Requirements Of Study Visa's For Indian Students To Germany

Where and How to Apply for A Student Visa to Germany? 

One of the most sought-after countries for pursuing higher studies among Indian students is Germany. This popular nation is home to some of the world's most highly prestigious higher education institutes. Most international students who aspire to study abroad opt for Germany nowadays for multiple valid reasons. However, traveling to Germany and studying the coveted course isn't possible for an aspirant without a German student visa.

Applying for a National visa, also called a D visa, at the nearby German Consulate or Embassy is a must for everyone who wants to study in Germany. However, an eligible student cannot stay more than three months in Germany with a student visa. So, it is advisable for aspirants to file an application for a residence permit to stay in Germany while pursuing studies without any hassle. 

Most undergraduate and postgraduate degree or diploma courses in German colleges and Universities are around two years. Thus, having a residence permit valid for a couple of years will enable students to continue their higher education with peace of mind. Extending the validity of the residence permit will let a student complete the course if the duration is more than two years.

Here are the places where Indian students can apply for a Germany study visa.

Here's how an Indian student who wishes to pursue higher studies at a German University must file a Germany visa application.

• Opening of a Blocked bank account
• Keep all necessary documents handy for visa application
• Fill out the student visa application form 
• Take biometric visa photographs
• Make an appointment for a visa interview at the German Consulate/Embassy 
• Obtain a Demand Draft for the Germany study visa fee
• Submit the visa application and appear for the visa interview

Step-by-Step Application Process for a Student Visa to Germany 

Blocked Account Opening

An aspirant needs to prove that he or she can finance their coveted course of study in Germany. Therefore, when filing a German visa application, they require a blocked bank account to prove their finances. Here's what a student from India can do to open a blocked account.

• Contact a German-based bank that has a branch in India
• Online through a recognized and credible provider on the German Federal Government's official website

Most Indian applicants opt for Expatrio because the complete procedure of opening a blocked bank account online becomes a hassle-free task in India. 

Filling Out the Student Visa Application Form

It is essential to be extra cautious when filling out the application form for a German national visa online or offline. Applicants need to double-check everything before the submission of the form. Students must have a passport and an ID card handy regardless of the method they choose to complete the Germany study visa. 

Submit Photographs for Visa Application

Submitting photographs with 35mm width and 45mm height on a white background is necessary for Indian students for a German visa application. 

Gather Necessary Documents

Aspirants must thoroughly check the German Consulate/Embassy in India website to learn about the documents required for the visa application. Downloading the checklist's copy for a German student visa and submitting the same with the date and a signature is mandatory for applicants.

Opt for Making an Appointment with the German Mission

After organizing all the required documents, the next step is to opt for finalizing an appointment with the German Consulate/Embassy within an applicant's jurisdiction. 

Pay the Visa Fee Using a Demand Draft

Once the visa appointment is over, an aspirant must pay the Germany study visa fee using a Demand Draft. It is crucial to remember that the German Embassy/Consulate does not accept 2-month-old Demand Drafts from all Indian nationalized banks.

Visa Application Submission – Visa Interview – Visa Fee Payment

Applicants must carry all essential documents on the date of the visa interview. One can appear for the interview only after submitting the student visa application form. The visa officer at the Germany Consulate/Embassy usually asks applicants questions regarding their reasons for selecting Germany for higher studies. An aspirant needs to pay the visa fee once the interview ends.

Mandatory Documents to be Submitted to Apply for a Study Visa

 Submission of the documents below is necessary for Indian students when filing a Germany visa application.

• Applicant's passport with validity remaining for at least one year from the time of visa application
• The personal details page of an applicant's passport's two copies scanned
• Two copies of the Germany student visa application form that are filled out correctly and signed
• Three biometric photographs for visa application
• Declaration form for legal representation and additional contact information
• The original and two copies of the letter of acceptance from a recognized Germany University or college for a study program
• Proof of academic qualifications 
• Language proficiency certificate
• APS certificate 
• Applicant's Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of a scholarship/A Blocked bank account/Letter from an individual or entity in Germany responsible for sponsoring the aspirant's study in Germany
• Demand Draft for paying the student visa fee
• Proof of travel health insurance

Aside from the ones mentioned above, an applicant must attach the duly completed and signed copy of the necessary documents' checklist after downloading it from the German Consulate in India website.

Timeline and Duration of Student Visa Application to Germany 

In most cases, getting the final approval from the German Embassy in India regarding the Germany study visa takes 15-30 days from the visa interview date.

Cost of a Student Visa for International Students to Study in Germany 

International students, especially those from India, need to pay €75 (which is around 6,1400 INR) for the German student visa fee. Paying the fee via a Demand Draft post-completion of the visa interview is mandatory for Indian students.

Minimum Bank Balance Required to Apply for a Study Visa to Germany 

Indian students aspiring to study in Germany and apply for a study visa need at least a bank balance of €11,208 (around 896,400 INR). Once a German university or college admits a qualified student, he or she needs to open a blocked bank account and transfer the money. The exact amount of money has to be in the account if a talented student receives a scholarship to pursue higher education in Germany.

Guidelines to Get a Student Permit after Acquiring a Student Visa 

Every student who travels to Germany with a study visa must not forget that applying for a student residence permit within three months is imperative. Here's how to obtain the permit, allowing a student to stay in Germany until the completion of the coveted course.

• The certificate of registration
• The acceptance letter from the college or University
• Proof of blocked bank account
• Proof of health insurance

Submitting all the required documents when applying for a student residence permit in Germany at the local Foreigner's Office is mandatory.