Study in Germany from Saudi Arabia
A step-by-step guide tailored for students applying from Saudi Arabia — APS, embassy, documents and timeline.
🏛️ Visa application at
Riyadh (consulate in Jeddah)
📜 APS certificate
Not required
Saudi nationals do not need an APS certificate. Foreign residents (Pakistani, Indian, etc.) typically don't need APS from Saudi but may need their home country's equivalent (e.g., HEC for Pakistani degrees).
Key steps
- 1
MOFA Saudi Arabia attestation
Get your degrees attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). For degrees from outside Saudi, complete home-country attestation first.
- 2
Translate documents
Arabic documents must be translated to German or English by a sworn translator approved by the German Embassy. List of approved translators available from the embassy.
- 3
Apply to German universities
Apply via uni-assist or directly. Saudi nationals applying for Master's typically need GRE for competitive programmes.
- 4
Open a blocked account
Deposit ~€11,904. Saudi residents commonly use Expatrio or Fintiba. International wire transfer takes 5-10 business days.
- 5
Visa appointment in Riyadh or Jeddah
Book at the German Embassy in Riyadh or consulate in Jeddah. Processing 6-10 weeks. Women applicants need to ensure family permission documents are in order (where applicable).
📄 Documents checklist
⏳ Suggested timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 months before | Research universities + English-taught programmes |
| 10 months before | Take IELTS / TOEFL / GRE |
| 8 months before | Start MOFA Saudi attestation (~4-6 weeks) |
| 6 months before | Apply to universities via uni-assist |
| 4 months before | Receive admission letter |
| 3 months before | Open blocked account + insurance |
| 2 months before | Book visa appointment in Riyadh/Jeddah |
| 1 month before | Visa decision + flight booking |
💡 Country tips
- 💡Saudi nationals get government scholarships frequently — explore KASP and MOE scholarships before applying.
- 💡Women applicants: ensure mahram/family agreement documents are ready if asked — German embassy is sensitive but practical.
- 💡Pakistani/Indian residents in Saudi can apply from Saudi to skip the home-country embassy queue (faster).
- 💡Riyadh embassy is typically faster than Jeddah consulate — book there first.
- 💡GRE is recommended for competitive Master's programmes (TUM, RWTH, KIT).
- 💡Many Saudi residents fund through family — show clear sponsorship documents.