How much money do you need to show for a German student visa from Nigeria or Ghana?
Short answer
EUR 11,904 for the first year of university study (EUR 992 a month) is what the German Missions in Nigeria and the German Embassy in Accra both ask for. You can show it with a blocked account or a formal obligation letter from someone living in Germany; the Nigeria missions say that in some cases a part-time job contract in Germany can also be used.
On this page
How much goes in the blocked account?
One accepted proof is a blocked account (Sperrkonto): a German account that shows the amount paid in and the amount available to you each month. For university study, both the Nigeria missions and the Accra embassy ask for EUR 11,904 for the first year, which is EUR 992 a month.
You only need to show one year, even if your programme is longer. The Nigeria missions give the example of a 2-year degree: proof of EUR 11,904 (12 x EUR 992) is enough.
The amount changes from time to time. We checked both mission pages on 23 October 2026. Check them again before you fund your account.
What must the blocked account confirmation show?
Both missions accept only the bank's official confirmation that the account is open. It must show the amount paid in and the amount available to you each month. A confirmation without these details is not enough.
A receipt or proof that you transferred the money is not enough on its own, at either mission.
Timing: the Nigeria missions say to open the account in good time before you apply. The Accra embassy says to open it at the latest when your application is ready for preview in the Consular Service Portal (the online visa application site).
Can you use something other than a blocked account?
- A formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) signed by a person living in Germany at their local office there. It must cover the whole stay and carry the remark 'nachgewiesen' (the sponsor's finances were checked). The Nigeria missions say it must not be older than 6 months and want the original plus one copy. The Accra embassy says it must not be older than 6 months on the date you plan to enter Germany, and you need a new one for each visa application.
- Nigeria only, and only in some cases: a part-time job contract in Germany, up to 20 hours a week and paying EUR 1,091 net a month. The Accra student visa page does not list this option.
How to show tuition fees at the Accra embassy
At the Accra embassy, tuition is separate from the EUR 11,904: it says neither a blocked account nor a formal obligation letter counts as proof that you can pay study fees.
For Accra, always upload a letter from the university with the first-year fees or payment plan. Then add one of these:
- If you already paid the first year (2 semesters): a university letter confirming payment.
- If you pay yourself: your bank statements for the last 3 months.
- If someone else pays: their letter confirming they sponsor your fees, a copy of their ID card or passport, and their bank statements for the last 3 months.
Sources for this part3
How to show tuition fees at the Lagos consulate
The Lagos student visa sorting list (status June 2026) asks, where it applies, for proof of payment of tuition fees and the university's confirmation that it received the payment.
This list is issued by the Consulate General in Lagos. If you apply in Abuja, check the embassy's own list before you apply.
Sources for this part2
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How much is the blocked account for a German student visa from Nigeria or Ghana?
EUR 11,904 for the first year, which is EUR 992 a month. The German Missions in Nigeria and the German Embassy in Accra both show this figure (checked 23 October 2026). Check the mission page before you pay, because the amount changes. 13
Can someone in Germany sponsor me instead of a blocked account?
Yes. Both missions accept a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a person living in Germany if it covers the whole stay, is marked 'nachgewiesen' and is not older than 6 months. Accra counts the 6 months up to your planned entry date and wants a new letter for each application. 13
Is a bank transfer receipt enough proof for my blocked account?
No. Both missions accept only the bank's official confirmation that the account is open, showing the amount paid in and the amount available each month. 13
Does my blocked account cover my tuition fees?
Not at the Accra embassy: it says neither a blocked account nor a formal obligation letter is enough proof for study fees. You show tuition separately, with a university letter on the fees and proof of how they are paid. 3
Sources
- 1Financial meansOfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 23 Oct 2026
- 2Student visa sorting list, Lagos (status June 2026)OfficialGerman Missions in Nigeria · checked 23 Oct 2026
- 3Visa for StudentsOfficialGerman Embassy Accra · checked 23 Oct 2026
Official is the embassy or a German government page. Applicant reports are what applicants say happened at their appointment. Secondary is everything else we checked.
General information, not legal advice. VisaRoom isn't connected to any embassy or government, and only the embassy decides on your visa. Something out of date? Tell us.