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Study in Germany

Germany student visa from Nepal, step by step

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Processing time

3–4 weeks

The minimum time the German Embassy in Kathmandu says it needs to process a study visa.

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Visa fee

€75

Paid in Nepali rupees in cash at the embassy. Waived if you hold a publicly funded scholarship such as DAAD.

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Work while studying

140 full days/year

Or 280 half days a year, or up to 20 hours a week during studies.

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Stay after graduating

18 months

Residence permit to look for a job after you graduate.

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From Nepal you apply for a national (D) visa for study at the German Embassy in Kathmandu. You can upload your documents online first through the Consular Services Portal, which makes the appointment quicker.

Documents the Kathmandu embassy asks for

  • Passport valid for at least 12 months, plus a copy of the data page and last page
  • A recent biometric passport photo and the application form
  • Citizenship certificate and birth certificate
  • A self-written motivation letter
  • Admission from your university (and scholarship certificate, if any)
  • School Leaving Certificate, +2 certificates and mark sheets, and any degree and transcripts
  • English (TOEFL, IELTS) or German certificate, if your course needs it
  • Proof of funds: scholarship, sponsor's formal obligation letter, your family's finances, or a blocked account
  • The €75 visa fee in Nepali rupees, cash only

The application, step by step

  1. Prepare one complete set

    Bring originals plus one copy of everything. Don't staple or clip pages: they are scanned straight away.

  2. Apply online first

    Use the Consular Services Portal. The embassy tells you if anything is missing, and you can fix it before your appointment.

  3. Attend the appointment

    Show your originals, give fingerprints and a photo, and pay the fee.

  4. After approval

    Provide health insurance and your flight booking.

Key rules to know

RuleWhat it means
Ways to prove your money

Blocked account, sponsor, scholarship or own finances

The Kathmandu embassy accepts a scholarship, a formal sponsorship letter from someone in Germany, proof of your family's finances, or a blocked account.

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Language certificate

Must be submitted with the application

German certificates are recognised only from Goethe-Institut (incl. Goethe Center Kathmandu), ÖSD, telc or ECL. You cannot hand them in later.

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APS certificate

Not listed for Nepali degrees

The Kathmandu embassy requires APS only for Chinese and Indian school or university degrees.

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Passport validity

At least 12 months

Bring your citizenship certificate and birth certificate too. Documents must be in German or English or come with a certified translation.

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Health insurance

Provided after visa approval

The embassy asks for health insurance and the flight booking once your visa is approved.

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Common questions

Do Nepali students need an APS certificate for Germany?
The German Embassy in Kathmandu lists APS as mandatory only for Chinese and Indian school or university degrees.
Which German language certificates are accepted in Kathmandu?
Only certificates from Goethe-Institut (including Goethe Center Kathmandu), ÖSD, telc or ECL. The certificate must be in your file when you apply.
When do I need health insurance and a flight booking?
The embassy asks for both after your visa is approved.

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A €75 visa, 140 full days of work a year, and 18 months to find a job after you graduate.

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Free checklist

Germany student visa document checklist

A tick-off list of every document, built from the official rules. Free to read online, with a printable PDF.

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