As of January 1, 2014, the “dual system” has been abolished. The new German Student Visa will now only be granted for an overall period of two years. This article aims to present the requirements and application process for Indian citizens who wish to seek admission in a higher education institution in Germany after primary school and before being accepted into undergraduate studies (e.g. via the German Abitur).

In order to study in any European country one will first have to secure a student visa before they travel abroad or even try to apply for the admission at a university. Each European country has different laws and policies with regards to visas. This is why it is important that you be clear about the visa requirements of the country where you want to study. In case of Germany, the German diplomatic missions are not allowed to issue visas. At the same time these authorities cannot help you with visa related matters. So if you want to apply for a student visa for Germany, then it is pertinent that you follow the information provided below from start till end:

German Student Visa For Indian

Table of Contents

Germany Student Visa for Students from India

Indian students make up the second-largest group of international students in Germany. Only in 2020, German higher education institutions received nearly 60,000 applications from Indian prospective students during the winter semester.

If you are accepted into a German university or preparatory school, you have to apply for a German Student Visa – also known as a National Visa – at one of the German Missions in India. However, before you are allowed to do that, you have to fulfil a set of requirements.

Document Checklist for Germany Student Visa in India

The documents needed for a German student visa application from India are:

A valid Indian passport.
Two copies of the passport’s bio page. Scan the pages of the passport containing your personal information and photos in A4 format.
German national visa application form. Submit two completed and signed copies.
Letter of acceptance in university, language school, or preparatory college. The language of instruction for the courses should be specified in the letter. Submit the original letter along with 2 copies. If the letter of acceptance does not specify that you are proficient in the language of instruction, also submit a Certificate of Language Proficiency in level B2, at least. Submit the original certificate along with two copies.
Three visa photos. You should take the pictures in a photography studio in India, following these specifications:
- White background.
- 35mm x 45mm dimensions.
- The face must be fully and clearly visible, starting from the top of your shoulders to the top of the head.
- No large brim or tinted glasses.
- No hats. Head covering for religious purposes is allowed as long as it does not obstruct the face.
Your academic certificates/qualifications. Submit the original copy of any of these documents along with two copies
Your resume.
Proof you can fund your studies (blocked account). In most cases, you need to submit a Confirmation for a Blocked Account or (if applicable) a scholarship. If someone is sponsoring you, submit a Letter of Sponsorship.
Travel health insurance for a German visa. You can get a travel insurance plan from most local companies in India, but we recommend getting free German health insurance for Indian students, provided by DR-WALTER.
Demand Draft.
Declaration form for additional contact and legal representation information. Submit two completed and signed copies.
Printout of the document checklist signed.

Note: The German Diplomatic Missions in India might ask for additional documents if they see fit.

How to Apply for a German Student Visa in India?

The process of applying for a German student visa in India is:

Collect all the required documents for the visa application. You must have a blocked account, travel insurance, and a completed application form ready before you schedule an appointment, as well as the acceptance letter, pictures, and academic qualifications.
Schedule an appointment with the German Mission in India that is responsible for your jurisdiction. There is the German Embassy in New Dehli or the Consulates in Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Get a Demand Draft for the visa fee. You can obtain a Demand Draft from any national bank in India and must bring it with you to the visa interview on the date of your application.
Submit the application and enter a visa interview. On the visa interview, you have to answer questions regarding your upcoming studies, why you chose to study in Germany, etc.

Where to Apply for a German Student Visa in India?

Depending on where in India you live, you have to submit your German visa application as follows:

If you are from:	Submit the student visa application at the:
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Andaman, Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, Amindive	German Embassy in New DelhiAddress: No. 6, 50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Union Territory of Puducherry	German Consulate General in ChennaiAddress: No. 9 Boat Club Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai 600028, Tamil Nadu
Karnataka, Kerala	German Consulate General BangaloreAddress: 2nd & 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building”, Corner St. Marks & Residency Road, Bangalore 560025
The states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura	German Consulate General in KolkataAddress: 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700 027
Maharashtra, Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Union Territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra, Nagar Haveli	German Consulate General in MumbaiAddress: Hoechst House, 10th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

How to Set Up Appointment for German Student Visa in India?

