Yes, Filipinos can study in Germany. For the student visa you need admission to a state-recognized German university, proof of your language skills, proof that you can pay for your living costs, and health insurance.
This guide follows the German Embassy Manila’s own visa information and other official sources, in plain words. Each point links to its source so you can check it yourself. Amounts change over time, so confirm them on the official page before you apply.
What you need for the student visa
1. Admission to a university
You need admission (Zulassung) to a state-recognized higher-education institution in Germany. Whether your previous education is enough is decided per program, so check the admission rules of the university and the course you want.
2. Proof of language: three ways
You only need to meet one of these:
- Registration for a German preparatory course, or
- Confirmation of enrollment in an English-taught program, which needs no German proof, or
- A German B2 certificate from an ALTE-certified language school.
3. Money for your living costs
The most common proof is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) that releases EUR 992 a month, EUR 11,904 for a year. A formal sponsor declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung) or a German scholarship are also accepted.
4. Health insurance
You need proof of health insurance that is valid from the start of the semester.
Do I need an APS certificate?
Many websites say Filipino students need an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate. That is a real requirement for applicants from some countries, such as China, India and Vietnam. The German Embassy Manila’s own visa requirements page does not list it for Filipino applicants. Check that page again before you apply, since requirements can change.
The Philippine side
We checked the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) checklist for Germany. It does not list a student category as needing CFO Guidance and Counseling registration. The CFO page itself warns that categories it does not list may still need it, so confirm with the CFO for your own visa type before you leave.
Where do I start?
- Choose your subject and university, and check that your previous education qualifies for admission.
- Decide your language path: a preparatory course, an English-taught program, or a German B2 certificate.
- Arrange your blocked account, sponsor declaration or scholarship, and your health insurance.
- Check the German Embassy Manila’s current visa page and confirm with the CFO before you go.
Want to know exactly where you stand? Answer a few questions and get a free roadmap that shows what you already meet, what is missing and your next steps for studying in Germany.
Looking for work or training instead? See the guides on working in Germany and Ausbildung.
Official sources
- German Embassy Manila: visa requirements
- Make it in Germany: visa for studying
- Commission on Filipinos Overseas: visa class checklist
Last checked: September 20, 2026. This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Figures change, so confirm them on the official pages.