Reasons for Germany Student Visa Rejection and Valuable Tips for Aspirants

With high-level teaching, low training costs, excellent career opportunities and an extensive research infrastructure, Germany is a popular study abroad destination for international students. Germany’s visa acceptance rate is 95%, which is quite high compared to many popular countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. In other words, about 95 out of 100 students are successful in applying for a visa to study in Germany.

However, there is always a risk of rejection as there are many reasons why a German student visa is denied. The embassy provided a brief explanation stating the reasons for the refusal. This does not end your dream of studying in Germany. You can reapply for your visa and try your best to achieve your goal.

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Rejection and success rate of German student visa

The success rate of German student visa is very high. In 2022-2023, the successful rate of applying for a German student visa is 95%. However, a high success rate does not mean that any student can get a visa.
When accepting someone into their country, German authorities are very strict. Therefore, they filter out the best candidates capable of contributing to the success of their country.

The decision to approve or refuse a visa belongs not only to the visa officer but also to the immigration authority. Therefore, the applicant must follow all the steps carefully to avoid being denied a German student visa.

Reasons for German Student Visa Rejection

Some of the most common reasons for German Student Visa refusal are below:

1. Wrong visa application

It is very important to select the correct visa type before applying. The German visa for international students has three types:

• German student visa
• German student application visa
• German language course visa

Solution

• Choosing the visa type is the first step, so it is mandatory Choose the right type. Each type has its own requirements, so be sure to gather the appropriate documents.
• Student Visa applies to international students admitted to German universities and about to start full-time courses at a German university.
• Student registration visa applies if the student needs to be in Germany to directly apply for admission to the university.
• A language course visa is required if the student wishes to take a German language course.

2. Poor financial conditions

Any foreign country requires adequate financial support to be able to cover your expenses while living in that country. Therefore, it is important to have enough financial resources to survive. Poor financial conditions are one of the main reasons why visitors are denied visas.

It may come as a surprise that in a country with free tuition at public universities, visas can be refused due to financial issues. The German government must ensure that you can comfortably cover your living expenses so you can focus on your studies.

Solution

A blocked bank account is the best way to demonstrate financial stability. The German government has made it mandatory to have at least 11,208 EUR in a blocked bank account and with this amount, students are only allowed to withdraw 934 EUR per month to cover living expenses.

Another way to demonstrate that a student can live comfortably during their time in the country is through a sponsor. The sponsor does not have to be a family member but anyone who wants to sponsor your trip in Germany. The sponsor must prove that he/she has enough funds and provide evidence of regular monthly income.

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3. Lack of Language Skills(German or English)

Inability to demonstrate language skills is another main reason for German student visas to be cancelled.
Most programs are taught in Germany, so it is important that students can understand and speak German easily. If the program you choose is taught in German, the visa interview will also take place in the same language and if you cannot communicate with the officer in German, your application will be immediately rejected instantly.

Besides German, students also have to show their English proficiency.

Solution

• Practice as much as possible.
• Take German courses at institutions such as the Goethe-Institute or enroll in language courses in Germany.
• Do not provide fake English Proficiency Test (IELTS or TEOFL) certificates, the embassy can easily identify fake documents.

4. Low Academic Performance

The quality of education in Germany is highly regarded, which is why many of Germany’s top universities select applicants very carefully. They choose people with good academic background and enough ability to graduate. So make sure you have a good academic record.

The embassy can easily reject your application if your previous academic results are poor and if they believe that you will not be able to adapt to the German education system.

Solution

By the time you apply for your visa, you already have your results so if they are bad, there is almost nothing you can do to change them. However, you still have the opportunity to prove your abilities by demonstrating your skills during the interview.

It is also important that you inform the embassy of the reason for your low academic performance and mention that you are willing to improve your score if you study in Germany.

If you have work experience, a certificate or diploma, or are good at extracurricular activities, mention them on your application and during the interview.

5. Choosing an unrelated field of study

Sometimes visas are refused due to choosing an unrelated field of study. If the program you are applying for is not suitable or related to your previous studies, the embassy may refuse to approve your visa application.

For example, if a student has completed a bachelor’s degree in history and is currently enrolled in a master’s in business administration program in Germany, the embassy may ask questions about their ability to study and complete their studies into your program for which you are registering.

Denials can also occur if you apply for another bachelor’s or master’s degree when you already have that degree.

Solution

• Choose your course carefully and wisely. This should relate to your previous research.
• If you change your mind and decide to pursue a different career or new field, make sure you can explain this change to the visa officer as well as in your cover letter. In such cases, relevant work experience in the revised pathway may be helpful in convincing the officer that you have the ability to learn the new program.

6. Poor preparation for the interview

Doing well in the interview is very important to get a visa to study in Germany. The interviewer not only listens to your answers to their questions, but also tests your communication skills and behavior throughout the interview.

As they say the first impression is the best and last impression, so make sure you leave a good impression on the interviewer. Poor interview preparation can directly affect the visa approval process.

Solution

To prepare for the interview, gather as much information about the country as possible and be confident but not overconfident. Practice the following types of questions so the interviewer sees you as confident and competent:

• Knowledge of Germany
• Your seriousness as a student in Germany
• Your motivation to study Your financial situation

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7.Incomplete documents

Having all the documents mentioned in the checklist is necessary for visa approval. Each document has its own importance and is mandatory. So, make sure to check the list of required documents carefully, even after you have collected all the papers. Failure to do so and submitting an incomplete set of documents can directly lead to visa refusal.

Solution

• Create your own checklist and mark the documents you’ve collected so you can keep track of what documents are left.
• Keep documents on hand carefully in a folder and keep them secure so you don’t lose any official documents.
• Collect all documents as every document is necessary and missing any document may result in visa refusal.

8. Profile does not correspond to the future needs of the state

Like all other countries, Germany also has a special profile for international students which it considers very important for the development and needs of the country. There are many scholarships in Germany for international students, financial aid and other grants that the country offers so that they can find talented people to work in the country.

The approval or refusal of a visa is not only in the hands of the visa officer but also the immigration officer. So, if they find that your application is not required for the field you are applying for, your visa may be refused.

Solution

• Remember to thoroughly research the skill requirements of the state you are applying to.
• Don’t take a course that’s in high demand and you’re not interested in. This can cause you to lose interest in the subject and fail or even be expelled.
• Choose a course you want to take and prove to the embassy that you can excel in this field and will contribute to Germany and your country.

What to do if your student visa to Germany is refused?

It is possible that your student visa will be refused for the above reasons. However, it is important not to lose hope and give yourself a second chance. You can follow the steps below and reapply for a German student visa.
It is very important that you know and understand the reasons for your visa refusal. If you don’t know the reason, you won’t be able to get approved even next time because you will repeat the same mistake.

• Write an appeal letter: Once you know the reason for the rejection and you think it is unjustified, you can appeal within one month. The appeal letter must be objective and demonstrate why your request should be reconsidered. This call must be strongly motivated and legitimate.
• Reapply for a student visa: You should reapply for a German student visa if you think you can achieve better results next time. This time, make sure that you have all the documents, prepare well for the interview and there is no reason why your visa application can be rejected.

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Tips for Getting A Germany Study Visa: Never Make These  Mistakes!

Do you dream of continuing your studies in Germany? It’s exciting, but getting a student visa can be very difficult. To help you, here are some simple tips to avoid common errors:

1. Mismatched names:

Before sending any documents, carefully check that the first and last names match the names on your passport. Provide proof of any name changes, such as a marriage certificate.

2. Don’t wait too long to apply:

If you start the visa application process late, it can lead to problems such as missing visa appointments or forgetting important documents. Plan your registration at least 6-8 weeks before the start of the semester.

3. Language skills gap:

Whether your program is in English or German, demonstrate your proficiency in the respective language. For programs taught in English, the school’s language requirements must be met, which is usually around 6.5 IELTS and 71 TOEFL.

4. Check your health insurance:

Make sure your health insurance covers a minimum of €30,000 for medical care. Inadequate coverage may result in your application being suspended.

5. Lack of interview preparation:

A poorly prepared interview can lead to a visa refusal. Get acquainted with the country, city, university and study program to demonstrate sincerity and commitment.

6. Unclear cover letter:

Your cover letter is important. Be clear about your intentions, personality and motivation for studying in Germany. Avoid fake news or emotional topics like religion or politics.

7. Unrelated degree programs:

Enrolling in a program unrelated to your previous field of study may raise questions about your ability to master a new field. Choose a program related to your previous major or provide a clear explanation of the career change.

8. Proof of insufficient finances:

The German government requires proof of sufficient finances to cover living expenses. Blocked accounts are a common method, with the standard amount required being €11,208 per year from January 2023.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of successfully applying for a student visa. Plan ahead, stay informed and confidently start your study trip to Germany!