Route: studying in Berlin

Visa (§ 16b), the steps in order, timing and what to prepare in Iran.

Legal basis: § 16b AufenthG (residence permit for studies). You apply for a national visa before you travel. A tourist (Schengen) visa cannot replace it. Because of the current limits at the embassy, read Visa application first.

Steps

1. Check what your Iranian certificates are worth: school diploma, years of university, degree. See Admission with Iranian certificates.
2. Learn German (or English for an English-taught programme) and take a recognised exam: Learning German.
3. Apply to the university, directly or through uni-assist. Public universities in Berlin charge no tuition, see Costs of studying.
4. Prove your funding: blocked account, scholarship, or a declaration of commitment. See Money and sanctions.
5. Prepare documents for the visa: Documents from Iran.
6. Apply for the visa through the Foreign Office portal (digital.diplo.de/studium) and the embassy's waitlist and appointment system: Visa application.
7. Travel, register and collect your residence permit in Berlin: After arrival in Berlin.

What the mission usually asks for

• Admission or Studienkolleg letter, language certificate, CV and motivation letter.
• Certificates with German translation, and legalisation where the office asks (Documents).
• Proof of funding (€11,904 for a year).
• Health insurance until enrolment: statutory student insurance only starts once you are enrolled, so you need private cover before.
• The immigration office in Berlin usually has to consent. The exact checklist of the Tehran embassy for student visas was not read in full; use the checklist on its page.

Fees and work

• Visa fee €75, not refundable.
• A preparatory German course before studies is possible on the study visa.
• Working while studying (§ 16b (3) AufenthG): up to 140 full or 280 half days a year, plus student jobs at the university or research institutions.

Study-applicant visa (§ 17)

If you have no admission yet, § 17 AufenthG allows a stay of up to 9 months to look for a study place. You must show €1,091 a month: the student amount plus 10 % (§ 2 (3) sentence 6 AufenthG). Whether this visa is being issued in Iran at present is not confirmed.