German Student Visa Requirements

Are you planning to study in Germany? You're not alone because many students are in the queue. In the winter 2023-2024 session, 49,483 Indian students were enrolled in German Universities. With the increasing popularity of studying in Germany, the German government announced some changes in September 2024 in the requirements for the German student visa, affecting the application process for many students. To help you navigate these changes, we’ve provided a guide below to assist you with the documents required for the German student visa. We’ve crafted a guide that expresses the complex information in a digestive chunk so that paperwork doesn’t intimidate you. Ready to start your own story in Germany?

Documents Required for German Student Visa

When you’re preparing for a German student visa, make sure to create two copies of every document. You will be asked to submit either an original or two photocopies during your visa application. Prepare a checklist of the documents to help you keep track of all documents and avoid any chaos during the visa application. 

Age Requirements:

There is no strict age requirement for a German student visa however, you should check the requirements provided by the college. 

Passport:

While filling out the student visa application the most important document is a passport. It should have a validity period longer than the duration of your course with at least two blank pages. Get two copies of the data page on A4-sized paper.

Photographs:

You are required to submit three photographs which are not older than six months.

Proof of Language Skills:

This is a compulsory document that comes right after your Passport. You can’t apply for admission without a Language skill Certificate. During the visa application, you are asked to submit this certificate and can’t submit the Exemption Letter or Language of Instruction Certificate as a replacement for the English proficiency test certificate.

Declaration:

If a family member residing in Germany is sponsoring your studies, proof of funds is not required. However, you must submit a declaration form stating that they will sponsor your studies. This declaration must comply with Section 54 of the Residence Act.

Statement of Purpose:

The Statement of Purpose, also known as the motivation letter for a German student visa, don’t get confused. It should outline your study plans, family relations, and the force behind your decision to study in Germany. Ensure to mention concrete reasons, as they could define your future and the interviewer may use it for cross-questioning. Write something you can explain confidently. Remember, including too much information might work against you.

Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) Certificate:

For a student visa for Germany from India, an APS Certificate to apply to German universities. This certificate verifies the educational degrees of Indian students. During the visa application, this certificate is submitted instead of the educational certificate. It validates your educational credentials. Therefore, apply for an APS certificate before starting your visa application process.

If you’re applying for a Ph.D. or Post-Doctoral degree, an APS certificate is not required.

Proof of Admittance:

Proof of admittance is your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the university. Every university has its eligibility criteria, so check the university website before applying. Usually, you are required to submit your English Proficiency Score, Educational Certificates, and Statement of Purpose.

Curriculum Vitate(CV):

Even if you are a student you are required to provide a CV during the visa application. It should include all your details, achievements, and projects (especially if you are applying for a Master's or Ph.D. program).

Proof of Funds:

When applying for a German student visa, you must submit proof of funds. To ensure that you meet the requirements, you should prepare the following documents:

1. 
   Confirmation of a German or EU scholarship or stipend letter, if you have received a scholarship or stipend. 
2. 
   An Obligation Letter from the sponsor who is living in Germany.
3. 
   Blocked bank account showing the living expenses for the first year of your stay. The required amount has been increased from €11,208 to €11,904 annually.

Travel Insurance:

You must have travel insurance when applying for the Schengen Visa. However, if you are getting a stipend from the public funds, you should obtain health insurance from one of the following:

1. 
   Private German health insurance.
2. 
   Public German Health Insurance.
3. 
   Indian health insurance for foreign countries.

The list of approved Indian travel insurance companies providing travel insurance for Schengen Visa Procedures.

Conclusion

Now that you're familiar with the German student visa requirements, you can take advantage of this information during your visa application process. Germany can be a great shot as it is expanding its job market for international students. Confused about the application part? Check out our German Student Visa Application. Remember, German student visa processing time ranges from 25 days to 4 months, thus start preparing the documents according to your session date. And if you are applying with the right documents, you'll increase your chances of a quick approval. Worried about funds? Explore our Loan Eligibility Tool and get GyanDhan personalized financial assistance for your study abroad plans.

Frequently Asked Questions