Student Visa Germany: A guide for Indian students 2024

As per the data published by the “Federal Statistical Office of Germany”, Indian students are among the most prominent international community in German universities. However, in the previous year, the number of Indian students grew by 26%, bringing the number of Indian students in Germany to 42997. Therefore any student willing to join the community easily, then this blog will be beneficial for Indian students to get German student Visa in the year 2024.

Opportunities for Indian students with German Visa

The Indian student can apply for a German Visa only after getting admission to any German-recognized institution such as “The University of Applied Sciences”, “The College of Arts and Music”, or any other similar high-education institution. The German student's visa allows the students to stay for an initial 3 months. During these 3 months, the students can apply for a residence permit to study In Germany. The residence permit for study is valid for two years, however, it can be extended based on the time duration of the study. The German student visa allows the students to study the following types of courses:

• Full-time academic studies.
• German language courses for studies.
• Propaedeutic course.
• Mandatory preliminary internship.
• State preparatory college ‘Studienkolleg: It is for those foreign students whose school-leaving certificate is not recognized by German universities and are required to pass the “Feststellungsprüfung” test. Passing the test makes the student eligible for a university entrance qualification certificate, and allows them to apply for German universities. 

The German students' Visa also allows the students to do the following other activities.

• Extend Visa: The students can apply for the extension of an extension of a student resident permit in case the students want more time to complete their studies.
• Part-time jobs: The student can work part-time up to 120 working days a year. It also includes working part-time at the university where the student is studying.
• Resident permit for job seeking: The students can apply for a residence permit for a job after graduation.  The resident permit is only available after the completion of the graduation in Germany. The permit allows the students to search for jobs or become self-employed for 6 months. The students can also undertake temporary jobs while looking for permanent jobs as per their academic qualifications. 

Things are not allowed with a study permit visa in Germany.

• Full-time jobs: Full-time jobs that require 240 days of working in a year are not allowed with a student permit visa. Students are not qualified to apply for full-time work permits.
• Abandon study: The students are not allowed to leave their studies in the middle. The students are required to participate in the lessons to avoid the cancellation of their permit to stay in Germany.

Requirements for Indian students for applying for a German Student Visa

To apply for a German student visa the Indian student needs to have the following documents:

• The students are required to fill out two National Visa Application forms.
• Having a Valid Indian passport
• The students are also required to have valid proof of admin from a German educational institution. The proof could include a foundation course, a letter of admission for university studies, and a preparatory German language course,
• The students are required to showcase their language proficiency in English or German depending on the program selected by the candidates. To showcase German proficiency the students are required to show their exam results such as TestDaF, DSH, Goethe Institute, and German language Diploma popularly known as DSD. To showcase English proficiency the students are required to showcase the marks of IELTS or TOEFL. 
• The students are also required to submit authenticated documents regarding their previous education in India. The documents should also include curriculum vitae, academic records, work experience, and internship proofs.
• The students are also required to show their financial ability to cover the cost of living and studies in Germany. Some of the important documents to show financial ability are a blocked bank account, a declaration letter from parents, a letter of commitment from a German resident, a scholarship-winning certificate, or proof of paid German visa application fees. 
• The students are required to obtain health insurance of about 27 lakhs for at least three months.
• The students are also required to submit a motivation letter providing insights regarding the choice of university, study programs, and how they align with their future goals and careers. 
• The students need to provide proof regarding the payment made for the German student Visa application form. The students should submit original documents with two photocopies of each. 

Bank balance and fees of German student visa 

The Indian student applying for German visas are required to pay the application fees based on their age.

• Applicants below the age of 18 years are required to pay a fee of INR 3420.
• Applicants above the age of 18 years are required to pay a fee of INR 6840.

The German Universities also make Indian students deposit 10 lakhs in a block bank account when applying for a German student Visa. However the students can still apply for a German student Visa without having a block account in case, they meet one of these requirements.

• Submit the financial documents of the parents showing their financial assets and income.
• A guarantee from a friend a relative with permanent residency in Germany for covering the living expenses during the study. 
• Having a scholarship certificate from any recognized university or institution. 

In case the student fails to meet any of the above-mentioned criteria, it becomes mandatory for the Indian students to get a student visa for studying in Germany. 

Where you can apply for a German student visa in India?

To apply for a German student visa, the students in India are required to submit their application in the German Mission jurisdiction present in their area. 

Jurisdiction Area of the German Embassy in New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Lakshadweep, Andaman Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Amindive, Minicoy.

Jurisdiction area of the German Consulate in Bangalore: Karnataka and Kerala.

Jurisdiction of German Consulate in Chennai: Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Union territory of Pondicherry. 

Jurisdiction of German Consulate in Kolkata: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.

Jurisdiction of German Consulate in Mumbai: Union territory of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujrat, Union territory of Diu, Dadra, Daman, Nagar Haveli and Madhya Pradesh.

However, it is important to note that The German Council in Goa and the German Honorary Council in Thiruvananthapuram did not accept the Visa applications. Therefore the students need to apply to the appropriate council based on their location of the student. 

Steps for Indian students to apply for a German student Visa

Step 1: Opening a blocked bank account

It is the first step when applying for a German Visa and acts as proof of financial resources. Blocked bank accounts are provided by Expatrio or any valid German Bank Branch in India. 

Step 2: Completing the Visa application form

The students need to fill out the “Application for a National Visa” form online or download the complete PDF copy from the German Mission present in India. Also, it is important to keep the passport and ID card ready.

Step 3: Biometric Visa Pictures

Take passport-size photos with white backgrounds with measurements of 35mmx45mm size. Almost every major Indian city is aware of the German Visa photo details. 

Step 4: Collect the required Documents.

It is important to collect all the required documents mentioned in the “Checklist for a German national visa – student.” The list is to be downloaded and submitted along with the signature and date. 

Step 5: Make an appointment with the German Embassy

Schedule an appointment with the German Mission in your jurisdiction, Appointment can be scheduled with the help of VFS Global or online mode. 

Step 6: Collecting a Visa demand draft

After getting the Visa Appointment it is important to submit the fees through Demand Draft from any nationalized Bank in India. 

Step 7: Submission of the Visa application form, attending the interview, and paying the Visa fee.

Arrive at the appointment center on time with all the required documents. Participate in the Visa application with the embassy officer and provide the details about the trip and study plans in Germany.  After the interview pay the Visa fees. 

Time for issue of German Visa

Generally, it takes 15-30 working days to get a decision from the German embassy after the completion of the interview process. However, the time required depends on the workload of the embassy and the requirements for any additional data from the candidate. 

Conclusion

The following blog will provide a step-by-step guide for Indian students to apply for a German Visa. In case you require, more information you can connect with our experts in Theobrain for more in-depth assistance on the German student Visa process.