German Student Visa 2026: Types, Requirements, Process, Fees

If you ask Indian students who are planning to study in Germany, many will say that getting the German student visa took more time than they thought. Some students even had to delay their plans because they did not start the visa process early. 

If you are an Indian student dreaming of a better future, Germany is a great choice for 2026. For Indian citizens, getting a German student visa is a must-do step because India is not on the visa-exempt list. Most students pick the National D Visa, also called the Visum Zu Studienzwecken, if they already have their admission letter. If you are still waiting for a result or need to give an entrance exam, you can apply for the Student Applicant Visa instead.

One of the most important things for the German Embassy is your financial proof. You must show you have at least €11,904 for your first year. The best way to do this is by opening a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Think of the Gstudent visa as your "entry ticket" to fly to Germany, but it only lasts a few months. After you land, you must visit the Ausländerbehörde to get your residence permit. This permit is like your "membership ID" that lets you stay and study for years. Don't forget, you also need health insurance and a biometric photo for your visa appointment. It sounds like a lot of work, but following these steps makes the process easy!

Germany Student Visa Overview (National D-Visa) - 2026

German authorities generally update the "Blocked Account" amount annually. For 2026, students should expect a potential increase from the current €11,904 requirement

Checklist for German Student Visa

• Valid passport
• Copy of your passport’s information page (A4 size copy)
• Application form
• A declaration stating the information provided is true and complete information
• Cover Letter explaining the reason for your visa application. You may be required to submit a German translation of this document.
• Letter of Admission from a German University
• University Certificates and transcripts - Degree certificates and mark sheets
• Proof of Language Proficiency (German language test scores). Applicants for PhD studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders are exempt from this rule.
• Proof of funds
• 3 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months

Also Check: How to Apply for German Universities?

What is a German Student Visa for Indian Students?

A German student visa is an official paper that lets Indian students stay in Germany legally for their studies. It is a long-stay visa (Type D) given to non-EU/EEA students who got admission to a German university or are still in the process of admission. This visa works like a temporary entry permit so that you can go to Germany and then apply for a residence permit for the full time of your studies.

Recently, the German student visa process for Indian students has changed. Now you must apply through the CSP Portal and then book a VFS appointment. Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Germany, but within the first 3 months you have to apply for your residence permit.

The German student visa processing time is usually 1–2 months. The success rate for Indian students is very high, around 90–95%. The current German student visa fee is €75 (about INR 7,500).

From January 1, 2025, Germany has started a new and faster system through the Consular Services Portal (CSP) at digital.diplo.de. Here is a quick list of what Indian students need to prepare:

Also, Read

Types of German Student Visas for Indian Students 

If you are an Indian student who wants to study in Germany, you need a German student visa. But not all students need the same type of visa. Germany gives three types of student visas under the Type D national visa. Visa type depends on what you are planning to do in Germany.

1. German Student Visa

• This is the most common visa for students.
• You must apply for this visa if you already got an admission letter from a German university.
• It is for students who are going for a full-time program like bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD.
• With this visa, you can enter Germany and then apply for a residence permit. The residence permit will be valid for the full duration of your course.
• This is the right visa if you are sure and ready to start your academic program.

2. German Student Applicant Visa

• Students who are still applying to German universities can choose the German applicant visa.
• It allows you to stay in Germany while you finish your application steps. You can give entrance exams, or attend university interviews.
• After the admission, one can change this visa into a student visa and then apply for a residence permit.
• This visa is helpful if you want to be in Germany during the admission process.

Also Check: How to Apply for German Universities?

German Student Visa Key Requirements: APS Certificate and Blocked Account 2026

For the Germany student visa for Indian students 2026, two things are absolutely non-negotiable:

• APS Certificate India: This is now a mandatory document for all Indian applicants. You must get your academic records verified by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) in New Delhi before you even book your visa appointment.

• Germany Blocked Account (Sperrkonto): To prove financial stability, you must deposit €11,904 into a restricted account. This minimum balance covers your first year of cost of living in Germany. For 2026, the monthly withdrawal limit is €992.

Step-by-Step Germany Student Visa Timeline (Winter 2026)

1. Pre-Application Phase (January – March 2026)

Start your APS application immediately. It can take weeks to process, and you need it for your university applications. Ensure your IELTS/TOEFL scores and German language proficiency (if needed) are ready.

