Germany Student Visa Guide

Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Feb 11, 2023 9:19 PM IST

Latest Update

  • December 06,2022 12:00 AM IST
  • On December 5, 2022, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Germany, Annalena Baerbock signed a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership. This partnership aims to facilitate a two-way movement of students, researchers and professionals and also address the issue of illegal immigration.

  • November 21,2022 12:00 AM IST
  • Indian study abroad applicants will now require an APS accreditation for all academic documents evaluated at their nearest Academic Evaluation Centre. It is described as 'expensive but efficient' by experts and students. This comes after Germany proposed changes in its student visa application process.

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About Student Visa in Germany

Home to free higher education in Public Universities and one of the popular destinations of study, Germany offers higher education opportunities for international students from across the globe. Higher education institutions in Germany have been renowned for their excellence and quality of standard education and have attracted thousands of students from the EU, US, UK, India, China and more. Germany has a rather elaborate visa requirement for those looking to study and settle in the country. On this page, aspirants will be able to find relevant information regarding the German visa requirements for international students.

However, those aspiring to pursue higher education in the country will be required to apply for a German Student Visa. While Germany offers visa exemptions for international students, on meeting certain criteria, most international students choosing Germany as their study abroad destination will be required to apply for either a student or a permanent visa. Generally, students get D-Visa or National Visa that allows them that is valid for three months and allows them to enter Germany after which they can apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for a year and can be renewed after that. 

Being an EU State Member, students from other EU states do not require a German Student visa to pursue higher education. Additionally, students from a select country may be required to apply for a residence permit but not for a German Student Visa. However, students from the rest of the world, including India, need to apply for a German Student Visa if they wish to study in Germany.

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Why is German Student Visa Necessary?

Part of the European Union, International students planning to study in the universities of Germany may be required to apply for a student visa or residence permit depending on their country of origin. For instance, students belonging to one of the states in the EU, do not require a student visa, while students US or Canada may require just a residency permit. Here are some of the different types of German visas that are applicable to international students studying in the country.

German Student Visa: A German student visa is required by all students who do not come from one of the EU Member States, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan or Israel.

Residence Visa: All students who are citizens of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Israel, are required to apply for a residence permit from the local Residents Registration Office or Aliens’ Registration Office, also known as Auslanderamt.

Therefore, Indian students who wish to study in one of the higher education institutions in the country, must apply for Student Visa from the German Embassy in India.

Types of German Student Visas

There are three types of Student Visas that a candidate can apply to, depending on the situation. These include:

German Student Visa: Students who have received an admission letter from a recognised university in Germany to a full-time programme will be required to apply for a German Student Visa.

German Student Applicant Visa: This type of visa is provided to those aspiring to apply to a university in Germany. Students will not be able to pursue higher education through a German Student Applicant Visa.

German Language Course Visa: Students applying for a German Language course in Germany will be required to apply for this visa.

German Visa Rules & Regulations for an International Student

The rules and regulations for students on a German visa depend on their home country. While many do not need to apply for a visa when entering the Federal Republic of Germany, students from India do need to hold a visa to enter the country. Here are the rules and regulations that  an Indian student needs to follow when they are on a national visa/residence permit in Germany:

  • National visas are issued for certain purposes for three months to 12 months. After entering Germany, the student should apply for a residence permit at a local foreigner’s office. The national visa is supposed to cover the student until the residence permit application is processed.

  • A residence permit in Germany is compulsory for anyone who wants to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The same will last two years and is renewable.

  • During your studies in Germany, an international student is allowed to take up part-time or student jobs to cover their expenses. The German government allows Indian students to work for up to 120 hours per year or 240 half days in a year.

  • Part-time jobs allowed for international students in Germany include voluntary work and not freelance work or self-employment.

  • One can also take up a job after completion of their studies in Germany.

  • One may be allowed to extend their visa only in exceptional circumstances such as a natural disaster. The same must be done at the foreigner’s office that covers the residence of the student. No fee will be charged for visa extension under such circumstances.

