Germany student visa requirements for Indian students

Germany Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, How to Apply

Indian students who wish to study in Germany for more than 90 days should opt for a German student visa. An eligible Indian student cannot stay more than three months in Germany with a student visa. So, Indian students should apply for a residence permit to stay in Germany while pursuing studies without any difficulties. The German student visa processing time for Indian students is approximately 15-30 days. Though the German student visa success rate is approximately 90% for Indian students, the success rate depends on proper documentation and financial requirements.

Indian students need to have a blocked account in a German bank with a fund of €11,208 (approximately ₹1,078,048.82) to cover living expenses. Germany has recently raised the proof of funds from €11,208 to €11,904 which is a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Most undergraduate and postgraduate degree or diploma courses inGerman Universities are around two years. Thus, having a residence permit valid for a couple of years will enable students to continue their higher education. Extending the validity of the residence permit will let a student complete the course if the duration is more than two years.

German study visa fees

The German student visa cost is around €75 which is approximately 7000 INR. The visa fee for minors is reduced to €37.50 (approximately ₹3,396.07). While the German student visa fees are relatively low compared to the benefits of studying in Germany, it's important to plan for the other costs such as health insurance, and travel expenses.

• Health insurance is mandatory for all international students including Indian students in Germany. While some students may be eligible for public health insurance, others may need private health insurance, depending on their age and university policies. On average, student health insurance costs between €100 to €120 per month (approximately ₹8,800 to ₹10,500).
• You will need to account for your travel expenses, including flights and transportation to Germany. Flight tickets can range from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000, depending on the season and airline.

Many times, applicants are required to provide additional documents. In such cases, the processing time for the Germany Student Visa could be up to 12 weeks. Candidates willing to apply for a Residence Permit upon arrival in Germany would have to pay up to €110. It can take 8 to 12 weeks to be issued. As this roughly takes around 3 months, Indian and International students should apply as soon as possible.

What Documents Do Indian Citizens Need for a German Student (Study) Visa?

Indian students are required to submit 2 completed sets of documents. Indian students need to pay €75 visa fees in person either in cash or through credit or debit cards and it purely depends on the consulate. The following documents are required to get a German student visa.

• Submit a valid passport Issued within the last 10 years with at least two empty pages.
• Two completed and signed copies of the German national visa application form.
• Three recent, identical passport-sized photos.
• University admission letter or proof of enrollment from a German university.
• Original and copies of previous educational qualifications.
• Depending on the course, and proof of German or English language skills. Either TOEFL or IELTS. - Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders and applicants for PhD studies are exempt from this rule.
• Demonstrated ability to cover living expenses.
• Valid insurance coverage for the duration of stay. You can get insurance coverage from local German companies like DR-Walter.
• As of November 2022, the German Embassy and Consulate have made it compulsory for Indian students to obtain the APS certificate before applying to German universities. Indian students must obtain get German student visa.

How to apply for a German Student Visa in India?

Once students get admission to a German university, they have to submit a visa application to any of the German consulates in India.

• Determine the type of visa required and gather all the required documents mentioned above for a Germany study visa.
• Book a visa appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in India. Note that appointments can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to schedule well in advance.
• On the day of your appointment, visit the embassy or consulate to submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints), and attend a visa interview. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
• The standard visa fee is €75 (approximately ₹6,800). Payments are typically made in cash or via demand draft at the German Embassy or Consulate.
• The German student visa processing time for Indian applicants is approximately 15 to 30 days.
• Complete your post-arrival procedures in Germany. Register your address at the Residents' Registration Office and Apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners' Authority.

Germany study Visa - Requirements

Indians with German study visas are permitted to work during their studies. They can work 240 days a year or 120 full days. You must obtain authorization from the Immigration Office and the Employment Agency to work more than the allotted hours. Some German universities also offer part-time jobs known as hiwi. Students need to contact the university's placement cell to get this job. Indian students who wish to study in Germany can contact ourstudy abroad consultants on our website.

Applying to the correct German mission based on your jurisdiction ensures your application is processed efficiently. Verify the region and contact the respective consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date instructions, visa processing timelines, and any additional documentation needed.

Germany Student Visa FAQs

1. How much money do I need for a German student visa?

The German student visa fees typically range from €75 to €100 depending on the type of visa and processing location. This cost covers the application, administrative fees, and visa processing charges.

2. What are the general requirements for a German student visa?

To apply for a German student visa, you need proof of university admission, sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and relevant academic documents. Additional requirements may include language proficiency and a visa interview.

3. How long does it take to process a student visa for Germany from India?

The student visa processing time for Germany from India usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks. However, it can vary depending on the embassy's workload and the time of year.

4. Is health insurance mandatory for a German student visa?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory when applying for a German student visa. You need to show proof of valid health insurance coverage during your stay in Germany.

5. Can I work while on a German student visa?

Yes, as a student on a German student visa, you can work part-time up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. This allows students to support themselves financially while studying in Germany.

6. Can I Bring My Family Members to Germany With a Student Visa from India?

Yes, you can bring your family members to Germany on a student visa. However, you must meet specific financial requirements to prove you can support them. They may apply for a family reunion visa after your student visa is granted. Check with the German embassy for detailed guidelines.

7. How much bank balance is required for a German student visa?

To apply for a German student visa, Students must possess sufficient financial resources. The required bank balance is typically around €10,332 per year (or approximately ₹9-10 lakhs). This amount is to cover your living expenses, accommodation, and other essentials in Germany.

8. Is IELTS Mandatory for a German Student Visa?

Yes IELTS is mandatory for a German student visa. However, most German universities require proof of proficiency in English or German (depending on the language of instruction). You may need to provide test scores from exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or a German language proficiency test.

9. Is Germany expensive to study?

Germany is considered affordable for international students compared to other study destinations like the USA, the UK, and Australia. Public universities charge minimal tuition fees, usually between €150 to €300 per semester, while private institutions may charge higher fees. Living expenses typically range from €700 to €1,000 per month, depending on the city.

10. Is getting a German student visa easy?

The German student visa process is relatively straightforward but can be time-consuming. It requires thorough documentation and meeting specific requirements such as proof of financial resources, university admission, health insurance, and language proficiency.