German Student Visa Checklist & Requirements for Indians (2025)

If you have chosen Germany as your study abroad destination, then good luck, because with just a little effort, you can get a German study visa. Let’s dive into the blog to know everything about a German student visa, its requirements, validity, and more!

You need a student visa if you're not from an EU/EEA country and plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days. 

Below, we’ve given a clear overview of who needs a German student visa:

1.Non-EU/EEA nationals: Students from countries outside the EU/EEA must apply for a visa before travelling.

2. Students admitted in long-term degree programs: Anyone pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD that lasts beyond three months requires a national (D-type) student visa.

3. Applicants joining short courses: Students attending Studienkolleg, German language courses, or foundation programs need a visa because these are formal routes into university studies.

4. Nationals of visa-required countries for any study purpose: You must apply even for short-term study-related travel if your country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Germany.

5. Students planning to convert their status to a residence permit: A visa is necessary if your intention is to get a residence permit for study after arrival, as this cannot be done on a tourist or Schengen visa.

Suggested: Since you're exploring studying in Germany, you can check out our detailed guide on How to Get Admission in Germany to better understand the prerequisites.

You would be required to apply for a German study visa for undergraduate, exchange, graduate, or postgraduate courses, along with any non-academic courses. 

There are three types of student visa to study in Germany, which have been tabulated below:

Suggested: To make sure you comply with all requirements, it’s helpful to review the German Visa Regulations.

The process is easy to get a student visa for Germany from India; you just have to provide a few documents, and mainly give proof of financial stability through a blocked account. 

Here’s a German student visa checklist for a clear understanding:

Essential Application Paperwork

You’ll need to provide a few important papers, including:

• Your valid passport
• Completed long-stay visa form
• Biometric photographs
• Proof of fee payment

Blocked Account Confirmation

To prove you can financially support yourself in Germany, you must provide:

• Proof of a Blocked Account (providers like Expatrio, Fintiba, and Deutsche Bank offer these accounts).
• Minimum required balance: €11,208 (₹11.54 L)
• Monthly Withdrawal Limit: Up to €934 (₹96,000) per month once in Germany

Academic Purpose Verification

To confirm the purpose of your stay in Germany, you need to provide:

• Admission letter from a German university OR
• Proof of enrolment in any course

Academic Background & Previous Studies

To show you meet the university’s entry requirements, you must provide:

• Transcripts
• Degree certificates
• School-leaving qualifications

Mandatory Health Coverage

You must show proof of valid health insurance for both the visa process and university enrollment. This typically includes:

• Travel health insurance for the initial period before arrival
• Student health insurance after reaching Germany (approx. €110 / ₹11,330 per month)

Language Skills for Course Eligibility

You must present acceptable English or German language test scores, such as: 

• IELTS (5.5 to 6.0)
• TOEFL (550 or higher)
• TestDaF
• DSH
• Goethe certificates

Suggested: Check out the complete breakdown on the cost of living in Germany

The standard German student visa cost is €75 (₹7,725). 

Below is the breakdown of all the major costs associated with a German study visa from India:

• Standard Visa Fee: €75 (₹7,725) non-refundable
• Student Applicant Visa Fee: €75 (₹7,725)
• German Language Course Visa Fee: €75 (₹7,725)
• Biometric Photo Costs: €10–15 (₹1,030–1,545)
• Blocked Account Setup Fees: €50–€150 (₹5,150–₹15,450)
• Health Insurance (initial coverage for visa purposes): Around €110 (₹11,330)

To apply for a German study visa, you need to have an admission letter from a German university, be it conditional or unconditional, and show sufficient financial resources. 

Below is the step-by-step process that you need to follow for a German Student visa application:

Step 1: Get the Necessary Documents

We’ve already explained all the documents you’ll need in the earlier sections—your admission letter, financial proof, health insurance, and more. The authenticity of the documents is crucial, as missing or incorrect papers can delay approval.

Step 2: Schedule a Visa Appointment

Book an appointment at the German embassy in your country well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly. Some embassies also require submission through an online portal (www.germany.info) or an external visa service provider like VFS Global or TLScontact.

Step 3: Submit Application and Pay the Visa Fees

Submit your visa application in person during your appointment along with the visa fee of €75 (₹7,725). Keep a tab on all your supporting documents and biometric data.

Step 4: Attend a Visa Interview

There can be a German student visa interview by the embassy to ask some detailed questions around your study plans, intentions post your education, financial situation, and more. Your application can become strong if you answer these questions with honesty and clarity.

Step 5: Receive the German Study Visa Decision

Your passport will be returned with the stamped visa after approval. It might take around 4 to 12 weeks, and then once you are in Germany, you will be required to register at the local Foreigners’ Office to get a German residence permit.

The right time to apply for a student visa for Germany from India is around 3 months before you plan to leave for Germany. This much time is sufficient to get the mandatory documents, interview scheduling, and other processes. 

Pro tip: Applying early also increases your chances of securing a visa before semester start dates, which are strictly fixed in German universities.

The processing time for a student visa for Germany is usually 6 to 12 weeks. This timeframe can differ on the basis of the German embassy, the time of year, and the completeness of your application. Students are suggested to apply at least 3 months before their intended travel date to account for any delays or additional document requests  

The success rate of German student visas for Indian students is around 85 to 90%. Rejections rarely usually happen when there is no authentic proof of financial resources, incomplete documents, or doubts about the applicant’s genuine study intentions. 

Other common German student visa rejection reasons include missing language proficiency certificates, inconsistencies in academic records, or failing to meet university admission requirements.

The validity of a study visa for Germany is generally connected to the duration of your study program, usually issued for 3 months initially if waiting for the admission (Student Applicant Visa) or for the full program if you already have unconditional admission. 

The visa must be converted into a residence permit after landing in Germany. It is valid for the entire duration of your course and can be extended in case of longer programs.

Students on a German visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, with an average wage of €10 to €15 (₹1,030 to ₹1,545) per hour. Popular job roles for part-time jobs in Germany include research assistant positions, internships, campus jobs, retail, and hospitality work. 

Please keep in mind that exceeding the allowed hours, not reporting income, or engaging in illegal work can lead to fines or a ban on part-time employment, even if you hold a valid student visa.

The German student visa process can feel overwhelming for many students; blocked accounts, document checks, appointments, and timelines often create confusion, mainly for first-time applicants. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start or how to stay on track.

With Yocket Premium, we closely observe the challenges students commonly face during the visa journey, and our goal is to simplify this information so you can move through the process with clarity and confidence.