  • In case one needs to extend their visa on the grounds of compelling personal reasons or late entry, it will cost 30 euros.

Eligibility Criteria for an Indian Student to Apply for German Visa

Here are the eligibility criteria for a student from India to apply for a German visa:

  • Must prove that they have been accepted to a German higher education institution by presenting the Enrollment Letter and registering their residence within two weeks after arrival in Germany.

  • Must have health insurance.

  • Must prove financial stability. The best way to do so is by opening a blocked bank account and having at least EUR 10,236 in their account so they can fund their stay for at least the first year of their studies.

  • Must have a valid passport

  • Must have a biometric passport photo

  • Must have German or English language proficiency.

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German Student Visa Application Process

Students aspiring to commence their study abroad journey in Germany must begin by applying for the relevant German Student Visa. Those applying from countries apart from the EU, US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Japan are required to apply for a German Student Visa if they wish to study a full-time course in the country. In order to apply for a German Student Visa, you must first ensure that you have the necessary documents, including proof of university admission. Candidates will be required to visit the local German Embassy present in one of the few locations across the country.

Here are the steps you need to complete to apply for a German Student Visa:

  • Open a blocked account.
  • Compile all the necessary documents needed for the Visa application.

  • Get the Biometric Photos as per the specifications outlined by the German Embassy.

  • Students can apply for the German National Visa via the official website of the German Embassy in India. Students can also opt to take a printout of the application form and submit it with the other documents.

  • Candidates will be required to download, print, fill; out and sign the following documents for German visa as well:

    • Declaration of True and Complete Information

    • Additional Contact and Legal Representation

  • After filling out the details and procuring all the documents required for Visa Application, candidates will be required to schedule an appointment for their Visa Interview.

Note: The official website will outline all the necessary procedures that you must follow in order to successfully apply for the German National Visa. Follow the instructions that have been provided by the German Embassy website on the documents required and the Biometric Photo as well as the payment for the application fee.

What to Do if Your Student Visa is Rejected? Tips to Write a Visa Letter or Visa SOP

Checklist For German Student Visa Application Process

All students who have decided to apply for a German Student Visa, will be required to submit a list of documents that will prove their eligibility to study in the country. These documents must be submitted to a German Embassy along with your application for the German Student Visa. Students must hold the original copies of all the relevant documents with them in order to avoid any hiccups in the process. Here are the documents required to apply for a German Student Visa.

  • The completed and signed National Visa application form.

  • Valid passport of the candidate

  • Two photocopies of the passport

  • Birth Certificate

  • 3 Recent Passport Size Photographs, as per specifications.

  • Proof of Financial Resources from one of the following:   

    • A Confirmation deposit of €10,332 at a German Blocked Bank Account; or

    • A Letter of Commitment with proof of parent’s/guardian’s income records and financial assets;

    • Letter of Commitment from a German resident. The letter will be deposited at the Alien’s Registration Office by the German Resident who will be sponsoring your studies; or

    • Certificate of a Scholarship award. The certificate must also outline the costs that will be covered by the scholarship.

  • Proof of Admissions by a recognised university in Germany:
    • A Confirmation of Admission or Acceptance letter offered by a recognised university in Germany that outlines the date of commencement of the session along with the language of teaching.

  • In case of conditional admissions:

    • The letter must confirm that the candidate is conditionally admitted and is allowed to participate in an intensive language course resulting in Final admission to the university.

    • The course should be more than 6 months, consisting of over 18 hours of study per week.

    • Proof of conditional admission to the university

    • Proof of confirmed payment to the language course, covering at least the first 3 months along with a position in the language course.

  • Confirmation of admission to a university through a preparatory course.
    • Proof of conditional admission to the university.
    • Proof of confirmation to the preparatory course.
  • Previous Academic records, including, Original School leaving certificate. Students applying for a master’s degree at a German University must provide a Degree certificate.

