4.1 Visa for university studies
Purpose: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral studies at a German university or attendance at a preparatory college.
Core requirements:
- Ghanaian, Liberian, or Sierra Leonean citizenship (or valid residence in these countries).
- Qualification for university admission (e.g., WASSCE/A-Level, depending on the university’s admission decision).
- Unconditional or conditional admission from a German university or Studienkolleg (Admission Letter).
- Proof of secure funding (e.g., blocked account, scholarship, letter of financial commitment, mixed funding).
Documents according to the “Visa for Students” information sheet (excerpt): - Biometric passport (valid for at least 6 months), original + copy.
- 1 biometric photo (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, no older than 6 months).
- Visa fee €75, payable at GHS or by credit card.
- Letter of admission from the university or preparatory college.
- School and university transcripts (original + copies, translations if necessary).
- Proof of financial support (e.g., blocked account with a minimum annual balance according to the BAföG rate, scholarship notification stating amount and duration, letter of commitment from a sponsor, bank statements).
- Resume and letter of motivation (academic goals, career prospects, motivation to return).
- Proof of health insurance (incoming student insurance or German student health insurance effective upon entry).
Application process: Applications should preferably be submitted online via the Consular Services Portal (form, document upload); after a preliminary review, an appointment for a personal interview at the embassy will be scheduled. All applicants from Liberia and Sierra Leone must select “Ghana” as their country of residence in the portal and also apply in Accra.
4.2 Language Course Visa (Non-Academic)
Purpose: Participation in an intensive language course in Germany (e.g., German courses with at least 18–20 class hours per week) without a direct academic connection.
Special features:
- Applications may only be submitted in person by appointment via the online appointment scheduling system.
- Course duration is usually 3–12 months; a change of purpose (e.g., to study or work) is legally restricted and generally requires a subsequent change of visa status in Germany.
Documents (excerpt): - Course registration confirmation with details on duration, scope, and costs.
- Proof of payment (lump-sum payment or installments, depending on the language school).
- Proof of sufficient financial means (blocked account, letter of financial support, bank statements).