Studies, Language Courses, and Internships

Purpose: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral studies at a recognized university or preparatory measures for studies (e.g., Studienkolleg). The…

4.1 Student Visa (University Studies)

Purpose: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral studies at a recognized university or preparatory measures for studies (e.g., Studienkolleg). The Embassy in Kampala is responsible for Uganda and South Sudan.
Key Requirements:

  • Qualification for university admission (e.g., Ugandan A-Levels; recognition subject to approval by a German evaluation agency/university).
  • Unconditional or conditional admission to a German university or preparatory college.
  • Proof of secure funding in the amount of currently at least approx. €934 per month (e.g., blocked account, scholarship, letter of financial commitment).
  • Sufficient language proficiency in the language of instruction (German/English) in accordance with academic requirements.
    Documents (typical checklist, excerpt):
  • National visa application form + declaration pursuant to § 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
  • Passport + copy of the data page.
  • 2 biometric passport photos.
  • Letter of admission from the university or preparatory college.
  • School and university transcripts (originals + copies + certified translations, if applicable).
  • Proof of financial support (confirmation of a blocked account; scholarship notification stating amount/duration; declaration of commitment from a person in Germany; combination of bank statements and a sponsor letter).
  • Resume and letter of motivation (study goals, career plans, intention to return).
  • Proof of health insurance (private or incoming student insurance for the first few months).
    **Processing time: ** Often 6–8 weeks, depending on the involvement of the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the completeness of the documents.

4.2 Language Course Visa (Standalone)

Purpose: Intensive language course in Germany (typically 18–20 class hours per week) without immediate enrollment in a degree program.
Special features:

  • Only for language courses of limited duration (typically 3–12 months).
  • Changing the purpose to other purposes (e.g., study, work) is often only possible by reapplying for a visa – clarify details with the embassy/Foreigners’ Registration Office.
    Documents (in addition to standard documents):
  • Course registration certificate from the language school with details on duration, number of hours, course level, and fees.
  • Proof of payment (at least the first installment/full payment – depending on the school).
  • Proof of financial means (e.g., blocked account, letter of financial commitment, bank statements).

4.3 Internship Visa / Training Visa

Purpose: Study-related internships, specialized internships, or corporate training programs in Germany.
Legal bases include § 16e of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and relevant provisions of the Visa Regulations (BeschV) (e.g., for mandatory internships as part of a degree program). Kampala generally follows the global checklists for “Training/Internship Visas.”
Typical documents:

  • Internship/training contract with a German organization (duties, duration, compensation, place of work).
  • Proof of connection to studies or vocational training in Uganda (enrollment certificate, study plan).
  • Proof of financial support (compensation +, if applicable, blocked account/financial support).
  • Health insurance.

4.4 Roles of Ugandan Universities/Authorities

  • Issuance of original transcripts, study certificates, and confirmations of mandatory internships.
  • If applicable, confirmation of the intention to return (for DAAD scholarships, government scholarship programs, etc.).