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Travora Student · 2027 intake

Study in Germany from Togo

There is no centralized procedure: a student residing in Togo applies university by university (often via uni-assist, €75 for the first choice), or to a Studienkolleg (university preparatory course) if their Togolese bac does not give direct access (anabin rule for Togo not read, to be checked before any application). They then apply for the national study visa at the German Embassy in Lomé, with no service provider: application and documents on the Auslandsportal, very limited appointments, submission in person and 50,000 FCFA in fees. The embassy expects in principle a C1, the DSH or the TestDaF (or enrollment in a DSH preparatory course); the Goethe-Institut in Lomé administers B1 to C1 certificates (115,000 to 120,000 FCFA for an external candidate). The heaviest item is the Sperrkonto (blocked account) of €11,904 for the first year (7,808,512 FCFA): no bank in Togo offers a compliant one, so it must be opened online with a German provider, allowing time for the international transfer; the amount could increase for the 2027 intake (BAföG reform). Processing time not published in Lomé; 73 “study” visas were processed there in 2025. Known pre-departure cost, excluding the blocked account: about 198,902 to 407,456 FCFA, not counting translations or insurance.

Updated October 12, 2026 · Reliability: medium · 33 sources

Known cost before departure
198,902 – 407,456 FCFApartial
excluding funds and tuition
Required funds
650,709 FCFA / month
€992 / month
Processing time
Not published by the Lomé embassy; Abidjan benchmark: 2 to 6 weeks after a complete submission; several months possible according to the ministry.
Interview
No
German Embassy in Lomé
Before the visa

Admission route

Three routes: uni-assist (standard procedure or VPD) for most public universities; direct application on the institution's portal (Master's programs in English, recognized private schools, PhD with a thesis supervisor); Studienkolleg then Feststellungsprüfung (assessment exam) when the bac does not give direct access. The Lomé embassy asks for “Baccalauréat I + II” diplomas. Recognition of the Togolese bac (direct access, restricted access or Studienkolleg) could not be read in anabin on October 12, 2026: check on anabin, the DAAD database or uni-assist's “Check Hochschulzugang” tool.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Admission procedure fees

  • Uni-assist, first choice[1]€75≈ 49,197 FCFA

    Then €30 per additional choice in the same semester; non-refundable.

The visa application

Where to apply

Where to file
Lomé
Authority
German Embassy in Lomé (visa section), responsible for residents of Togo
Appointment
Appointments booked only online on the embassy website; application and documents uploaded to the Auslandsportal consular portal (digital.diplo.de), which shows whether the file is complete; personal appearance mandatory
Tip
Appointments are very limited: submit the application on the Auslandsportal as soon as you receive your admission. Appointments are free; no payment speeds up processing.
Processing time
Not published by the Lomé embassy; Abidjan benchmark: 2 to 6 weeks after a complete submission; several months possible according to the ministry. Add the wait for an appointment, “very limited” in Lomé.[6][7][15]
Interview
No · German Embassy in Lomé · No formal interview; submission in person, the officer may ask about your plans. The motivation letter and the coherence of your background matter.[6][15]
Good to know
No external service provider for national visas in Lomé according to the embassy's information sheet (December 2024). Foreign nationals residing in Togo present their residence card.
Book an appointment / apply online

Sources for filing[6][7][8]

In order

The steps

  1. 1

    Check university access with the Togolese bac[5][9][10]

    When: 12 months before the start of the academic year

    Consult anabin (section “Schulabschlüsse mit Hochschulzugang”), the DAAD database or the uni-assist tool: direct access, access limited to certain fields, or Studienkolleg. University years completed in Togo may replace the Studienkolleg in some cases. The “Togo” entry could not be read on October 12, 2026.

  2. 2

    Reach the required language level[6][11][12][13][14]

    When: as soon as possible (B1/B2 sessions in April-June 2026, for example)

    Programs in German: DSH-2, TestDaF 4 or equivalent for enrollment; the Lomé embassy asks for a C1, the DSH or the TestDaF, or enrollment in a DSH preparatory course; other Goethe certificates count as evidence of motivation. Studienkolleg: at least B1 to apply. Programs in English: IELTS or TOEFL depending on the institution. Goethe-Institut Togo (2026): B1 115,000 FCFA, B2 120,000 FCFA, C1 120,000 FCFA (4 modules, external candidate).

