In Germany, visas include both short-term and long-term visits. A visa is still required for certain nationalities to enter Germany, irrespective of whether you plan a short or long-term stay. The type of German visa appointment you are applying for depends on your visit’s intention.
What Is German Visa For International Students?
A German Student Visa is a document granted to individuals who have been accepted into a study program at a German university. This visa allows them to enter Germany for educational purposes. German universities offering these programs include Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and Academies of Arts, Music, and Film.
For Indian students, the typical duration of a German Student Visa is three months. During this period, Indian students must arrive in Germany and complete necessary administrative procedures, including applying for a residence permit. This residence permit can be valid for one to three years, depending on the length of their study program. If Indian students are unable to complete their studies within the standard timeframe, they can also request an extension of their residence permit.
German Visa is Not Required if:
To enter Germany, citizens of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Sweden do not require a visa, regardless of their stay duration. You can enter Germany without a permit and stay for up to 90 days if your country has been removed from visa requirements. You may need to apply for a long-stay visa before leaving and a residency permit while you are in Germany if you want to stay longer or to work.
German Visa is Required When:
You should apply for a Schengen (short stay) visa if your country is not excluded from visa requirements, and your stay in Germany will be 90 days or less.
Even if your country is excluded from the visa requirements, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before moving to Germany if you intend to stay more than 90 days. Nationals from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America are exceptions.
German Visa System Costs
To secure a German student visa, there is a fee of 75€ (37.5€ for minors) for Indian applicants, payable in Indian Rupees (INR). It’s essential to keep an eye on the current exchange rate before your visit to the German Embassy or Consulate in India. For instance, as of 21.01.2023, the visa fee was 6,600 INR (3,300 INR for minors). Payment can be made via Demand Drafts, accepted from all national banks in India, provided they are not older than 2 months. Notably, the German Embassy in New Delhi also accepts cash payments.
It’s important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. However, Indian students who have received scholarships from German public institutions, such as DAAD, are exempt from paying any visa processing fees.
Conditions for German Visa Appointment
You must fulfill these conditions, even though you do not need a visa:
- Your travel to Germany must have a logical and understandable reason.
- For at least six months after your stay in Germany, your passport should be valid.
- You must be able to finance your own cost of living and traveling.
- Before the visa expires, you must be prepared to leave Germany (for example, to have a return flight booked).
- You must be having health insurance for traveling.
- You do not pose a security or public order threat.
Unsure of which loans to get? Get a FREE consultation by filling the form in this blog!
Types of German Visas For Indian Students
Below mentioned are the types of German Visa policy for Indian students:
- German Student Visa: For pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees with a letter of admission.
- German Student Applicant Visa: For prospective students without official admission yet, enhancing chances of timely entry.
- German Language Course Visa: For intensive German language courses, eligibility confirmed by the local German Embassy/Consulate.
- German Job Seeker Visa: Post-graduation visa for Indian students, providing 18 months to find suitable employment in Germany.
- German Family Reunion Visa: Allows Indian students to bring eligible family members, like spouses, to Germany during their studies.
German Visa Approval Rate For Indian Students
The success rate for German student visa applications from India stands at approximately 90%. This translates to roughly 90 out of every 100 Indian students securing their German student visas. Consequently, the rejection rate for Indian applicants is approximately 10%. The primary reasons for these rejections typically include incomplete applications and insufficient financial documentation.
However, these statistics suggest that as long as your application is thorough, your documents are in order, and you can provide robust evidence of your financial capability, the likelihood of your German student visa application being denied remains quite low. In summary, obtaining a German student visa is generally a straightforward process for Indian students.
Where to Request For A German Visa Appointment?
To request a German visa appointment, you typically need to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you currently reside. You can usually find the contact information and appointment booking details on the official website of the German embassy or consulate that serves your region. It’s essential to follow the specific appointment request procedures and guidelines provided on their website to schedule your visa appointment.
Also, you may need to use the online visa appointment booking system, if available, to select a suitable date and time for your appointment.
Requirements For German Visa For Indian Students
Ensuring the successful processing of your German student visa application requires great attention to document submission at the German Embassy/Consulates in India. Failing to provide complete documentation can result in application rejection. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly adhere to the requirements. Below is a comprehensive list of the documents necessary for Indian students applying for a German study visa:
- Application Form: Complete and sign the application form, available on the German Missions in India website, providing personal details.
- Declaration Form: Submit the completed “additional contact and legal representation information” declaration form, also found on the German Missions in India website.
- Valid Passport: Provide a valid passport with a minimum of 2 free pages and an A4 copy of the data page. Ensure the passport is not older than 10 years and has an expiry date of at least one year from the application date.
- Biometric Photos: Include 3 biometric photos taken within the last six months, sized 35(W) x 45(H) with a clear, well-lit background.
- Acceptance Letter: Furnish the acceptance letter from a German university or foundation course, detailing personal information, program details, confirmation deadlines, and semester contribution fees.
- APS Certificate: Obtain an APS certificate from APS India if required, confirming document validity and eligibility to study in Germany.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Motivation: Present a convincing SOP explaining your motivation for studying in Germany and seeking admission to your chosen program.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include a comprehensive CV outlining academic history, work experience, extracurricular activities, and skills.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Demonstrate the ability to cover living costs in Germany, currently set at 934 Euros per month or 11,208 Euros per year, through options like a blocked account, declaration of commitment, or a scholarship.
