
Student Visa for Germany: Top 5 Essential Requirements for Students from India
Indian students make up the second-largest demographic of the total international students in Germany. Since the country is student-friendly and has amazing study and work opportunities for international students, it is a popular destination for Indian students. The affordable tuition fee also makes it rather convenient for Indian students to pursue education in Germany.
However, the most prominent reason why Indian students choose Germany as their study abroad destination is because of an easy visa procedure. As a student aspiring to study in Germany, you would want to know the A-Z of all the things Indian students require to get a student visa for Germany. Udrus is a platform where you can find information relevant to pursuing higher education in Germany.
Now, let’s provide you with a detailed overview of things you should know as an Indian student applying for a German visa.
Type of Visa
There are three types of visas that students wanting to go to Germany can apply for:
1. German Student Visa – The students who have already been accepted into a university program apply for this visa. As soon as you get a confirmation letter from your choice of a German university, you can apply for this visa.
2. Language Course Visa – Students who have applied for a preparatory course of the duration of three to twelve months can apply for this visa.
3. Student Applicant Visa – The student application visa is for students who have chosen Germany as their choice of country for higher education but have not enrolled into a university yet or are in the process of admission to a German university.
Documents Required for Visa from Indian Students
The following documents are required at the time of applying for Student visa for Germany by an Indian national:
- Passport – It is the first most important document a student applying for a German visa needs to have. The passport must be valid for at least a year from the date of visa application and must have at least two empty visa pages.
- Bio-metric visa photographs – Get some fresh biometric photographs clicked, preferably with a white background.
- Visa application form – Get two copies of the visa application form to duly fill and sign.
- Scanned copies of the Passport’s personal information page
- Proof of Acceptance at a German University – You will be required to produce the original and two copies of the proof of acceptance at your choice of a German university.
- Proficiency Proof in the Language of Instruction – The proficiency level required is at least B2 level. Get the original and two copies of this document.
- Academic Qualification Certificates – The original and two copies of your previous academic qualification certificates will be required.
- Proof of Financial Capability – This can be a blocked bank account, proof of scholarship, or letter from a sponsor living in Germany.
- Letter of Declaration with mentioned additional contacts and legal representation.
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Demand Draft for Visa Fee
How To Apply For Student Visa
Here is the step-by-step procedure for applying for a German visa –
- Open a Blocked Bank Account
You need to produce proof of your financial capability to pursue your studies abroad before proceeding with your visa application. To show the same, you will need a blocked bank account with the total amount to cover your studies and living costs in Germany. Your blocked account balance must be at least EUR 10,332 and the monthly withdrawal limit from the same would be EUR 861 when you arrive in Germany. Now, let us talk about the two ways you can open a blocked bank account –
- Go to a German bank branch in India to get it opened.
- Get it done online via any approved providers. You can find the details of the providers on the German Federal Government website.
If you want to open a blocked account online, you can easily get it done with Drop Money. It is an authorized global provider of German blocked accounts for people who require it before coming to Germany.
- Complete and Sign the Student Visa Application Form
Attach a declaration stating the information provided by you is correct. Also, add in the same declaration your additional contacts and legal information. Attach this declaration with your visa application form after filling it.
- Get Your Bio-metric Visa Photographs Clicked
The background for your visa photographs must be white only. The dimensions of the photographs should be 35mm to 45mm. You can get your photographs clicked at any professional photo studio in India.
- Collect the Required Documents
Gather all the required documents mentioned on the website of the German Missions in India. Double-check the documents and make sure they are in good condition.
- Make an Appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate
Fix an appointment with the nearest German representative office for your visa.
- Get the Visa Fee Demand Draft and Submit the Application
German Missions in India only accept the visa fee via demand drafts from some of the national banks in India. The demand draft should not be older than two months. Make arrangements for the same before leaving for the embassy for your interview.
- Pay the Fee and Enter the Visa Interview
At the time of the interview, make sure you’re carrying all your documents. The Embassy or Consulate officer will ask you questions regarding your visit to Germany, your motivation for the same, etc.
Visa Processing Timelines
After the interview, the decision from the Embassy or Consulate will take around 15-30 days. Online visa processing can take more time; two to six weeks, roughly.
German Student Visa Fees in India
The non-refundable German visa fee is paid through a demand draft of EUR 75 for adults and EUR 37.50 for minors.
Although getting a German visa for Indian students is quite easy, it can still be a long, overwhelming procedure. Make sure you’re applying on time to keep things quick and convenient.
Health Insurance
According to German law, health insurance for everybody residing in the country is compulsory. International students visiting Germany for their study program are also required to have insurance. The average cost of health insurance plans in Germany is between 103 EUR – 111 EUR per month. The health insurance requirement for international students differ based on the courses they have opted for:
- If you are a student enrolling in a degree program, you can take public health insurance.
- If you’re enrolling for preparatory-year programs or language courses, you can only take private health insurance. Students who are above age 30 can also only opt for private insurance.
Some students are also exempted from taking separate health insurance plans in Germany. If your native country is in the EU or is Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia, or Turkey, you will not have to get health insurance in Germany.
However, not that if you are a student from the EU/EEA region who wants to do a paid internship or part-time work in Germany, you will have to get insurance from a German insurance provider.
Don’t Miss out to read:Â Bachelors Degree in Germany: 5 Best Reasons To Apply
Is IELTS Necessary for Obtaining Student Visa for Germany?
The requirement for an IELTS score depends on the language of instruction for your course at your university. So, IELTS is only necessary for those students whose program at their German university is being taught in English. You will be required to give a test for the same and provide proof of your IELTS score. Instead of IELTS, you can also give TOEFL exam to prove your English proficiency.
If you are a student who has German as your language of instruction at your university, you will need to provide a TestDafor DSH score as proof of German language proficiency.