can prove that they fulfil this financial requirement, their chances of a successful visa application will be dramatically boosted. But how to prove the availability of this sum?
In fact, there are various ways for citizens of Kenya to provide this proof of funds. The most popular ones are arguably blocked account, declaration of commitment from the German resident, and scholarship.
- Blocked account. Known as Sperrkonto in German, the blocked account is a special kind of bank account where Kenyan students can keep the required 11,904 Euros.
- Declaration of commitment (also known as a declaration of sponsorship or letter of commitment). Called Verpflichtungserklärung in German, a declaration of commitment is a document with which the German resident assures that s/he will provide financial support to you during your stay in Germany.
- Scholarship. If you want the scholarship to serve as proof that you can completely cover your costs while in Germany, you should have a full scholarship (992 EUR per month) provided by German or EU public institutions.
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How to apply?
Kenyans should apply for a German student visa via the TLScontact, NOT the German Embassy in Nairobi!
You might be wondering now, "How can I get German student visa from Kenya?" For some reason, many people think that applying for this visa is a complicated process. Yes, applicants need to be organized and attentive to detail, but it is not rocket science at all! As long as you know where to start and clearly see the bigger picture, you are good to go.
Bearing this background in mind, let us present to you TEN key steps that Kenyan students need to take to get a German student visa:
- Apply for a study program in Germany. Having a letter of admission from a German University is an indispensable prerequisite for successful German study visa application. That is why the first step towards the visa should be the application to the German study program.
- Collect the required documents. In addition to the information provided in this article, you can find all of the required documents in the "National Visa for Studies / Language Course then Studies" section of the website of the German Embassy in Nairobi. Keep in mind: you should have all of the documents at your hands by the day of your appointment.
- Open an account at the Visa Application Centre. It is extremely easy to do that: you need to go to the website of the TLScontact in Nairobi and click on the "Register" button at the top right corner. Afterwards, you will just need to enter your email address and a password - that's it!
- Start your application. After activating your TLScontact account, you should log in and start your application. Click on "Create Application" and fill in the requested personal and travel information. Your application will then be validated.
- Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre. Kenyans should book their appointment for a German study visa ONLY at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Nairobi. Once again, log in to your TLScontact account and choose the appointment date and time that best suits you.
- Visit the TLScontact in Nairobi. Make sure you are at least 15 minutes earlier before the appointment. It is important not to be late for the appointment and not to miss it. If you do so, you will have to book a new appointment, unnecessarily prolonging your German student visa application process. Note: Despite the fact that TLScontact states on its website that appointments will only be rescheduled after being late for more than 30 minutes, we still strongly recommend visiting the visa application centre not just on time but even a bit earlier. This will ensure that you are on the safe side.
- Submit the documents. It is of the utmost importance to submit the documents in the exact way and shape requested by the German Embassy in Kenya and the TLS Contact. If you do not follow the instructions, your application may be rejected.
- Pay the visa and service fees. Remember to make the payments either via cash or bank card.
- Wait for the outcome. After you complete the payments, your application will be sent to the German Embassy in Nairobi, where it will be processed for 1-2 months. It should be emphasized that the Diplomatic Mission might contact you in case they need any additional information/documents.
- Collect your passport and visa. As soon as the Embassy makes a decision, your passport will be sent back to the visa application centre (TLScontact). After that, you can go to the TLScontact to collect your passport and visa. If you want your passport to be delivered to you, you can use the "Express Courier Return" service of the application centre for an extra 2616 KES.
Geeky Stuff Box
An interview is not a standard part of the German student visa application for Kenyans. Only in individual cases the Embassy in Nairobi might contact you for an interview to scrutinize the credibility of your application.
How long is the visa valid?
A German student visa for Kenyans is usually valid for 3 months. However, when in Germany, Kenyans must apply for a German student residence permit through the local Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde), which will replace the original study visa and will be valid until the end of the degree course.
Thus, in fact, the study visa for Germany is valid for 1-3 years in total, depending on the duration of the study program. If you were unable to complete your studies within the standard timeframe, you also have the option to extend the study visa/residence permit.
German Student Residence Permit for Kenyans
As already explained, after arriving in Germany, Kenyan students have to convert their German student visa to a German student residence permit before the 3-month visa expires. Our recommendation for prospective students from Kenya is to apply for a student residence permit 6 weeks before the student visa expires.
German study residence permit requirements for Kenyan citizens
The documents that Kenyans need to apply for a German student residence permit are usually listed on the website of the relevant Foreigners' Authority office. Depending on the city or town you reside in, there might be some slight differences in requirements. After looking through various requirements across different locations in Germany, our team came up with the following general checklist of documents that you will usually need for your student residence permit application:
Student Residence Permit Checklist for Kenyans
- Completed application form. You can find the application forms on the website of the Foreigners' Authority responsible for your application. The form is usually quite self-explanatory and easy to fill in. It asks you to provide information regarding your personal details, like your first and last names, date of birth, email, address, marital status, etc. Here is one of the examples of the German student residence permit application form.
- Valid Passport (including entry visa). Make sure that your passport's expiry date is not very close and that it has enough free pages left.
- Current biometric passport photo. Specifics are the same as in the case of the German student visa.
- Registration of the address (Meldebescheinigung). After arriving in Germany, Kenyans have two weeks during which they have to register their new German address at the local citizens' office (Bürgeramt). After doing that, you will receive a paper confirming your registration. This is the paper that you need for your student residence permit application.
- Proof of valid health insurance. You can ask your German health insurance provider to send you a certificate, which demonstrates that you are indeed insured by the given company.
- Proof of sufficient funds. Like in the case of the German student visa, here as well Kenyan students need to prove that they are able to secure their livelihood. As mentioned above, this can be done, for example, through a blocked account, a declaration of commitment or a scholarship.
- Certificate of enrollment. This document (called Immatrikulationsbescheinigung in German) proves that you are enrolled in the specific program of the given university. Usually, you will receive it both online (through your university portal) and via physical post.
Table: Examples of student residence permit requirements for Kenyans across Germany
German student residence permit application process for Kenyan nationals
You might be asking yourself now, "How exactly can I get a German student residence permit?" That is a fair question, and here comes our answer to it. Currently, in most cases, students from Kenya have to complete the following three-step procedure to apply for and get a residence permit in Germany:
- Send the application package to the authorities. This can be done via email or post.
- Submit the biometric data and complete the payment. After you send the application, the authorities will get in touch with you (usually via email), stating that your complete application was well received and checked. Besides, they will inform you about the specific day you have to visit their office so they can collect your biometric data. Put another way, you have to appear in person to:
- Sign the necessary documents;
- Hand in your fingerprints;
- Show your passport;
- Submit the biometric photo;
- Pay the fee. German student residence permit usually costs around 100 EUR for Kenyans. In most cases, the Foreigners' office accepts payment by both cash and EC card.
- Collect the residence permit card. After the biometric data is collected and the payment is completed, you immediately receive a paper, which serves as a substitute for the residence permit card. It states when the card will be ready and that this substitute paper is valid for 3 months. You will be informed whether you will receive the card by post or if you need to visit the office once again to pick it up. So, the final step is getting the card either via physical mail or in person at the immigration office. It is noteworthy that the German student residence permit processing time for Kenyans is circa 4-6 weeks. The countdown starts as soon as you submit the biometric data and complete the payment.
Just like with the requirements, the procedure of applying for a German study residence permit may also vary based on your location in Germany. That is why, in this case as well, it is crucial to check the websites of the relevant Foreigners' Authority offices.
