Everything You Need To Know About Germany Student Visa

Germany, a country full of rich history and vibrant culture, turns out to be the most sought-after destination for aspiring students worldwide. In recent years, Germany has experienced remarkable growth in the number of international students applying to pursue higher education. This surge can be attributed to the diverse array of courses offered by German universities and the promising post-study employment opportunities the country provides. 

The success rate for student visa applications in Germany is generally quite high among students with a substantial number of applicants securing their visas. While the exact figures may vary from year to year it is not uncommon for the approval rate to exceed 90%. This statistic reflects the growing appeal of Germany as a preferred destination for students to pursue their higher studies and fulfill their dreams.

Germany student visa 

Germany Student Visa also known as “German National Visa for Study Purposes” or “Type D visa”, is a visa that allows international students to study in Germany for a specific period of time. Germany Student Visa turns out to be a crucial aspect for non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) citizens who wish to pursue their higher education in Germany. Now, let’s look at the eligibility requirements for student visas in Germany. Don’t worry, we have you covered for student visas such as Canadian Student Visa, France Student Visa, UK Student Visa, and USA Student Visa.

Eligibility requirements for Germany student visa

To be granted a German student visa, international students need to fulfill requirements before applying. Here are the eligibility requirements for Germany student visa:

1. Some students may not require a student visa but they will still need a residence permit if their courses in Germany extend beyond 90 days.
2. For international students the application for a student visa must be made at a German consulate in their home country. 
3. Eligibility for a Germany student visa is based on having received an admission letter from a university or a reputable higher education institution. 
4. Once obtained the student visa allows enrollment in full-time university courses or foundation programs.

Types of Germany study visas

Germany provides a range of visa options to cater to the needs of students and visitors. If you're planning a short stay in Germany and other Schengen Visa Countries, for tourism, business or family visits the Schengen Visa is perfect. If you are interested, in pursuing full-time degree programs, language courses, or preparatory courses, in Germany and wish to stay you will need to apply for the German National Visa, the Type D Student Visa. This visa allows students to pursue their goals by granting them access to a stay in Germany where they can earn a degree or engage in academic research. For more information about long stays, you can walk through this comprehensive guide to the long-stay visa process. 

Moreover, if you're planning to apply for university admission or take entrance exams, the Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung) provides a three-month window to complete these essential preliminary steps before transitioning to a regular student visa.

Beyond these student-specific visas, there are other visa categories tailored to specific needs. For example, language enthusiasts can opt for the Language Course Visa (Visum Zur Sprach Kursbelegung) to study German intensively.

VFS checklist for Germany student visa

Here’s your handy VFS checklist for Germany student visa:

1. Complete Application: Fill out the application form, with all your details. Don't forget to sign.

2. Valid Passport: Make sure that your passport is valid and up to date. Make two copies of it.

3. Proof of Birth: Gather all the documents to prove your date of birth.

4. Marriage Certificate: If you are married, include your marriage certificate in the documentation.

5. Child Birth Certificate: If you have children don't forget to attach their birth certificates 

6. Passport Photos: Provide three passport-size photographs along with the application.

7. Previous German Residency: If you have previously held residency titles include those documents too.

8. APS Certificate: Starting from November 1 2022 it will be required to obtain a certificate from the APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) in New Delhi for validation.

Germany student visa cost

There are many types of visa fees that students need to know before applying for Germany student visa. Below are some visa types and their fees in euros which will prepare you before applying for a Germany student visa.

• Visa Application Fee - €75
• Blocked Account Fee - Varies
• Health Insurance - Varies
• Language Course Visa Fee - €75
• Student Applicant Visa Fee - €75
• Renewal/Extension Fee - €96
• Residence Permit Fee - €100-110
• APS Certificate Fee - Varies

Please keep in mind that the specific expenses associated with the blocked account, health insurance, and APS certificate may differ depending on the situation and the providers involved. It is crucial to consult the authorities and institutions, for the precise fee details. Before applying to visa make sure you checkout easiest universities to get into in Germany and plan accordingly.

Where to apply for Germany student visa

When it comes to applying for Germany student visas in India, the application process can differ depending on where you're located in the country and your academic objectives. To obtain a German visa as a student, you will need to follow the procedures at either the German Embassy/Consulates in India or VFS application centers.

German Embassy/Consulates and VFS application centers

Here are some of the German Embassy/Consulates and VFS application centers in India:

1. If you live in any of the following areas; Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep or Minicoy Islands or Amindivi Islands. You have the option to apply directly through the German Embassy located in New Delhi.
2. For those living in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu or Dadra and Nagar Haveli you can apply for the German Consulate, in Mumbai as the designated application center.
3. Residents of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura should submit their applications via the German Consulate, in Kolkata.
4. Karnataka and Kerala residents can make their applications through the German Consulate in Bangalore.
5. If you reside in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, or the Union Territory of Puducherry the Chennai German Consulate is where you can reach out for assistance.

Germany student visa requirements

1. You must confirm a deposit of €11,208 into a blocked German bank account to cover living expenses.
2. Provide a letter of commitment and document your parents' income and assets
3. Obtain a letter of commitment from a resident of Germany who will cover your study costs and submit it to the Alien Registration Office.
4. If you have a scholarship, ensure you have documentation specifying the expenses it covers.
5. A reputable German bank typically provides the required blocked bank account to ensure access to necessary funds during your studies in Germany

Process of application for Germany student visa

Applying for a student visa in Germany can feel overwhelming. If you break it down into steps the process becomes much more manageable. The below pointers will thoroughly explain to you the whole process of applying for a Germany Student Visa.

1. Locate the nearest German embassy or consulate

• Find the embassy or consulate based on your current location whether it is, in your home country or a neighboring one.
• Make sure you have the contact details and address of the selected embassy or consulate.

2. Go through the embassy’s student visa page

• Visit the embassy's student visa page and read through all the instructions provided regarding visa appointments and the application process. 
• Make a list of required documents before scheduling your visa appointment.

3. Schedule your visa interview

• Plan and schedule your visa appointment, in advance as the available slots tend to fill up 
• The best time to arrange your interview would be after receiving the admission letter from your selected university and finalizing all the required arrangements for your stay and studies in Germany.

4. Prepare and organize your documents

• Make sure to keep all your documents arranged in one folder to avoid wasting time looking for a document on the day of your visa interview.

5. Be Ready for the Visa Interview

• Be well prepared for the interview because applicants who are thoroughly prepared have a chance of obtaining an acceptance rate for the Germany student visa.

How to schedule a meeting for Germany student visa

You can easily schedule a meeting for Germany student visa through VFS Global. Here’s the process on how to do it:

1. Easily schedule a student visa appointment through VFS Global online.
2. Create an account or log in to your VFS Global India account.
3. Provide the required information and choose your nearest VFS center.
4. Select your Germany visa category and answer questions.
5. Have your passport details ready.
6. Pick your appointment date to complete the process.

Some of the top universities to study in Germany 

Germany is an educational hub for many top universities for international students. They have admission procedures that involve entrance exams and interviews seeking students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. Here are some of the top universities to study in Germany for international students

1. University of Munich
2. Heidelberg University
3. Free University of Berlin
4. RWTH Aachen University
5. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Furthermore, once you arrive in Germany to pursue your dream, we are well aware of how to assist you in finding affordable student accommodation in Germany and maximizing your studying experience in Germany! Now that you know everything about getting your German student visa, once you get there, you will need to open a bank account and to help you find the best bank for you, check out our webstory on the best banks in Germany! Therefore begin your journey with amber. May good fortune be with you! Planning to move to Germany?? Make sure you are fluent in German, these German learning apps will help.