Germany Study Visa: Documents, Cost, Approval Rate, Requirements for Indian Students

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Drishti Jain Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Sep 3, 2025

Germany is becoming a very popular destination for higher studies by international students. It is because many universities come under public universities and charge no tuition fees. Germany has a comparatively lower cost of living than UK, the USA, and other countries. To study in Germany, you must apply for a student visa, and to be eligible for the visa, you must be enrolled in a German educational institution. The country welcomed 4,69,485 international students as of 2024. Applying for a German Visa is as simple as applying to German Universities.

The visa acceptance rate in Germany for a student visa is 80% which is way higher than that in countries like UK and, USA. The factors that are important while applying for a student visa in Germany are: Complete Application, Proper Documentation, and Financial Stability. The major reasons for German students' visa rejection are financial instability & incomplete applications.


Types of German Student Visa

Below are the different types of Study visas in Germany:

1. Full-Time Academic Studies Visa

This visa is issued to international students who have been admitted to a recognized German university to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral degree. It allows you to reside in Germany for the duration of your studies and often includes the option to work part-time during the semester and full-time during vacations.

2. German Language Course Visa

Designed for students who want to learn the German language in Germany, this visa is granted for the sole purpose of attending an intensive language course (typically lasting 3 to 12 months).

3. State Preparatory College (Studienkolleg) Visa

If your secondary school certificate isn’t recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, you’ll need to attend a Studienkolleg.

4. Propaedeutic Course Visa

This visa is intended for students enrolling in courses like propaedeutic courses that include subject-specific knowledge, academic skills, and language training.

5. Mandatory Preliminary Internship Visa

Some degree programs in Germany require students to complete a compulsory internship before formal enrollment. This visa allows you to enter Germany and complete the required internship so that you can then begin your academic studies.


German Study Visa Requirements

Submitting proper documents plays a crucial role in applying for German study visa. Mentioned below is the Germany Study Visa checklist:

  • A duly filled and signed national visa application form
  • A valid national passport
  • Birth certificate
    • Declaration form for additional contact and legal representation information
  • Three recent biometric portrait photographs
  • Health Insurance - From departure to the date of enrolment - approx. 3 months)
  • Proof of Admission - Admission letter from the university
  • Cover Letter (Including the purpose and duration of stay, the reason for choosing the particular university, study program, and how the particular program will help in career)
  • Proof of payment to the university
  • Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis)
  • Original certificates of previous education
    • Original School Leaving Certificate
    • Degree Certificate ( for Masters or Ph.D.)
  • Proficiency Scores- Scores of Language Tests in Germany
  • CV
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • Demand Draft for the student visa fee

Proof of Financial Resources

Any visa application requires proof of financial resources that can ensure you have enough money to live, study, and stay in Germany. Besides the above-mentioned documents, an applicant is required to submit any one of the following:

  • Blocked Bank Account (Sperrkonto)

    A blocked account is the most common way for international students to prove financial means. Applicants have to pay a minimum deposit of €11,904 (INR 12,19,124) into this account before their visa is approved.

  • Proof of Parental Income

    If the applicant’s parents have a stable income or sufficient financial assets, their income documents can be submitted as proof of financial support. This usually includes salary slips, tax returns, bank statements, and a formal declaration stating they will support you during your studies.

  • Scholarships

    A scholarship awarded by a recognized organization or institution can be used as financial proof. The official award letter should clearly state the amount, duration, and types of expenses covered (tuition, living, insurance, etc.).

  • Bank Guarantee

    Some students take out an education loan from a recognized bank to show financial capacity. You must submit official documents from the bank confirming the loan amount, disbursement schedule, interest rate, and repayment terms.

  • Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung)

    A resident of Germany (usually a family member or close contact) can act as the applicant’s financial support. They must apply for and obtain a formal Declaration of Commitment from their local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde), confirming they will cover their living and study expenses during their stay.

Also check Best Universities in Germany


Scores for Language Proficiency Tests

While applying for a German Study Visa, applicants are required to submit their English and German language proficiency scores. The minimum IELTS score of 6.0 bands is necessary for a German student visa.

German Language Proficiency Scores

Below are the minimum scores required in the German language Proficiency test to obtain a German Visa

Test Name Accepted Score/Level
German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants (DSH) Level 2 or above
Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) Minimum 4 points in all 4 sections
Goethe Institute German Language Diploma (GDS) C2 Level or above
German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs – Level II (DSD II) Level 2 with C2 in each section

English Proficiency Test Scores

The table below shows the minimum required scores for the English proficiency test to obtain a German study Visa:

Test Name Accepted Score Range
TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) 550
TOEFL CBT (Computer-Based Test) 213
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) 79–80
IELTS 5.0 – 6.5

Also check Exams to Study in Germany for International Students


How to Apply for German Visa?

Here are the steps to follow while applying for a German Visa:

  • Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Start by completing the correct visa application form online.

  • Prepare Your Documents

Once you have collected all the documents, make sure to review them and visit the official website of the German embassies to check the specific documentation required for your country.

  • Schedule an Appointment at the Embassy/Consulate

Book an appointment with the nearest German embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

  • Get a visa fee Demand Draft:

Pay the fee via a Demand draft at the end of the visa appointment. The Demand Draft can be from any nationalized bank, but should not be older than 2 months.

  • Submit the application, enter the interview, and pay the visa fee:

Punctuality is very necessary on the day of application submission. Get your appointment letter verified and a token issued for your application. Prepare for the interview beforehand, and after paying the fee, keep the receipt carefully in order to collect the processed application.


Germany Student Visa Cost for Indian Students

The cost of a German student visa is EUR 75( INR 7680). The visa fee is reduced to EUR 37.50 (INR 3840.49) for minors. You must pay the visa fee in cash at the embassy/consulate. You can pay the German student visa fee in India with cash or a credit card, depending on the embassy; other forms of payment are available, so make sure to check with the corresponding office. This visa fee is non-refundable even in the case of rejection. The Demand Draft has to be addressed to the embassy/consulate where you are submitting your application for the visa:

  • Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi
  • Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bangalore
  • Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai
  • Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kolkata
  • Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai

Germany Student Visa Processing Time

After the interview, it usually takes 15-30 working days to get a final decision from the Indian Embassy/Consulate. However, this time can vary depending on the workload of the embassy and whether any additional documents are required or not. In this case, it can take between 6-12 weeks.

The student shall apply for the visa as soon as they get the acceptance letter from the university, due to the waiting time for the visa appointment and opening a blocked bank account. All this can take many weeks. Hence, they should start the application process as early as possible.


Germany Student Visa Success Rate

The Visa success rate of German student visas is 80% which is comparatively higher than the UK and USA.Some of the German student visa rejection reasons are

  1. Incorrect Visa Application
  2. Poor Financial Conditions
  3. Lack of language skills(German or English)
  4. Low Academic Performance
  5. Unrelated Choice of Study
  6. Poor Interview Preparation
  7. Incomplete set of documents

Getting a German Study Visa is very simple. Applicants must read all the terms, regulations, and processes before applying for the Visa. They must start as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in the application process. They must double-check that the documents submitted are updated and true.


FAQs

Ques 1: Can I work in Germany with a German Student Visa?

Ans: Yes, with a valid student visa in Germany, you can work throughout your studies with some limitations. You can work 120 full days or 240 days per year

Ques 2: Can I bring my Family to Germany on a student Visa?

Ans: If you hold a German student visa and meet certain conditions, you may bring your close family members, such as your spouse and dependent children:

  • You must hold a valid residence permit in Germany.
  • You and your spouse must have been legally married at the time your residence permit was issued.
  • Your intended stay in Germany must exceed 1 year.
  • You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family members without requiring public assistance.

Ques 3: What are the questions asked in a German visa interview?

Ans: Here is a list of questions that might be asked during the German visa interview:

  • Have you applied to other universities? If yes, which?
  • How did you choose this college or university?
  • How do we know you will return home within the visa period?
  • Why do you want to study in Germany?
  • Why did you choose this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
  • Isn’t this course offered by any university in your country?

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