Securing a student visa
Important for students without a EU nationality
The entry requirements for the Federal Republic of Germany vary depending on the country of origin. Please inquire at the German diplomatic mission in your home country whether you need a visa. Information on this can also be found on the Federal Government's
Make it in Germany website.
The application process can take a long time, so please apply as soon as possible to ensure you make it to Mannheim on time.
The DAAD offers a good overview of the visa application process
Need help navigating the visa-process?
VisaFlow simplifies your transition to Germany by offering comprehensive step-by-step guidance through your relocation process and initial steps in Germany.
Their web app incorporates all essential information into an interactive and easy-to-use format.
As a Technische Hochschule Mannheim student, you can access VisaFlow free of charge using the code "THMANNHEIM25". Start your journey with VisaFlow by visiting platform.visaflow.app.
Proof of financial resources
In order to be issued a student visa, non-EU citizens must submit proof of financial resources to the German authorities. Applicants need to demonstrate that they can cover their minimum amount required for living expenses in Germany during their period of study.
Acceptable forms of proof include:
- proof of (parental) income,
- an allocated amount on a blocked account or
- proof of receipt of a recognized scholarship.
Blocked accounts
Many international students use a blocked account to fund their studies in Germany. The money you transfer to a blocked account cannot be accessed until you enter the country. It is important to request the necessary documents early on. Banks charge a fee to set up a blocked account.
There are some companies that offer package deals, for example a blocked account + health and travel insurance. These might reduce bureaucracy and might make things easier for you.
Check different offers and decide what would work best for you. For specific information about the process of establishing a blocked account, please visit the website of the embassy or consulate nearest to you in your home country.
Once you have arrived in Germany, you will be issued with an EC or debit card which you can then use to access the money. The account may only permit the withdrawal of a certain amount per month, unless more than the prescribed minimum amount has been paid in.
You can find more details about the amount of financial resources you have to prove and the different ways to prove it on the website of the DAAD.
If you want to find out about the possible costs of living in Mannheim, please consult our information on living expenses in Mannheim.
FAQs visa
Where can I get help with my visa process?
TH Mannheim has arranged an agreement with VisaFlow: Your guide for your journey to Germany
VisaFlow simplifies your transition to Germany by offering comprehensive step-by-step guidance through your relocation process and initial steps in Germany. Their web app incorporates all essential information into an interactive and easy-to-use format. It guides you amongst others through your visa process.
As a student of Technische Hochschule Mannheim you can access VisaFlow free of charge using the code "THMANNHEIM25 by visiting https://platform.visaflow.app/auth
Do I need an APS certificate for my application and visa process?
Degree-seeking students:
Applicants from China, Vietnam, India, and Mongolia need to submit the original certificate from the Academic Evaluation Center (APS) of their respective country during their application with us. Students who are already in Germany must also submit a certificate from the APS in their application.
Further APS information can be found on the following websites:
China: https://www.aps.org.cn
Vietnam: http://www.hanoi.diplo.de
India: https://aps-india.de/
Can I arrive after lectures have started? / Late arrival
As a university of applied sciences, we lay great store by practical experience. Thus, your study degree contains hands-on experience in labs etc. from the very start. For this reason, it is not possible to arrive after the start of the lectures, nor can classes be taken online. Please make sure that you arrive in time for the semester start.
German language courses are part of our international study programs, make sure that you arrive in time for the German Intensive course before the start of the lectures. The language courses build upon each other. Thus, if you arrive late and miss the Intensive course, a place in the German classes cannot be guaranteed.
If you have more questions regarding late arrival, please make sure to contact the course leader of your study program.
I have an offer for a room but no visa yet, what do I do?
Please accept the room offer. Make sure that you make the advance payments in due time. It will help if you can already present a valid lease contract at your visa interview.
You can ask for a refund of your advance payments in the case that you should not get your visa. Please contact the Studierendenwerk Mannheim or our International Office for information about the procedure and the deadlines for a refund.
If I have to cancel my study place because of visa or personal reasons, can I postpone the start to the next intake or do I have to apply again?
We can´t defer admission, sorry. You will need to apply again for the next possible intake.
This may not be the following semester, as some study programs only start once a year. Indicate in your new application that you have already received admission into one of our programs before and indicate your former application number.
