German Student Visa 2025: Types, Requirements, Process, Fees

In order to get a German student visa, Indian or international students must be accepted into a recognized German university and have enough funds to support themselves for at least one year in Germany. Along with it, students also need to show their proof of health insurance, a valid passport, biometric photos, and, if required, evidence of language proficiency. The visa application process involves submitting documents online through the new CSP portal, followed by a VFS appointment, and includes simplified steps to reduce processing delays.
Heads up, future German students! The German Foreign Ministry has completely changed the German long term student visa application process, starting Jan 1, 2025. Say goodbye to endless VFS waitlists and hello to a easy online experience with the new Consular Services Portal, digital.diplo.de.
Thinking about studying in Germany? If your program lasts more than 90 days, you'll need a visa. This German Student Visa Guide for Indian Students explains everything you need to know about the updated process for 2025. Whether you're heading for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD from a German university, understanding the latest student visa requirements is essential.
Starting January 1, 2025, Germany has introduced a new, faster system through the Consular Services Portal (CSP) at digital.diplo.de. Here’s a quick breakdown of what Indian students should prepare:
✅ Basic Requirements
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Admission letter from a recognized German university
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Proof of funds: Blocked account with at least €11,904/year
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Valid health insurance for your stay in Germany
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Valid passport and biometric photos
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Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or German certificate)
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🖥️ 2025 Visa Application Process Highlights
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Apply via the new CSP portal – faster, more transparent
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Digital document uploads before your VFS appointment
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Simplified steps to reduce processing delays
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🕒 Key Facts for Indian Applicants
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Initial residence permit valid for up to 1 year, renewable
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Visa success rate for Indian students: ~90–95%
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Processing time: About 1–2 months
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This guide walks you through the entire Germany student visa application process, helping you avoid delays and submit a complete, accurate application.
The step by step Germany student visa application process can be downloaded here, and also well explained in the article below.
Also, Read
Latest Updates for German Study Visa for Indian Students in 2025
Update | Details | Effective Date |
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Online pre-application via CSP | All national-visa categories (including student visas) must now be initiated online through the Consular Services Portal (CSP), with an interactive questionnaire, digital document upload, pre-check and automated appointment-booking link. | 1 January 2025 |
Extended submission window | You may submit your visa application up to three months before your intended date of entry into Germany. | Ongoing (2025) |
Abolition of internal appeal | The voluntary “remonstration” (internal appeal) against visa rejections is no longer available in India (since 1 Jan 2024–30 Jun 2025) and will be abolished worldwide from 1 July 2025. Legal challenges must go to the Administrative Court in Berlin. | India: 1 Jan 2024–30 Jun 2025 Worldwide: 1 July 2025 |
Updated financial proof | Blocked-account requirement increased to €11 904 total for the first year, with a maximum €992/month withdrawal cap. | 1 September 2024 |
Appeals Process | The “Remonstration” remedy is abolished until 30 June 2025; rejected applicants must appeal at the Berlin administrative court | 1 January 2024 – 30 June 2025 |
Benefits of the Updated Process
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
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Efficiency: Online application and document upload reduce the time spent at the VAC.
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Transparency: Applicants receive feedback on document completeness before their appointment.
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Convenience: Streamlined procedures minimize the need for multiple visits to the VAC.
Who Needs a German Student Visa?
Indian students planning to study in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a National Visa (Type D). This includes:
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Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs
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Preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
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Language courses exceeding 90 days
German Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Below is a consolidated checklist of all mandatory documents you’ll need to apply for a German national (D-visa) student visa from India. All details are per the Federal Foreign Office fact sheet (last updated September 2024)
📝 Requirement | 💡 Details | 📌 Notes |
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Valid Passport | - Issued within last 10 years - Valid for entire stay - At least 2 empty pages |
Original + 2 A4-size copies |
Visa Application Form & Declaration | - National visa form - Includes declaration under Section 54 Residence Act - Fully completed & signed |
Submit 2 copies |
Declaration of Contact & Representation | - Signed declaration from German contact or legal rep | Submit 2 copies |
Copy of Passport Data Page | - A4-size copy of bio-data page | 2 copies required |
Biometric Passport Photos | - 3 identical photos - Size 35 × 45 mm, ICAO-compliant - Taken within last 6 months |
Physical prints required |
APS Certificate | - Mandatory unless: ▪ You have a German/EU scholarship ▪ Hold a German degree ▪ Have non-Indian prior qualifications |
Issued by APS New Delhi |
Letter of Admission | - Official acceptance letter - Must state course, instruction language, and degree |
Original + 2 copies |
Proof of Financial Means | Submit any one: ▪ Blocked account with ≥ €11,904 ▪ Verpflichtungserklärung from a German sponsor ▪ German/EU scholarship |
Ensure the account covers €992/month |
Proof of Academic Qualifications | - Originals + copies: ▪ 10th, 12th, degree, transcripts ▪ Based on application level |
Match qualifications to study level |
Language-Skill Proof | - Test certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, TestDaF, DSH, etc.) - Must be ≤ 1 year old |
Not needed if admission letter confirms proficiency |
Motivation Letter / SOP | - Signed letter explaining: ▪ Academic goals ▪ Why Germany ▪ Future plans |
Keep it personalized & clear |
Curriculum Vitae | - Academic & professional background summary | Use standard CV format |
Proof of Tuition-Fee Payment | - Submit only if applicable (e.g., private university) | Attach payment receipt |
Travel Health Insurance | - Coverage for first 90 days in Germany - Later replace with full student insurance |
Must be valid on arrival |
Visa Fee Payment Receipt | - Standard fee: €75 - Reduced fee for minors: €37.50 |
Proof of payment required |
German Student Visa in 2025 - Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Students
🧾 Step 1: Start Your Application on the Official Portal
Begin at the Consular Services Portal (https://digital.diplo.de). Click on "Visa" and select “Study Purposes and Seeking a University Place.”
👉 Choose India as your country. You’ll be routed to your regional VFS center.
🟢 Create an account with a valid email and password to proceed.
📋 Step 2: Understand Your Dashboard
After logging in, you'll see three key sections:
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Entry Form: Basic questions about your study plan
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VIDEX Application Form: Full application previously handled on the VFS site
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Document Upload: Where you’ll submit all scanned documents
💡 Tip: Save each section as you complete it. The portal may time out.
📝 Step 3: Fill the Entry Form
This section uses mostly multiple-choice questions. It’s simple, but accuracy matters. Expect to answer:
✔️ Do you have a university admission letter?
✔️ Are you going for a Studienkolleg or language course?
✔️ What kind of program—full-time, part-time, or Ph.D.?
✔️ Have you studied in Germany before? (Usually “No”)
✔️ How will you fund your stay? (Select “Blocked Account”)
✔️ Do you have anAPS Certificate? (Mandatory for Indian students unless exempted)
- APS Certificate: "Yes, I have completed my education in India, China or Vietnam and I also have an APS certificate (Not valid for universities which do not requires APS Certificate, for eg: Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI)
✔️ Language Proof: Select the certificate (IELTS or TOEFL) or confirm if your admit letter covers this
🎓 If you're unsure about any option, hover over the help icons or refer to your university's guidance.
🧾 Step 4: Complete the VIDEX Form
Now comes the detailed part. This form has 6 sections:
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Personal Details – Name, DOB, marital status, parents’ info
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Contact Info – Your Indian address, mobile, email
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Passport Info – Number, issue/expiry dates
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Travel Data –
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Purpose: Study
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Entry date: ~1 week before classes
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Duration: Choose “Permanent residence intended” if unsure
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Support –
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Means of support: German Blocked Account
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Reference: Could be a university or family contact
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Declarations – Confirm health and legal background (usually "No" to all)
📂 Step 5: Upload Required Documents
🗂️ Be ready with clear, scanned PDFs of:
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✅ Valid passport
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✅ APS Certificate
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✅ University admission letter
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✅ Letter of Motivation
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✅ CV (Europass format recommended)
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✅ Language test certificate (if needed)
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✅ Blocked Account confirmation
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✅ Proof of tuition fee payment (for private universities)
📎 Optional: Health insurance, older passports, or supporting documents
Related Reads
- How to Study in Germany Without a Blocked Account?
- Why APS Certificate is mandatory for Indian students in Germany?
💳 Step 6: Confirm with VFS and Pay Service Fee
This step activates your application:
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Go to the CSP portal
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Pay the INR 900 service fee
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Download the payment receipt
📤 Once submitted, your file is reviewed by the authorities.
📅 Step 7: Book and Attend Your VFS Appointment
Once you're cleared for submission:
📌 Book your appointment at the nearest VFS Global center.
👜 On the day:
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Bring originals + copies of all documents
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Submit biometrics (fingerprints & photo)
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Pay the visa fee (~€75) in INR
✅ Final Tip
🕒 Apply at least 3 months before your course begins.
Although the new system is faster, accurate documentation and early action still make all the difference.
Biometric & Photo Requirements for German Student Visa Application for Indian Students
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👆 Fingerprints + Photo: 10 fingerprints + live facial photo (taken at VFS/consulate)
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🖼️ Passport Photos: 3 identical biometric photos (35×45 mm, ICAO standard)
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🗓️ Appointment Steps:
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Apply online via digital.diplo.de
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Visit VFS for document check, biometrics & fee payment
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🔁 Biometric Validity:
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D-visa (National): New biometrics required for each application
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Schengen visa: Valid for 5 years (not reusable for D-visa)
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Visa Processing Time and Validity
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Processing Time: Typically 4–12 weeks. It's advisable to apply at least three months before your intended travel date.
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Visa Validity: Initial visa is valid for up to 12 months. Post-arrival, apply for a residence permit for the duration of your studies.
Visa Fees and Associated Costs
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Visa Application Fee: €75 (approx. INR 7,100), payable in INR.
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VFS Service Fee: Approximately INR 900.
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Additional Costs:
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Blocked Account: Minimum €11,904 per year.
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Health Insurance: Varies based on provider.
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APS Certificate Fee: As applicable.
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Germany Student Visa Process for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad: Old vs New
Aspect | Old Process (until 31 Dec 2023) | New Process (from 1 Jan 2025) |
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Application portal | • Use Videx national-visa form (online fill → print → sign) or paper form only • No digital document upload |
• Mandatory Consular Services Portal at digital.diplo.de • Interactive questionnaire + upload all documents online |
Appointment booking | • Book via VFS Global portal (visa.vfsglobal.com) or mission-specific links • Manual slot selection by region |
• Automated appointment link generated through CSP • Slots allocated chronologically via pre-application feedback |
Document submission | • Bring two full paper sets (forms, declarations, originals + copies) in-person only • No prior completeness check |
• Upload complete application packages in CSP • Receive immediate completeness feedback; present originals + copies at appointment |
Biometrics & photos | • At appointment: 10 fingerprints + live photo capture • Submit 2 ICAO-compliant photos (35 × 45 mm) |
• At appointment: same fingerprint + live photo capture • Submit 3 ICAO-compliant photos (35 × 45 mm) |
Proof of funds | • Blocked account: €11 208 total (≈ €934 / month) until 31 Aug 2024 | • Blocked account: €11 904 total (≈ €992 / month) from 1 Sep 2024 |
Appeal process | • Remonstration (internal appeal) free, within 1 month of rejection | • Remonstration abolished in India from 1 Jan 2024 – 30 Jun 2025; worldwide abolition from 1 Jul 2025 • Legal suit via Berlin Administrative Court |
German Student Visa for Dependents
Indian students pursuing studies in Germany can bring their spouses and children through the Family Reunification Visa process. However, specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements must be met.
👨👩👧👦 Eligibility Criteria for Family Reunification
To apply for a family reunification visa, the following conditions should be fulfilled:
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Valid Residence Permit: The student must hold a valid German residence permit.
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Marital Status: The marriage must have existed at the time the residence permit was granted.
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Duration of Stay: The student's stay in Germany should be expected to exceed one year.
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Financial Stability: The student must demonstrate the ability to financially support themselves and their family members without relying on public funds.
Source: Federal Foreign Office – Family Reunification
📄 Required Documents for Spouse Visa
When applying for a spouse visa, the following documents are typically required:
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Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages.
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Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
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Marriage Certificate: Officially recognized and, if applicable, translated into German or English.
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Proof of Language Proficiency: Basic knowledge of German (A1 level) may be required.
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Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the student can support their spouse financially.
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Health Insurance: Valid for the duration of the stay in Germany.
Note: Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.
📄 Required Documents for Child Visa
For children joining a parent in Germany, the following documents are generally necessary:
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Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages.
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Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians.
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Birth Certificate: Officially recognized and, if applicable, translated into German or English.
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Parental Consent: If one parent is not accompanying the child, a notarized consent letter is required.
