German Student Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for Indians

German Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students 

For a Germany study visa for Indian students, thorough preparation is key. Before you dive into filling out the application and scheduling your appointment, it is crucial to prepare two complete and identical sets of all the necessary documents listed below. Remember to bring the original documents with you as well. 

Passport and Application Materials:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid with a minimum of two free pages and should not be more than 10 years old, be free of any alterations or comments on the identification page and contain at least two completely blank pages for visas. It should also have at least one year of validity left. 
• Signed Application and Declaration: Complete the official application form and sign it, along with the required declaration under Section 54 of the Residence Act. Provide additional contact details and legal representation information, which is available online from the German missions in India. 
• Contact and Representation Details: Provide a separate declaration form for additional contact information and details regarding your legal representation. 
• Passport Data Page Copy: Include a clear, A4-sized photocopy of your passport’s information page. 

Academic and Motivation Documents:

Statement of Purpose (SOP): Prepare a carefully written motivation letter outlining your reasons for studying in Germany and why you picked your specific course. 

APS Certificate: Obtain your certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre, required from November 1, 2022. Check if you are exempted and if you do require it, complete the process as early as possible.  

University Acceptance Letter: Provide the original and two copies of your formal letter of acceptance to the German university like Schiller International University, which should specify the language of instruction.  

Language Proficiency: If not explicitly stated in your admission letter, you must show proof of your language skills in the language of instruction. Generally, you will need a minimum B2 level certification (without a preparatory language course). Accepted certifications are those from Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Assessment English. Online certificates, exemptions, or language of instruction certificates will not be accepted. 

Academic Transcripts: Include the original copies and two additional copies of your all-academic records, degrees, and certificates from your prior academic pursuits. 

Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date CV outlining your educational and professional experiences. 

Financial Documents:

1. Proof of Funds: You have to prove that you can cover your living expenses during your studies by one of the following methods: 

1. Scholarship or Stipend: Confirmation of a scholarship or stipend from Germany or the EU. 
2. Formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung): A formal guarantee from a sponsor residing in Germany. 
3. Blocked Account: Confirmation of a blocked bank account sufficient to cover living expenses for the first year of study (currently set at €11,904). You can freely select a provider for this account—the German Federal Foreign Office's website offers helpful information on this process. This money will need to be transferred into the account prior to the interview and confirmation will be needed during the interview. 
4. Important Note: From September 1, 2024, the maximum withdrawal amount from a blocked account is €992 per month. However, remember that you might need access to more funds at the beginning of your stay, for example, for housing deposits. As such, ensure you have access to supplemental resources if necessary.

1. Tuition Fee Coverage: If applicable, provide evidence that you can pay for tuition for the initial two semesters as well as the fee structure, by: 

1. University Confirmation: Payment confirmation from the university. 
2. Education Loan: Proof of an approved education loan. 
3. Unblocked Deposit: A separate unblocked deposit, in addition to €11,904, to your blocked account. 

Other Essential Documents:

• Biometric Photos: Include three passport-sized photos with a white background. These should not be older than six months. 
• Visa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa fee of €75 in Indian rupees only. Please check the German Embassy website for the current exchange rate and payment options. 
• Demand Draft: The payment methods will depend on which German mission you are applying from. For most locations, demand drafts are required, except for New Delhi, which also accepts cash. 
• Travel Health Insurance: Provide valid travel health insurance, covering your period from arrival in Germany until your enrollment at the university (roughly three months). See accepted insurers here. 
• Health Insurance: Provide proof of a private German health insurance with the specific attributes mentioned below, starting from your travel date.

1. German Public Health Insurance: If enrolled in a public health insurance, provide a letter from your health insurer in combination with a travel health insurance, covering from your arrival to your German public health insurance start date. 
2. Foreign (including Indian) Private Health Insurance: Please provide proof of your foreign insurance, including policy, that fulfils the requirements mentioned below, starting from your travel date.      

Important Reminders: 

• Two Sets: Remember to prepare two identical sets of all the documents listed above. Bring your original documents with you as well. 
• No Stapling: Do not staple any documents together. 
• Right to Ask for More: The German Missions hold the right to request supplementary paperwork and/or verify credentials for an additional fee. 
• No Guarantee: Providing the necessary papers does not assure that your visa will be approved. Incomplete documents or failure to show for a visa interview could result in application refusal. 

