Indian students make up the second-largest group of international students in German universities, with a record number of 25,149 students enrolled in the winter semester of 2019, according to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany.
It is no wonder that Indian students are interested in getting their education in Germany, considering it has some of the highest-ranking universities in the world – and amazing job opportunities. So, if you have been accepted to a German university, here’s what you need to know about the German student visa application from India!
What Type of Visa Do Indian Students Need to Study in Germany?
To study in Germany, Indians have to apply for a National Visa at the nearest German Embassy/Consulate. A national visa (also known as a D Visa) is valid for three months and allows you to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for one year. It can be renewed/extended to let you live in Germany for the duration of your studies.
Do not try to enter Germany with a tourist visa and try to get a residence permit. That is not possible.
German Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
You have to submit these documents when you apply for a German student visa in India:
- Your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least another year starting from the visa application and have at least two empty visa pages.
- Two scanned copies of your passport’s personal information page. The copy must be in A4 format.
- Visa application form. Two copies, completed and signed.
- Declaration form for additional contact and legal representation information. Two copies, completed and signed.
- Three biometric visa pictures.
- Proof of acceptance in a German study course or preparatory college. The letter must include information on the language of instruction for the courses. Submit the original and 2 copies.
- Proof you are proficient in the language of instruction at least in B2-level. Submit the original and 2 copies. (If your language proficiency is confirmed in your admission letter by the university, you do not need to submit a language certificate.)
- Any academic certificates and qualifications. Submit the original and 2 copies
- Your CV.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. This can be any of the following:
- A blocked bank account. Most Indian students in Germany prefer Expatrio.
- Proof of a scholarship.
- Letter from a sponsor living in Germany.
- Travel health insurance.Indian students can buy a travel insurance policy from international providers such as DR-WALTERorEurop Assistance, or from local Indian travel insurance companies.
- Demand Draft for the student visa fee. The fee must be paid at the Embassy/Consulate in INR via a Demand Draft.
You should also attach the signed copy of the checklist of the documents which you got from the website of the German Missions in India.
Where to Apply for a German Study Visa in India?
You have to submit the student visa application at the German Mission in India responsible for your jurisdiction, as follows:
Mission | Jurisdiction |
German Embassy in New Delhi | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, Amindive |
German Consulate General Bangalore (Bengaluru) | Karnataka, Kerala |
German Consulate General in Chennai | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Union Territory of Puducherry |
German Consulate General in Kolkata | The states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura |
German Consulate General in Mumbai | Maharashta, Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Union Territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra, Nagar Haveli |
Please note: The German Honorary Consul in Goa and the German Honorary Consul in Thiruvananthapuram do not accept visa applications.
How to Apply for a German Student Visa from India?
The step-by-step instructions for an Indian to apply for a German student visa are:
- Open a Blocked Bank Account.
- Complete the student visa application form.
- Take your biometric visa pictures.
- Collect all the required documents.
- Make an appointment with the German Embassy/Consulate.
- Get the visa fee Demand Draft.
- Submit the application, enter the interview, and pay the visa fee.
Step 1. Open a Blocked Account
You need a blocked bank account to provide proof of your finances for the visa application. There are two ways to open a blocked account from India:
- Online, via one of the approved providers on the website of the German Federal Government.
- Through the Indian branch of a German bank.
According to the German Embassies in India, the providers offering blocked accounts for Indian students include Expatrio, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Capital India Finance Ltd., and Drop Money.
Most Indian students in Germany prefer Expatrio because the entire process can be completed online from India.
Step 2. Complete the visa application form
Before you submit the application, you have to complete the “Application for a national visa” form online. You can also download, complete and print out a PDF copy from the German Mission in India – whichever method you find more convenient. You will need to have your ID card and passport at hand.
Along with the main application form, you also need the “Declaration on true and complete information” and the “Additional contact and legal representation information”. See here and here.
Step 3. Take your biometric visa pictures
The pictures you submit for your Germany visa application in India have to be on a white background and with 35mm x 45 mm (width and height) dimensions. Most photo studios in large cities in India will know how to take your picture and adjust it for a German visa application.
See the complete Germany visa photo requirements here.
Step 4. Collect the required documents
Gather all the documents included on the “Checklist for a German national visa – student”. The list is available on the website of the German Missions in India.
You must also download a copy of the checklist and submit it along with the date and your signature.
