Visa Regulations for International Students
Depending on overseas students’ nationality, they may require an entry visa and a residence permit in order to study at Heidelberg University. A number of different cases are described below.
EU/EEA Nationals
Overseas students from member states of the EU (European Union) or countries within the EEA (European Economic Area - Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway) do not require a visa nor a residence permit to study in Heidelberg.
NON-EU NATIONALS/CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE EEA
Overseas students from Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, the United States of America, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland do not require an entry visa. They may apply for a residence permit within 90 days of their arrival in Germany. The immigration office located in the student’s place of residence in Germany will be responsible for issuing the residence permit.
Students from all other countries must apply for an entry visa for Germany for study purposes at the German mission abroad (embassy or consulate) in their home country. In addition to the letter of admission and proof of funding for the stay in Germany, the documents listed on the website of the German diplomatic mission abroad must be submitted. As the waiting times can be considerable, you should apply for a visa immediately after having received your letter of admission.
Please note that the following types of visas cannot be changed into a residence permit for study purposes in Germany: tourist visa, Schengen visa, business visa.
