Every document you need: the complete checklist

Identity documents

• International passport, valid for at least 2 more years (renew now if not)
• Birth certificate (some countries ask for it)
• Biometric passport photos to EU standard (35×45 mm, white background)

Education documents

• Secondary school certificate: WAEC, NECO, KCSE, baccalauréat or equivalent
• Transcripts of all years/semesters
• University certificates and transcripts if you already studied
• Certified true copies of everything - never send originals by post
• Sworn/certified translations into English, German or French where required

Language certificates

• English programmes: IELTS Academic (usually 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT
• French programmes: DELF B2 or DALF
• German programmes: TestDaF or DSH (only if you study in German)
• Book your test early - test centres in many African cities are fully booked for weeks

Financial documents

• Blocked account confirmation (Germany) or proof of funds in the format your embassy requires
• Sponsor documents if a parent/relative sponsors you: declaration, bank statements, proof of income
• Scholarship confirmation letter if you have one

For the application & visa file

• CV in Europass format
• Motivation letter / study plan (tailored, honest, specific)
• Reference letters if required
• Health insurance confirmation
• Admission letter (once you have it - guard it like gold)
• Tip: scan everything as clean PDFs, named clearly: “Surname_Document_Year.pdf”