Germany is popular among study abroad students for courses such as Engineering, Information technology, Computer Science, Arts and Humanities and Management Studies. Its impeccable education system, safe environment, and work opportunities enhance student life. So, if you are planning to study in Germany, this student visa guide is for you. Let’s dive in.

When should you apply for the student visa?

The German university will offer you a university admission confirmation letter if you clear the admission process. Once you receive this letter, you can proceed with the visa application process. Although students from countries like Australia, Canada and the United States do not need a student visa, please remember that Indian students will require a student visa. 

Types of student visas to study in Germany

• Language Course Visa: You will need this visa if you want to opt for a German language course that lasts for 3 months to 1 year.

• Student Visa: If you have a letter from the university confirming your admission, you have to apply for this visa. This visa is valid for only 3 months post which you have to apply for a student residence permit.

Which documents will you need for a student visa?

• A signed student visa application form.
• A valid passport. 
• ID and Address proof. 
• Three photos with white background. 
• Two photocopies of your passport’s bio page.
• A Letter of Acceptance from your respective German university is necessary to apply for a visa to study in Germany.
• Academic transcripts to prove your academic qualification and additional certifications. 
• Proof of funds is required, which is issued by your lender if you opt for an education loan.
• Student health insurance.
• Documents with entrance exams and English language proficiency test scores.  

 How to apply for a student visa?

• Point of contact: You can approach the German Diplomatic Mission in India, i.e., the embassy or consulate in your home country, to apply for a student visa to study in Germany.
• Know the country-specific requirements:  You can easily find the country-specific requirement by visiting the official website of the German embassy or consulate.
• Arrange the document: Before you apply for the student visa, ensure all the documents, as required by the consulate, are in place. 
• Schedule visa appointment: If documents are in place, you can schedule your appointment by connecting with the German Diplomatic Mission in India. 
• Attend the visa interview: Be well-prepared to answer questions related to academic and career plans and other relevant questions in order to get a student visa to study in Germany.
• Demand Draft (DD): Arrange a DD to pay the student visa fees when you arrive for your visa interview.

What is a blocked bank account? 

A blocked bank account is nothing but a bank account where study abroad students are required to deposit a sum of money that they will require to finance their studies and stay in Germany. This amount stays blocked in the account until the student arrives in Germany to pursue his/her education. 

Please remember: Currently, the sum of money that needs to be deposited into the blocked bank account is €10,332, i.e. ~7,71,089 INR. You will be allowed to withdraw €861 per month after the commencement of your first semester.

So, we covered types of student visas, important documents, the application process and the blocked bank account. In the next episode of the student visa to study in Germany guide, we will cover visa interview questions, student visa fee, processing time, student visa permit and other important information.

Although most German universities have low or no tuition fees, you need to cover other educational costs. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices, study material expenses and other education-related expenses. For more information, please feel free to connect with us.