2. Financial Setup (April – June 2026)

Open your blocked account with an approved provider like Expatrio or Fintiba. Transfer the €11,904 early to avoid last-minute delays with international bank transfers.

3. The Visa Appointment (June – August 2026)

Book your slot at the German Embassy or VFS Global. You will need your admission letter, blocked account confirmation, a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), and biometric photos. The visa fee is €75.

4. Arrival and Registration (September – October 2026)

Within 14 days of landing, you must do your Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt. You also need to activate your German student health insurance (like TK or AOK).

5. Obtaining Your Residence Permit (First 90 Days)

Visit the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner’s Authority) to get your Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel). This is your final legal document that allows you to work part-time in Germany (140 full days per year) and stay until you graduate.

Cost of Germany Student Visa

Germany Student Visa would cost students around €75. The processing time could take up to 25 days if all your documents are in order. A lot of times applicants are required to provide more/additional documents. For such cases, the processing time for the Germany Student Visa could go up to 12 weeks. Candidates looking to apply for a Residence Permit on arrival to Germany would have to pay up to €110. It can take a long time to be issued, which is anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks. Since this roughly translates to 3 months, international students are advised to apply as early as possible.

How to Apply for a German Student Visa Process for Indian Students (2026)

Indian students are required to follow a process while applying for a German student visa. The process has to be done through the Consular Services Portal (CSP) before going for your VFS appointment.

1. Start your application on the CSP Portal

• Go to Consular Services Portal (https://digital.diplo.de) and create an account with your email ID and password.
• Choose “Visa” then select “Study Purposes and Seeking a University Place” and choose India as your country. It will take you to your VFS region page.

2. Fill out the Entry Form

This is first questionnaire where you need to give details like:

• Do you have a university admission letter?
• Are you going for a Studienkolleg or German language course?
• How will you fund your studies? (choose Blocked Account)
• Do you have APS certificate? (mandatory for Indian students)
• Language proof like IELTS, TOEFL or waiver from university.

3. Complete the VIDEX Application Form

• Personal details like name, date of birth, marital status, parents’ names
• Contact details like Indian address, email, phone number)
• Passport details like number, issue date, expiry date
• Travel details like purpose: study, arrival date before classes start
• Financial proof (blocked account)
• University or German contact address
• Health and legal questions (mostly No for students)

4. Upload required documents

Upload documents like a Valid passport, APS certificate, University admission letter, Letter of motivation, CV, Language test results, Blocked account confirmation, and other requisite. 

5. Pay the CSP service fee

Pay INR 900 on the portal. Download and keep the receipt. This payment is compulsory to activate your application and continue to the next step.

Related Reads

• How to Study in Germany Without a Blocked Account?
• Why APS Certificate is mandatory for Indian students in Germany?

How long is the German student visa valid?

The validity of German student visa is 3 to 6 months. Post this, after completing all the requirements you can apply for German residence permit. Then after that the German visa will be valid for 1 to 3 years. 

Germany Visa Application Centres in India

German Student Visa for Dependents

Spouses and children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, but this is conditional. These conditions include having enough and appropriate financing and living space. Cases are decided on an individual basis at the German embassy, and special consideration may be given to your case if you are able to explain your situation to the Consulate effectively.

Also, Read

• Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany
• Post Study Work Permits in Germany for Indian Students
• Popular Job Sectors in Germany

Germany Student Visa - Work Requirements

According to German visa rules, a student can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can do a part-time technical job in a related industry. Some universities offer part-time jobs on campus called Hiwi. Students will have to contact the institute's student placement cell to get into this job. Candidates wanting more information can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. 

Related Reads

Scholarships for Studying in Germany

World-class education, teamed with economic expenditure makes Germany one of the most preferred destinations for international students. Also, there are a lot of scholarships offered by various institutions that can help you in funding your education. We have listed below the top scholarships for pursuing higher education in Germany.

• Heinrich Boll Scholarships for Undergraduates, Graduates, and PhD Students
• Inlaks Scholarships (University Courses)
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates
  

Also, read about student visas for study abroad and student visas for prominent international study destinations: