Germany is a country to be when it comes to the higher education, research opportunities, infrastructure, teaching system, low-cost studies, and career prospects. That is why many international students continue to believe that Germany is the best place for pursuing their higher education further. Most international students will likely need to get a Study Abroad Student Visa at a German consulate of their country before you go to Germany for higher studies.

Based on the country you hail from, you might be exempted from visa to study in Germany, but still it is necessary to obtain a residence permit for studies lasting more than 90 days, after you arrive in Germany.

Know who needs German Visa

• For the students whose study program lasts up to 3 months need a Schengen Tourist Visa
• For the students whose study program lasts more than 3 months need a German national Visa (Long Stay Visa) which is also known as Schengen Visa

Therefore, being a foreigner, you will need a German Visa under following conditions:

• If you have just received a German University’s Acceptance Letter
• Expecting a response on University Application soon
• Wants to enrol into a Foundation Course prior to German University
• Requires to take a Foundation Course qualification assessment examination
• Requires to Complete a Doctoral Degree
• Looking for participating in the Research Project

The Germany Student Visas are needed for a range of study levels like undergraduate, exchange, graduate, or postgraduate studies. This also covers involvement in a pre-academic measure or in a non-academic German language course.

Let us know the three types of German Student Visa:

• German Student Visa
  This is the standard student visa for international students who have got admission in a German university under a full-time university program.
• German Student Applicant Visa
  Incise you want to apply to German Universities in person as it’s a university criterion then you need this Visa. This Visa is valid only for the admission purpose and is not applicable for pursuing studies.
  
  
• German Language Course Visa
  If you desire to pursue a German Language Course, you need this Visa.

Once you know which type of Visa to be applied, its now time to understand the Germany study visa requirements so that there are no issues in approval.

• Visa Application Documents
• Duly Filled Out and Signed National Visa Application Form
• Valid National Passport
• Two Photocopies of Your Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (If Applicable)
• Child’s Birth Certificate (If Applicable)
• Recent Passport-Style Photographs (Up To 3 Months Old)
• Photocopies of Previous German Residence Titles (If Applicable)
• Previous Schengen Visa
• Previous German Resident Permit
• Finance Proof
• It should confirm that you have enough funds to cover the study and living expenses of Germany.
• Living Expense:
  A student needs to open a block account with the German Bank or Kotak Mahindra Bank for Euro 10,236. The amount has to be deposited in this account prior to their arrival in Germany.

Study Expense:

• Documents supporting the funds to cover the study expenses has to be declared.
• University Admission Proof
• A letter from the University confirming your admission with them.
• Prior Education Proof
• Marksheets of previous education obtained.
• Student Health Insurance
• Medical Insurance from your home country which is approved by your university.
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Letter or Marksheets which qualifies your entry into the University (Entrance Test)
• English Or German Proficiency Test Proof
• Marksheet that proves and confirms that you have taken the language proficiency test and are qualified.

Now that the required documents of Visa are understood, let us go through the 5 simple steps of application.

• To locate the nearest German Consulate or Embassy in your city/country:
• Reviewing and confirming the requirements and documents of German Visa
• To set up a Visa appointment
• Arranging all the Visa documents that are to be presented to the Interviewer
• Preparing for the Visa interview

With this you are done prepping for the Visa Application. Generally, the German Student Visa requires nearly 25 days for processing. The fee for the entire application process is 60EUR.

Once all your documents are ready you need not worry much, just be confident at the Visa Interview and you will get the Visa stamp on your Passport.

Get ready to study abroad in Germany!