Studying in Germany from Nepal means preparing your financial proof, a German language certificate and the application through the German consular portal. This guide explains what the German Embassy in Kathmandu asks for on its study visa page, including what it does not state, so you know what to clarify.
Short answer: The Embassy in Kathmandu names no fixed monthly amount for a blocked account. The blocked account is not mandatory for applying, but the Embassy may request it during the process. A scholarship, a sponsor’s commitment from a person living in Germany or other proof of finances is accepted. The visa fee is 75 euros, paid in cash in Nepali rupees. Processing takes about three to four weeks.
The most important points
- No fixed monthly amount is stated for the blocked account. Ask the Embassy which amount it expects before you open one.
- Accepted financial proof includes a scholarship, a sponsor’s commitment, or proof such as an employer letter or bank statements.
- German language certificates must be submitted with the application and cannot be handed in later.
- The page makes APS mandatory for Chinese and Indian degrees only. It does not state an APS requirement for Nepalese degrees.
- The visa fee of 75 euros, paid in Nepali rupees, is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
Do you need a blocked account from Nepal?
Not necessarily. The page says the blocked account is not mandatory for applying, but the Embassy may ask for it during the visa process. It lists the following proofs, and the conditions attached to each.
| Proof | Conditions named on the Embassy page |
|---|---|
| Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | Not mandatory for applying, but may be requested during the process. No amount is stated. |
| Sponsor’s commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) | From a sponsor living in Germany |
| Scholarship | Confirmation of the scholarship or stipend |
| Other proof of finances | Employer letter, company registration, land ownership certificate, tax payment evidence or personal bank statements |
The page does not give a date, so ask the Embassy in Kathmandu before you commit funds to any one option.
Which language certificate do you need?
The Embassy accepts German certificates from the Goethe-Institut (including the Goethe Center Kathmandu), ÖSD, telc or ECL. The page does not state levels. The certificate must be part of the application, because it cannot be submitted later. IELTS and TOEFL appear on the page as English certificates “if necessary”, without a minimum score. DSH and TestDaF are not mentioned.
Do Nepali applicants need an APS certificate?
The page makes an APS certificate mandatory for school or university degrees from China and India, with an exception for students with German or European public scholarships. It does not list an APS requirement for Nepalese degrees. Ask your university and the Embassy to confirm whether one applies to you, because the page does not say so explicitly.
How do you apply for a study visa in Kathmandu?
- Apply online through the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de/visa). The Embassy checks the completeness of your documents, and you can correct them online.
- Book an in-person appointment. Bring the originals, provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and pay the fee.
- Pay the fee of 75 euros in Nepali rupees, in cash only. The page states that the amount is fixed in euros. Holders of public scholarships are exempt.
- Plan about three to four weeks for processing, which is the minimum time the page gives.
- After approval, arrange your health insurance and your flight.
Your passport must be valid for at least 12 months. Other documents include a VIDEX form, a signed declaration, citizenship and birth certificates, a motivation letter, proof of admission, school certificates with mark sheets, and proof of finances.
What about health insurance?
The Embassy page says health insurance must be arranged after the visa is approved. It does not state a minimum duration or minimum cover, so ask the Embassy which cover it expects for the first period. German statutory student insurance begins with enrolment, and the costs are shown below.
| Situation | Monthly contribution, 2026 | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Under 23 or with a child | 142.96 euros | Assumption: average additional contribution of 2.9 percent and a student who does not live with parents (base 855 euros). Source: GKV-Spitzenverband, figures for 2026. |
| From age 23, without a child | 148.09 euros | Adds the childless nursing care surcharge (4.2 percent in total instead of 3.6 percent). |
Our overview of health insurance for international students in Germany explains the two stages in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Does a scholarship replace the blocked account?
The page lists a scholarship as an accepted proof, and it does not present the blocked account as mandatory. Show the amount and the duration of the scholarship in your documents, and ask the Embassy whether it accepts your scholarship as the sole proof.
Is the fee refunded if my application is rejected?
No. The page states that the fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Holders of public scholarships are exempt, and the exemption applies only where the scholarship is documented.
Can I bring my German certificate later?
No. The page says the German certificate must be submitted with the visa application and cannot be handed in afterwards. Book your language exam early enough to receive the result in time.
Does the page give a processing time?
Yes. The page gives a minimum processing time of about three to four weeks. It does not state a maximum, so plan extra time, especially in the busy months before the winter term.
Your next steps
- Decide which proof of finances fits your case, and ask the Embassy which amount it expects.
- Get the German language certificate before you apply, because it must be part of the application.
- Gather your documents, including the VIDEX form, the signed declaration and the school certificates with mark sheets.
- Apply online, book the appointment and bring 75 euros in Nepali rupees in cash.
- After approval, arrange your health insurance and flight.
Related guides
- Public or Private Health Insurance for International Students
- Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
- Studying Outside the EU: Health Insurance Rules
- Student Health Insurance in Germany 2026: Key Figures
- Study in Germany from India
- Study in Germany from Bangladesh
Sources: German Embassy Kathmandu, study visa page (no date stated); German Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de/visa); Social Code Book V, section 5 (gesetze-im-internet.de); GKV-Spitzenverband, Rechengrößen 2026 (1 January 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