Step 5. Make an appointment with the German Embassy
After you have all the documents, you can make an appointment with the German Mission in India that’s responsible for your jurisdiction.
Mission | Schedule an appointment | Appointment wait time |
German Embassy in New Delhi |
| 10 weeks |
German Consulate General Bangalore (Bengaluru) | 48 hours | |
German Consulate General in Chennai | 48 hours | |
German Consulate General in Kolkata |
| 1 week |
German Consulate General in Mumbai |
| 48 hours |
Step 6. Get a visa fee Demand Draft
You have to pay the fee for a German student visa in India, via a Demand Draft at the end of the visa appointment. German Missions accept Demand Drafts (not older than 2 months) from all nationalized banks in India.
Step 7. Submit the application, enter the interview, and pay the visa fee
On the date of your appointment, you have to be on time and bring all the necessary documents with you. You will also enter a visa interview with an Embassy/Consulate officer, who will ask you questions regarding your upcoming trip, why you want to study in Germany, etc.
How Long Does It Take to Get a German Study Visa in India?
After you enter the visa interview, in most cases, it takes 15-30 working days to receive a decision from the Embassy/Consulate in India.
However, depending on the workload of the Embassy and whether you need additional documents, it could take longer. On online student forums, many Indian students have reported waiting four to six weeks (even 12!) to receive a decision on their visa.
As soon as you have your student visa, you can travel to Germany and apply for a student residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
When Should Indian Students Apply for a German Study Visa?
You should apply for a visa as soon as you receive your acceptance letter and at least three months before your studies start. Take into consideration the following factors:
- Opening a blocked account will take one to three weeks.
- Waiting for an appointment at the Embassy will take anywhere from two days (at most German Missions in India) to 10 weeks (at the German Embassy in New Dehli).
- The processing time for a student visa ranges from two to six weeks.
Can I Apply for a Student Visa at VFS India?
Yes, you may submit a student visa application at a VFS Center in India only if:
- You live in the jurisdiction of the German Missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru, and you fulfil one of the following requirements:
- You will pursue your doctoral, post-doctorate, or Master’s studies and have an admission letter from a German University.
- You have received a full scholarship from an official German Institution for higher education.
- You have a contract as a highly qualified worker and an approval letter issued by the competent German Labor Authorities (ZAV-Zustimmung). This only applies if you are from the New Delhi Embassy jurisdiction.
If you fulfil the abovementioned requirements, you can submit your application to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in New Delhi or Mumbai. You do not need to wait for an interview at the German Embassy.
Remember: The German Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction will still review your application and decide. VFS will simply accept your application documents and send them to the Embassy/Consulate.
German Study Visa Fees for Indian Students
The German student visa fee for Indians is €75 for adults and €37,50 for minors. You must pay the INR fee through a Demand Draft at the end of your visa appointment. The Demand Draft has to be addressed as such, depending on where you submit your visa application:
- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi
- Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bangalore
- Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai
- Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kolkata
- Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai
The visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Important: The visa fee (in INR) stated on the Demand Draft must be based on the rates posted on the website of the German Missions in India. Do not look at the current exchange rates to fill in a Demand Draft for your student visa application, as it will be rejected.
How Much Is Bank Balance Required for Indian Students Applying for a Study Visa to Germany?
In 2022, Indian students need a bank balance of at least €11,208 to get a German student visa. This money has to go into a “blocked account” in Germany, where it will be frozen, and you will only be able to withdraw €934/month. If you receive a scholarship, it also has to cover the same amount of money.
Germany Travel Insurance for Indian Students
Indian students can get travel health insurance for a Germany visa application from one of the following
- DR-WALTER or
- Europ Assistance,
Our tip for Indian students: If you decide to get health insurance from German provider TK, you will get a one-month free travel insurance policy as well!
Other travel insurance providers operating in India, which the German Embassy will accept, include:
- Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company
- Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company
- Bharti AXA General Insurance Company
- Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company
- Cigna TTK Health Insurance Limited
- Go Digit General Insurance Limited
- Future Generali India Insurance Company
- HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company
- IFFCO – Tokio General Insurance Company
You need travel insurance which covers you from the time you enter Germany and until you enrol under a long-term health insurance scheme.
How to Get a Student Residence Permit When I Go to Germany?
Within three months after you travel from India to Germany, you have to:
- Register your address with the local registration office and receive the Certificate of Registration. This means that you need to have accommodation in Germany.
