In 2023, German universities welcomed over 380,000 international students. It reflects a growing trend on the rise for the past decade. This steady influx highlights Germany's appeal as a top destination for students worldwide.
German study offers access to world-class universities, affordable tuition, and strong career opportunities. In 2024, more than 43,000 Indian students chose to study at German universities. This marks a remarkable 100% increase in just five years.
With renowned universities, cutting-edge research, and excellent career prospects, it's an ideal destination for international students.
To study in Germany, you will need one of the following student visas based on your situation:
Germany Student Applicant Visa: This is for individuals who have applied for a course and received a confirmation letter but have not yet been formally admitted. It is valid for 3 months and can be extended for an additional 6 months if needed.
Germany Student Visa: This is for those who have already been accepted into a German university. It is valid for more than 3 months. Once in Germany, you will need to apply for a student residence permit to continue your stay.
A German student visa is issued to individuals who have been admitted to a study program at a German higher education institution. It can be a university, university of applied sciences, or academy. This visa allows students to travel to Germany for their studies.
For Indian students, the visa is valid for three months, during which time they must arrive in Germany and complete necessary administrative tasks. It includes applying for a residence permit. This permit, which can be valid for one to three years depending on the length of the study program, can be extended if needed.
After your graduate business degree, you can extend residence permit to find a job & settle in Germany.
Image: A student holding a passport with a German visa stamp,
The steps to get a visa to study in Germany are provided hereunder:
1. Determine the Visa Type: Identify the correct visa type for your trip based on your location and the jurisdiction of the German Embassy or Consulate. Check specific document requirements, processing times, and fees by selecting your location.
2. Start Your Application: Complete the application form for either a short-term Schengen visa or a long-term national visa. It depends on your stay duration. You can apply up to 6 months before your intended entry into Schengen.
3. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for your visa submission.
Note that Schengen visa appointments can be booked at any VAC in India. But national visa appointments must be at the appropriate Embassy or Consulate.
4. Pay Your Fees: Pay the visa application fee at your appointment. Payments can be made in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay, Mastercard).
5. Visit a Visa Application Centre: Attend your scheduled appointment, submit your application form, and provide the required documents. Biometrics may need to be taken if not done in the last 59 months. National visa applications must be submitted at the relevant Embassy or Consulate.
6. Track Your Application: Monitor your application status online using the reference number from your receipt. SMS tracking is available for an additional fee. If you opted for courier service, track your shipment on the Blue Dart website.
7. Collect Your Passport: Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the VAC or have it sent to you via courier. Third-party collection is restricted to immediate family members or authorized representatives with proper documentation.
Starting from September 1, 2024, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have at least 11,904 euros available for their first year of study. The maximum amount they can withdraw each month will be limited to 992 euros.
If you plan to study at a college or university in Germany, you must get a residence permit. It starts with obtaining a student visa. After submitting all required documents, your application will be sent to the local Aliens Authority (Ausländerbehörde) where you plan to live in Germany.
Processing can take up to 12 weeks. Once approved, the Embassy/Consulate will issue a national visa for the first 6 months of your stay. Upon arrival, the Aliens Authority will grant a residence permit for a longer period, covering your first year of studies. This visa also allows travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days.
Below is the list of top 10 universities in Germany:
|
Germany Rank 2024 |
World University Rank 2024 |
University |
City/Town |
|
1 |
30 |
Technical University of Munich |
Munich |
|
2 |
38 |
LMU Munich |
Munich |
|
3 |
47 |
Universität Heidelberg |
Heidelberg |
|
4 |
87 |
Humboldt University of Berlin |
Berlin |
|
5 |
90 |
RWTH Aachen University |
Aachen |
|
6 |
91 |
University of Bonn |
Bonn |
|
7 |
94 |
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin |
Berlin |
|
8 |
95 |
University of Tübingen |
Tübingen |
|
9 |
102 |
Free University of Berlin |
Berlin |
|
10 |
111 |
University of Göttingen |
Göttingen |
Here is a list of documents required for Germany Student Visa:
|
Required Document |
Description |
|
Valid Passport |
Must be issued within the last 10 years and have at least 12 months of validity remaining after your planned return. |
|
Passport Copy |
Provide one A4-sized copy of the passport’s data page. |
|
Passport Photos |
Submit three biometric passport-sized photos. |
|
Cover Letter |
A letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay, written by the applicant. |
|
University Admission Letter |
The electronic version of your admission letter from a German university. |
|
Proof of Payment of Study Fees |
If applicable, evidence of payment for your studies. |
|
Language Proficiency Proof |
Proof of proficiency in English and/or German (if your course is taught in German). |
|
Additional Academic Qualifications |
Documents showing other relevant academic qualifications, if applicable. |
|
Financial Means |
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your study expenses, such as: |
|
Travel Health Insurance |
Insurance covering the period from departure until university enrollment, typically about 3 months. |
The visa fee is 75 EUR (INR 7,010), or 37.50 EUR (INR 3,505) for applicants under 18. Payment must be made in USD, and it must be in cash. The amount in USD will be calculated based on the exchange rate at the time you apply.
