Germany Student Visa for Indians

Known for its picturesque landscapes and influential history, Germany stands out as a leader in engineering, arts, and higher education. From Berlin's bustling streets to Heidelberg's historic charm, Germany provides a diverse range of experiences and opportunities. Germany combines a rich cultural legacy with a forward-thinking approach to education and technology. With its impressive infrastructure, renowned universities, and innovative industries, the country offers a compelling academic and professional growth environment. This guide provides detailed information about Germany's student visa requirements, from the visa types to the fees and documents required.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

Plans for an individual of 30 years age travelling to USA for 15 days

About Germany Student Visa

The German authorities use your documents to verify that you are a genuine student with the financial means to stay in Germany throughout your course. Here's a detailed checklist of the documents students must submit for a Student Schengen Visa.

Key Fact	Details
Country	Germany
Currency	Euro (EUR) (EUR 1 = INR 91.73)
Language	German
Time Zone	Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Popular Tourist Destinations	Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany Student Visa Processing Time	For a Schengen visa: 15 business days. For a National visa: 12 weeks

Documents Required for a Germany Student Visa

The German authorities use your documents to verify that you are a genuine student who has the financial means to stay in Germany throughout the duration of your course. Here's a detailed checklist of the documents students need to submit for a Student Schengen Visa.

Document	Description
Application Form	A completed and signed application form is required.
Recent Photographs complying with Germany's student visa photo requirements.	Two passport-sized photos, taken within the last three months, in line with the following Germany's student visa photo requirements: 1. Size of photos: 35 mm x 45 mm. 2. The head should occupy 70 to 80 percent of the photo. 3. The background should be light, preferably grey.
Valid Passport	A passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Include any older passports with previous visas if applicable.
Round Trip Reservation or Itinerary	A travel itinerary or flight reservation showing your entry and exit dates and flight numbers from the Schengen area.
Travel Insurance Policy	Proof of travel health insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.
Proof of Financial Means	Evidence showing you have sufficient funds for your stay, such as: 1. A recent bank statement. 2. A sponsorship letter with the sponsor's bank statement, or 3. A combination of both. 4. For a Student Schengen visa, you must have at least EUR 45 per day of your stay in Germany.
Proof of Paid Visa Fee	The visa fee payment proof: EUR 90 for adults and EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 12.
Additional Documents for Minors	For minor students, the following additional documents are required: 1. Birth certificate 2. Application form signed by both parents. 3. A family court order (if applicable) 4. Certified copies of both parents' IDs/passports. 5. A notarised parental authorisation if the minor is travelling alone.
Letter of Acceptance from Educational Institution	An acceptance letter from the institution where you will be studying in the Schengen Area.
No Objection Letter from the University	If you are currently studying in your home country, a letter from your current university indicating no objection to your study abroad.
Proof of Academic Achievement	Documents showcasing your academic performance, such as diplomas, certificates, and transcripts.
Proof of Accommodation	Confirmation of your accommodation arrangements, such as dormitory registration, hotel reservations, or rental agreements.
Proof of Sponsorship	If supported by a third party, provide evidence such as: 1. A scholarship letter 2. A sponsorship agreement, or 3. Proof of parental support.

Documents required for a National Visa for Language Courses in Germany

The documentation requirements are different for a long-term National Visa. Here's a checklist:

Document	Description
Application Form and Declaration	A completed and signed application form, including a declaration in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act.
Additional Contact and Legal Representation Declaration	A declaration providing additional contact details and legal representation information.
Language Course Confirmation Letter	A letter confirming enrollment in a language course, which must be at least 18 hours per week. Weekend or evening-only courses do not qualify..
Proof of Language Course Payment	Documentation showing payment for the language course.
Proof of Sufficient Funds	Evidence showing you have at least EUR 1027 per month for your stay. Options include: 1. A blocked account, or 2. Scholarship proof, or 3. A formal commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor residing in Germany.
Personal Motivation Letter	A detailed letter in German or English outlining: 1. Your reasons for taking the language course. 2. Your goals. 3. The level you aim to achieve, and 4. How learning German will benefit you personally and professionally.
Proof of German Knowledge	If applicable, evidence of your German language proficiency through recognised certificates such as: 1. Goethe-Institute. 2. Telc GmbH (The European Language Certificate), or 3. Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD).
Curriculum Vitae	An updated CV detailing your educational and professional background.
Proof of Education	Documents verifying your educational achievements, such as school leaving certificates, university degrees, or vocational training certificates.
Confirmation from Previous Employer	A letter of confirmation from any previous employer, if applicable.
Health Insurance Proof	1. Evidence of health insurance for your stay, which can be: 2. Private German health insurance meeting specified requirements starting on your travel date, or 3. Public German health insurance with a letter from your German provider plus travel insurance for the first three weeks, or 4. Private foreign health insurance (including Indian) that meets specified criteria and starts on your travel date, covering no limits on sickness reimbursement, a deductible not exceeding EUR 300 per year, preexisting conditions, no termination clauses, and continuous coverage.

Documents Required for a National Visa meant for Other Courses

Here is a list of the additional documents you need for a National Visa for courses other than language courses.