    • Goethe-Zertifikat B1 (4 modules, external)[11](depending on profile)115,000 FCFA
    • Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or C1 (external)[11](depending on profile)120,000 FCFA
  3. 3

    Apply (uni-assist, university portal or Studienkolleg)[1][2][14]

    When: from December 2026 to July 2027 depending on the institutionDuration: 4 to 6 weeks (uni-assist)

    uni-assist: €75 for the first choice, €30 for each additional choice, at least 8 weeks before the deadline; review in 4 to 6 weeks. Common deadline for the winter semester: July 15 (often earlier for Master's programs and Studienkollegs: April 15 or May 31). Studienkolleg: application often via the university or uni-assist, then an entrance test.

    • Uni-assist, first choice[1]€75≈ 49,197 FCFA
    • Uni-assist, additional choice[1]€30≈ 19,679 FCFA
  4. 4

    Receive the admission (Zulassungsbescheid)[15][16]

    When: May → August 2027

    Final admission, conditional admission (with enrollment in an intensive course of at least 20 h per week) or admission to a Studienkolleg / invitation to the entrance test: all give the right to a § 16b visa.

  5. 5

    Open the blocked account with a German provider[6][12][17][18][19][20]

    When: as soon as you are admitted (allow 2 to 4 weeks for the transfer)

    €11,904 for the first year (€992 released per month), i.e. 7,808,512 FCFA. “No bank in Togo offers services for opening a blocked account”: open it online (Fintiba, Expatrio, Deutsche Bank…), then make an international transfer from Togo. The confirmation must state the total amount and the monthly amount. Provider fees on top (Expatrio example: €119 opening fee + €9 per month). The BAföG reform could raise the amount for the 2027 intake: check the figure just before transferring.

    • Blocked account provider fees (example: Expatrio, 12 months)[17]€227≈ 148,902 FCFA

      Unofficial source (provider's price list).

  6. 6

    Take out “incoming” health insurance[6][21]

    When: before the appointment

    The Lomé embassy requires “incoming” insurance covering at least the period until enrollment (full coverage for a language course); after that, German public health insurance is mandatory (about €146 per month in 2026).

    • "incoming" insurance[6]amount not found

      Price not set by the government; not found.

  7. 7

    Application on the Auslandsportal and appointment at the Lomé embassy[6][7][22]

    When: as soon as you are admitted, at least 2 to 3 months before the October start

    National visa form, uploaded documents, then in-person appointment with originals and photocopies, biometrics and payment of 50,000 FCFA (national visa, €75). Documents on the Lomé checklist: signed form, 35 × 45 mm biometric photo, signed “article 54 (2) no. 8 AufenthG” form, identity document, admission, proof of housing, “incoming” insurance, proof of language, blocked account, Baccalauréat I and II and university degrees, transcripts, motivation letter.

    • National visa fee[6]50,000 FCFA

      In cash, non-refundable.

  8. 8

    Decision[6][7][15][23][24]

    When: July → September 2027Duration: not published in Lomé

    Processing time not stated by the Lomé embassy (searched on October 12, 2026); Abidjan announces 2 to 6 weeks, the ministry warns it may take several months. Student applications are in principle processed as a priority before the semester. Since July 1, 2025, no more remonstration (administrative objection): if refused, appeal before the Berlin administrative court or submit a new application.

  9. 9

    Steps on arrival[21][25][26][27][28]

    When: October 2027

    Anmeldung (address registration) within 14 days, public health insurance (€146.29 per month at age 23 and over, TK 2026), enrollment and Semesterbeitrag (semester fee, €100 to €350), current account and activation of the blocked account, residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) (€100) before the visa expires.

    • First residence permit[25]€100≈ 65,596 FCFA
The application

Required documents

  • Signed national visa form (Auslandsportal) + signed “article 54 (2) no. 8 AufenthG” form[6][7]

    required

  • Valid passport (identity document)[6][15]

    required

    Original and photocopy; the Lomé checklist mentions the identity document.

    Local specifics: Foreign nationals residing in Togo: Togolese residence card as well.

  • Recent biometric photo 35 × 45 mm[6]

    required

  • Admission (final or conditional), Studienkolleg admission or preparatory language course[6][15]

    required

    Conditional admission + intensive course ≥ 20 h/week.

  • Baccalauréat I and II, university degrees[6]

    required

    Originals and photocopies.

    Local specifics: The Lomé checklist does not require legalization; the embassy may verify authenticity.

  • Transcripts[6]

    required

  • Motivation letter (why Germany, plans after studies)[6]

    required

  • Proof of language: C1, DSH or TestDaF, or enrollment in a DSH preparatory course[11][12]

    required

    English (IELTS/TOEFL) for a program taught in English.

    Local specifics: Goethe-Institut Togo: B1 115,000 FCFA, B2/C1 120,000 FCFA (external, 2026).