Ensure every document is authentic and organized to prevent any unnecessary delays. Take a look at our Study Abroad Checklist for more tips. 

Blocked Account for German Student Visa 

A blocked account is a mandatory step in the German student visa process for Indians. It is a financial proof that you can manage your expenses while studying in Germany. You will need to have enough money to cover your living costs for your first year in Germany, and a blocked account is a secure way of showing this to the German authorities. 

Select a Provider: Choose a popular platform like Expatrio or Fintiba. These options are user-friendly and offer English support. 

Create an Account: Complete the online registration with your personal and passport details. Indicate how long you will be staying in Germany. 

Deposit Funds: For 2025, the deposit is €11,904, ensuring a monthly withdrawal of about €934 to cover your living costs. 

Receive Confirmation: Once your deposit has been made, you will receive the blocked account confirmation. This confirmation is needed for your Germany study visa for Indian students. 

Access Funds: When you arrive in Germany, you can activate the account and withdraw funds monthly. Make sure to also open a regular German bank account for easier daily spending. 

This blocked account is not just a formality—it's your financial safety net while you study in Germany. Find more on Cost of Living in Germany: What International Students Need to Know.

Germany Student Visa Fees for Indian Students

German visa fees for Indian students are 75€ for those above 18, and 37.50€ for those under 18. These fees are paid in Indian rupees, so be sure to check the latest exchange rate before you apply. It is also important to know that all German missions in India accept demand drafts made from any Indian national bank, provided that the draft is not older than two months. The German Embassy in New Delhi also accepts cash. 

Key Points: 

• Standard Fee: €75 for students over 18. 
• Minor Fee: €37.50 for students under 18. 
• Payment Method: Most locations accept demand drafts, but cash is also accepted in New Delhi. 
• Non-Refundable: These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. 
• Scholarship Exception: Students with full scholarships from German public institutions (e.g., DAAD) usually do not have to pay these fees. 

Fee amounts may change from time to time so always confirm the most recent fee structure from the German mission where you apply. Visit our scholarship section for more information about available funding for students. 

Where to Apply for a German Student Visa in India?

Indian students can apply for their German study visa for Indian students at various German diplomatic missions in India.    

Your location in India determines which office you should visit for your visa. If you are within the jurisdiction of the German Embassy in New Delhi or the German Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, or Bangalore, and you have an unconditional letter of admission for a Master's, Doctoral, or Post-Doc program, or if you are applying for a scholarship from a German institution, then you should apply through VFS Global. Knowing where to apply ensures a smoother and more efficient visa process. Ensure to find your specific location on the German Mission website for more accurate information. 

How to get a German Student Visa from India? 

The process for Indian students seeking a German student visa can vary slightly depending on their location in India and their specific academic program. Some applicants will apply directly through the German Embassy or Consulates, while others will go through the VFS Visa Application Centers. Here are the 10 steps to follow:

1. Determine Your Application Route: 

• VFS Application: Generally, if you have an unconditional acceptance letter to a German Master's, Doctoral, or Post-Doctoral program, OR you hold a scholarship from a German institution, you will usually apply via VFS (Visa Application Centre). 
• Embassy/Consulate Application: If you do not meet the above criteria, you may need to apply directly through the German Embassy or Consulate in your region of India. 

2. Identify the Correct German Mission: 

Your place of residence in India determines which German Embassy or Consulate is responsible for processing your visa application. 

The following is a breakdown by region: 

• German Embassy in New Delhi: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, and Amindivi. 
• German Consulate in Mumbai: Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli. 
• German Consulate in Kolkata: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. 
• German Consulate in Bangalore: Karnataka and Kerala. 
• German Consulate in Chennai: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. 

3. Gather Necessary Documents: 

• The specific documents required are detailed on the website of the relevant German Embassy or Consulate. 
• To find this, go to the website of your responsible German mission in India, click 'Services', then 'Visa Information', then 'German National Visa', and finally, 'Checklist for Student Visa'. 
• Ensure you understand all the required paperwork before you schedule your appointment. 

4. Schedule Your Appointment: 

Regardless of whether you apply at an Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Centre, you will need to book your appointment through VFS Global. 

Appointments can usually be booked online or by telephone. 

The following are the booking options per mission: 

• German Embassy in New Delhi: Online or via telephone (022-67866013) 
• German Consulate in Mumbai: Online or via telephone (022-67866013) 
• German Consulate in Kolkata: Online 
• German Consulate in Bangalore: Online or via telephone (022-67866013) 
• German Consulate in Chennai: Online or via telephone (022-67866013) 

5. Attend Your Scheduled Appointment: 

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. 
• Missing your appointment will cause significant delays, so be prompt. 
• In the event that you miss your appointment, you will have to wait at least 24 hours before you can reschedule. 

6. Submit Your Application Documents: 

• Ensure you have all necessary documents to avoid rejection. 
• Organize documents as per the checklist given by the relevant German Mission. 
• Do not staple the documents. 

7. Attend the Visa Interview (Embassy/Consulate Applicants Only): 

• If applying directly at the Embassy or Consulate, you will have a brief (10-15 minute) interview. Check out our blog to prepare for your interview. 
• Be prepared to explain your choice of program, how it aligns with your goals, and be ready to back this with your CV and Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation. 

8. Pay the Visa Fee: 

There is a processing fee for the German student visa. See the section 'German Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students’ for details. 

9. Await Processing: 

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the German authorities to approve or reject your visa. 

10. Collect Your Passport and Visa: 

Once a decision has been made, you will be notified and instructed on how to collect your passport and visa. 

How Long Does the German Student Visa Take?  

The processing time for your German student visa for Indians can vary. It usually takes up to 12 weeks from the time you submit the application and pay the required fees. However, this can be longer during peak seasons. It is essential to apply as early as possible. For example, scheduling an appointment at the German Embassy in New Delhi can take up to 10 weeks; in contrast, consulates in other cities usually take just two working days to a week. 

German Student Visa Success Rate for Indians 

The success rate for a German student visa for Indians is quite high, with approximately 90% of applications being approved (via My German University). A German study visa is quite easy to obtain as long as your application is complete, you have all the required documents, and you have adequate financial proof. 

• Success Rate: Around 90%. 
• Rejection Rate: Approximately 10%. 
• Reasons for Rejection: Incomplete applications and insufficient funds are the primary reasons for rejections. 
• Complete Your Application: Make sure you have all documents ready with their required copies. 
• Financial Proof: Provide a blocked bank statement with proof of sufficient funds. 

Your chances of success are higher if you diligently follow the guidelines and ensure that all your documents are in order. 

German Student Residence Permit for Indians 

Your initial German student visa for Indians is only valid for three months. After you arrive in Germany you need to convert this to a German student residence permit. You have to apply for this residence permit six weeks before your initial visa expires. You need to follow the three-step procedure: 

• Sending the Application Package to the Authorities: You need to send your application through email or post to the correct authority. 
• Submission of Biometric Data and Payment: You now have to visit the authorities in person to submit the biometric data, pay the fee, and sign the forms. 
• Receiving the Residence Permit Card: After all steps are complete you will be given a temporary pass while you wait for your residence permit card. It usually takes four to six weeks for your permanent residence permit card. 

Make sure to check your local foreign authority website to get a list of specific documents that you require for your residence permit. Remember to stay organized and adhere to all instructions provided to ensure you are legally authorized to reside in Germany. 

Working While Studying in Germany 

Yes, Indian students holding a student visa can work in Germany, but with specific restrictions. When you convert your student visa to a residence permit, you get an additional document called Zusatblatt. This document details the number of hours that you are allowed to work. 

Work Hours: You can work 280 days part time, up to 20 hours per week, or 140 days full-time per year. 

Self-Employment: You cannot work in a self-employed capacity. 

Student Assistant: Working as a student assistant in the university has no limit for the number of workdays, but you need to inform the local foreigners' office. 

Job-Seeker Visa: Upon graduation, you can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa. 

This will allow you to gain work experience, as well as financially support yourself. Learn more on our Employability section. 

Study in Germany at Schiller International University

Schiller International University’s programs in Heidelberg provide a perfect launching point for Indian students who dream of receiving a high-quality education in Germany, as it combines academic excellence with global perspectives. Start your journey today, and you will soon be exploring all that Germany has to offer.