Germany Student Visa from India

The cost of a German student visa for Indian students is €75 for adults and €37.50 for minors. The fee should be paid in INR through a Demand Draft after finishing the interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The exact exchange amount can be found on the website of the German Missions.

Before you can begin your studies in Germany, you must obtain a student visa. The requirements for a German student visa vary depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay. The German Student Visa Requirements include a duly filled out and signed national visa application form, a valid national passport, a birth certificate, a minimum of three recent passport-sized photographs and much more.

Here we’ll provide all the information you need to successfully apply for a German student visa and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals in Germany.

• A valid Indian passport.
• Two copies of the passport’s bio page.
• German national visa application form. Submit two completed and signed copies.
• Letter of acceptance to a university, language school or preparatory college. The language of instruction for the courses should be specified in the letter. Submit the original letter along with 2 copies.
• If the acceptance letter does not specify that you are proficient in the language of instruction, also submit a Certificate of Language Proficiency in level B2, at least. Submit the original certificate along with two copies.
• APS certificate issued by the APS (Academic Evaluation Centre).
• Three visa photos.
• Your academic certificates/qualifications. Submit the original copy of any of these documents along with two copies.
• Your Resume.
• Proof you can fund your studies (blocked account). In most cases, you must submit a Confirmation for a Blocked Account or (if applicable) a scholarship. If someone is sponsoring you, you should submit a Letter of Sponsorship.
• Travel health insurance for a German visa.
• Demand Draft.
• Declaration form for additional contact and legal representation information. Submit two completed and signed copies.
• Printout of the document checklist signed.

International students applying for a German Student Visa for academic studies in English-taught programs are required to provide proof of their English language proficiency. The commonly accepted English language tests for this purpose are:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of around 80 to 100 is typically required by many German universities.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum score of around 80 to 100 is expected by many German universities.
• Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): A minimum score of 180 to 191 in C1 Advanced and a minimum score of 200 to 230 in C2 Proficiency.

It's essential to check the specific language requirements of the German university or program you are applying to, as the required test scores may vary depending on the institution and the course of study. Some universities may have their own language proficiency tests or may accept other English language qualifications.

Applying for a German student visa can seem a daunting task, but with the right preparation and documentation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. To apply for a German student visa, you’ll need to provide a number of important documents that demonstrate your eligibility to study in Germany.

• Visa application form: Completed and signed.
• Valid passport: With at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in Germany.
• Passport-sized photos: Recent and meeting the German visa photo requirements.
• Letter of admission: An acceptance letter from a German university or educational institution confirming your enrollment in a full-time study program.
• Proof of language proficiency: Test scores or certificates to demonstrate your proficiency in either German or English, depending on the language of instruction of your chosen study program.
• Blocked account confirmation: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany. This can be in the form of a "blocked" bank account, showing that you have enough money to sustain yourself during your stay.
• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage at least 30,000 EUR/ INR 23,86,000 coverage, with a validity for at least 3 months.
• Financial support: Documents to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself during your study period in Germany.
• Accommodation proof: Confirmation of your accommodation arrangements in Germany.
• Academic certificates and transcripts: Copies of your educational qualifications and academic records.
• CV/Resume: A current curriculum vitae or resume.
• Statement of Purpose: A letter explaining your motivation for studying in Germany and your future career plans.
• Declaration of accuracy of information: A signed statement affirming the accuracy of all provided documents.

 
The application process for a German Student Visa involves several steps, but it does not have an online application option. The application process usually takes place in person at the German embassy or consulate in students’ home country. 

Here is a general overview of how to apply for a German Student Visa:

• Get an acceptance letter from a German university or college.
• Open a blocked bank account to prove your financial means.
• Complete the student visa application form and take your biometric visa pictures.
• Collect all the required documents, such as travel insurance, academic qualifications and passport.
• Make an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in your country and pay the visa fee.
• Submit the application and attend the visa interview.

What is the Step-by-Step German Student Visa Process?

The German Student Visa process is as same as the application process for the visa mentioned above.

The processing time for a German student visa can take up to 25 days. However, it also depends on the German Embassy as well as the country you’re applying from. Sometimes, it may also take 6-12 weeks, with the longest processing time being 3 months.

It is also important to note that the German student visa processing time varies depending on individual circumstances. But, it generally takes several weeks to a few months to receive a decision on the application.

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an important part of your German student visa application. It is a document in which you need to convincingly demonstrate your motivation for coming to Germany, to seek admission to your specific study program and explain why you should be given the opportunity to study in Germany. 

Here are some tips for writing an SOP for a German student visa:

• Conduct extensive research on German universities, courses they offer and research projects that may be relevant to your background.
• Discuss your experiences, hurdles and expectations that led you to apply for the specific course or University.
• Keep your content simple and concentrate on your research abilities, educational achievement and professional experience.
• Write your essay in the form of a story about your life and explain how choosing this program is the next logical step in your career path.
• Instead of just stating your passions, explain how they developed and why you want to pursue them further and how this program or opportunity will allow you to do so.

Despite having a high success rate for student visas, the German government may reject your application for a number of reasons. Some of the top reasons for student visa rejection for Germany include: 

• Lack of Financial Stability
• Lack of Satisfactory Academic Achievements
• Inability to Meet the Language Requirements
• Unrelated Choice of Study
• Your Profile Is Deemed Unfit
• Poor Interview Performance
• Lack of Sufficient Health Insurance
• Incomplete Set of Documents.

Submitting invalid or incomplete documents and applications, lack of proper proof of financial situation and many other factors can also lead to the rejection of your German Student Visa application. The student visa could also be rejected if the issuing administration feels the student cannot cope with the prevalent education system in Germany.

If you are an international student in Germany and your student visa is about to expire, you must apply for an extension of your residence permit. 

Here are the steps to renew your student visa in Germany:

• Find the Foreigner’s Authority (Ausländerbehörde) in your area.
• Register your address.
• Obtain health insurance.
• Prepare your documents, including enrollment certificate, insurance certificate, accommodation contract, bank statement, passport and a passport size photo.
• Apply to the Foreigner’s Authority.
• Pick up your student residence permit card.

It is important to start the renewal process early, as it can take several weeks for the new residence permit to be issued.