  • Blocked account confirmation (Sperrvermerk): at least €11,904[6][12][15]

    required

    Total and monthly amounts stated.

    Local specifics: No Togolese bank offers a compliant account: German provider.

  • Proof of housing[6][15]

    required

    Required in Lomé (not in Abidjan or Yaoundé).

  • “Incoming” health insurance until enrollment[6]

    required

    Full coverage for a language course.

  • Visa fee: 50,000 FCFA[6]

    required

    In cash at the appointment.

Depending on your profile

  • Verpflichtungserklärung (formal sponsorship declaration) from a guarantor in Germany[6]

    Legalized by the guarantor's Ausländerbehörde.

    Local specifics: Accepted only in rare cases in Lomé.

Before departure

Detailed fees

  • Uni-assist, first choice[1](depending on profile)(bachelor's, master's, short program)€75≈ 49,197 FCFA

    If the institution uses uni-assist.

  • Uni-assist, additional choice[1](depending on profile)(bachelor's, master's, short program)€30≈ 19,679 FCFA
  • Goethe-Zertifikat B1 / B2 / C1 (external candidate, Goethe-Institut Togo)[11](depending on profile)120,000 FCFA

    B1: 115,000 FCFA; B2 and C1: 120,000 FCFA (4 modules). Not applicable for a program taught in English (TOEFL/IELTS, prices not found).

  • National visa fee (German Embassy in Lomé)[6]50,000 FCFA
  • Blocked account provider fees (example: Expatrio, 12 months)[17][19]€227≈ 148,902 FCFA

    €119 + €9 × 12; other providers: their own rates (unofficial source).

  • "incoming" health insurance[6]amount not found

    Not found.

  • Translations (if the university requires them)[2][29](depending on profile)amount not found

    Togolese documents are in French; the Lomé embassy does not require translation, some universities do. Rate not found.

Known subtotal198,902 – 407,456 FCFA

Excluding the blocked account (€11,904 = 7,808,512 FCFA). Min = direct application without uni-assist or German test: visa 50,000 + blocked account provider €227 (148,902). Max = + 3 uni-assist choices (€135 = 88,554) + Goethe C1 120,000.

Items with no published official amount (not counted)

  • "incoming" health insurance
  • international transfer fees to the blocked account
  • any translations required by the university
  • English test (TOEFL, IELTS) for a program taught in English
For the visa

Funds to prove

650,709 FCFA / monthi.e. €992 / month

€11,904 for the first year, fixed rate 655.957.

Amount tied to the maximum BAföG rate, unchanged in 2026. The BAföG reform adopted by the cabinet on August 12, 2026 could raise the threshold for the 2027 intake (housing allowance of €440 in the 2027 summer semester). No Togolese bank offers a compliant blocked account.[6][12][18][19][20]

Accepted proof

  • Sperrkonto (blocked account) with a German provider
  • scholarship certificate
  • Verpflichtungserklärung (sponsorship declaration), rarely accepted in Lomé
2027 intake

Timeline

  1. May 20, 2026 → June 26, 2026

    Goethe B1/B2 exam sessions in Togo (example: 2nd quarter of 2026)[11]

    sessions every quarter

  2. April 15, 2027to be confirmed

    common deadline for Studienkollegs and many Master's programs (winter semester)[2][14]

    same period every year

  3. May 20, 2027to be confirmed

    uni-assist advice: submit 8 weeks before the deadline[2]

    same period every year

  4. July 15, 2027to be confirmed

    usual application deadline (winter semester)[2]

    same period every year

  5. April 2027to be confirmed

    planned increase in the BAföG housing allowance (may raise the blocked account amount)[20]

    Reform under way in the Bundestag.

Specifics Togo → Germany

Differences and pitfalls

What differs from the general rule

  • Submission at the German Embassy in Lomé itself, without an external provider; very limited appointments, Auslandsportal recommended.
  • No Togolese bank offers a compliant blocked account: German provider mandatory, international transfer to be planned ahead.
  • Proof of housing required in Lomé (not in Abidjan or Yaoundé).
  • Language: Lomé expects a C1, the DSH or the TestDaF (or a DSH preparatory course), more demanding than Abidjan's B2.
  • Diplomas requested as “Baccalauréat I + II”; no legalization required by the embassy.
  • Verpflichtungserklärung accepted “only in rare cases”.

Pitfalls to avoid

Blocked account opened too late[12][15]

Online opening + international transfer from Togo: allow several weeks; a confirmation without the total and monthly amounts is refused.