- Blocked Account: Open a Sperrkonto (blocked account) before arriving in Germany.
- Declaration of Commitment: Obtain a Verpflichtungserklärung (declaration of commitment) from a German resident guaranteeing financial support during your stay.
- Scholarship: Present a full scholarship from German or EU public institutions.
- Note: If your program has tuition fees, provide proof of funds covering those fees.
- Academic Certificates: Include certificates of past academic achievements, such as Bachelor’s degrees or secondary school diplomas.
- Preliminary Health Insurance: Show proof of preliminary health insurance covering the first 3 months in Germany (usually travel insurance).
- Language Skills: Demonstrate language proficiency with certificates like TOEFL or IELTS (for English-taught programs) or Goethe Institut and ÖSD (for German-taught programs).
- Demand Draft: Prepare a Demand Draft for necessary payments.
Ensure all documents are submitted as originals with two attached copies. Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.
Duration for Processing German Student Visa for Indian Students
- German student visa processing time for India is approximately 12 weeks or 3 months.
- The countdown for the processing time starts upon submitting a complete application and paying the visa fees.
- It’s crucial for Indian students to apply for a German student visa as early as possible, ideally upon receiving their acceptance letter from a German university, to ensure they arrive in Germany on time.
- The processing time for German student visas is consistent across various German missions in India, including the German Embassy in New Delhi and the German Consulates in Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
- However, it’s reasonable to expect a longer processing time when applying to the German Embassy in New Delhi, as it handles a larger volume of German student visa applications, including those from Bhutanese students.
Can Indian Students Work In Germany With German Visa?
Yes, Indian students can engage in employment while holding a student visa in Germany. Upon converting their student visa to a residence permit, they receive an additional document known as the Zusatzblatt in German, which specifies their employment rights. Specifically, Indian students are permitted to work part-time for up to 240 days per year (e.g., up to 20 hours per week) or full-time for 120 days per year (e.g., more than 20 hours per week).
Also, Indian students are not authorized to work in a self-employed or freelance capacity in Germany. However, if they take on roles as student assistants at their universities, there are no restrictions on the number of working days. Nevertheless, it is essential to inform the foreigners’ office about this employment arrangement.
Note: Indian students have the option to apply for a German job-seeker visa, also known as an 18-month visa.
How to Get a Student Visa for Germany from India: A Ten-Step Guide
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine whether to apply directly through the German Embassy/Consulate in India or via VFS Visa Application Centre, based on your location and academic situation. |
| Step 2 | Identify the relevant German Embassy/Consulate or VFS Visa Application Centre serving your region in India. Refer to Table 1 for guidance. |
| Step 3 | Gather the necessary documents. Consult the German Missions in India website under “Visa Information” and “Checklist for Student Visa” for comprehensive requirements. |
| Step 4 | Book an appointment for your visa application, either online or by phone, depending on your chosen location. Refer to Table 2 for appointment booking details. |
| Step 5 | Arrive at your designated Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Missing the appointment may lead to delays. |
| Step 6 | Submit all required documents as per the checklist provided by the respective German Embassy/Consulate in India. Avoid stapling the documents. |
| Step 7 | If attending an Embassy or Consulate appointment, be prepared for a 10-15 minute interview where you must convincingly explain your choice of study program and its relevance to your future goals. Utilize information from your CV and SOP/LOM for effective argumentation. |
| Step 8 | Pay the applicable German student visa processing fee for Indian applicants (details in “German Student Visa for Indians: Costs” section). |
| Step 9 | Await a response regarding your visa application (approval or rejection). |
| Step10 | Once approved, collect your passport and visa to proceed with your academic journey in Germany. |
Places In India To Apply For A German Student Visa
Refer to the table to determine the German mission in India responsible for processing your German student visa application based on your location within India.
| Your Location in India | German Mission in India Responsible for Your Application |
|---|---|
| Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, and Amindive | German Embassy in New Delhi |
| Maharashtra, the Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli | German Consulate in Mumbai |
| West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura | German Consulate in Kolkata |
| Karnataka and Kerala | German Consulate in Bangalore |
| Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Union Territory of Puducherry | German Consulate in Chennai |
In conclusion, obtaining a German student visa is a significant step toward realizing your academic aspirations in Germany. While the process may seem intricate, careful planning, adherence to the requirements, and timely preparation of documents can greatly simplify the journey. The great support system provided by German missions in India, along with the wealth of information available online, ensures that Indian students can navigate the visa application process with confidence.
We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors, and may your German student visa pave the way for a fulfilling educational journey in Germany!
FAQs
1. Is German student visa easy?
Yes it is, the German student visa process involves visiting your country’s German Embassy or Consulate, where you will submit your application after scheduling an appointment.
2. How many years is German student visa valid?
The Prospective Student Visa, also known as the Student Applicant Visa, permits students applying to German universities to enter and reside in Germany. Student Applicant Visa has an initial three-month validity, which can be extended up to nine months.
3. How many IELTS bands required for Germany student visa?
To apply for a Germany student visa, you need an IELTS band score between 5.5 and 6.0.
4. Can I work in Germany with student visa?
Students on a German student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies but are allowed to work full-time during vacations.
5. Is Germany good for Indian students?
Germany has over 426 high-quality universities, making it a top choice for students seeking advanced education in technology-related fields. For those aspiring to study abroad or seek international job opportunities, Germany stands as the ideal destination.
Thanks for reading this blog on All About The German Visa Policy. The following articles may also be of interest to you:
Recent Posts