- Get a coverage plan with a statutory (public) health insurance company. If you are a PhD student over 30, you must get a private insurance plan, such as DR Walter’sEDUCARE24. You can use this online tool to determine what type of health insurance you need once you get to Germany.
- Schedule an appointment with the local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner’s Office).
- Gather the following documents:
- One biometric picture.
- The “Application for Issuance of a Residence Permit” form.
- Your Registration Certificate.
- Proof of Blocked Account.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of acceptance in a German educational institution.
- Submit the documents at the Ausländerbehörde and apply for a study residence permit.
The residence permit will allow you to stay in Germany for one year, and it can be extended annually for the duration of your studies.
Can Indian Students Work in Germany?
Yes, Indian students can work in Germany with a student visa. You can work full-time for up to 120 days or part-time for up to 240 days per year. Even the work you take up during semester breaks or unpaid internships will count towards your permitted workdays.
Only the following type of work does not count towards the allotted working time:
- An obligatory internship that is part of your study program.
- Working as a student or research assistant in your university.
After you finish your studies, you can apply for a work visa if you find a job. If you finish your studies and do not have a job, you can apply for a job-seeker visa.
Related Information
- How to Apply for a German Student Visa in Nigeria?
- How to Apply for a German Student Visa in Pakistan?
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FAQs
Can I get German student visa without interview? ›
In addition to simply getting into their university of choice, students must gather all the necessary paperwork for the German student visa application. Then, they must complete the study visa interview.
How much proof of money do I need for German student visa? ›In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 11.208 euros at their disposal for one year. This amount of money is called "Regelbedarf", which means it is the amount of money that is estimated to be needed by a student to live in Germany for one year.
Why should I give you visa answer? ›For 'why' you can answer as one of the following: I am passionate about that *subject* and want to gain more knowledge in it. There are not many experts in this *field* in India, The knowledge I gained while studying in *college name* will help me stand out once I return to India.
Is Germany giving student visa now? ›According to the German Foreign Office, from 1 January 2023, the presumed annual requirement that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa will amount to €11,208. A blocked account with sufficient funds is one of the top requirements for international students seeking student visas.
Does German Embassy reject visa? ›If you apply for a Germany Schengen visa, you are expected to submit proof that you have the necessary funds to cover your stay as well as your return. If you could not prove you have enough financial resources, the German visa officers will reject your visa application.
What happens if your visa gets rejected Germany? ›If a visa application is rejected, the applicant has one month to appeal in writing ("remonstrate") to the mission abroad. The mission abroad will then reconsider the application.
Is bank statement enough for visa? ›When applying for a visa, a bank statement is one of the required documents to be provided. A bank statement is a record that shows the financial transactions that occurred within a set period. This includes inflows and outflows.
Does German Embassy verify documents? ›The verification process will ONLY be initiated on behalf of a German authority (not by a private person). German Missions entrust experienced lawyer firms to carry out the investigation. Investigators are authorized and carry photo ID. You are kindly requested to cooperate with the investigators.
How much money should I carry to Germany as a student? ›Students in Germany usually spend roughly 850 Euros every month on average as living costs.
How do you answer why a visa is rejected? ›If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice. If your country of residence does not have does not have a good relationship with your destination country. If you have infectious diseases.
How can I pass my visa interview? ›
- Create a good impression. ...
- Be well prepared. ...
- Be calm and confident. ...
- Keep your answers short and to the point. ...
- Keep required documentation at hand. ...
- Provide necessary financial documents. ...
- Explain how your program matches for your career plans. ...
- Never sound like a potential immigrant.
It is very important to answer honestly. Tell about the reasons you have visited the US before, i.e. tourism, training, medical reasons, etc. Even if you have stayed beyond your visa validity, been deported or detained during your previous stay in the US, you must tell.
How can I get German visa fast? ›- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. ...
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Germany IELTS Requirement
Undergraduate course aspirants should aim for at least IELTS 6.0 for Germany with individual module scores of at least 5.5. At the same time, the average score should be 6.0-6.5 for postgraduate programs. Some German universities also take scores between 4.5-6.5.
Applicants for National Visas (family reunion) may currently apply through the Visa Application Centre in Thimpu. Please contact VFS directly to get an appointment. Applicants for National Visas (e.g. student, employment for a stay of more than 90 days) must apply in person at the German Embassy in New Delhi.
