Step 3: German Visa Application

Step 3: German Visa Application

Prepare your materials

Use the following checklist to gather the required documents.

1. Application form

   • For the reference section of the visa application, please use the following information:

     • Jutta Gutzeit, Smith Program Abroad in Hamburg Director

     • Smith in Hamburg Gästehaus,  Rothenbaumchaussee 34 Apt 210, 20148 Hamburg, Germany

     • Phone: +49 40 44 76 54

     • jgutzeit@smith.edu

2. Visa Support Letters from Director, Jutta Gutzeit and Associate Director, Angelo Pisano

3. Passport with at least 2 blank pages

4. Copy of passport and copy of another photo ID

5. Acceptance letter

6. Official transcript

7. CV/Resume - be sure to use a German format

8. Letter of motivation

9. Language proficiency proof - not required since your acceptance letter covers this

10. Proof of adequate financial means

    • You may prove adequate means through bank statements, sponsor letter from parents with a bank statement, scholarship letter, etc. You may be asked during the processing of your visa to set up a blocked account. Once they request a blocked account, the processing will be interrupted and the overall processing time will be significantly longer. You need to notarize whatever form of financial means you present in your appointment. Notary services are available from the Registrar's Office, SFS, or the Finance team in College Hall or Forbes Library.

11. Proof of adequate health insurance coverage - you must produce this via your portal in GeoBlue.

12. Self-addressed envelope with pre-paid shipping

The step-by-step guide on completing the visa application may be helpful.

Schedule your appointment (up to 28 days from the day you acess this link) at the appropriate consulate with jurisdiction over your home state. New appointments may become available in the same week, please check a few times each day if you're not successful in finding a suitable time. Appointment availability may refresh at around 6 PM EST.

Fall/Academic Year Participants: Try to schedule your appointments for the visa between May 15 and June 15, if possible. Spring Participants: Schedule your appointments as early as possible following acceptance because the German consulates are closed during the week of Christmas. Between November 1 and December 1, if possible.