Germany is attracting students from all corners of the world towards its excellent universities. However, just like any other country, Germany also has its own requirements for allowing new students to enter the country. Depending on your nationality and citizenship, you may need a student visa in order to enter Germany and pursue your studies there. In this article, we will guide you through the German student visa requirements as well as the application process to get study visa for Germany, if you’re an international student enrolled (or wishing to enrol) in a German university.

Who Needs a Study Visa for Germany

Students from countries within the EU, EEA or Switzerland do not need a Germany student visa to enter Germany. These students simply need to register at the nearest registry office on arrival to obtain a residence permit. This also applies to students coming from a number of other countries, including Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the US. Students from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino or Taiwan, as long as they don’t intend to work before or after their degree in Germany.

Students from elsewhere, including India, will need to apply for a student visa before arrival in Germany, via the nearest German embassy. It can take several months for visas to be issued, so apply as early as possible.

Types of Study Visa for Germany

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you need to apply for the appropriate visa for Germany. If the purpose of your visit to Germany is educational and long-term, you are not entitled to the Short-term/Schengen visa (C Visa). Instead, you will have to apply for the Germany National Visa (D Visa), which is long-term. In addition, depending on the circumstances of your study programme, you should keep in mind that there are three types of German Student visas:

• Language Course Visa – for German Language Courses lasting from 3 months to 1 year.
• Student Applicant Visa – If you still haven’t gotten a formal admission letter from the university you applied to or you need to enter entrance examinations offered by the university. It is valid for 3 months with the possibility of extending to 6 months.
• Student Visa (the main type) – This is a long-term visa if you have been accepted to a German university. Keep in mind to register with the Alien Registration Office in the German city you’re residing in within two weeks of your arrival so you can obtain your Residence Permit.

Want to visit Germany for up to 6 months to find a job?

Germany study visa requirements for Indian students

In order to obtain a study visa for Germany, you will need to fulfil the Germany student visa requirements by submitting the following documents:

1. Valid Passport

Passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least another year as of date of visa application. Passports with observations regarding the front data page cannot be accepted. Your passport should have at least two empty pages.

2. Application Form

You should fill the Application form & declaration (in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act) properly and sign it. Do not make any mistakes while filling the form as providing wrong or misleading information can lead to visa rejection.

3. Statement of purpose / Motivation letter

You must submit a statement of purpose to support your application for study visa for Germany. Explain your career goals, reasons for choosing to study your particular course, why you want to study in Germany and in the chosen university, and how you will finance your studies. A well-written strong statement of purpose is really important for the success of your visa application, so make sure you write it properly. Please do not use the same statement of purpose you submitted to your university at the time of admission.

4. APS Certificate

As of 1 November 2022, Indian students who want to pursue higher studies in Germany have to include a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS certificate) in their application for admission at universities in Germany as well as for the German student visa. However, as always, there are some exceptions. The Indian students do not need the APS certificate in the following cases:

• if you intend to do a PhD/ PostDoc in Germany
• if you have an international Indian degree (e.g. International Baccalaureate)
• if you receive a stipend from public funds (EU or German funds)
• if you have a foreign degree that is not Indian (e.g. British degree, Turkish degree, etc.)

To get more information on APS certificate like procedure to apply for APS certificate, documents required, APS certificate application fees, etc., read our detailed article on APS Certificate here.

5. Offer Letter

Proof of admittance to the study course (original and 2 copies) including information on the language of instruction

6. Language Test Results (English or German)

Proof of the language skills in the language of instruction for the study course or the preparatory course (without a preparatory language course as a rule at least B2-level in the language of instructions) (original and 2 copies). Only certificates approved by German government will be accepted (such as Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, IELTS, TOEFL). Do NOT provide “exemption letters” or “Language of Instruction Certificates!”

7. Transcript & certificates of all previous qualifications

Certificates of all academic qualifications you have previously obtained (original and 2 copies) including Class X, XII, Bachelors and/or Masters.

8. Curriculum vitae

CV is another important document as it gives an overall impression of your academic and professional journey to the visa officer. Make sure you submit a well-made CV which has all details in a chronological order. It should not be longer than 2-3 pages.

9. Proof of financial means

You have to submit evidence that you will be able to cover the costs for the time of your studies by one of the following documents:

• confirmation of a German / EU scholarship / stipend or
• “Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany o
• blocked account for the first year of your stay, amounting to 11,208 euros

When applying for visa, you can provide evidence that you are able to meet your living costs by opening a blocked bank account. You have free choice of provider. To the best of the Embassy/Consulate General’s knowledge, the Kotak Mahindra Bank or Capital India Finance Ltd offers blocked accounts in India that meet the requirements of the visa procedure. Information on providers that offer this service worldwide is available on the Federal Foreign Office website: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600. To know all about opening Blocked Account in Germany, documents required, amount to be deposited, possible banks, and more, read our detailed article on Blocked Accounts here.

