Factors like well-ranked universities, globally-recognised German degrees, and good career prospects make Germany one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations. International students need to obtain a German student visa to study in Germany. So, if you want to know detailed information about German student visas, this guide will help you.

Key Highlights

• Types of German student visa
• What are German student visa requirements?
• Student visa for Germany from India: How to apply?
• When to apply for a German study visa?
• Student visa Germany cost
• FAQs

If you are planning to visit Germany for educational purposes, you either need to apply for a Schengen visa or a National visa. The Schengen visa is valid for up to three months, whereas the National visa is for longer study visits and lasts for 90 days and more. Most international students apply for the National visa, which is further sub-divided into three categories:

Type of visa	Purpose
Student visa	This long-term visa is issued when students receive a letter of acceptance from a German university.
Student Applicant visa	The student applicant visa is for those students who are still waiting for a letter of acceptance but want to appear for a university entrance exam. This visa is valid for 3 months but can be extended to 6 months.
Language Course visa	This visa is required when students want to study a language preparatory course lasting for 3 months to 1 year in Germany.

What are German student visa requirements?
To apply for a German student visa, complete your application form and submit it after attaching the following list of documents:

• An acceptance letter from a German university
• Academic transcripts (mark sheets and degree certificates)
• Resume
• 3 passport size recent photographs as per biometric specifications
• Proof of English language proficiency, i.e., results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Letter citing the reason for choosing the specific study program
• A valid passport and a copy of the passport’s personal information page (in A4 format)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Proof of health insurance

Student visa for Germany from India: How to apply?

The step-by-step process to apply for a German student visa from India is as follows:

1. Open a Blocked Bank Account: Open your blocked bank account, which will be valid proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your cost of living for at least one year in Germany. You need to keep aside EUR 11,208 (∼INR 10,27,000) per year in your blocked account to get a German student visa.
2. Keep your documents ready: As per German student visa requirements, keep your documents and biometric photos ready before your appointment with the German consulate.
3. Fill up the visa application form: Apply online, and attach the mentioned documents. Additionally, take a printout of the declaration stating that the information provided is true and complete, sign it, and attach it to the application form.
4. Schedule an appointment with the German Embassy: Once your application form and documents are ready, you need to appear for a visa interview. For this, schedule an appointment with the German Mission in India.
5. Get a visa demand draft: Pay the visa fee via a demand draft at the end of the visa appointment.

 

When to apply for a German study visa?

You should apply for a German student visa as soon as you receive a letter of confirmation from the German university. If possible, apply for the visa four months before the course commencement date.

Student visa Germany cost

You need to pay a German student visa fee of EUR 75 (∼INR 6,800).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What should you know about the German student visa process?

Ans. The processing time for a German student visa is 2-3 months. However, the visa processing time may go up to 12 weeks if you are asked to submit additional documents.

Q2. What are the IELTS requirements for a German student visa?

Ans. A minimum IELTS band score of 5-6.5 is necessary to apply for a German student visa.

So, if you want to study in Germany without using your family savings, you can opt for education loans to study abroad. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans with multiple benefits like 100% finance, quick loan sanctions, and flexible repayment options. Contact us today to know more about study loans.