Here is how to set up an appointment for your German student visa application in India:

At the German Embassy in New Delhi: Online or by calling 022-67866013.
At the German Consulate General in Kolkata: Online or by calling 022-67866013.
At the German Consulate General in Mumbai: Online or by calling 022-67866013.
At the German Consulate General in Bangalore: Online.
At the German Consulate General in Chennai: Online.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for an Appointment for a German Student Visa in India?

According to the official data from the German Missions in India, the wait times for student visa appointments are as follows:

German Embassy in New Delhi – up to 10 weeks.
German Consulate General in Kolkata – up to 1 week.
German Consulate General Bangalore – up to 2 workdays.
German Consulate General in Chennai – up to 2 workdays.
German Consulate General in Mumbai – up to 2 workdays.

The German Embassy in New Delhi receives the highest number of applications, which is why the wait times are disproportionately long compared to the Consulates. However, regardless of how long you may need to wait, you cannot apply to the German Mission of another jurisdiction since it will be immediately rejected.

How to Pay the German Student Visa Fee in India?

The German student visa for Indians is €75 (around 6,628.03 Indian Rupee, as of 12.07.2021). You have to pay it through a Demand Draft after finishing the interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The fee should be paid in INR, so you have to check the website of the German Missions to get the exact exchange amount.

How Long Does the German Embassy in India Take to Process a Student Visa?

In most cases, the German Missions in India will take about 15-30 days to process your student visa after the interview. However, if they ask for additional documents or are processing a very large number of visa applications, it could also take between 6-12 weeks.

In either case, you must make sure to start the process of application as soon as you get your letter of acceptance, because other than the processing time at the Embassy, you also have to wait until you open a blocked account and wait for the visa appointment, which can both take weeks.

German Student Visa for Indian Master/PhD Students and Scholarship Holders

If you are from the jurisdictions of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Bengaluru may apply for your German student visa at VFS Global instead of an Embassy if:

You have been accepted in a German university to pursue doctoral, post-doctorate, or Master’s studies.
You have a full scholarship from a German university.

If you fall in one of the categories listed above, you have to submit your student visa application at a VFS Centre in New Delhi or Mumbai with no need for an interview. The VFS will forward your application to the German Embassy or Consulate, who will make a decision.

How Much Money Do Indians Need to Study in Germany?

Indian students must have at least €10,332 (around 771,089.56 Indian Rupee, as of 12.07.2021) to apply for a German student visa. In most cases, you have to open a blocked bank account in a German bank and transfer the money there. The other most common method is if you win a scholarship. Either way, you have to get your finances settled in India before you even apply for a visa.

After Arriving in Germany: Process for Students from India

After you travel from India to Germany, you have to register your address, activate your blocked account, register for health insurance, and get your residence permit.

Registering your address

As soon as you get your accommodation in Germany settled, you have to register your address at the local registration office and get a Registration Certificate. You need this certificate to activate your blocked account and apply for a residence permit, so you should get to it as soon as possible.

Activating your blocked account

When you have registered your address, you have to open a German bank account so that the money from your blocked account can be transferred there. Along with the bank account, you will also receive a debit card or Girocard so that you can have access to your money. You will receive a monthly payout of €861.

Getting health insurance

All Indian students who travel to Germany have to get health insurance. If you are under 30 years of age, you have to register for public health insurance (also known as “statutory”). Indian students over the age of 30 can only get private insurance, such as DR. Walter’s EDUCARE24 Comprehensive Plan.

Either type has its own benefits, and they both offer adequate coverage. If you are unsure about which type of health insurance you should get once you get to Germany, you can check here.

Getting your student residence permit

Since your German student visa is only valid for three months after arrival, you have to get a residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, you need:

The letter of acceptance to the university.
Proof of your blocked account.
The Certificate of Registration.
Proof of health insurance.