German Student Visa Interview Questions and Tips on How to Answer

If you have plans of studying in Germany, or you have just been given admission to a German institute, getting a visa is an important factor in moving. The visa is an important document, without which you cannot travel to a different country other than yours. In this article, I share common German student visa interview questions and tips on how to answer them.

Generally, the officials at the German Embassy ask questions to get information about you, based on this. You can find a list of the German embassies or consulates abroad, including your home country here; German Missions Abroad.

• Your decision on following studies in Germany
• Your knowledge about Germany
• Current academic and skill level
• Financial circumstances and status
• Information about the research field in general
• Accommodation plans
• Relationship with German/European residents
• Vacations and semester breaks
• Your plans after studies

These factors are what inform the kinds of questions you would be asked at the embassy when you go for a visa appointment. Answering them tactically would give you an edge over other applicants, and a chance to get a student visa when due. Below are likely questions, and tips on how to answer them.

• Why do you want to study in Germany and not some other country?

The officials want to know why you chose Germany over other countries. This will give them an idea about your choice. It is usually the first question they ask once the interview begins.

Answer: I want to study in Germany because the educational system is of excellent quality and combines academic and practical learning. As a result, it is not surprising that the country’s educational system has produced prominent intellectuals such as Albert Einstein.

• How Many States are in Germany? Name some.

This is to test your knowledge of Germany if you have background knowledge of the country you chose for your studies.

Answer: There are 16 states in Germany, they include: Baden-Würtemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Niedersachsen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thüringen.

Tip: If you are asked this question, you do not need to name them all but know them all in case they need arises.

• Who is the President of Germany? 

This question is often asked to ascertain if you are informed about the country. You can not travel to a place you do not bother making research about.

Answer: As at the time of writing this article, the President of Germany is Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

• What program did you apply for? 

They want to know your course of study before proceeding with other questions on their list.

Answer: I applied for (say your course of study).

Tip: If you are a post-graduate student, it would make sense that your course of study is in the same field as your undergraduate course of study.

• Why did you choose this course?

They ask this to gain insights into your interests. It would do you a lot of good to answer based on your passion for that course, or why it is relevant to you.

Answer: I can not give a direct answer to this question because interests vary. But I can share a few tips on how to answer it. Firstly, be honest. Be original, tell them why you are interested in that course of study, what value you would like to add and what you hope to achieve by studying in that field. Secondly, show your passion and positive attitude towards your chosen field, be enthusiastic in your reply. Finally, make sure your response is relevant to the field. You do not want to answer questions about arts when you are in the science field or bring in financial reasons.

• Why did you choose this University? 

The officials want to know if you researched the university you applied to if you chose the school based on relevant knowledge, or you just picked any random institution.

Answer: I chose this university because it delivers a great study and working environment, while also providing an excellent foundation for long-term success in a brief period. They also offer the course I am interested in, and I have heard testimonials from alumni who studied there. I chose this institution because I believe it is the best option for me, based on my needs.

• Do you plan to work while studying?

There are opportunities for foreign students to work in Germany while studying, you can read here to learn more. This question is asked to know if you plan to study alone or if you plan to work while studying. Be honest with your answer. If you plan to work while studying, make sure you mention that you also know what it entails to do so.

Answer: No, I do not plan to work while studying. Or. Yes, I plan to work while studying and I am aware of the requirements.

• Where do you plan to stay?

From this question, they will learn the plans you have for accommodation. They do not expect you to move to a new country and live on the streets, so they need to know if you have planned for that. If you have relatives you will be staying with, tell them so. If not, say otherwise.

Answer: I will be staying with my relatives (name the relationship you share). Or, I will be staying in the school hostel. Or, I will rent an apartment off-campus. 

• Do you have a provisional admission letter?

This is for information if you have already been admitted into the university, or if you are awaiting admission. The answer to this question would determine the kind of visa you will be given. Read here to know more about visas.

Answer: No, I have not yet been admitted. Yes, I have been admitted and I have my admission letter.

• What is the duration of your program?

This will guide them on how long your visa would permit you to stay in Germany. Be honest with your response.

Answer: My program will last for (say your program duration).

• Is your course taught in English or German?

This is to know if you are ready for the language barrier you may face. If you answer that your course is taught in German, a follow-up question would likely be if you understand German. It would be futile to study in a language you do not understand. Click here to check how to learn German.

Answer: My course is taught in English. My course is taught in German.

• Tell me about your Bachelor’s GPA (for post-graduate students), high school result, and IELTS point.

This is asked to ascertain your seriousness as a student. They want to know if you are academically sound and test your communication skills. Tell them truthfully because they can easily find out.

• Is this course available in your home country? If so, why don’t you study it in your home country?

They may want to probe further to know why you chose to study in Germany if your desired course is offered in your home country. If it is not offered in your home country, simply answer by saying “no, it is not offered in my home country.” if it is, your answer may be along the lines of the answer below.

Answer:  I think that the studying program in Germany will enable me to be a more well-prepared, global graduate. I will also get the opportunity to learn a new culture and language. In addition, My own country’s infrastructure and educational quality are incomparable to those found in Germany.

• How do you plan to fund your stay in Germany?

No country wants a destitute, so they must know that you can afford to live in Germany, without being stranded. Safe for the block bank account, you need additional funds to aid your stay and cater to your needs. Yes, tuition is free for some public universities in Germany but studying there requires more. You need funds for accommodation, feeding, transportation, etc. If you have a fully-funded scholarship, now would be the best time to tell them. If not, you can honestly tell them how you plan to fund your stay in Germany.

Answer: My parents have set up a trust fund to assist my stay. Or, I have a full-funded scholarship.

• Do you have proof of your financial resources during your stay in Germany??

You can either choose to have a Blocked Account, scholarship, or parental income or take out a bank loan to secure your finance while studying and doing an internship in Germany.

Most students choose to have a Blocked Account, which is a particular type of bank account required by German law. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, from 1 January 2021, the Blocked Account’s annual requirement is €10.332. Students will receive the fund as monthly payments to their bank account in 12 months, each 861€.

You may open a Blocked Account now and fund it later.

• Do you have valid Health Insurance before arriving in Germany?

Health Insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany and a prerequisite for obtaining a German visa. International students in Germany are required by law to have healthcare coverage at all times. Before moving to Germany, international students need to have travel insurance. Moreover, while university students are eligible to apply for public health insurance during their stays, those coming for preparatory courses, language courses, PhDs, students over 30, and guest scientists may have to get private health insurance coverage.

Check it out here to get a Value Package of Blocked Account and Health Insurance Plus in one platform at a competitive price, designed to fit your personal profile.

• How well do you know Germany?

This question is not asked to test your navigation skills or knowledge because it is likely you have never been there before. However, this question is asked to test your knowledge of Germany on a cultural and social level. They need to know that you have carried out research on the German lifestyle and you are well-informed on how to cope or blend in upon arrival. For the answers, you can mention some facts about Germany, like popular places, food, and some cultural elements.

To ace your interview and get a visa to study in Germany, it is important to be well-informed about Germany. You also need to be relaxed, do not be anxious, especially when you are asked personal questions like why you chose that course. That is even an opportunity to impress them with your passion, and this is key to a successful visa interview. They may not ask all the questions listed above, they may also ask some questions which are not listed above, but the questions above are a guide on what to expect. Do some more research on Germany before you attend your visa appointment. You can check our website to read more about studying in Germany.