Are you an Indian student dreaming of pursuing higher education in Germany? If you’re eager to study in Germany, you need to apply for a Germany student visa at a local German embassy or consulate.
In the 2023/24 academic year, over 38,000 Indian students were enrolled in German higher education institutions, making India the second-largest source of international students in Germany.
With its world-renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and affordable tuition fees, Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about securing a German student visa from India.
Key Highlights
| Topic | Important Figures |
|---|---|
| Visa Types | Applicant Visa (up to 90 days) National Visa (long-term, over 90 days) |
| English Language Test | IELTS: 6.5+ for English programmes TOEFL iBT: 94-72 for English programmes TestDaF for German programmes |
| Germany Study Visa Fees | INR 6.6k for Applicants or National Visa for adults INR 3.3k for Applicants or National Visa for minors |
| Processing Time | 25 days typically, can be longer in peak seasons. |
Why Study in Germany?
As of 2024, over 50,000 Indian students have applied for a German student visa, highlighting the growing popularity of Germany as a study destination.
Here are some key reasons to study in Germany from India:
- No tuition fees at Public Universities: Public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, making higher education accessible without the heavy financial burden
- Best Universities: Germany is home to numerous top-ranked universities known for their academic excellence and innovative research.
- A Hub of Innovation: Germany is a leader in research and development. As a student, you’ll have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge projects and collaborate with experts in various fields.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: Germany boasts a vibrant culture with historical landmarks, festivals, and a diverse population, offering a unique living experience
Real Student Stories
Explore the inspiring stories of students who made their study abroad dreams come true. From overcoming challenges to embracing new cultures, their experiences offer valuable insights and tips to help you thrive on your own journey. Get motivated and start planning your adventure today!
Real Student Stories
Explore the inspiring stories of students who made their study abroad dreams come true. From overcoming challenges to embracing new cultures, their experiences offer valuable insights and tips to help you thrive on your own journey. Get motivated and start planning your adventure today!
Germany Student Visa: Latest Updates
Germany has recently increased the minimum proof-of-funds requirement for student visas to €11,904(approximately INR 11 lakh) per year. This represents a 6% increase from the previous amount of €11,208 per year, which was in effect until January 1, 2023. This change applies to all international students applying for a student visa for the 2024-25 academic year.
Confused About the Visa Application Process?
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What is the Germany Student Visa?
A German student visa is a visa that allows you to study in Germany at a recognised university. You can apply for a student visa if you have been accepted to a study program at a German university and received a letter of admission.
The student visa is usually valid for 90 days(3 months). You may need to renew your visa every year to stay during your entire degree program. If you want to stay in Germany after your degree is over, you’ll need to apply for a different visa.
Types of Germany Student Visa
There are primarily 3 types of German student visa for which you can apply:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa(C visa) | For short-term courses up to 3 months in the Schengen area. |
| National Visa(D Visa) | Required for long-term study programmes lasting more than 90 days in Germany. |
The German national visa for studies can be issued for various educational levels and programs, including undergraduate, exchange, graduate, and postgraduate studies. It also covers participation in pre-academic measures and non-academic German language courses.
There are 3 types of German national visa that you can apply for based on your situation:
- German Student Visa: Specifically for students accepted into a German higher education institution for a degree programme.
- German Student Applicant Visa: For applicants awaiting admission to a German university or needing to pass an entrance exam before starting their studies.
- German Language Course Visa: For students who want to attend intensive German language courses in Germany without pursuing university studies
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Germany Student Visa Cost
The fees for a German student visa from India can vary depending on the type of visa, the duration of your stay, and your age. As of 2024, the typical visa fees are as follows.
| Category | Schengen Visa Fees | National Visa Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18 years and above) | €90(INR 8k) | €75(INR 6.6k) |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | €45(INR 4k) | €37.50(INR 3.3k) |
In addition to the visa fees, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses, tuition fees and some additional expenses in Germany.