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Proof of Custody: If applicable, legal documents proving custody rights.
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Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the student can support their child financially.
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Health Insurance: Valid for the duration of the stay in Germany.
Source: Federal Foreign Office – Family Reunion for Children
🕒 Processing Time and Application Procedure
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Processing Time: The processing time for family reunification visas can vary but typically takes several weeks to a few months.
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Application Submission: Applications should be submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.
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Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment through the Consular Services Portal.
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Document Verification: Ensure all documents are complete and meet the specified requirements to avoid delays.
Spouses and children of international students may be allowed to reside in Germany during the student’s study period, but this is subject to specific conditions. These include:
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Sufficient financial resources to support the entire family without relying on public funds
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Adequate living space for all family members
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Basic German language skills (A1 level) for spouses, in most cases
Visa applications for dependents are evaluated individually by the German Embassy or Consulate, and applicants may explain their personal circumstances during the process.
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a job seeker visa, and later a residence permit for employment. With sufficient work experience, income level, and language proficiency, you may also qualify for permanent residency in Germany.
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 – Additional Information
📝 Topic | 💡 Details |
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🏠 Accommodation | Not required for visa application, but mandatory for local registration in Germany. Temporary stays (hotel/hostel) are acceptable initially. |
🧾 Residence Permit | Student visa allows entry, but a residence permit must be obtained within 90 days at the Ausländerbehörde. Usually issued for 1 year, renewable based on course duration. |
💼 Work Rights for Students | Students may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Internships may count unless part of the academic program. No extra work permit needed. |
🛂 Visa Renewal | Required if the course extends beyond initial permit. Must show proof of enrollment, financial means, and valid health insurance. |
📈 Post-Study Opportunities | Graduates can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa to find work in their field. This can lead to a work visa or permanent residency, based on job and language criteria. |
❌ Common Reasons for Rejection | - Incomplete/inconsistent documents - Insufficient financial proof - Poorly written motivation letter - Unclear study plan |
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 top scholarships for pursuing higher education in Germany.
The new Germany Student Visa process consists of three main steps:
- Online Application: Creating an account on digital.diplo.de and completing the application form.
- Document Upload: Uploading all required documents directly to the portal.
- Verification and Appointment: After document verification by authorities, booking an appointment at a VFS Center for in-person document verification and biometric data collection.
The VFS Service Provider Confirmation is a receipt obtained from VFS Global after paying their service fee (approximately 898 rupees in India). To obtain it, you need to:
Go to the VFS Global website.
Create a new application and pay the service fee.
Download the receipt.
Upload this receipt to the digital-di.de portal in the "Document Upload" section.
Getting a German student visa will be easy if you meet all the requirements. Students who want to study in Germany need to have a confirmed admission from a recognised university of Germany, sufficient proof of funds, health insurance, and the necessary documentation. However, the German student visa process can take time, so it's essential to prepare your application well in advance and ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
International students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to have a study permit to enter Germany to pursue higher education. You are required to pay a visa processing fee, which is non-refundable. International students are required to pay EUR 75 for the German student visa. Below we have given a checklist for German student visa.
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Proof of admittance to the study course/preparatory college
- APS certificate
- Proof of financial means
- Three passport photos
- Travel health insurance
To apply for a German student visa, one usually need the following documents:
A valid passport
Completed national visa application form
Two recent biometric photographs
Proof of admission from a German educational institution
Proof of financial resources (e.g., blocked account or sponsorship)
Health insurance coverage (minimum coverage of €30,000)
Academic records and qualifications
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Motivational letter explaining your study plans
The German study visa processing time usually takes 2-3 months in India. If the waiting time is shorter, the process might be completed before also.
Proof of language proficiency is required, and certificates approved by the German government such as IELTS, TOEFL, Goethe Institut, or ÖSD are accepted. A minimum B2 level in either German or English is typically required. However, PhD applicants and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders may be exempt.
- 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:

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9 months ago
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a year ago
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2 years ago
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2 years ago
Hello Amandeep. If the course you are studying is in the German language then you will be required to have proof of the German language. Knowing German will only help you with your stay in the country and benefit you in the visa process. You can know more about German language requirements here: ht
M
3 years ago
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2 years ago
The new Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de) is an online platform launched by the German Foreign Ministry to streamline the student visa application process. It aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and visa processing times by moving much of the application process online.