Germany

German Student Visa

A German student visa is granted to individuals who have applied for a study program at a German university and received a letter of admission, also known as a letter of acceptance. These study programs can be offered by various types of higher education institutions in Germany, including Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Academies of Arts, Music, and Film.

Duration and Process for Indian Students

Indian students typically receive a student visa for Germany for a duration of 3 months. Within this period, they are required to arrive in Germany and complete the necessary bureaucratic procedures. One of these procedures includes applying for a residence permit. Indian students have the option to convert their 3-month visa into a residence permit, which can be valid for one to three years, depending on the length of their study program. Additionally, if Indian students are unable to complete their studies within the standard period of time, they have the option to extend their residence permit.

Germany Student Visa Requirements 

To apply for any of the German Study visas, you must submit the following documents:

1. Duly completed Germany Student Visa Application form.
2. Valid passport: It should be valid for an additional six months beyond your departure date from Germany and have at least one blank page.
3. Proof of civil status: This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates (yours and any children), death certificates of spouse, or a ration card if applicable.
4. Two high-quality, identical photographs.
5. Copies of previous visas, if any.
6. Proof of accommodation in Germany: Evidence that you have arranged a place to stay during your studies.
7. Proof of covered student health insurance for the entire period of stay in Germany.
8. APS Certificate: The APS certificate, issued by APS India, verifies the authenticity and validity of your documents, affirming your eligibility to study in Germany.
9. For Language Course Visa: A motivational letter for attending the language course.
10. Curriculum Vitae: Include evidence of any previous and current internships and employment.
11. Scholarship award certificate.
12. Written confirmation from parents or sponsor covering your costs.
13. Blocked account (Sperrkonto). (11,208 Euros)
14. Recognized School Leaving Certificates.
15. Confirmation of application from the university.
16. Certificate of admission in a preparatory course or a registration confirmation letter for a German language course.
17. Recognized school leaving certificate or its equivalent.
18. Proof of German or English language proficiency.
19. Certificates of former degrees.
20. Acceptance letter from the university confirming your application and offered place to study.
21. Certificates of previous education.
22. Cover Letter explaining your choice of university, program, study plan, and career goals.
23. For programs in German, provide a TestDaf or DSH score; for English courses, provide a TOEFL or IELTS score.

When to Apply for a German Student Visa

It’s recommended to submit your German Student Visa application, along with the required documents, at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date to Germany. This timeframe helps to avoid potential delays in processing.

Where to Submit Your Germany Student Visa Application:

You must apply for a German Student visa at the German Consulate or Embassy in your home country. Throughout the visa processing, your passport will remain with the Embassy/Consulate where you applied. If you need to retrieve your passport for any reason, such as travel or other obligations, you’ll need to initiate the visa application process anew.

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa?

Fill out the Germany Student Visa application form:

Complete the application form with accurate information about yourself and specify the purpose of travel.

Collect the required documents:

Gather all necessary documents according to your admission status.

Schedule an appointment:

Book an appointment for a German student visa interview at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa applications are processed only by prior appointment.

Attend the interview:

Arrive on time at the application center. Late arrivals, beyond ten minutes, may not be accommodated. Present your appointment letter for verification and receive a token. Ensure you have all required documents for submission during the interview.

Pay the German student visa fee:

Once your application is verified, your information will be entered into the German consulate’s online system. You’ll receive a printed copy of your application for review and signature. Pay the visa fee of €75 and retain the receipt for collection of your processed application.

Submit biometrics:

Provide your fingerprints, a quick process typically taking 7 to 8 minutes. This involves capturing a 10-digit fingerprint scan using a digital finger scanner.

Types of German Visas for Indian Citizens

1. German Student Visa

• Required for Indian students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany.
• Key requirement: Letter of admission from a German study program.

2. German Student Applicant Visa

• For prospective Indian students who have applied for a German study program but haven’t received an official letter of admission yet.
• Increases the chances of timely entry into Germany.
• Note: Check with the relevant German Embassy/Consulate in India for eligibility and application procedures.

3. German Language Course Visa

• For Indians interested in attending intensive German language courses in Germany.
• Eligibility confirmation can be obtained from the local German Embassy/Consulate in India.