- Block Account (Proof of Financial Resources): To prove your financial capacity, you’ll need to open a blocked bank account in Germany with a minimum balance of €11,904 (INR 10.6L) to fund your stay for the first year of your studies.
- Health Insurance Fees: Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Germany. The cost can vary, but on average, it ranges between €130 to €150 per month (INR 12k – INR 13k).
Also Read: Study in Germany for Free for Indian Students in 2024
Germany Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Dreaming of a rewarding career with an attractive starting salary range of INR 36L to INR 54L per year after graduating from a top German university? Hold that thought for now – you’ll first need to fulfil the comprehensive set of requirements listed below to enrol in a university in Germany:
To apply for a German student visa from India, you’ll need to submit the following documents.
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and valid for at least one year)
- Copy of your passport’s information page (A4 size copy)
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Completed declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
- Two recent biometric photographs (35mm x 45mm, with a white background)
- Admission letter from a recognised German university or educational institution
- APS Certificate(Required for verification of the authenticity of academic documents)
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g., blocked account, scholarship letter, or sponsor’s letter)
- Health insurance coverage proof (valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany)
- Educational qualifications (e.g., academic transcripts, diplomas, and certificates, with certified translations if not in English or German)
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or equivalent certificate)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Proof of accommodation in Germany (if available)
- Processing fee payment receipt
- Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of employment (if applicable)
It’s crucial to ensure that all documents are complete, accurate, and properly translated into German or English (if necessary) by a certified translator.
How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa from India
Are you ready to open the door to German universities? Here’s a step-by-step guide to simplify your visa application process and get you closer to your dream of studying abroad in Germany.
- Secure admission to a recognised German university(such as the University of Freiburg, the University of Hamburg, etc.) or educational institution.
- Gather all the required documents, including your admission letter, financial proof, language proficiency certificates, and other supporting documents.
- Make an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in India that serves your residential area. Some locations may require you to book an appointment online or through a third-party service provider.
- Submit your visa application, along with the required documents and fees.
- Attend the visa interview if required.
- Wait for the visa processing and decision.
It’s essential to start the visa application process well in advance, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete all the necessary steps.
Germany Student Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a German student visa application can take up to 25 days if all your documents are in order. However, during peak seasons or in case of incomplete documentation, the processing time may be extended to around 12 weeks.
Where to Apply for Germany Student Visa in India?
You can apply for a German student visa at any of the following locations, depending on your area of residence in India.
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| German Embassy, New Delhi | No. 6/50G, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 |
| German Consulate General in Bengaluru | 2nd & 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building”, Corner St. Marks & Residency Road, Bengaluru 560025, Karnataka |
| German Consulate General in Chennai | No. 9, Boat Club Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai 600 028, Tamil Nadu, India |
| German Consulate General in Kolkata | 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, Kolkata 700027 |
| German Consulate General in Mumbai | Hoechst House, 10th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, |
| Visa and Consular Department | Arcadia Building, Ground Floor, NCPA Marg, 195 Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021 |
Can Indian students work in Germany with a student visa?
Indian students can indeed work in Germany while holding a student visa but with certain restrictions. You can work up to 280 half days per year part-time ( 20 hours per week) during the semester or 140 full days per year full-time (40 hours per week) during breaks.
Moreover, students can work as student assistants at the university without limit on the number of working days. However, after graduation, you can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa to seek employment related to your qualifications.
Also Read: Part-Time Job Opportunities for Indian Students in Germany
Germany Student Visa Success Rate for Indian Students
Did you know? In 2024, approximately 90% of German student visa applications from India were approved! This highlights the strong possibility of a successful application with the right preparation and a lower rejection rate of 10%.
Some of the possible reasons for visa rejection often stem from incomplete applications or insufficient financial proof.
Tips and Tricks for Indian Students
Here are some key tips to optimise your chances for a successful German study visa application.
