Study in Germany

To enter, stay, and study in Germany, you must apply for a visa at the local

German embassy in your country and obtain a German Student Visa.

Here is a checklist of the required documents to apply for a German student visa:

• Two duly completed national visa application forms.
• Valid national passport. (Read passport requirements)
• Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs. (Strict requirements, read our photo requirements page).
• Proof of enrollment in a German educational institution. (Send any of the following).
• University admission letter “Zulassungsbescheinigung”.
• Letter of admission in a foundation course. Issued by a Studienkolleg.
  • Admission letter for the propaedeutic course.
  • Letter of admission in a preparatory German language course.
• Proof of German language proficiency. (For German-only and mixed-language study programs).
  • Entrance Exam for German Language Universities for International Applicants (DSH).
  • German as a Foreign Language Test (TestDaF).
  • Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS).
• German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD).
• Proof of English language proficiency. (For English and mixed-language study programs).
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Accepted results are 550 points for the paper-based test, 213 points for the computer-based test, and 79-80 points for the internet-based test.
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Accepted scores by German universities are 5 – 6.5.
• Authenticated certificates of earlier education.
• German university entrance qualification “Abitur”. If you’ve studied in a German education provider abroad. (If not, send the following documents).
• Recognized foreign academic qualification. It must show you have a qualification equally recognized as the German Abitur.
• Academic records or transcript.
• Curriculum vitae. It must be accompanied by proof of previous and current internship and work experience, if applicable.
• Means of subsistence “Finanzieruungsnachweis”. The evidence you provide must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your living, housing, and educational expenses.
  • Blocked bank account. Fintiba/Sutor Bank is one of the simplest and fastest ways to open a German Blocked Account. Fintiba's blocked account is accepted by German embassies/consulates worldwide. Learn how to open a blocked Fintiba account.
• Letter of commitment by a resident “Verpflichtungserklärung“. A German resident demonstrating that they will cover your accommodation and/or travel expenses.
  • Other living expenses while you're in town.
  • Letter of a declaration by a parent. It must demonstrate their commitment to financially supporting you during your stay here. It must be accompanied by their most recent six-month bank statements.
  • Scholarship awarding certificate. It must include your name as a recipient as well as the amount of financial assistance provided by this scholarship.
• Student health insurance. It must provide coverage of at least 30,000 EUR and be valid for at least three months. The DR-WALTER tariff EDUCARE24 satisfies all requirements and is accepted by all German consulates worldwide.
• Motivational letter. You must explain why you chose the specific university and study program. Mention your studies and plans, as well as how they will benefit your career and life.
• Marriage certificate. (Send this if you’re married). Support that with a copy of any child's birth certificate (If related).Allowed only for Masters Students. Proof of payment of the German student visa application fee.

It can take up to 25 days for your German student visa application to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the country and German embassy to which you apply. All other German visa applications for studies are typically processed within three months.

If you have all of the necessary documents, the application process is fairly simple. However, you should go prepared. Here's how to apply for a Germany Student Visa: Visit the German embassy or consulate in your country.

All applicants must demonstrate that they have a minimum of 10,332 euros available for a year. This sum is known as "Regelbedarf," which is the amount of money estimated to be required by a student to live in Germany for one year. This amount has to be transferred in a block account before visa lodgment. One semester Tution fees if applicable has to be shown in bank account at the time of visa after payment of one semester fees.

Cost of Studying in Germany: Private Universities

The average cost of programs offered by private universities ranges between 1,21,000 INR and 28,30,000 INR per year , with accommodation costing around 8,50,000 INR per year.

Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection are-
Despite having a 92% student visa acceptance rate, the German government will still reject your student visa for some reason such as a poor financial status, low academic performance, or lack of interview preparation, etc.

Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.

Do I need to know German at all? Simply put, no! To study at a German university, you don't need to speak German ( if they are not German taught) as long as you meet the minimum language requirements for your desired degree program. However, you will have more options if you consider programs that are taught in German.

To join you in Germany as a foreign student, qualifying family members whose nationality is from a country outside of the EU/EEA must obtain a German Reunion Visa from a German embassy or consulate in their home country before travelling.

Another point to be considered that spouses, partners or children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, provided certain conditions are met. These requirements include having enough money and living space. Individual cases are decided at the German embassy or consulate with which you are dealing.

It lasts up to three months, prospective student visas are valid for three months and can be extended by six months if you are accepted to a higher education institution or during this time, enroll in a foundation or preparatory German language course.

You are permitted to travel to all Schengen countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain, under the Schengen agreement.

Yes. You can stay in Germany after you have finished your studies and are seeking for work. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.