4. German Job Seeker Visa

• Available to Indian students who have completed their degree at a German university.
• Allows 18 months to search for employment in Germany after graduation.

5. German Family Reunion Visa

• Enables Indian students studying in Germany to bring their family members to the country.
• Eligible family members may include spouses, children, and parents, depending on individual circumstances.

In summary, Indian students planning to study in Germany require a German student visa. However, depending on their specific situation and goals, they may also explore other visa options mentioned above.

Cost of German Student Visa for Indians

The fee for a German student visa is 75€ for Indian applicants (37.5€ for minors), the same as for other nationalities. Indian students are required to pay this fee in Indian Rupees (INR). Therefore, it is essential to check the current exchange rate before visiting the German Embassy/Consulate in India. For instance, as of 21.01.2023, the visa fee for Indian Rupees was 6,600 INR (3,300 INR for minors). Payment methods accepted at all German missions in India include Demand Drafts from national banks, provided they are not older than 2 months. Additionally, the German Embassy in New Delhi also accepts cash payments.

Processing Time for German Student Visa from India

The processing time for a German student visa from India typically takes around 12 weeks. In other words, Indian students may need to wait approximately 3 months to obtain a visa for studying in Germany. The countdown begins once the complete application is submitted, along with payment of the visa fees. Therefore, it is crucial for Indian students to apply for a German student visa as early as possible, ideally upon receiving the letter of acceptance from a German university, to ensure timely arrival in Germany.

Working Opportunities for Indian Students in Germany

Indian students with a student visa in Germany have the opportunity to work. Upon converting the student visa to a residence permit, they receive an additional document, known as Zusatzblatt in German. This document outlines their right to work in Germany. Specifically, it states that Indian students can work part-time for up to 280 days per year (e.g., up to 20 hours per week) or full-time for up to 140 days per year (e.g., more than 20 hours per week).

However, Indian students are not permitted to work in a self-employed or freelance capacity in Germany. If employed as a student assistant at the university, there are no restrictions on the number of working days. Nonetheless, it is essential to inform the foreigners’ office about this employment.
German Student Residence Permit Checklist for Indians

1. Completed application form:
   • Obtain the form from the website of the Foreigners’ Authority handling your application. The form typically requires personal details such as your name, date of birth, contact information, and marital status.
2. Valid Passport (including entry visa):
   • Ensure your passport has sufficient validity and available pages.
3. Current biometric passport photo:
   • Follow the same specifications as for the German student visa application.
4. Registration of the address (Meldebescheinigung):
   • Within two weeks of arrival in Germany, register your new address at the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) and obtain the registration confirmation paper for your residence permit application.
5. Proof of valid health insurance:
   • Request a document from your German health insurance provider confirming your coverage.
6. Proof of sufficient funds:
   • Demonstrate financial ability to support yourself, similar to the requirements for the German student visa. This can be achieved through a blocked account, declaration of commitment, or scholarship.
7. Certificate of enrollment:
   • Obtain the Immatrikulationsbescheinigung from your university, confirming your enrollment in the specific program. This document is usually accessible online via your university portal and also sent to you by mail.

Procedure for Obtaining a German Student Residence Permit for Indians

Sending the Application Package:

Submit your application package to the authorities via email or post.

Submission of Biometric Data and Payment:

Upon receipt of your application, the authorities will confirm its completeness and schedule an appointment for you to visit their office.

During this appointment, you must:

1. Sign necessary documents.
2. Provide fingerprints.
3. Present your passport.
4. Submit a biometric photo.

Pay the residence permit fee, which is typically around 100 EUR for Indians. Payment can usually be made in cash or with an EC card.

Receiving the Residence Permit Card:

After providing biometric data and payment, you will receive a temporary paper substitute for the residence permit card. This paper is valid for 3 months and indicates when the card will be ready.

You will be notified whether the card will be sent to you by post or if you need to collect it in person.

The processing time for the German student residence permit for Indian students is approximately 4-6 weeks, starting from the submission of biometric data and payment.

Please note that the application procedure may vary based on your location in Germany, so it’s important to check the websites of the relevant Foreigners’ Authority offices for specific instructions.