Document	Description
Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter	A detailed letter explaining your reasons for studying in Germany, your goals, and how the course aligns with your career aspirations.
APS Certificate	A certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS).
Evidence of Admission	Evidence of admission to the study program or preparatory college, including details on the language of instruction.
Language Skills Proof	Evidence showing language proficiency in the language of instruction for the course or preparatory program. This should be at least B2-level and provided by recognised institutions like 1. Goethe Institute 2. Max Mueller Bhavan 3. ÖSD, IELTS, TOEFL, or 4. Cambridge Assessment English. 5. Exemption letters or certificates of instruction language are not accepted.
Academic Qualifications	Certificates for all previously obtained academic qualifications.
Curriculum Vitae	An up-to-date CV outlining your educational and professional history.
Evidence of Having the Financial Means	Evidence to show you can cover the costs of your studies, such as: 1. Confirmation of a German or EU scholarship, 2. A 'Verpflichtungserklärung' (formal obligation letter) from a sponsor residing in Germany, or 3. A blocked account with a balance of EUR 11,208 for the first year of your stay.
Blocked Bank Account Evidence	Evidence of having a blocked bank account to cover living costs, with the choice of provider being open to you.

Types of Germany Student Visa

Depending on the duration of your course, you can apply for a Student Schengen visa or a National Visa. Here's a summary of Germany student visa types.

Germany Student Visa Types	Description	Duration of Stay
Student Schengen (Type C)	Allows students to complete a short-term course in Germany.	Upto 90 days
National (Type D)	Allows students to stay in Germany for an extended period to pursue education at a German university or educational institute.	More than 90 days, depending on the duration of the course.

Visa Guide

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Applying for a Germany Student Visa

The German student visa application process involves several steps including submitting an application, providing required documents, and paying visa fees.

Let's look at the step-wise guide on how to apply for a Germany student visa (National visa).

Prepare Your Application:
- Complete the Videx National Visa form online for faster processing.
- Ensure you print, complete, and sign any required declarations, including the Declaration on True and Complete Information and the Additional Contact and Legal Representation Information.
Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment at the German mission responsible for your residence. Geographic districts organize German missions in India, and your current residence determines the consulate handling your application. Place of birth or nationality does not affect this decision. Use the consulate finder to identify the appropriate mission.
Submit Your Documents:
- Attend your appointment at the embassy or visa application centre, bringing all required documents, biometric photos, and fingerprints. Ensure your documents are organised according to the checklist provided.
Application Review:
- The German Mission will review your application based on the legal requirements and the documents you have provided. This review period can range from a few days to several months, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of your application.
- Note that the processing time begins once the application reaches the mission, not the VFS. If additional documents are requested, the processing time will only start when your application is complete.
Receive Your Visa:
- After the review process, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped in it.
- You can apply for a Schengen visa through VFS Global, the authorised visa application centre.
  - Visit the website of VFS Global.
  - Fill up the Germany student visa application form online through their website.
  - Book an appointment at the nearest Germany visa application centre to submit your biometric information like photos and fingerprints.
  - Visit the application centre on the specified date. Submit your documents and biometric information.
  - Receive your passport after the processing time.

Germany Student Visa Fees

Here's a table summarising the Germany student visa fees that you need to pay after submitting your application.

Germany Student Visa Types	Germany Student Visa Fees
Student Schengen Visa	Children below the age of 6: No fees Children between the ages of 6 to 12: EUR 45 (INR 4100) All other applicants: EUR 90 (INR 8200)
National Visa	Applicants between the age of 0-17: EUR 37.50 (INR 3400) All other applicants: EUR 75 (INR 6800)

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of Germany Student Visa for Indians?

You can track the Germany student visa status using the following steps, if you have applied for a Schengen Student Visa.

Visit the VFS Global website.
Select the 'Track Your Application' option.
Enter your application reference number and last name.
Submit the form to view your Germany student visa status.

However, if you applied for a National Visa, there is no option to check your visa application status. The processing time can be stretched to several months as well. Your enquiries about the status will not be answered within the first three months after submitting your application. Once your application decision is made, you will be notified.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to process a German student visa application?

Ans: Schengen visa applications are processed in 15 to 30 days. However, the German student visa processing time for National Visa applications can be several months long.
Q2: What options do I have if my German student visa application is rejected?

Ans: You can request a re-assessment or remonstration of your application if rejected. You must apply within one month after receiving the rejection. You can also file a lawsuit against the rejection. This will lead to a court reassessment of your application in Berlin.
Q3: Can I prepone my visa appointment if my university starts before the appointment date?

Ans: No, there is no option to prepone your visa appointment. The process of allotting appointments is entirely automatic.
Q4: Do I have to pay my university tuition fees before applying?

Ans: Yes, the visa section must check that you have paid your tuition fees and have funds left to stay in Germany.
Q5: Is it compulsory to have a blocked account before applying for a German student visa?

Ans: No, you can provide other evidence of having sufficient funds to stay in Germany, such as a scholarship confirmation or a sponsorship letter.

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