If the university charges tuition fees: Proof of funds equivalent to the tuition fees for the first two semesters and the fee structure (detailed overview of fees). This can be either of the following:

• Confirmation of payment issued by the university OR
• Education loan OR
• Unblocked deposit added to your blocked account (i.e. deposited in addition to the 11,208 euros

10. Passport pictures

Three according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months, are required.  

11. Travel health insurance

Valid on arrival in Germany to the date of enrollment at the University (mentioned in your admission letter) (approx. 3 months). In case you receive a stipend from public funds, please provide oneof the following:

• Proof of a private German health insurance which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date
• Proof of a public German health insurance, which consists of a letter from your German healthcare provider, and additionally a travel health insurance from your travel date up to the starting date of the public German health insurance.
• Proof of a private foreign (including Indian) health insurance mentioning the specific policy you chose which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date

When does a health insurance meet the requirement of being equivalent to a German public health insurance?

• No limit to the reimbursement in case of sickness
• If the insured person becomes sick, no deductible higher than 300 € per year can be demanded
• Preexisting conditions must be included
• No clause for termination regarding the insured person reaching a certain age, change of residence permit or loss of residence Permit
• The Insurance cover cannot have any time limit (or needs to be automatically renewed)

German Student Visa Process

Candidates should follow the below mentioned German Visa application steps while applying for their Study Visa for Germany. 

• As soon as you have received the admission letter from your German university, please prepare the necessary documentation for your visa application mentioned above.
• Procure photos that meet biometric photos requirements as specified on the official website.
• Fill out the Application form for German National Visa and and submit it along with the other documents.
• Please print out the Declaration on true and complete information also found on the official website, and sign it.
• Schedule an appointment for your visa/ biometric interview at the German Mission or the VFS Global Germany office .
• Shortly before your appointment, verify the current exchange rate for your visa fee on the official German Mission website and obtain the Demand Draft.

IELTS Requirement for Germany Student Visa        

Universities in Germany offer courses that are either German or English taught. Most of the Indian students who pursue bachelors or MS in Germany, choose English taught programs. In such cases, it is mandatory to a submit English language skills proof in the form of IELTS or TOEFL test with your study visa application. The minimum score in IELTS should be 6.0 and even better if you have 6.5.

Germany Student Visa Processing Time?

The processing time for a German student visa can usually take up to 25 days. However, it also depends on the German Embassy as well as the country you’re applying from. In some instances, it may also take up to 6-12 weeks, with the longest processing time being 3 months.

When Should I Apply for My Student Visa for Germany?

You should apply for your German student visa as early as possible. As of the first Sunday of February 2020, you can submit your application 6 months in advance of a trip. This means you cannot apply earlier than 6 months from your expected travel date. So, with this much time at your disposal, make sure you apply as soon as possible since there can be no interview/ biometric slots left and you don’t want to miss an amazing opportunity.

How Much Is the Germany Study Visa Cost?

The Germany study visa fee is €75 and must be paid by a bank transfer. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country and not older than two months. Keep in mind, however, that you will not get reimbursed if your visa gets rejected.

How to Get My Student Residence Permit in Germany Once I Arrive?

Getting your Student Residence Permit is an essential step once you arrive in Germany. Make sure to go through the following steps carefully:

• Register your address in Germany. Register your address with the local residents’ registration office closest to your home in Germany. Afterwards, you’ll receive the confirmation of registration “Meldebescheinigung”.
• Set an appointment with the Immigration Authorities closest to you. When you go to set an appointment, you should acquire an application form.
• Bring the necessary documents on the day of the interview. The documents you will be needing on the day of the interview are:
  • Standard required documents for a student residence permit. (Including the filled out application form and registration confirmation letter).
  • Proof of admission/enrollment in your study programme.
  • Original certificates of earlier education.
  • Registered address in Germany.
  • Proof of Health insurance.
  • Proof of financial means (any of the following):
    • Blocked bank account
    • Letter of Commitment
    • Scholarship Award.
  • Proof of English/German proficiency (Depending on your degree programme).
  • Confirmation you have paid the German Residence Permit in Germany fee.

What Am I Allowed to Do With My Temporary Student Residence Permit?

As an undergraduate, graduate, or vocational degree student, there are a few things you should know when it comes to what the student residence permit entitles you to do. Here’s what you are eligible to do with regards to your student residence permit:

• Extend your student residence permit – German authorities usually give students residence permits for the duration of their study programme. However, if you find it necessary to extend it due to your study programme taking longer, you should apply for an extension before your permit expires. The extension fees are usually lower in comparison to when you first apply.
• Work during your study programme – You are allowed to work full time for 120 days or part-time for 240 days for the duration of your programme. However, you are not allowed to sign long-term contracts.
• Stay in Germany after you finish your programme – You can apply to extend your permit after you finish your programme for up to 18 months. This should be done if you want to find a job in Germany during that period. If you do find a job, you must apply for a German Employment Residence Permit.

German Student Visa for Dependents

Spouses and children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, but this is conditional. These conditions include having enough and appropriate financing and living space. Cases are decided on an individual basis at the German embassy, and special consideration may be given to your case if you are able to explain your situation to the Consulate effectively.