Germany Student Visa – Requirements, Cost, Process & More

To enter Germany, international students need to obtain a German student visa to enter Germany. It is also referred to as the National German Visa. This article will guide you through the process, the documents needed, and other requirements to be met to receive a German student visa.

Reasons to Study in Germany

Although there are plenty of reasons to study in Germany, we have narrowed it down to include the five top factors that make it an ideal study destination.

Renowned universities

Known for offering quality education, German universities are recognized globally. Some of these universities are Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, University of Bonn, and Hamburg.

Diverse study programs

The country offers a wide range of disciplines at each level of study; Bachelor’s, master and Ph.D. Some of these disciplines include Arts and Humanities, Biology and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Clinical Medicine, etc.

English-taught programs

The most significant advantage of pursuing higher studies in Germany is that not being familiar with the German language does not create a hindrance to learning. Most German universities offer English-taught programs for the ease of international students. Some of these universities are Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, and Free University of Berlin

Lower tuition fees

The tuition fees of German universities are comparatively lower than in other countries. Public universities offer free education where students are only required to pay the administrative fees per semester.

Scholarships

Depending on your financial situation, you can apply for scholarships to fund your studies in Germany. For international students, major scholarships in Germany are DAAD Scholarship, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship, and Erasmus Scholarship.

Stay-back option

International graduates can stay in Germany for upto 1.5 years post degree completion to work or look for work opportunities and gain relevant experience. Due to the shortage of skilled professionals, the country has relaxed its immigration laws. Some immigrants are eligible to seek permanent residency after working for two years.

Types of German Student Visas

There are three types of study visas in Germany:

Visas	Description
Language Course Visa	Candidates are accepted into language preparatory courses lasting three months to a year.
Student Applicant Visa	This visa is for those who have either not chosen their study program or have not received the confirmation letter from their university.
German Student Visa	Candidates who have already been accepted into a university program must obtain this visa. A German student visa costs around €75.

Requirements for obtaining a German Student Visa

Duly filled out and signed the national visa application form
A valid national passport
Birth certificate
Minimum three recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of financial resources shows a deposit confirmation of 11,208 euros at a German blocked bank account (The amount may vary as per revised government guidelines). This account proves you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year. In case you have a scholarship that covers your living expenses, furnish the scholarship awarding certificate that shows the amount of costs it covers.
Proof of university admission. “Zulassungsbescheid” confirms enrollment in the program and states your start date for studies and the language of instruction. In case of a conditional offer letter, one needs to submit “Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid” and a confirmed intensive course “Intensiv-Sprachkurs”. The letter must show you’re conditioned and confirmed to participate in an intensive language course before getting the final university admission. You will also need a letter from ‘Uni-Assist’.
Evidence of previous education; Original school-leaving certificate, Degree certificate
You also need student health insurance. You can opt for public health insurance or choose private insurance providers. Those in language courses or over the age of 30 are not eligible for public health insurance.
University entrance qualification. The term “university entrance qualification” refers to a group of documents that demonstrate your prior academic success and grant you admission to higher education program in Germany.
English (IELTS/TOEFL) or German Language Proficiency Certificate

Health insurance for Indian students in Germany

German law requires everyone to have health insurance, including international students. While students enrolled in degree programmes are eligible to take public health insurance such as the Techniker Krankenkasse, students in preparatory or language courses and those over the age of 30 are required to get private health insurance plans. Health insurance for international students costs from €103.94 – €111.75 per month.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in Germany?

Once you have been accepted to a program in Germany, you can start the process of acquiring a student visa for Germany. The steps to apply for a German student visa are as follows-

Step 1: Open a Blocked Account: This account will help you provide the proof required to establish your financial means to pursue an education in Germany as an international student. You can open a blocked account in India with Kotak Mahindra Bank, Deutsche Bank, Capital India Finance Ltd., and Drop Money. You need to deposit money amounting to 11,208 euros, which is the presumed annual requirement for living expenses in Germany.

Step 2: APS Certificates: Indian applicants need to get their academic records assessed by APS (Academic Evaluation Center) to obtain authenticity certificates before applying for a German student visa. APS certificate is typically issued within two weeks after submitting the documents and is valid indefinitely. It will cost around INR 18,000.

Step 3: Document Checklist: Ensure that all documents are handy before filling out the visa application form.

Step 4: Fill the Application: Go to the German Embassy website in India and download the visa application form. Also, download the ‘Declaration of true and complete information’ and submit it along with the required documents. Pay the visa application fee ( €75).

Step 5: Schedule an Interview: Once you submit the application, book an appointment for a visa interview. Depending on certain conditions you will need to either set up the interview through the VFS Global portal (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu/book-an-appointment) and visit the VFS Global center for an interview or set up an appointment with the German consulate.

You can submit the application for a visa directly at VFS Global if –

German Embassy in New Delhi or the German Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai or Bengaluru have jurisdiction over your application, and
Want to pursue master, doctoral, post-doctorate education, and
Have an unconditional admission letter, or
Have been awarded a full scholarship by an official German Institution for higher studies in Germany

In case you want to pursue bachelor programs or language courses, submit your application directly at the relevant German Mission.

Processing Time for German Student Visa

Visa issuance can take several weeks in some cases, so it’s important to apply early on even if a university acceptance letter is awaited. Typically, it takes up to 25 days for visa application to be processed.

List of German Consulates in India

Based on your location, you can apply at the relevant German consulate. You cannot apply to a consulate outside of your assigned geographical area.

State	Embassy/Consulate
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, Amindive	German Embassy in New DelhiAddress: No. 6, 50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, 110021, New Delhi
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Union Territory of Puducherry	German Consulate General in ChennaiAddress: No. 9 Boat Club Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai 600028, Tamil Nadu
Karnataka, Kerala	German Consulate General BangaloreAddress: 2nd & 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building”, Corner St. Marks & Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
The states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura	German Consulate General in KolkataAddress: 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700 027
Maharashtra, Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Union Territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra, Nagar Haveli	German Consulate General in MumbaiAddress: Hoechst House, 10th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

After you reach Germany

All international students must register with the local residents‘ registration office – usually within one week.

Getting a Residence Permit

For international students pursuing study in Germany for more than 90 days, they also have to go to the foreigners’ registration office in the city to apply for a residence permit. The permit is issued in the form of an electronic card integrated chip that holds certain data, such as your passport photo and fingerprints.

German Post-Study Work Visa

Post the completion of studies, international graduates in Germany are eligible to work there. These graduates can apply for an 18-month Job Seeking Visa, popularly known as a post-study work visa. For this duration, the candidates are free to work as much as they like and pursue any job to support themselves until they find stable employment in their respective fields.

When to Apply for your Post-Study Work Visa

One should apply for a post-study work visa before the student visa expires. Graduates should seek work during their last semester because the 18-month extended work period starts as soon as they obtain their final exam results.

Documents Required for Application-

Passport
University Degree
Financial Proofs
Health Insurance

Study in Germany

With you can study programs such as International Management and Computer Science at one of the renowned German universities, the International University of Applied Sciences (IU). The advantage of choosing upGrad Abroad as your study partner is getting an IELTS waiver. You get the flexibility to start your study program online for a specific duration and then switch to on-campus study. Apart from that, you would be eligible for a post-study work permit after graduation.

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