Which country rejected visa most? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Why do student visas get rejected? ›Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection
Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.
...
Below are some reasons why visas get rejected:
- Absence of sufficient funding and documentary proof of the same.
- False or improper documentation.
- Not confirming the intent of returning to the home country after finishing higher education.
- Misbehavior at the time of the interview.
Issues related to visa delays are hindering travel plans to most European states and the US for Indian citizens, including thousands of students. Since the international countries opened up earlier this year, these countries have received too many visa applications owing to which there is a backlog in processing.
Does visa rejection appear on passport? ›Also known as a visa refusal, this is a status in which the visa issuing authority denies you the permit to visit the country. When this happens, you will receive a letter stating the outcome, and depending on the country, and the reason for the visa rejection, there may be a visa refusal stamp on the passport.
Can VFS reject visa? ›
The decision to refuse the visa includes the reasons on which the refusal was based. You can appeal the refusal. The appeal must be submitted within 15 days of the receipt of visa refusal to the Consulate that decided to refuse the visa.
Does embassy check bank statement? ›Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
- Family bank statements.
- Documentation from a sponsor.
- Financial aid letters.
- Scholarship letters.
- Letter from an employer showing annual salary.
The Embassy does not check bank statement in case of every applicant. It is done on random basis or in case of doubt.
Are phones allowed in German Embassy? ›It is not permitted to carry any mobile electronic devices, cameras, luggage, weapons and/or any dangerous objects inside the Embassy premises including the Visa and Consular Section.
Does Germany have visa interview? ›A visa interview in Germany is to ensure that you are in the correct mental condition to study in the nation. These interviews are crucial since the success rate is quite low, and students are denied visas for a variety of reasons.
How do I know if my German visa is approved? ›- Website: Click here for applications lodged on or after 02 November 2019.
- Web chat: Chat Now
- Email: info.canger@vfshelpline.com.
- Helpline Number: +4921173714828.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre to track your application.
It can cost you from USD 15-45 per night. German hostels are open to only members of Youth Hostel Association. To become a member, you have to pay a small membership fee of USD 9.
How much students earn in Germany per month? ›The classic among the part-time jobs is the minijob. You may earn up to 450 euros per month. With a minimum wage of 9.50 euros per hour (as of Jan. 2021), you have to work a maximum of around eleven hours per week or around 47 hours per month for this amount.
How much salary is sufficient in Germany? ›60.000 euros a year in Germany is considered a good gross salary as it is well above the average salary of 47.700 euros a year for the whole country. Most Germans who earn 60.000 euros or more are very happy with their salary.
How do I convince my visa officer for a student visa? ›
If you can get a letter from your employer, or indicate a date that you will return to work, this will help your application. If you are not employed, provide a plan for how you will use your new diploma or degree to start a job. This also helps convince the visa officer that you have a reason to return home.
Does Ielts score affect visa? ›Yes. IELTS score can affect not only your university application but also your visa processing too. Upon seeing your poor IELTS score, the interviewer may get an impression that your English isn't good enough and may affect your learning experience when you join the university.
What do visa officers check? ›The database stores biometric information on visa applicants, including their photographs and fingerprints, as well as biographic information, which may include their marriage history, work history, addresses, and family information.
How can I impress my visa officer? ›When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.
How can I introduce myself in visa interview? ›Start by stating your full name, where you live, and your professional aspirations. Next, you can mention your immediate family, where they live, your permanent residence, your current residence, as well as your place of birth.
How do you answer an embassy question? ›While answering the questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant needs to answer directly with confidence and also reassure his/her ties to the native country. The applicant needs to stress his/her intentions of coming back to the native country after the completion of the trip.
Which color is best for visa interview? ›Bright colors are also not recommended for interviews as they may distract the interviewer. Neutral tones such as beige, white, cream, grey, navy blue, or pastel colors like pink or light blue can help your outfit look more colorful without overdoing it.
How many minutes is a visa interview? ›You can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately two to three hours. The interview with a consular officer is the last step in a two-step process and typically lasts just a few minutes. Prior to the interview staff will collect, data-enter and review your application.
Can I carry phone to visa interview? ›Mobile phones are permitted in the visa application centre, but they must be switched to silent or vibrate mode. They should be switched on before entering the VAC. Devices that cannot be switched on cannot be taken into the visa application centre.
