How to apply for a German student visa

How to Apply for a German Student Visa Germany is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The country is known for its programs for higher studies, especially in the field of science and technology. Many Indian students are applying Germany to pursue a medical degree or engineering. In order to stay and study in Germany, you will require a German visa for Indian students. With the help of the residence permit, you can stay in the country for two years following which renewal would be required. Through this article we shall discuss the various aspects of applying for a German visa for Indian students.

Who needs a student visa?

In order to enter Germany to fulfil your academic dreams, you will require a German student visa. Indian students will need a visa if they plan to pursue any of the following educational programs: -

• Primary and secondary schools
• Secondary school exchange programs
• Graduate and Post Graduate Coursework
• Postgraduate Research
• Vocational Education and Training
• Any English or German Language learning program

Types of Study Visas in Germany

German student visa is of three kinds and Indians can obtain any of these as per the suitability of their course or program: -

1. Language Course Visa: If you require to learn the German language for personal reason or if your University deems it necessary, then apply for this visa. It stays valid up to one year.
2. Student Applicant Visa: If you wish to stay in Germany and then finalize an institute, or if there’s a delay in acquiring an admission letter from your chosen university/institute, then you can procure the Student Applicant Visa. It stays valid for 3 months, but can be extended for another 6 months as well.
3. Student Visa: If you have obtained the admission letter from your chosen university, then you need to apply for this visa to pursue long-term higher education.

What are the documents needed?

German visa requirement for Indian students mandates the submission of the certain documents proving their academic and financial credibility. Original as well as photocopies of the same should be with you while fulfilling the German student visa application. Following documents are required: -

1. A valid passport that was issued within the last 10 years and whose validity will remain for another 12 months until after your return from Germany.
2. Visa application form.
3. A Covering Letter with detailed information of your reason for the application. The duration of your stay is to be included in this. Sometimes, you may be asked to submit a German translation of this document. Therefore we advise you to keep it ready.
4. Letter of Admission issued from the German University or institute where you plan to pursue your academics program.
5. Travel Health Insurance that covers you from your departure from India till the time you join the university.
6. Certified copies of your latest educational results, recommendation letters, character certificates, transcripts and other relevant documents are required.
7. To prove your eligibility for pursuing a course, you need to provide scorecards of exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or any other relevant exam.
8. An A-4 size copy of your passport’s data page along with 3 coloured passport-seized photographs. Please ensure that they have been taken within the last 6 months.
9. Demand Draft of the visa fee payment.
10. Proof of sufficient funds is required to ensure that you or your parent/guardian is capable enough to bear academic expenses, accommodation costs and travel expenses that you shall incur on your entire stay in Germany. For this mutual or provident funds, recent bank statements, salary slips, ITRs or other relevant documents may be furnished. Proof of student’s opened block account would be needed as well.
11. For minors, if travelling unaccompanied by parents, then guardian/parent(s) consent letter (signed by parent/guardian and applicant) and a copy of guardian/parent’s passport ta page is required.

Procedure for a student visa

After obtaining all the necessary documents, you may proceed to apply for the visa. Follow these steps to apply for a German visa for Indian students: -

1. Once you have received the admission letter from your chosen German university, you first need to gather the documents mentioned above for your visa application.
2. To fulfil the German visa requirement of furnishing documents to prove financial credibility, you will be required to open a blocked account at any branch of the Kotak Mahindra Bank in India. The proof of opening such an account would be needed at the time of your visa application.To fulfil this requirement, you.
3. You are required to provide the proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany, as part of your Germany student visa application.
4. Next, you can fill the application form. You need to take out a print out of the same and sign it as well. Application form for National Visa can be taken from this link.
5. .Following this, you shall be required to print the Declaration on true and complete information and sign it.
6. Once you have these forms ready, you need to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the German Mission. You can schedule appointments in New Delhi, Kolkata, Goa, Chennai, Mumbai or Bengaluru as per your convenience.
7. The visa fee has to be paid only at the time of your scheduled interview. Visit the German Mission’s official website and obtain a Demand Draft. Please note that this fee is non-refundable and incorrect demand drafts shall be rejected.

Things to keep in mind

1. Take care to apply at least 3 months before the commencement of your course.
2. Keep a copy of all your documents and certificates with you. In case of theft or loss, these copies will be extremely useful.
3. In case you change your course or coursework provider, please ensure to inform the immigration department at the earliest.
4. Students can legally work in Germany while pursuing their education, but they must abide by the restrictions imposed on them regarding working hours.
5. Applicant’s spouses or children may be permitted to reside in Germany during his/her study if appropriate living space and finances are available. To discuss such cases, please visit the German Embassy in New Delhi.
6. On completion of your course from a German University, you can avail a stay back option of 18 months through the job search visa

Reasons for rejection

Following are some of the reasons that could lead to rejection of your application: -

1. Inadequate proof of financial stability and/or lack of sufficient funds to support your stay.
2. If the visa office fails to comprehend the choice of your program.
3. If the visa office questions the credibility of your Letter of Acceptance.
4. .Discrepancies in any other documents, such as travel or identity proof.
5. Filling incorrect or false information in the application form.

Acquiring a German visa for Indians, be it a German visa for Indian students or German tourist visa, is relatively simple. If one applies on time, submits all the documents correctly and follows all the steps carefully, then procuring a visa is a cake walk! You should definitely search courses in German universities as an education from this country will boost your career and academics greatly!