Types of German Visas for Students (Depending on the applicant’s situation)

• Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken): 1. Students who have already received admission from a German university, get this type of visa, and most Indian students also fall under this category.

• 2. Student Applicant Visa: This visa is required by students wish to study in Germany, but have not received final admission. So, this visa is given to them so that they can enter the country for entrance exams or application processes.

• 3. Language Course Visa: Those students who wish to attend German language courses before beginning degree programs, apply for this visa.

Highlights

• Admission to a Recognized Institution: As a first step, it is mandatory for students to first obtain an admission letter from a German university or higher education institute in Germany.

• Proof of Financial Resources: It is required of applicants to produce financial proof, to show that they have sufficient funds for living expenses during studies.

• Academic Qualifications: Documents of the applicant should match admission requirements of the selected course.

• Health Insurance: Applicants are required to produce a valid health insurance Policy with full coverage.

• Language Proficiency: This depends upon the choice of the course – applicants may require English or German language proficiency certificates.

• Genuine Study Intent: Applicants are required to demonstrate their intent of visiting Germany – that they are genuine students.

Highlights

• Step 1: Receive Admission Letter: As stated above, the acceptance letter is one of the most important documents which a student must secure from a German university, before applying for the visa.

• Step 2: Open a Blocked Account: Before applying for visa, it is required by authorities to make sure that students can support themselves financially, for which they have to deposit a fixed amount (blocked account) as proof. Funds are released from that account monthly after a student reaches Germany. Students need to check this account for latest requirements, as blocked amount changes periodically as per German regulations.

• Step 3: Arrange Health Insurance: Arranging for Health insurance is a must for visa approval. Initially, temporary travel insurance can be arranged for entry, but this has to be followed by German student insurance after arrival.

• Step 4: Complete Visa Application Form: An official visa application form has to be filled accurately by students and submitted along with supporting documents.

• Step 5: Schedule Visa Appointment: Appointment for visa is booked through the German visa processing system that serves Indian applicants. However, it is advised to make early bookings to avoid disappointment, as slots may fill quickly, especially during admission season.

• Step 6: Attend Visa Interview: At the time of interview, students are required to arrive with original documents and they are asked questions pertaining to: • Course selection • Study plans • University choice • Financial arrangements • Future goals

• Step 7: Wait for Processing: Applications undergo a lot of scrutiny after being submitted by students, so, they have to wait for approval or rejection.

Some of the common documents required are:

• Valid Passport: A valid passport for the required period is mandatoryisa Application Form Completed and signed application forms for visa application

• Passport-sized Photographs: Photographs should be recent and should meet German specifications

• University Admission Letter: An admission letter from the University is a must, which reflects acceptance into a German institution

• Academic Documents:: Certificate of Class 10th Certificate of Class 12th Bachelor’s degree transcripts (for master’s applicants) Semester transcripts Mark sheets

• Language Proficiency Scores such as:: IELTS TOEFL German language certificates wherever applicable

• Statement of Purpose which explains (SOP): • Academic background • Reasons for choosing Germany as Study destination • University selection • Career plans

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): An applicant’s educational and professional history

• Proof of Financial Resources: • Blocked account confirmation • Scholarship confirmation • Evidence of Sponsorship (if applicable)

• Health Insurance Proof: A Policy Document covering medical coverage

• Visa Fee Payment Rent: Proof of payment. Depending upon individual circumstances additional documents maybe required. Blocked Account Requirement for Indian Students A ‘Blocked Account’ is simple to understand – it simply means that international students traveling to Germany for study purposes have to deposit the required amount into a blocked account before visa approval, and prove that they have sufficient funsd for living expenses. Once they arrive in Germany, they can withdraw only a fixed amount for their expenses from that account. So, the blocked account serves the purpose of proving that students can manage expenses like: • Accommodation • Food • Daily living costs • Transportation Blocked account services are provided by various financial institutions and it is required of students, to make sure they transfer funds early, since verification may take time.

• Germany Student Visa Fees for Indian Students: Applicants are required to pay a visa processing fee, and also, pay additional costs, as policy is updated as per currency fluctuations. Additional costs may include: • Blocked account setup charges • Courier fees • Health insurance expenses • Document translation costs • Travel expenses to visa centres • APS certificate charges It is advised that students plan their budget beyond visa fee itself.