GermanyVisas Germany Maintains Student Visa Policy for Russians Amid Security Concerns
Germany's embassy in Moscow confirms that student visa applications from Russians are still being processed individually, despite recent rejections due to security issues.
The German embassy in Moscow has reaffirmed that there have been no changes to the student visa policy for Russian citizens. Each application is still assessed on a case-by-case basis, following established legal procedures.
Current Visa Application Process
Russian nationals wishing to study in Germany can apply for student visas at the German embassy in Moscow. The embassy stated that the practice of issuing these visas remains unchanged as of September 2026. However, decisions are made with careful consideration of security concerns.
Recent Rejections and Security Concerns
A recent case involved a student from the Higher School of Economics (HSE) who was denied a visa to attend a German art university. The embassy cited potential security threats as the reason for the rejection, indicating that the applicant's knowledge could be misused.
Background on Security Measures
In early September 2026, German authorities expressed concerns over alleged sabotage plots linked to Russia, particularly at Leipzig Airport. As a result, they announced intentions to tighten entry controls for Russian citizens, aiming to limit visa issuance to those deemed non-threatening.
Despite these developments, the embassy maintains that the overall process for student visas has not been altered, and applications continue to be evaluated individually.
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