  • Student Health Insurance

  • English or German Proficiency Test scores.

  • Visa fee of €75 paid in INR only. The Payment should be made via a Demand Draft with only the correct amounts, which will be handed over during the Visa Interview. The Application fee is non-refundable, even if the candidate fails the Interview.

Note: All students applying for a German Student Visa must ensure that they have all the necessary documents, as listed on the official website of the German Embassy in India.

With regards to the application fee, information regarding the details will be available on the official website of the German Embassy. Depending on the location of the embassy, the DD must be issued accordingly.

German Visa Fees and Payment Methods for an Indian Student

German visa fees are not refundable even if the visa is rejected. However, in some cases, if the candidate is found eligible, visa fee might be waived.

German National Visa Fees

Type of Applicant

Fees in EUR

Fees in INR

Adult

80

7,110

Minor (0-17 years of age)

40

3,550

Note: Conversions are based on the current exchange rate (as of March 18, 2021)

Modes of Payment

Indian City

Acceptable Modes of Payment

Delhi

Demand Draft or Cash

Kolkata

Only Demand Draft

Bangalore

Only Demand Draft

Mumbai

Only Demand Draft

Chennai

Only Demand Draft

Note: One should pay the visa fees at the end of the visa appointment.

Time Required to Process German Visa Application

Missions usually take two to ten working days to process an application for a German short-stay visa. However, longer-stay visas may take several months to be processed. Therefore, it is recommended that students apply for a visa in good time. 

The processing time for German Student Visa depends on the procedure of application and how long it takes to appear for the interview. Students can avail of any one of the three types of processing speeds for the application review online: Standard, Rush and Super Rush. The fee varies according to the processing speed.

It takes around 2 to 4 weeks to process the German student visa application. The time can extend to 6 to 12 weeks in case the embassy requires students to submit additional documents. 

It is therefore necessary to start visa applications as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance as they also need to wait for the blocked account and other visa processing issues. 

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Where to Apply for German Visa in India?

Given below are the places where an Indian student can apply for a German visa:

German Embassy New Delhi:

No. 6, 50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India

German Consulate General Bengaluru:

2nd & 3rd floor, Cash Pharmacy Building Corner St Marks &,
Residency Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025, India

German Consulate General Chennai:

9, Boat Club Rd, RA Puram, Raja Annamalai Puram,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028, India

German Consulate General Kolkata:

1, Hastings Park Rd, Alipore,
Kolkata, West Bengal 700027, India

German Consulate General Mumbai:

House, 9th Floor, Hoechst, 193, Backbay Reclamation,
Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021, India

German Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Getting an appropriate German student visa is extremely crucial. The paperwork and documentation need to be done with extreme care to avoid rejection at the last moment. It is extremely disappointing to hear of a student visa rejection at the last moment. Germany has strict visa requirements and strict visa processes that international students must meet in order to get a student visa in the first go.

Here are some of the reasons for the student rejection of the German visa

  • Applying for the Wrong Visa Type: There are three types of student visas in Germany for different types of students and courses. Applying for the wrong visa type can lead to the cancellation or rejection of the application. 

  • Inability to Meet Financial Requirements: Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in Germany. To take care of this, the German government has introduced the concept of a blocked account.

  • Dissatisfactory Academic Achievements: Students must be able to meet the exceptional academic standards of the universities in Germany. Those who do not meet the standards will face visa rejection. Visa will also be cancelled for those students whom universities feel will not be able to cope with the education standards.

  • Unrelated Choice of Subjects: Choosing the right subject and course to study also determines whether students will get a German visa or not. Choosing totally unrelated subjects can make the visa officers doubt the student’s intention and this again can lead to visa rejection. Even if there is a change of study field, it should be properly justified with good reasons in the Visa SOP or Essay.

