Short answer
Steinke-Institut in Bonn offers German intensive courses from A1 to C1 with 20 lessons per week that meet the requirements for a language course visa under § 16f of the German Residence Act. Each level takes 8 weeks and costs €780–810. For a visa we recommend at least 24 weeks. After registration and payment you receive the confirmations for the embassy. The school is in central Bonn, about six minutes on foot from the main station.
Key facts
- Course typeOn-site intensive course in Bonn, Monday to Friday, mornings or afternoons
- Hours20 lessons (45 min) per week, more than the required 18 hours
- LevelsA1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule preparation; 8 weeks per level
- Minimum lengthrecommended: at least 24 weeks; A1–C1 package: 40 weeks
- Fees€780–810 per level (about €390 per month); 24 weeks €2,340–2,430; A1–C1 package €3,150–3,300
- Registration fee€200 one-off for visa applicants, non-refundable
- Next start dates23 Nov 2026, 1 Feb 2027, 1 Mar 2027 (afternoon), 30 Mar 2027
- Deadlineregister at least 9 weeks before the start; embassies often need 8 weeks or longer
- Documentsletter of invitation and payment confirmation as PDF, originals by DHL Express on request (€85)
- Exams on sitetelc Deutsch B1/B2 (€195), telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (€205)
- Serviceshelp with accommodation, health insurance (from €29 per month), authorities and residence permit
- Trial dayfree, as is the online placement test
Costs for 24 weeks
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3 levels intensive course (24 weeks, 480 lessons) | €2,340–2,430 |
| Registration fee (one-off) | €200 |
| Total paid to Steinke-Institut | €2,540–2,630 |
| Proof of funds (blocked account), 6 months | €6,546 (€1,091 per month) |
| Health insurance, 6 months | from approx. €174 |
| Embassy visa fee | usually €75 |
Why Steinke-Institut
- German courses for international students in Bonn since 2001
- Own study college in the same building: continue directly to the assessment exam (FSP)
- telc exam centre: B1, B2 and C1 Hochschule on site
- Central location, about 6 minutes on foot from Bonn main station, close to the university
- Advice in German, English, Chinese, French and Spanish
FAQ: German course with a language course visa
Which language school in Bonn issues documents for a German language course visa?
Steinke-Institut in Bonn (Endenicher Str. 14) issues a registration confirmation (letter of invitation) and a payment confirmation for your visa application after you register and pay, as PDF by e-mail and, on request, as originals by post or DHL Express (€85).
How many hours per week does the intensive course have?
20 lessons (45 minutes each) per week, Monday to Friday, in the morning (usually 9:15 am – 12:30 pm) or afternoon (2:00 – 5:15 pm). This meets the minimum of 18 hours per week required for a language course visa under § 16f Residence Act. Evening and weekend courses are not sufficient for a visa.
How long should I book?
We recommend at least 24 weeks (three levels, e.g. A1 to B1). Many students book the A1–C1 package (40 weeks). The embassy decides in each case; we only confirm paid course periods.
How much does the course cost?
One level (8 weeks, 160 lessons) costs €780–810, about €390 per month. 24 weeks cost €2,340–2,430; the A1–C1 package (40 weeks) costs €3,150–3,300 depending on the start date. Students who need a visa pay a one-off registration fee of €200. Textbooks are not included.
When are the next start dates?
A1 intensive courses start on 23 Nov 2026, 1 Feb 2027 and 30 Mar 2027 (mornings) and on 1 Mar 2027 (afternoons). Register at least nine weeks before the course starts. All dates: course list.
How much money do I need to prove for the visa?
For a language course usually €1,091 per month (€13,092 for twelve months), mostly via a blocked account. For study preparation and the Studienkolleg €992 per month. Your embassy has the final say.
What happens if my visa is refused?
We refund the course fees for the period not covered if you send us the written refusal at least five days before the course starts. The €200 registration fee is not refundable. If the visa has not been decided when the course starts, you can join online until you arrive.
Can I work with a language course visa?
Under § 16f (3) Residence Act you may work up to 20 hours per week. You still have to prove sufficient funds before you enter Germany.
Can I study at a university after the language course?
Yes. With C1, e.g. telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (exam at our centre, €205), you can apply to universities. If your school-leaving certificate is not recognised directly, our study college prepares you for the assessment exam (FSP).
Sources (as of October 2026): German Residence Act (§ 16b, § 16f) · Federal Foreign Office: visa · German Embassy Cairo: language course visa. This is not legal advice. The requirements of the German mission in your country are decisive.