Many students only require a residence permit to study in Germany and do not require a student visa. If you do require a visa, apply as soon as possible because the procedure can take many months.

• For studies that last up to 3 months, you need a Schengen visa.
• A German national visa is required for studies lasting more than three months.

If you enter Germany on a national visa, you must apply for a German residence permit for studies at the Foreigner's Office to prolong your stay. While your entry visa is still valid, you should do so.

You will be able to stay in Germany for the first three months using a German student visa. You will be needed to apply for a study permit within this time frame. The maximum duration of time you can stay in the United States with this type of residence permit is two years. Depending on the length of your studies, you'll be able to extend your residence permit.

Foreigners wishing to stay in Germany for more than 90 DAYS or 3 MONTHS must have a valid residence permit. In our situation, the suitable title is "Aufenthaltsgenehmigung," which is designed for research reasons.

Yes, if university has given waiver, you can study in Germany without IELTS. If you have completed your undergraduate degree in English then you won't be required to submit IELTS scores at a German university.

International students are not permitted to obtain a PR in Germany; students may apply for a PR only after completing their studies in Germany and after working for at least two to four years.

A German student visa application cost of 75- EUR is required. Visa fees must be paid by bank transfer for student applicants. Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. The money order must be in the name of the Embassy/Consulate in your home country and not older than two months.
Keep in mind, however, that you will not get reimbursed if your visa gets rejected.

If you have all of the requisite paperwork, the application process is rather simple. However, you should make sure to go prepared.
Here’s how to apply for the Germany Student Visa:

• Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country. Find the German Embassy in your country and submit your application there. You should go there and inquire about the application process as well as make an appointment.

If there is no German Embassy in your country, then go to the German Embassy/Consulate in a neighboring country or application center where the German authorities have outsourced the visa applications to.

• Review all the required documents. Make sure you have all of the necessary documentation before you attend to your appointment. You can find specific document requirements for your country on the official websites of German Embassies.
• Prepare for the visa interview. Make sure you prepare for the German student visa interview by looking up common interview questions online. In addition, you should have the visa application fee payment confirmation with you at the time of the interview.

For Living expense, since 2020 10,332 EUR has to be shown in block account.
IF public University- mostly tution fees waiver. Else, one semester to be paid and rest 1 semester to be shown in bank account - preferrable.

If you want to continue studying the same subject at a different university in Germany, you can transfer. In this case, you can apply for admission to an advanced semester of the respective program.

You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you'll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies. Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Unlimited when there is a semester break.

Yes. After you have completed your studies you can stay in Germany while you are looking for a job. Students from non-EU and non-EEA countries who hold a residence permit can apply to have it extended for another 18 months while they search for a job in Germany.

Yes, public universities offer tution fee waivers upto 100% and private universities too offer upto 50% scholarship to eligible students.

International students can apply to numerous organizations for a scholarship, for example to the DAAD, to party-related foundations or business-affiliated institutions. You can find information on the various types of scholarships in the DAAD scholarship database, along with suitable offers.

DAAD scholarship requirements aren't too difficult to meet. To secure DAAD funding, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of studies. There is no upper age limit, although there may be a maximum time between finishing your bachelor’s and taking up a DAAD grant.

German Universities offer internationally recognized programs at a relatively cheaper cost compared to UK, USA or Australia. Moreover, there are a significant number of available scholarships that allows foreign students to study in Germany for free.

Can I study in Germany without IELTS? Yes, you can study in Germany without IELTS. If you have completed your undergraduate degree in English then you won't be required to submit IELTS scores at a German university.

The average cost of programs offered by private universities is around 1,21,000 INR – 28,30,000 INR per year and the cost of accommodation is approximated at 8,50,000 INR per year.

Yes, apart from PTE IELTS is also acceptable in Germany, about 40 universities in Germany accept PTE which includes some top-quality institutions like Hertie School of Governance and Berlin and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. However, IELTS is accepted by each and every educational institution in Germany.

You also have the possibility of re-applying for your student visa to Germany if you think you can do better next time. But for this to succeed, it is important you identify and learn from your mistakes.
For reapplying the German student visa fee is 60 Euros. The processing time is around 25 days.

LORs may not be an essential requirement for the application process for all programs in German universities. However, applicants are encouraged to submit it as it strengthens their profile, especially where practical experience is a must. Universities prefer academic LORs for course-based programs.

Admission requirements are set very high by the German Universities. For UG courses as much as 90% is expected for admission. Also, students need to either complete 1 year of Bachelors's study in India, appear for IITJEE or Fa exam to be eligible to apply for a UG course in Germany.

If you are planning to visit Germany for a short stay trip (up to 90 days), then you have to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa to Germany, known also as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a German long-stay visa, known also a D-type visa.