- Start the application process early, ideally 3-4 months before your intended travel date.
- Ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and translated into German or English (if necessary).
- Provide clear and convincing evidence of your financial resources, such as a blocked account or a sponsor’s letter.
- Demonstrate your language proficiency through recognised tests like IELTS or German language certificates.
- Prepare a well-written and compelling motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Be honest and transparent in your application for a visa to Germany from India during the interview (if applicable).
- Follow up with the German Embassy or Consulate if there are any delays or if you need additional information.
By following these guidelines and preparing thoroughly, you can increase your chances of a successful German study visa application from India. Speak to a LeapScholar Counsellor about your Germany Study Plan by scheduling a free counselling session today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. How to get PR in Germany after study?
Ans. To get PR in Germany after studying, you must first apply for a 2-year post-study work visa to find a job. Once employed, convert it into an EU Blue Card or a residence permit. After working for 21-33 months (depending on your language skills), you can apply for permanent residency, provided you meet all requirements like financial stability and language proficiency.
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Q. How much money is required for a Germany student visa?
Ans. To obtain a German study visa from India, you’ll need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees for at least the first year of your studies in Germany. The exact amount may vary, but typically, you’ll need to show around INR 10L in a blocked account or through a sponsor’s letter.
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Q. How do I get a student visa for Germany?
Ans. To get a German student visa, you need to apply at the German consulate or embassy in your country. Submit required documents such as a passport, admission letter, proof of financial means (e.g., blocked account), health insurance, and language proficiency proof. You may also need to demonstrate language proficiency and attend a visa interview.
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Q. Is IELTS required for a German visa?
Ans. IELTS is not always mandatory for a German student visa, but it depends on the programme you’re applying for. If your chosen programme is taught in English, you’ll need to provide an English language proficiency certificate like IELTS or TOEFL, with a minimum score requirement varying by university (often between 6.0 and 6.5 overall). For German-taught programs, proof of German language proficiency is necessary.
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Q. Can I work while studying in Germany with a student visa?
Ans. Yes, international students holding a valid German student visa are permitted to work part-time while pursuing their studies. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work per week, usually around 20 hours or 280 half days per year. This allows you to earn some additional income to support your living expenses in Germany.
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Q. What happens if my student visa application is rejected?
Ans. If your German student visa application is rejected, you will receive a rejection letter from the German Embassy or Consulate explaining the reasons for the rejection. You can do the following.
-Appeal (complex, lawyer advised) to the Administrative Court in Berlin if you’re in India (new rule as of Jan 1st, 2024)
-Re-apply with a stronger application: address deficiencies, show stronger financials, and clarify your post-study plans
-Reapply promptly to avoid missing deadlines. -
Q. Can I study in Germany without IELTS?
Ans. Yes, you can study in Germany without IELTS if your chosen university does not require it or if you can provide a medium of instruction (MOI) certificate showing that your previous education was in English. Additionally, for German-taught programmes, you can take the TestDaf, and for English-taught programmes, TOEFL is accepted.
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Q. Can I extend my German student visa?
A. Yes, you can extend your German student visa if your study programme lasts longer than the initial visa duration. You’ll need to apply for an extension at the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany before your current visa expires.
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Q. Can I change my university or programme after obtaining a German student visa?
Ans. In most cases, you cannot change your university or study programme after obtaining a German student visa. The visa is issued based on the specific university and programme you were admitted to. If you want to change your university or programme, you may need to apply for a new visa.
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Q. How long can I stay in Germany after completing my studies?
Ans. After completing your studies in Germany, you will be eligible to apply for a job-seeker visa or a residence permit for employment. The duration of your stay will depend on the specific visa or permit you obtain.
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Q. Can I bring my parents to Germany while studying on a student visa?
Ans. No, you cannot bring your parents to Germany while studying on a student visa. The student visa is meant for the student only, and parents or other family members (except spouses and children) are not eligible to accompany you on this visa.
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