Study Visa is an important element of the preparation for higher studies in any country, without which entrance is forbidden. We are presenting you a blog on the way to obtaining a study visa for Germany. In official terms, it is known as the German National Student Visa (Type D-Visa).
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Why Apply for Germany Visa?
Germany, a country of rich diversity and heritage continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world every year for study, tourism, medical care, jobs etc. It is the seventh-largest European country in the world offering the exploration of attractive places, tasty food and a multicultural atmosphere.
Due to sovereignty, Germany has its own rules and regulations to permit visitors inside the country and depending upon the country one is coming from as well as the purpose he/she carries it grants a visa.
Currently, there are about 62 countries whose residents are allowed to enter the country without visa, but only for a short stay. This special privilege is not available to Indians, hence they are required to obtain a visa for any purpose.
Types of Student Visa for Germany
There are mainly three types of student visas that Germany grants to foreign candidates. They are given below:
1. Language Course Visa
These visas are obtained by those students who want to pursue the language preparatory courses in Germany lasting 3 months to 1 year.
2. Student Application Visa
This type of visa is granted to those who neither choose any higher study course nor receive an acceptance letter from a German university. The duration of this student application visa is 3 months.
3. German National Student Visa (Type D-Visa)
Candidates who have received the acceptance letter from their university can apply for this visa. The duration of a German student national visa is three months, which can be extended further depending on the course length.
In this blog, our discussion will be solely based on the German national student visa (Type D-Visa) or commonly known as German Study Visa.
Study Visa for Germany: Where to Apply?
Indian students who receive an offer letter/acceptance letter from their desired university can apply for a German study visa in the following ways.
Once you apply for a German study visa, you will get the appointment date on which you have to visit the centre with the required documents to process the application further. It is recommended to students that they should start their application process as soon as they get their acceptance letter.
| Processing Center | Appointment wait time |
|---|---|
| VFS Global | Not certain |
| German Embassy in New Delhi | 10 weeks |
| German Embassy in Mumbai | 48 hours |
| German Embassy in Kolkata | 1 week |
| German Consulate General in Chennai | 2 days |
| German Consulate General in Bangalore | 2 days |
Also read- Study in Germany
Application Process of Study Visa for Germany
1. APS Certification
The first step in commencing the process of a study visa for Germany is to authenticate your Indian academic documents as per German educational standards. APS Certification is managed by the Academic Evaluation Centre and is available in every German Embassy.
2. German Blocked Account
Students wishing to pursue higher educational courses in German universities need to open a German-blocked account. This account will help you to establish a financial means to pursue your education in Germany. In India, you can open a blocked account in some banks like ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, Expatrio etc. You have to deposit at least 11,208 euros in that account.
3. Application Form and Declaration
Visit the official online portal to fill out the application and declaration form in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act.
4. VFS Global Portal
If you are interested in pursuing the master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral program in Germany then you can process your visa application through VFS Global directly.
- Visit the official portal of VFS Global here
- Create an account and log in.
- List Germany as your ‘visiting country’ and India as your ‘residing country’. You will also have the chance to select a VFS Global centre that is located closest to you.
- Select your visa category.
- Fill in all required personal information including passport details.
- On the next page, fix the date as per your convenience for the appointment.
- Submit the application.
- Prepare the required documents which are essential to bring in the interview.
- On the day of the interview, visit the VFS Global Visa Application Center office along with documents and attend the interview.
- Pay the required fees of 75 euros at the time of appointment.
- Wait for the response, it may take 20-25 working days for them to get back to you.
In case if you want to pursue undergraduate courses or language courses in Germany then you have to submit your application directly to relevant German Missions in India.
Documents Checklist for German National Student Visa (Type D-Visa)
On the day of interview, you have to present following documents to the Visa processing centre.
- Duly signed two copies of the German National Visa application form.
- Indian Passport: The passport must contain two blank pages and it should remain valid for an additional three months after you leave Germany post-study.
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if married)
- Proof of residency in India
- Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs
- University Acceptance Letter
- Travel Health Insurance
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of German language proficiency (if applicable)
- Proof of financial resources that shows a deposit confirmation of 11,208 euros at a German-blocked bank account
- Scholarship certificate (if any)
- Letter of commitment: You can get this from a person living in Germany who shows they will be covering your accommodation or other living costs.
- Letter of declaration: Through this, your parents show they will be providing you with financial support during your stay.
- Previous academic documents
- APS Certificate
- Proof of Visa Application fee
- Motivation Letter
- CV
Also read- Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Conclusion
Germany is the favourite hotspot for international students including Indians for pursuing higher education. By keeping this view in mind, Germany had built an easy and comfortable process for granting study visas to aspiring students. It has a one-stop-centralised process where students can make their application, pay its fees and track the status of their application.
FAQs
Is it hard to obtain a study visa of Germany?
Can I work in Germany while doing my studies?
What is the minimum IELTS score required for a German study visa?
Also read- Living Expenses in Germany 2024
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
