Germany says it hasn’t changed student visa rules for Russians after rejecting applicant over ‘security concerns’

Source: RBC

The German embassy in Moscow said Germany continues to issue student visas to Russian citizens, with each application reviewed on an individual basis. The embassy was responding to the case of a Higher School of Economics (HSE) student who was denied a study visa over “security concerns.”

The embassy said the practice of issuing student visas had not changed as of September 2026.

Russian citizens may apply for visas at the German embassy in Moscow, including for the purpose of studying at universities in Germany. Each such application is reviewed on an individual basis in accordance with established procedures, and decisions are made in line with the legal rules governing the presence of foreign nationals in Germany.

The German embassy refused last week to issue a visa to a graduate of HSE University’s design program who had been admitted to a German art university. Officials said she could use the knowledge gained at the German university for purposes other than intended, posing a threat to the country’s security.

In early September 2026, German authorities accused Russia of plotting sabotage at Leipzig Airport and pledged to tighten controls on entry for Russian citizens in response. German authorities want to reduce the number of visas issued to ensure that only Russians who do not pose a threat are allowed to enter, German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese explained. Officials did not specify exactly how this would work.

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Germany says it hasn’t changed student visa rules for Russians after rejecting applicant over ‘security concerns’

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Germany says it hasn’t changed student visa rules for Russians after rejecting applicant over ‘security concerns’

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