The processing time for a German student visa can vary, typically taking around 4 to 12 weeks. The exact duration depends on the specific German Embassy or Consulate handling your application.
You should submit your German student visa application and all required documents at least 8 weeks before your planned travel date to Germany. This will help prevent any potential delays in processing.
A German student visa for Indian nationals is typically valid for one to two years. If you need more time to complete your studies, you can extend your visa by visiting the local Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany.
Yes, Indian students with a valid German student visa are allowed to work during their studies. But there are restrictions. You can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If you wish to work beyond these limits, you must obtain authorization from both the Employment Agency and the Immigration Office (Agentur für Arbeit).
Indian nationals cannot secure permanent residence in Germany solely with a student visa. To stay in Germany after completing your studies, you need to find a job and apply for a work visa or an EU Blue Card if you meet the qualifications.
If you don't secure a job right after graduation, you can apply for a job seeker visa. It allows you up to six months to find employment. Once you find a job, you can apply for a residence permit for employed foreigners, which could eventually lead to permanent residency.
Yes, it is possible to bring close family members. It can be your partner and dependent children, to Germany if you hold a student visa from India. However, you must meet the following conditions:
Important Tip: To improve your chances of securing a German student visa, you can use a blocked account to show your financial resources. A blocked account is a specific bank account designed to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
A student visa grants a residence permit valid for an initial two-year period. If you do not complete your degree within this time frame, you can apply to extend your permit for another two years.
While studying, you are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, you can engage in part-time student jobs without any limit on the duration.
The academic schedule and program lengths at top German universities can differ depending on the institution and program.
Here’s a general guide:
Note: Program durations and intake periods can vary by university and program. Always verify the latest information on the official university websites.
Germany offers several scholarship programs to support international students:
Germany provides a range of affordable housing options for students:
Tip: Start looking for accommodation early, especially in popular university cities. It is because affordable places get taken quickly. Consider how close it is to your university, access to public transport, and utility costs when making your choice.
Submit your residence permit application at the local Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde).
At Kansas, we provide thorough support throughout the entire German student visa application process.
Here's how we assist:
Studying in Germany is relatively affordable compared to other Western countries. Public universities generally charge minimal tuition fees, ranging from €150 to €1,500 per year.
It depends on the state and program. However, private universities may have higher fees, between €5,000 and €20,000 annually. Additionally, students need to budget for living expenses, which can range from €800 to €1,200 per month, depending on the city.
To study in Germany, international students should budget for tuition fees (if applicable) and living expenses. On average, students need around €10,000 to €12,000 per year to cover living costs.
It includes accommodation, food, health insurance, and personal expenses. Proof of financial means is required for obtaining a student visa. It is demonstrated through a blocked bank account with approximately €11,904 for the first year.
Student housing options in Germany include university dormitories, private rentals, and shared apartments. University dormitories are often affordable but can have long waiting lists.
Private rentals offer more privacy but are usually more expensive. Shared apartments (WG) are a popular choice for students due to their cost-effectiveness and social aspect. It's essential to start your search early. Consider both cost and location relative to your university.
To improve your German skills before studying in Germany, consider:
International students choose Germany for its:
The exams required to study in Germany depend on the level and field of study. Generally, students need to provide proof of previous academic qualifications, such as high school diplomas or undergraduate degrees.
For some programs, standardized tests like the TestAS (for academic aptitude) or language proficiency tests like TestDaF or DSH (for German-taught programs) may be required.
The primary visa type for studying in Germany is the National Visa (D-Visa) for students. This visa allows students to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. It is issued for the duration of the study program and can be converted into a residence permit upon arrival.
You can apply for a German student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process involves submitting the required documents.
It includes proof of admission, financial means, and health insurance. You may need to schedule an appointment and attend an interview at the consulate.
Yes, international students from non-EU/EEA countries generally need a visa to study in Germany. EU/EEA students do not require a visa but may need to register with local authorities upon arrival
The processing time for a German student visa can take up to 12 weeks. It depends on the embassy or consulate and the completeness of your application. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.
Several scholarships are available for international students in Germany. It includes those offered by DAAD, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Universities and private organizations may also offer scholarships based on merit or need.
While studying in Germany, you can apply for a residence permit. However, it does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
After completing your studies, you may apply for a job-seeking visa and, upon securing employment, apply for a Blue Card or other residence permits that can eventually lead to permanent residency.
Studying in Germany does not directly lead to German citizenship. However, upon completing your studies and obtaining a job, you may apply for a residence permit. After living and working in Germany for several years, you may be eligible to apply for German citizenship through naturalisation.
Kansas Overseas Careers Pvt Ltd is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, we neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.
© Kansas Overseas Careers 2024 - All Rights Reserved