Can I visit Germany without ielts? ›Course in the German language: You can also seek admission to a German university without IELTS by taking admission to a German language program. However, to pursue this program you will need to submit a certification in the German language. A C1 to B1 level certificate will serve the purpose in this case.
Is ielts mandatory for Germany student visa? ›
Is IELTS required for a German student visa? Ans. Yes, one of your Germany study visa requirements is to prove your English proficiency. The minimum IELTS requirement for Germany Student Visa is 5.5-6.0 band score.
How should I dress for a German visa interview? ›Make sure you wear outfits that are comfortable but not exaggerated. You can wear a dress or a shirt and pants that give you a formal and confidential look.
Is IELTS exam difficult? ›Many people find this test section one of the hardest if they haven't prepared ahead of time using test prep tools, or by listening to English music or by watching English television shows. This section of the exam requires you to complete two writing tasks.
Is Germany accept 5.5 bands? ›In contrast to other nations, German universities accept applicants having a band score of 5.5 in an IELTS exam. Other than that, the standards of German colleges & universities are higher than other universities worldwide.
Can I Go Canada with 5 bands? ›Minimum Ielts Band Requirement for Canada Study Permit. A study visa for Canada requires the Student to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate & diploma programs.
Does German student visa get rejected? ›What are the chances of German student visa rejection? Ans. Despite having a 92% selection rate, German immigration officers might reject your visa based on the above-mentioned pointers. So ensure to avoid them regardless and not become a part of the Germany visa rejection rate percentage (8%.)
Who approves visa for Germany? ›Germany Visa Processing
It is a general rule that the German embassies around the world, which are the only competent bodies to assess the applications, shall process a German visa application for about 10 to 15 working days.
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and.
Can you get visa without interview? ›You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without an interview based on your age, or if you are renewing a prior U.S. visa. Currently, we are accepting Interview Waiver applications only for crew members (C1/D) from international airlines and cruise/ships and students (F-1).
How long does a German student visa interview take? ›Ans: German student visa interviews are extremely short, often under 15 minutes.
Do German universities take interviews? ›
An interview – German universities may want to discuss your application and experience. Video interviews can sometimes be arranged for international students. Entry tests – Competitive (or specialized) programs may ask you to take an additional entrance exam or standardized postgraduate admissions test.
Is jeans allowed for visa interview? ›Avoid jeans and leggings as these are often too informal for US visa attire.
Why do they refuse student visa? ›The most common reason for a student visa application being refused is due to insufficient funds or incorrect financial evidence. Some examples are: Not showing the required money for 28 continuous days and/or. Submitting financial documents that are more than 31 days old and/or.
How can I introduce myself in student visa interview? ›Start by stating your full name, where you live, and your professional aspirations. Next, you can mention your immediate family, where they live, your permanent residence, your current residence, as well as your place of birth.
Why do people fail visa interviews? ›An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
Can visa be rejected without a reason? ›Reasons for Visa Refusal
Your visa may be rejected, if you have provided wrong information in your visa application form. If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice.
Immigration protocols play a significant role in a country's safety. Therefore, on failing to adhere to visa rules, your application may get rejected. The most obvious reason for visa rejection is missing documents or information failing to prove your eligibility to visit the desired country.
How do I pass a German interview? ›- Criticizing Others. ...
- Belittling Your Accomplishments. ...
- Boring Your Interviewer. ...
- Dress Suitably. ...
- Bring Multiple CV and Cover Letter Copies. ...
- Take Advantage of Your Research. ...
- Boast about Your Achievements. ...
- Be Polite and Kind to the Secretary.
Students can expect to receive a response within 4-6 weeks of the application deadline, be it July or January. If all goes well, they'll have gained a place at the destination of their choice.
What is the fastest way to get a German visa? ›- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. ...
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Why do German universities reject applications? ›
Low Academic Performance
Hence, make sure to hold a good academic record. The embassy can easily reject your application if you have poor academic performance in previous education and they feel you won't be able to cope with the german education system.
Course in the German language: You can also seek admission to a German university without IELTS by taking admission to a German language program. However, to pursue this program you will need to submit a certification in the German language. A C1 to B1 level certificate will serve the purpose in this case.
Which semester is best to study in Germany? ›These programs accept applications majorly via two intakes in Germany: winter and summer. Academically both of them have equal standing. However, winter intake is considered to be the primary season for applying to German universities.