German student visa: blocked account and documents

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Germany attracts many Vietnamese students thanks to low or free public university tuition in most states and high quality of training. However, a German student visa has its own requirements that other countries do not have, notably an APS certificate and a blocked account. This article helps you clearly understand each requirement and prepare the right documents from the beginning.

APS certificate: mandatory step for Vietnamese students

APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is the Academic Assessment Department located at the German Embassy in Hanoi. For Vietnamese people who want to study university or master's degree in Germany, the APS certificate confirms that your degree, transcripts, and transcripts are genuine and evaluates your learning ability. APS is often required both when applying to schools and when applying for a visa.

The APS process includes application submission, document appraisal, and depending on the case, there may be an interview or test. Processing times can take several months during peak season, so submit early. Procedures, fees and specific documents are updated on the pages of APS and the German Embassy in Vietnam.

What is a blocked account, how much is needed?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a bank account in your name, in which the amount of financial proof is "locked"; Each month after arriving in Germany, you can only withdraw a fixed amount. The goal is to ensure you have enough living expenses for the first year.

According to Make it in Germany, the German Government's information portal, the minimum amount for a student visa in 2026 is 11,904 euros/year. This level is adjusted periodically, so check the latest figure at the time of account opening.

Blocked accounts can be opened online through providers approved by German authorities. Pay attention to service fees, confirmation times and international money transfers. See more general principles in the article Proof of finances for studying abroad and how to transfer money legally in the article Send money for your children to study abroad.

Application for a student visa in Germany

You can submit your application through the online Consular Service Portal of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs or according to the instructions of the German Embassy or Consulate General in Vietnam. Documents usually include:

1. Passport, photo, visa application.
2. Admission letter (Zulassung) from the school or invitation letter from the preparatory school (Studienkolleg), or school search visa application documents if applicable.
3. APS Certificate.
4. Financial proof: confirmation of blocked account, scholarship or guarantee commitment.
5. Language certificate: German programs usually require level B2 or higher or a certificate according to school requirements; English program requires IELTS/TOEFL.
6. Insurance: travel insurance for the initial period, then register for appropriate health insurance for students when enrolling.
7. Motivation letter and CV explain the learning path.

Vietnamese documents need to be translated and may need to be authenticated upon request; see article Translation and notarization of study abroad documents. If you are interested in scholarships, read more DAAD scholarship and free tuition in Germany.

Processing time

Waiting time for appointments and visa applications to study in Germany can be long, especially before the winter (October) and summer (April) admission periods. Please schedule an appointment as soon as you have all the basic documents. See more articles Study visa processing time.

After going to Germany

• Register residence (Anmeldung) locally after having a place to live.
• Activate a blocked account to receive money monthly.
• Health insurance as prescribed for students to complete admission.
• Change to a residence permit at the foreign agency before the entry visa expires.
• Part-time work: according to Make it in Germany, students can work a maximum of 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or a maximum of 20 hours/week.

Flights to Germany often connect via the Middle East, Asia or direct flights depending on the time. VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers compares multiple airlines, optimizes checked baggage of 40–46kg (very useful when carrying winter clothes), checks transit requirements and sends flight information to parents via Zalo. See air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

How much money is needed for a blocked account to study abroad in Germany?

According to Make it in Germany, the minimum level in 2026 is 11,904 euros/year. This level may change from year to year, please check before opening an account.

Can a savings book in Vietnam be used instead of a blocked account?

Usually not. Commonly accepted forms are a blocked account, a qualifying scholarship or a sponsorship commitment from a person in Germany.

Can I get a student visa in Germany without APS?

For Vietnamese students studying at university or graduate school, APS is often a mandatory requirement. Some special categories have their own regulations; Please check with the German Embassy.

Can I work part-time while studying in Germany?

Yes, within a limit of 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours/week according to current regulations.

A German student visa requires early preparation, especially APS and blocked accounts. Please follow official information from the German Embassy and the school. Once you have a visa, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to book a flight to Germany.

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