Admission & Course Start
Your path to a language school – requirements, documents and timeline at a glance.
Admission & Course Start
Placement test
Free placement before start to assign the right level
German skills
Depending on the course: A1–C2. The test sets the right level.
Course start
Many schools start monthly or every 4–6 weeks
Visa (if required)
Language‑course visa with enrollment & proof of funds
Required documents
- School enrollment form
- Passport or ID
- Biometric photo
- Course level & start date
- Payment proof/deposit
- Health insurance proof (for visa cases)
Timeline & course starts
Course starts
- Monthly starts are common
- Intensive courses often start every 4–6 weeks
Plan visa time
- Processing often takes 6–12 weeks
- Enroll 2–4 months before your start date
Frequently asked questions about admission
Everything about registering and being admitted to a language school — from the paperwork to the letter of admission for your visa.
How do I get admitted to a language school?
At a private language school you fill in the online registration form, pay the registration fee (usually €20–120) and receive a confirmation of registration. Where you need one — for a visa, for example — the school issues a formal letter of admission. For an Integrationskurs you first have to apply to the BAMF or your Jobcenter for an entitlement to attend.
How long does admission take?
Private language schools often confirm your place within 1–3 working days, especially if you pay online. For visa-relevant registrations (language course visa) it usually takes 3–7 days, because the school also has to confirm that the entire course period has been paid for.
Which documents do I need for admission?
The standard documents are: a copy of your passport, the completed registration form, proof that you paid the registration fee and — if you have them — certificates from language courses or exams you have already completed (a Goethe-Zertifikat, for instance). For the language course visa, add proof of your Sperrkonto (blocked account), health insurance and a motivation letter.
Can I register for a language course online?
Yes, most language schools in Germany have an online registration form. There you enter the course type, level, dates and your personal details. After paying online you receive a confirmation by email. The formal letter of admission (for the visa or the embassy) usually follows within a few days by email or post.
What is a letter of admission and what do I need it for?
The letter of admission (also called a confirmation of enrolment or Zulassungsschreiben) is an official document from the school confirming the course type, its duration, its intensity (hours per week) and the period you have paid for. You need it for the language course visa, for the embassy in your home country, as proof when opening a Sperrkonto and sometimes for your health insurance.
Can my admission be refused?
At private language schools a refusal is rare — you pay the registration fee and you are admitted. Refusals happen mainly with Integrationskurse without an entitlement, at a Studienkolleg without a university entrance qualification, or when a course is fully booked. Bear in mind that admission by a school is no guarantee of a visa: the embassy separately assesses your finances, your motivation and whether you are likely to return.
What happens after admission?
Once your admission has arrived: (1) apply for the visa at the German mission in your home country — processing takes 6–12 weeks, (2) open a Sperrkonto if you need one, (3) take out health insurance, (4) book accommodation (host family, student hall of residence, your own flat) and (5) plan your journey so that you arrive for the start of the course.