Blocked account amount going up[19][20]

BAföG reform under way: check the amount required for 2027 before transferring.

Rare appointments in Lomé[6][8]

Book as soon as you are admitted and use the Auslandsportal; no “facilitator” can get you a paid appointment.

Bac without direct access[4][5]

Without an anabin check, you risk applying for a bachelor's program when a Studienkolleg is required; private Studienkollegs charge fees and are rarely recognized.

Basic travel insurance[6][33]

You need “incoming” insurance until enrollment, then German public health insurance.

No more remonstration[24]

Since July 1, 2025, a refusal can only be challenged before the Berlin court: get your first application right.

Figures

Statistics

national “study” visas processed by the Lomé embassy (2025)
73 in 2025 (applications processed, figure taken from destinations/de.json, reconstructed column)[30]
student visas issued to Togolese nationals (older series) (2014)
18 in 2012, 2 in 2013, 9 in 2014[23]
Togolese students in Germany (2023)
290 in 2023 according to UNESCO (299 in 2020)[31]
learners of German in Togo (2020)
79,685 in 2020[32]

Travora does not issue visas.

Travora is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or service provider (Campus France, TLScontact, VFS Global, BLS…). Rules and amounts change: check the official website before any payment or filing. Page updated October 12, 2026.

Checked on

Sources

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  2. [2]Fristen und Bearbeitungszeit — uni-assist e.V., accessed October 12, 2026
  3. [3]Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD) von uni-assist — Universität des Saarlandes, accessed October 12, 2026
  4. [4]Studienkollegs: Gut vorbereitet ins Studium — DAAD, accessed October 12, 2026
  5. [5]Check Hochschulzugang — uni-assist e.V. (avec le DAAD, d'après anabin/KMK), accessed October 12, 2026
  6. [6]Fiche d'information visa pour études (12/2024) — Ambassade d'Allemagne à Lomé, accessed October 12, 2026
  7. [7]Visa für Deutschland — Auswärtiges Amt, accessed October 12, 2026
  8. [8]FAQ – visa and consular services — German Embassy Yaoundé, accessed October 12, 2026
  9. [9]Abschlüsse nachweisen — Make it in Germany, accessed October 12, 2026
  10. [10]A guide for international applicants (Status: December 2025) — Hochschule Düsseldorf, accessed October 12, 2026
  11. [11]Calendrier des examens du deuxième trimestre 2026 — Goethe-Institut Togo (attribution d'après l'adresse goethe.de/togo portée par le document), accessed October 12, 2026
  12. [12]Visa pour études – fiche d'information (12/2024, autre exemplaire en ligne) — Ambassade d'Allemagne à Lomé, accessed October 12, 2026
  13. [13]uni-assist Tabelle zur Kategorisierung von Sprachnachweisen Deutsch (Stand 02.2026) — uni-assist e.V. et hautes écoles membres (copie TU Ilmenau), accessed October 12, 2026
  14. [14]Studienkolleg der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt — Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, accessed October 12, 2026
  15. [15]Visa à des fins d'études – liste des documents (Mise à jour : octobre 2025) — Ambassade d'Allemagne à Abidjan, accessed October 12, 2026
  16. [16]§ 16b AufenthG – Studium (texte reproduit de gesetze-im-internet.de) — visaright.eu (reproduction du texte légal ; original : Bundesministerium der Justiz), accessed October 12, 2026
  17. [17]List of Prices and Services Terms and Conditions 2026 — Expatrio (prestataire privé de compte bloqué, source non officielle), accessed October 12, 2026
  18. [18]Visum zum Studieren — Make it in Germany (portail du gouvernement fédéral), accessed October 12, 2026
  19. [19]Blocked account (Sperrkonto) — Federal Foreign Office, accessed October 12, 2026
  20. [20]FAQ BAföG-Reform – Im Kabinett beschlossen (12.08.2026) — Bundesregierung, accessed October 12, 2026
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  22. [22]Visa études – pièces à fournir (12/2024) — Ambassade d'Allemagne à Lomé, accessed October 12, 2026
  23. [23]Antwort der Bundesregierung – Visavergabe an Studierende und Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler aus Afrika (Drucksache 20/9598, 01.12.2023) — Deutscher Bundestag, accessed October 12, 2026
  24. [24]Abschaffung des Remonstrationsverfahrens gegen Ablehnungen von Visa (12.05.2025) — Informationsverbund Asyl und Migration (asyl.net), accessed October 12, 2026
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  27. [27]Ausbildungs- und Lebenshaltungskosten — DAAD, accessed October 12, 2026
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