Germany Student Visa Guide 2024

Understanding the Importance of the German Student Visa for Indian Students

Key Requirements for Obtaining a German Student Visa

Before starting to apply for the visa application form for Germany (“Visum zur Studienbewerbung”), a number of documents and copies need to be prepared. These range from copies of passports to statements and letters, written to express the reason for visiting for an extended amount of time.

The Application Process for a German Student Visa — 4 steps

Step 1: Organize and Prepare Your Application

Checklist of Documents Required for Your Student Visa Application

To meet the student visa requirements in Germany, two identical sets of the following documents should be prepared. Many of the documents can be downloaded from the website of the “Auswärtiges Amt”.

• A valid passport with at least two empty pages

The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least another year. Furthermore, applicants need three passport-sized photos that meet biometric specifications. These photos should not be older than six months.

• An A4 sized copy of your passport’s data page

• The application form containing personal information & a duly signed declaration (in line with Section 54 of the Residence Act)

• A declaration stating additional contact and legal representation information

• A statement declaring purpose and motivation to study in Germany

• Certificate issued by the APS

The Academic Evaluation Center belongs to the Science Section of the German Embassy, New Delhi. Contacting them and undergoing their application process is necessary to study in Germany. Take the eligibility quiz on the website and register.

• Proof of admission

The college or university should send a proof of admittance (“Zulassungsbescheinigung”) before applying for visa, which includes information on the language instruction.

Please note: If the German University has not verified language proficiency in the admission notification, applicants must submit proof of language skills in the instruction language of the study program or preparatory course (original and 2 copies). Typically, this requires at least a B2-level proficiency in the language of instruction, unless it’s a language preparatory course. Acceptable certifications must be officially recognized by the German government, including those from the Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Assessment English. Please note that “exemption letters” or “Language of Instruction Certificates” should not be submitted.

• Curriculum vitae: A resume as well as certificates of all obtained academic qualifications (original and 2 copies).
• Proof of financial security

Applicants have to prove that they can afford studying at German universities and cover the cost of living (“Finanzierungsnachweis”). That can be proven via a stipend, a sponsor or a blocked account (more about that: In Detail: Financial Requirements).

• Visa fee of €75, which must be paid in INR

The visa fee must be paid at the end of the visa appointment. The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa application is denied.

• Travel health insurance

The insurance needs to be valid on arrival in Germany, up until the applicant enrolls at the University. The website of the German Missions in India has further information on what travel health insurances are approved.

Please note: If you are granted a scholarship from public funds, you must submit ONE of the following as proof of health insurance:

• Evidence of a private German health insurance policy that meets the specified criteria and begins on your estimated travel date.

OR

• Confirmation of a public German health insurance plan, which includes a letter from your German health insurance provider, along with a travel health insurance policy covering the period from your travel date until the start date of your public health insurance.

OR

• Documentation of a private foreign (including Indian) health insurance policy that specifies the chosen coverage meeting the outlined criteria and commences on your estimated travel date.

What criteria must a health insurance fulfill to be considered equivalent to German public health insurance?

• Unlimited coverage for medical expenses in the event of illness.
• An annual deductible not exceeding €300 if the insured person falls ill.
• Coverage must include preexisting medical conditions.
• The policy must not include termination clauses triggered by the insured reaching a certain age, changing their residence permit, or losing their residence permit.
• The insurance must provide continuous coverage without any time restrictions, or it should renew automatically.

Be aware that the German Missions may request further documents or require verification of certificates. Should this occur, additional charges will apply.

Here’s where you should check to determine where to submit your visa application (either at VFS or directly at the German Mission), based on the information provided by the Mission in your area:

• German Embassy New Delhi
• German Consulate General Bengaluru
• German Consulate General Chennai
• German Consulate General Kolkata
• German Consulate General Mumbai

Ensure you arrive punctually for your scheduled appointment with all necessary documents organized and ready according to the provided checklist (Step 1).

Please note: Appointments must be booked exclusively through VFS or directly at the Embassy/Consulate relevant to your visa type. Please be cautious of any third-party offers that appear fraudulent.

Step 3: Apply for a visa

The German Mission will review and make a decision on your application. Legal requirements are evaluated individually for each case, based on the documents provided with the application.

Preparing for Your Visa Interview: Tips for Success

The interview usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes. If they are held in the embassy or consulates, the student should appear 10 minutes before the appointment. Applicants should make sure that all the necessary documents are available. During the actual interview, students should be able to explain why they chose to study at a German university and how it helps them advance their academic goals. By keeping these simple tips for student visa interviews in Germany in mind, anyone should be able to succeed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Student Visa Application

If all necessary documents are complete and delivered in due time, then it’s very unlikely that the visa application fails. Most applicants manage to succeed. Only roughly 10 % fail the process, mostly due to missing or incomplete documents.

Standard processing times

The processing time for a German student visa in India is approximately 12 weeks. 

The timeline begins once you have submitted your full application and made the visa fee payment. Therefore, it is crucial for Indian applicants to apply for a German student visa at the earliest opportunity—ideally right after receiving their acceptance letter from a German university—to ensure they arrive in Germany by the required date.

Demonstrating Financial Means: How Much Do you Need and How to Prove it

How much money is required to study in Germany? The average monthly costs of studying in Germany range from €800 to €1200. This includes rent, travel expenses, food, clothes, learning materials, health insurances and more. The average rent is approximately €332 per month, though that can vary significantly depending on the accommodation and city.

Since January 2023, students are expected to demonstrate financial funds of €934 per month. There are several ways to prove students financial means, being able to afford living in Germany and attending German universities. A “Finanzierungsnachweis” can be proven via a blocked bank account (“Sperrkonto”). There are international providers as well as German banks offering blocked bank accounts.

Furthermore, a proof of parental income, documenting that at least one of the student’s parents can support them during their residence in Germany, can meet the requirement. Lastly, a proof of receipt of one of many scholarships for Indian students in Germany also serves as a proof of financial means.

Financial Preparation for Student Visa Applications in Germany

The student visa Germany costs are €75 for Indians, paid in Indian Rupees (INR). The current exchange rate is therefore important and should be checked right before visiting the embassy or consulate in India. Unfortunately, one cannot get the money back, even if the application is rejected.

That covers the cost for applying for the visa. However, one still has to live, rent, eat and study in Germany. Students have to prove that they can afford their residency and provide for themselves. For that, there are usually three ways to fulfill the financial requirements: blocked bank accounts, parental income and scholarships.

Opening a Blocked Account in Germany: A Step-by-Step Process

In Detail: Language Proficiency Requirements

Tests and Acceptable Scores

A Proof of German language proficiency is needed for German-only and mixed-language courses and study programs, if not already provided by the German university. Without a preparatory language course, at least B2-level in the language of the course is required. There are several places to look for such language proficiency tests for Germany:

• German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH)
• Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF)
• “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang” (DSH)
• Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS)
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural affairs, Level II (DSD)

As you prepare for your journey to study in Germany, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to ensure a smooth transition and successful visa application. While this guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview, there are additional resources available that can offer further assistance and detailed insights.

For more in-depth information, updates, and personalized advice, we highly recommend visiting the following websites:

• German Embassy or Consulate Website: Access the most accurate and official visa regulations, application procedures, and contact information specific to your country.
• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Find detailed information on scholarships, study programs, and living in Germany.
• Study-in-Germany.de: This portal offers practical tips on daily life, as well as information on university programs and life as an international student in Germany.
• Germany Visa Portal: A portal with helpful information on the student visa application process and requirements.
• My German University: For students from India, this resource provides tailored information and insights into the process of obtaining a student visa for Germany.