Germany Student Visa 2026 (Residence Permits) - Types

Germany Visa Types for International Students

The most common and preferred visa type among international students for pursuing their education in Germany is the German National Visa, also popularly known as the D Visa.

As this student visa type is meant for long-term purposes, all international students opt for it as their degree programme is between a duration of 2 to 4 years. However, there are 3 more categorisations for this visa type that are mentioned below for an easier understanding.

• German Student Visa: This visa type is opted for by those international students who have already received an acceptance letter from the German university they applied to for their degree programme.

• German Language Course Visa: This visa type is granted to students who want to pursue language courses in Germany for a duration of 4 months to 1 year. However, they don't need to receive higher education at any German University.

• German Student Application Visa: This specific visa type is made for those international students who have yet to receive a letter of confirmation or acceptance from the universities they have applied to or for those who have not chosen their programme courses.

Germany Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has mentioned various requirements that an Indian student needs to fulfill if planning to pursue their higher education in Germany. Now, these prerequisites are not only limited to adhering to the eligibility criteria given by the university of your choice but are also associated with the Germany student visa application process. Hence, it is important to note and understand the various requirements listed by the official country website for different purposes.

Documents Required for Germany Student Visa

There are some significant documents that one must ensure to attach to their Germany student visa application. Therefore, we have enlisted some of the most important documents that are an integral part of the Germany student visa requirements for Indian students.

• Valid Passport and its copy

• Duly filled Application form for the Germany Student Visa

• APS Certificate

• SOP (Statement of Purpose)

• Acceptance Letter from a German university (if available)

• English Language Proficiency Test Copies (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Academic transcripts and Certificates

• CV or Resume

• Proof of funds for Germany student visa

• Visa size photographs

• Birth or Marriage Certificates (if required)

Proof of Funds for Germany Student Visa

The official proof of finance that is a major requirement when applying for a Germany Student Visa is called 'Finanzierungsnachweis'. An international student needs a minimum of 992 Euros per month for living expenses. So, the minimum amount that international students are supposed to display is EUR 11,904 per year in their bank account. It is an essential prerequisite to apply for study in Germany because these funds validate your ability to afford the cost of living in Germany.

This is an important requirement during the Germany study visa process as it is considered to be your means of landing at a university of your choice in Germany. Some of the acceptable proof of funds can be sponsorship letters, income drafts, property papers, bank statements, education loans, scholarship letters, etc.

As an international student in Germany, one will have to bear expenses such as tuition fees, semester tickets, and personal and living costs. Therefore, they should be prepared with the necessary funds to finance their study abroad journey smoothly and efficiently. Applicants should also refer to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for any assistance.

English Language Proficiency for German Student Visa

One of the most important Germany student visa requirements for Indian students includes the candidates’ ability to converse and understand a common mode of communication i.e., English. Hence, it becomes essential for international students to attempt and score reasonable marks in English Language proficiency exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. It is also important to check the IELTS requirement for Germany student visa before appearing for the test. Similarly, the requirements for other English proficiency exams should also be checked.

A minimum B2 level of German or English is required for admission as well as Germany student visa application. Although the requirements for the same vary depending on different universities and courses. Therefore, an international student should check that on the university’s official website before applying or starting with the application process.

Germany student visa fees for Indians

There a visa processing fees that international students need to pay for submitting the application form for Germany student visa. Hence, as per the official data, the approximate Germany student visa fees for Indians are EUR 75 (Rs. 7,500).

This amount will be reduced to EUR 37.50 for minors or people who are below the age of 18 years. The details for the same should be verified by the German Embassy for more accurate insight as the student visa fees once paid will not be refunded.

Germany Student Visa Process

After ensuring that you have fulfilled all the requirements for Germany study visa, one needs to start with the application process. Therefore, we have created a Germany student visa process with step-by-step information below:

Step 1: Visit the official website to obtain the application form for Germany student visa

Step 2: Fill up the application form and submit the fees for Germany Student Visa

Step 3: Review and examine all the requirements for a German student Visa in detail

Step 4: Set up a visa appointment at the German embassy via their website

Step 5: Prepare for the upcoming interview and pool all the necessary documents

Step 6: Give the interview and wait for the application processing time i.e. 6-12 weeks or the German student visa.

Germany Student Visa Success Rate 2026

There has been a prominent and increasingly high success rate for Germany student visa among Indian students in recent years. Being a non-European citizen it is essential for students coming from any other country in the world to apply for a Germany study visa in order to pursue their education in the country.

The German student visa success rate in the past two years has been accounted for being more than 90% hence, the chances of rejection for it are as low as 10% for Indian or other international students. However, one needs to take the necessary measures to ensure that their Germany student visa gets approved easily without any hassle. It will include fulfilling all the basic requirements, such as academic records, English language proficiency, proof of funds, etc. Kindly check the requirements of score for the English proficiency tests like the IEST requirement for Germany student visa.

Post-Arrival Steps After Getting Germany Student Visa

Many international students are also curious about the further procedure after obtaining a student visa for Germany. Therefore, once you have received your Germany student visa and planned your departure from your home country as well as arrival in Germany there are a few other important matters that one needs to take care of, such as:

• Registering for an address at the local office

• Getting your blocked account by opening a German bank account in the country.

• Obtaining a health insurance plan that needs to be renewed timely manner throughout your stay as an international student.

• Obtaining a student residence permit is very important for students who aim to live in Germany for the long term.

Know about: Post Study Work Visa Germany

Student Residence Permit in Germany for Indian Students

The German student visa is valid for up to 3 months hence, it becomes essential for Indian students to apply for a student residence permit in Germany. The application process for the same should start before the expiry of German study visa. Hence, we have enlisted a checklist as well as the procedure for the Student Residence Permit in Germany below.

• Fill out the application form for the Student Residence Permit on the official website.

• Submit valid passport copies

• Should possess a valid registration address

• Proof of a health insurance plan

• Proof of funds while living in Germany

• Enrollment certificate or acceptance letter from the German university

• Send it to the authorities for verification

• Submit the biometric data and fees of EUR 100

• Receive the Student Residence Permit within a period of 4 to 6 weeks

Also Read: PR in Germany for Indian and International Students

Work Opportunities with Germany Student Visa

Obtaining a German student visa can open a gateway toward new and emerging work-related opportunities for international students. The conversion of a student visa into a student residence permit for a long-term stay will ensure a more legitimate purpose for staying and working in the country. International students will receive Zusatblatt (Green Paper) which serves as an official statement of their residence in Germany.

The working hours for international students in Germany are up to 20 hours per week and they cannot indulge in freelancing or entrepreneurial business activities such as start-ups or self-employment based on a resident permit. However, they can take up part-time jobs to ensure they can finance the cost of living as well as studying in Germany.

Also Read:

• List of Colleges in Germany Offering Financial Aid

• Universities in Germany with No Application Fee

• Proof of Funds for Germany Student Visa