🇩🇪 Germany — German Embassy Seoul / Ausländerbehörde

Germany Student Visa — Korean Documents Required

Korean nationals accepted to a German university must apply for a German student visa (Studienvisum) at the German Embassy in Seoul. The document requirements are more manageable than work visa applications, but Korean academic credentials and identity documents must be apostilled by MOFA and accompanied by certified German translations from a vereidigte Übersetzer.

Required Korean Documents

Academic Transcript

성적증명서Required

Apostilled official transcript with certified German translation. Required for German university admission and the visa application.

Basic Certificate (Birth Certificate)

기본증명서Required

Apostilled 기본증명서 with certified German translation. Required for the visa application and subsequent Einwohnermeldeamt registration.

May Also Be Required

University Degree Certificate (if applicable)

학위증명서

Apostilled 학위증명서 with certified German translation. Required if applying to a German master's or doctoral program based on a prior Korean degree.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Apply to a German university and receive an admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)
2
Open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with a German bank — required to prove financial means (approximately €11,208 per year as of 2024)
3
Gather required documents including apostilled Korean academic records and identity documents
4
Apply for the German student visa at the German Embassy in Seoul — book an appointment early as wait times can be several weeks
5
After visa approval and arrival in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days
6
Apply for your German residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the local Ausländerbehörde

Tips & Common Mistakes

Book your German Embassy visa appointment as early as possible — appointment availability in Seoul can be limited
The blocked account requirement means you need roughly €11,000 available before you depart Korea — confirm the current amount as it adjusts annually
Some German universities offer English-language programs — even if your program is in English, German translations of documents are still required for the visa
If applying for a German doctoral program at a university that requires anabin recognition of your Korean master's degree, begin that process before your visa appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Korean academic transcript need to be translated into German for a German university application?

Yes. German universities and the German Embassy require certified German translations of your Korean academic documents. The translations must be produced by a vereidigte Übersetzer (sworn translator accredited by a German state court).

I am applying to a German university for an English-taught master's program. Do I still need German translations of my Korean documents?

Yes. Even for English-taught programs, the German student visa application at the German Embassy in Seoul requires official German translations of your Korean civil and academic documents. The program language does not affect the visa document requirements.