Visa

Stays abroad in European countries

EU Citizens don’t require visas for a stay in almost all European countries, in some cases legal formalities will have to be dealt locally. Details can be found on the website of the partner university or the respective diplomatic missions of the host country.

Non-EU citizens can usually apply for a visa at the appropriate embassy or consulate in Germany. In very rare cases, the application from your home country is necessary. Furthermore, there is the possibility to study in EU member states without a visa and according to the REST-Directive. The EU's mobility arrangements enable you to also study in other Member States (with the exception of Ireland and Denmark) for up to 360 days if you hold a residence title for study purposes. The information sheet on country-specific mobility procedures can be found here. Please note that despite this, partner universities in some countries advise you to apply for a visa. In addition, you must extend your existing residence title in Germany before starting your stay abroad so that it is still valid when you want to re-enter the country. A re-entry to Germany without a valid residence title is not possible, or you will have to arrange for formalities from your home country again. Please note that the application formalities for visas and residence titles take a lot of time and take care of them in advance.

Stays outside of Europe

For stays abroad in non-EU countries, EU and non-EU citizens require the same visa. Please contact the relevant embassies for the application procedure. You will receive information from your coordinator at Viadrina and the responsible partner university or from the embassies/consulates.

First steps of the visa application:

• Your received your confirmation that you have been accepted for a foreign exchange program from the Department of International Affairs.
• After you have been accepted to a partner university of the Viadrina, you will be invited to an information event. There you will be informed of the application procedure to the partner university and the visa requirements.
• Check with the embassy of the relevant country whether or not you need a visa and, if so, what the procedure is.
• After the application process through the Department of International Affairs and the authorization of the partner university you will receive your acceptance confirmation (Letter of Acceptance).
• With this acceptance confirmation (Letter of Acceptance) apply to the relevant embassy for a visa.