German media: The rejection rate of Chinese citizens studying in Germany for scientific research and study visas has increased, and the security review has become stricter

(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) A report published by West German Broadcasting (WDR), North German Broadcasting (NDR) and "Süddeutsche Zeitung" on September 10 revealed that the number of visa refusals for Chinese citizens to study in Germany and engage in scientific research reaches three digits every year. Compared with other countries, "the number of rejected visa applications in China is particularly prominent, and only the number of rejected visa applications in Iran is slightly higher than in China."

The report mentioned that approximately 200 scientific research visa applications were rejected in 2025, and the number of successfully approved scientific research visas was 2,100. In addition, the number of study visa applications in 2025 is about 9,000, of which about 200 were rejected. In other words, a total of about 400 visa applications were rejected last year.

“When it comes to aerospace and 5G, it’s very problematic.”

"Süddeutsche Zeitung" mentioned in its report that some Chinese scholars have difficulties when they want to continue scientific research in Germany and apply for visas: How to accurately describe the research planned to be conducted in Germany? Which keywords would be helpful, and which would arouse suspicion among German authorities?

In this regard, young Chinese scholars, many of whom are postdoctoral fellows, have launched discussions on relevant forums. Some people say that "5G" is a keyword that easily arouses suspicion, and "aerospace" is also very problematic. However, some people retorted: "But if you avoid keywords too much, it will make people more suspicious." Many people were confused. Someone wrote: "I never thought Germany would be so difficult to deal with."

Why does Germany tighten visa screening?

This may be due to the security concerns of the German authorities. Investigations by the above-mentioned three German media show that Germany’s visa review has become increasingly strict in recent years, and applicants’ resumes may be scrutinized more carefully to determine whether they are related to military academies.

The "Süddeutsche Zeitung" report pointed out that for some time, German security agencies have repeatedly warned of the risks of scientific espionage, and the outside world's suspicion of international students and researchers from China has grown significantly.

Investigations by the above-mentioned three German media show that when German authorities now review visa applications from China, they usually involve security agencies such as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This is largely due to China’s National Intelligence Law, which has been in place since 2017. Under the law, all Chinese citizens are obliged to cooperate with state intelligence services when requested.

"Even if these (Chinese) researchers are not sent to Germany to conduct technical investigations," a German official said, "they will face the risk of being questioned by intelligence agencies about their research results when they return home."

The Chinese Embassy in Germany stated that science and technology are part of the common wealth of mankind and security issues should not be "abused as a political tool" and emphasized that the German authorities' accusations of Chinese espionage were "baseless."

Some applicants try to find other ways

The "Süddeutsche Zeitung" report stated that the German authorities' tightened visa review has led some applicants to try to submit applications to several of the five major German consulates general in China, hoping that if one consulate rejects the application, the other will approve it. There are also applicants who apply for visas from other countries in the Schengen area in order to travel to Germany from there because visa scrutiny in these countries is relatively relaxed. Others try to enter as spouses. Of course, some people avoid certain keywords in their applications, as suggested on relevant forums.

The report pointed out that tightening visa approvals will cause collateral damage, sometimes leading to miscarriage of justice and causing innocent people to suffer. Furthermore, how this stance affects mutual communication and the development of scientific research is worth discussing.

In Germany's academic and political circles, China policy is still controversial, and universities have not yet formed a unified stance. In Germany, freedom of research and teaching is a protected fundamental right. Scientific research institutions are very sensitive to state intervention.

Currently, German scientific research is in a dilemma. On the one hand, there are safety concerns; on the other hand, cutting-edge scientific research also requires international exchanges and cooperation. The report quoted critics in the field as saying that exchanges and cooperation in all fields should not be completely stopped, but cooperation should be expanded under specific conditions.

In order to better prevent scientific espionage, the German government plans to establish a national-level "scientific research security platform" to help weigh the risks and benefits of international scientific exchanges. The platform is scheduled to launch this fall with support from the German Ministry of Education.