Germany Student Visa – Checklist, Requirements, Application, Fees & Processing Time

According to the reports, around 28,000+ Indian students went to study in Germany in 2020-21. In 2021-22, 30,000+ students were recorded. In the most recent academic year, the number increased to 40,000+ in the 2023-24 academic year. The number of Indian students is increasing yearly because students find Germany a great place to study for their graduation, master’s and PhD.  

If you are an Indian student who wants to study in Germany and you need to learn about the process. This guide by Shuraa Education will help you learn about Germany student visa, Germany’s student visa fees for Indians, all the requirements, the application process, and how long it takes to get a visa to study in Germany.  

What is a Germany Student Visa? 

A Germany Student Visa is a form of visa. It is granted to students who have applied for any study program at a German university. The student receives a letter of admission. Which is also known as a letter of acceptance. Different programs are offered by the higher education institutions in Germany. There are different institutions in Germany, like the Universities of Applied Sciences, Academies of Arts, Music, and Film. 

For Indian students, whenever they are done with their studies in Germany, they can apply for a residence permit after completing their masters in Germany. The student can even find a job in Germany once they have completed their graduation too.  

Your 3-month visa can be converted into a residence permit. It is valid for 3 years, depending on the duration of your study program. If students think they need more time to complete their studies within the standard period, they can extend thefir residency permit in Germany. Then, they can continue studying in Germany.  

How many types of visas are there in Germany? 

There are 5 types of visas in Germany for Indians; they are mentioned below: 

Visa Type 1: German Family Reunion Visa 

If a student is studying in Germany, they bring their family members under this German Family Visa. But there should be some relation with the person studying in Germany. You can get your children, parents and spouses too.  

Visa Type 2: German Language Course Visa 

If you want to learn or attend a German language course in Germany. You can apply for a German language Course Visa. To get a language course visa, you can contact your local German embassy or consult Shuraa Education to be sure you are eligible for the course visa.  

Visa Type 3: German Student Applicant Visa 

If you don’t have an official admission letter and have already applied for a German study program, you can apply for a German Student Applicant Visa.  

Visa Type 4: German Job Seeker Visa 

If you are an Indian student and have studied at a Germany university. You are eligible to apply for a job-seeker visa. According to your field of study, this visa gives you 18 months to find a better and more suitable job in Germany.  

Visa Type 5: German Student Visa 

After graduating high school, do you want to pursue a bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany? One of the main requirements for studying abroad is a letter of admission from the German study program. This letter will help you study at your favourite university in Germany.  

From Where to Apply for a German Student Visa in India? 

You can submit your student visa application at any of the following German diplomatic missions in India: 

• VFS Global 
• German Consulate General in Chennai 
• German Consulate General in Bangalore 
• German Embassy in New Delhi 
• German Consulate General in Mumbai 
• German Consulate General in Kolkata 

How much time it takes to get the appointment? 

Below is a table which will help you to know the appointment time: 

Note: The wait time can be deferred from the time mentioned above. It’s approximately the time an appointment can take.  

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa in India 

To get a Germany student visa in India, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Secure Admission to a Study Program in Germany 

The first step to studying in Germany is to get accepted into a study program or a language course. Remember, getting your application accepted is important, as it will be used as proof of getting your visa application. 

Step 2: Locate a German Diplomatic Mission in India 

Now look for a good German Diplomatic mission in India. They will handle your student visa application. You can also directly contact our overseas Education experts.  

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment for Visa Submission 

The next step is to Schedule an appointment with the nearest German embassy or consulate for your visa submission.  

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents 

Now, take care of all your important documents before your appointment. Just keep every necessary document that is required. The documents include: 

• Your passport 
• Educational Qualification 
• Proof of financial support 

Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application 

It’s time for your visa appointment at the German embassy or office to submit your documents. You may also need to provide your biometric data for the Visa application process. You may attend a visa interview on the same day of the appointment.  

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee 

You might need to pay the visa fee during your appointment. The fee payment process varies by the diplomatic mission. 

Step 7: Wait for the Decision 

Once you have paid the Visa fees, you must wait for the decision, which takes 15-30 days. Once your application is approved, you can go to Germany and start your study program. If your application gets denied by any chance, you will get a letter of explanation that mentions why your application was cancelled.  

Documents Required by Indian Students to Study Germany 

The primary documents which are required by Indian students to study in Germany are as follows: 

• German national visa application form 
• 3 visa pictures 
• Your resume 
• A certificate of Language Proficiency 
• 2 copies of the passport’s bio page 
• Letter of acceptance to university 
• APS certificate 
• Passport 
• Your academic certificates/qualifications 
• Proof you can fund your studies 
• German health Insurance for students 

How Much Are the Germany Student Visa Fees for Indian? 

The German student visa fee is EUR 75, equivalent to approximately INR 6,780.87. The cost is reduced to EUR 37.50 for minors, or about INR 3,390.44. You must pay the visa fee in cash at the embassy or consulate. Depending on the specific embassy, payment can be made in cash or by credit card.  

How Long Does the German Embassy in India Take to Process a Student Visa? 

It takes around 15 to 30 days for the German Embassy in India to process the student’s visas after their interview. If additional documents are requested to be submitted, it will take more days than expected.  

How Much Money Do You Need to Study in Germany? 

To apply for a student visa, you must show the German Embassy that you earn a minimum of EUR 11,208 annually. Students mainly open a blocked bank account in a German bank and transfer their funds there. Check your finances before applying for a visa in Germany.  

Important Things to Know as a German Visa Applicant 

• You must appear in person for the visa interview. 
• Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay, including any extensions. 
• Do not attach photos to the application form. 
• Incomplete applications can be refused. 
• Attend the visa interview alone. 
• You can legally challenge a visa decision. 
• If deemed a security risk, your visa will be rejected. 
• Additional documents may be required during the visa interview. 
• To be eligible for a residence permit in Germany, you must apply for a student visa, not a tourist visa. 
• You will be informed of the reason if your visa is denied. 

Scholarships for Study in Germany 

To study in Germany, you can get many scholarships to fund your education abroad. Here are some of the top scholarships available for higher education in Germany: 

• Inlaks Scholarships for University Courses 
• Heinrich Boll Scholarships for Undergraduates, Graduates, and PhD Students 
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC and other eligible candidates.  

Can Indian Students Work in Germany with a Student Visa? 

Yes, Indian students can work in Germany with a student visa. Once you have your student visa, you can apply for a residence permit, which includes a Zusatblatt (extra paper) stating your work rights. Also, as an Indian student, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week or full-time for more than 20 hours a week. 

Note: You can’t be self-employed or freelance. If you work as a student assistant at the university, there’s no limit on working days, but you need to inform the foreigners’ office. 

Wrapping up with Shuraa Education  

We hope this blog on Germany Student Visa was helpful. We have covered almost every topic related to this blog. Studying in Germany for Indian students is not as tough as it seems. If you are stuck somewhere, you can call our overseas student experts. You can contact our experts anytime, and remember, we charge zero fees from the students. Your counselling is free of cost, and there are no hidden charges.