  • Inability to Fulfil Language Requirements: The courses in Germany are either taught in English or German or both. Thus, students have to demonstrate proficiency in both languages. German proficiency may not be a mandatory requirement for admission purposes if the course is taught in English. However, it is always recommended to know basic German for a smooth visa process. This is to convince the visa officers that the candidate can survive in a foreign land with a different local language. 

  • Dissatisfactory Performance in Visa Interview: Visa interview is a crucial aspect of the visa approval process. If students do not have good communication skills or fail to give satisfactory answers regarding their intentions are not provided with a German visa. 

What to do if German Student Visa is Rejected?

Even after careful documentation if the German student visa gets cancelled, one should not lose hope. They should not think that their dream to study at German universities has come to an end. The following steps will guide students about what they should do if a German student visa is rejected:

  • Identify the Reason for Rejection: Why was the German student visa rejected? This is a major question that students need to find answers to. The causes can be numerous. It can be a lack of proper documents, poor performance in interviews, weak communication skills and etc. 
  • Write an Appeal Letter: The German embassy allows students to appeal within one month in case they think that the rejection was incorrect. They need to consider the basis or law on which it was rejected. The appeal letter has to be written objectively and in a convincing manner backed by strong reasons and evidence. However, students must note that appealing will not guarantee approval of the German student visa. 
  • Learn From Previous Mistakes: It is necessary that the students make sure that the mistakes are not repeated again. They should analyse the reasons properly and find out ways to avoid them again.
  • Reapply for the Visa: Students can reapply for a student visa in Germany. The processing time may take around one month. They should do proper documentation, face interviews confidently and convince visa officers of their eligibility.

FAQs on Germany Student Visa Guide in 2024

Can I extend my stay in Germany on my current visa?

Yes, international students can apply for an extension of stay on the current residence permit, provided the circumstances at the time are such, which should then also be informed to the foreigner’s office in the country. Unless you are applying for an extension of stay due to personal reasons or late entry, no fee will be charged for visa extensions.

Do I need to apply for a student residence permit?

All international students excluding EU and EEA students are required to apply for a student residence permit within 90 days of arriving in Germany. Non-EU and Non-EEA students must apply for a German student visa first and upon arrival to the country, apply for the German student residence permit as well.

What documents need to be submitted for a German Student Visa?

Among the documents needed for a German Student Visa, applicants need to submit a completed and signed National Visa application form, valid passport with photocopies, birth certificate, 3 photographs, proof of financial capability, confirmation of blocked account EUR 10,322 deposited, among others.

How long does it take to process a German Student Visa Application?

A German short-stay visa applications are usually processed within 10 working-days, however, longer-stay visa applications in Germany may take weeks or months to be completely processed.

How much does it cost to apply for a German Student Visa?

Any student who wishes to apply for a German student visa will be required to pay EUR 75 for an adult or EUR 35.50 for a minor.

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for a German Student Visa?

Any Indian student looking to apply for a German student visa must ensure that they have been accepted by a German University, provide an Enrollment Letter from the aforementioned university, register their place of residence within two weeks of arrival, provide proof of health insurance, prove financial capability to stay and study in Germany, submit a valid passport, a biometric passport photo, and language proficiency certificate.

Who is eligible for a German Language Course Visa?

Students who have applied to or have been enrolled in a German Language course offered by a recognised course provider are eligible to apply for a German Language Course visa.

What type of German Student Visa should a degree-seeking student apply for?

A degree-seeking international student must apply for either a German Student Visa or a German Student Applicant Visa. The German Student Visa is offered to those who have already received a confirmation of acceptance from a German University, whereas a German Student Applicant Visa is offered to those travelling to the country to apply to a university for admissions.

Who can apply for a German Resident Visa?

International students who are residents of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Israel can apply for a German Resident visa, instead of a German Student Visa.

Do I need to apply for a Student Visa to study in Germany?

All Non-EU/Non-EEA students are required to apply for a German Student Visa if they wish to study for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Whereas, EEA and EU students do not need a Student Visa to pursue higher studies in Germany.

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