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

• • Admission letter from a recognized German university

  • Proof of funds: Blocked account with at least €11,904/year

  • Valid health insurance for your stay in Germany

  • Valid passport and biometric photos

  • Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL or German certificate)

🖥️ 2025 Visa Application Process Highlights

• • Apply via the new CSP portal – faster, more transparent

  • Digital document uploads before your VFS appointment

  • Simplified steps to reduce processing delays

🕒 Key Facts for Indian Applicants

• • Initial residence permit valid for up to 1 year, renewable

  • Visa success rate for Indian students: ~90–95%

  • Processing time: About 1–2 months

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

Benefits of the Updated Process

• Efficiency: Online application and document upload reduce the time spent at the VAC.

• Transparency: Applicants receive feedback on document completeness before their appointment.

• 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:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs

• Preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)

• 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)

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:

• Entry Form: Basic questions about your study plan

• VIDEX Application Form: Full application previously handled on the VFS site

• 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:

1. Personal Details – Name, DOB, marital status, parents’ info

2. Contact Info – Your Indian address, mobile, email

3. Passport Info – Number, issue/expiry dates

4. Travel Data –

   • Purpose: Study

   • Entry date: ~1 week before classes

   • Duration: Choose “Permanent residence intended” if unsure

5. Support –

   • Means of support: German Blocked Account

   • Reference: Could be a university or family contact

6. Declarations – Confirm health and legal background (usually "No" to all)

📂 Step 5: Upload Required Documents

🗂️ Be ready with clear, scanned PDFs of:

• ✅ Valid passport

• ✅ APS Certificate

• ✅ University admission letter

• ✅ Letter of Motivation

• ✅ CV (Europass format recommended)

• ✅ Language test certificate (if needed)

• ✅ Blocked Account confirmation

• ✅ 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:

1. Go to the CSP portal

2. Pay the INR 900 service fee

3. 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:

• Bring originals + copies of all documents

• Submit biometrics (fingerprints & photo)

• 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

• 👆 Fingerprints + Photo: 10 fingerprints + live facial photo (taken at VFS/consulate)

• 🖼️ Passport Photos: 3 identical biometric photos (35×45 mm, ICAO standard)

• 🗓️ Appointment Steps:

  1. Apply online via digital.diplo.de

  2. Visit VFS for document check, biometrics & fee payment

• 🔁 Biometric Validity:

  • D-visa (National): New biometrics required for each application

  • Schengen visa: Valid for 5 years (not reusable for D-visa)

Visa Processing Time and Validity

• Processing Time: Typically 4–12 weeks. It's advisable to apply at least three months before your intended travel date.

• 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

• Visa Application Fee: €75 (approx. INR 7,100), payable in INR.

• VFS Service Fee: Approximately INR 900.

• Additional Costs:

  • Blocked Account: Minimum €11,904 per year.

  • Health Insurance: Varies based on provider.

  • APS Certificate Fee: As applicable.

Germany Student Visa Process for Indian Students Planning to Study Abroad: Old vs New

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:

• Valid Residence Permit: The student must hold a valid German residence permit.

• Marital Status: The marriage must have existed at the time the residence permit was granted.

• Duration of Stay: The student's stay in Germany should be expected to exceed one year.

• 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:

• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages.

• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.

• Marriage Certificate: Officially recognized and, if applicable, translated into German or English.

• Proof of Language Proficiency: Basic knowledge of German (A1 level) may be required.

• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the student can support their spouse financially.

• 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:

• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages.

• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians.

• Birth Certificate: Officially recognized and, if applicable, translated into German or English.

• Parental Consent: If one parent is not accompanying the child, a notarized consent letter is required.

• Proof of Custody: If applicable, legal documents proving custody rights.

• Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that the student can support their child financially.

• Health Insurance: Valid for the duration of the stay in Germany.

Source: Federal Foreign Office – Family Reunion for Children

🕒 Processing Time and Application Procedure

• Processing Time: The processing time for family reunification visas can vary but typically takes several weeks to a few months.

• Application Submission: Applications should be submitted to the German Embassy or Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.

• Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment through the Consular Services Portal.

• 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:

• Sufficient financial resources to support the entire family without relying on public funds

• Adequate living space for all family members

• 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

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.

• 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: