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Germany Student Visa Checklist in 2025

Germany Student Visa Checklist in 2025

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Jan 23, 2025 05:17 PM IST

Students are required to prepare documents as per the German Student Visa Checklist 2025 before registering for the visa with the German Embassy or Consulate. Germany is one of the popular countries for higher education abroad with remarkably 4,69,485 international students ending 2024. Hence, a rising need to be aware of the checklist of the required documents to apply for a German student visa in 2025 that is essential to study in Germany. With a high success rate of 90 to 95%, candidates who comply with the visa requirements in Germany are easily granted a Germany student visa. The German student visa success rate solely depends on the proper submission of documents and their verification.

This Story also Contains
  1. What Type of German Study Permit is Required?
  2. Documents Required to Apply for Germany Student Visa
  3. How to Apply For A German Student Visa in 2025
Germany Student Visa Checklist in 2025
Germany Student Visa Checklist in 2025

The German study permit requirements vary as per your nationality. Generally, the basic documents for a German student visa include an admission letter, financial proof, health insurance, language proficiency certificates, and others. We have tried to summarize the checklist for a German student visa 2025 to provide prospective students with a clear idea about what to prepare. The article includes what type of German study visa you might need, relevant documents, proof of fund requirements, and other aspects. Give this article a read to begin the visa application process for Germany after understanding the requirements.

Read More: Germany Hits Record High with 380k International Student Enrollment

What Type of German Study Permit is Required?

If the course of study is completed in less than 90 days, a short term German study permit (Schengen visa) is required for Indian students. On the other hand, a German national visa including a residence permit is required for course studies of more than 90 days. Generally, students apply majorly for UG and PG degrees in Germany. Hence, Indian students are required to apply for a national student visa in Germany to stay and study at a German university. Check the different types of student visa in Germany below for a clearer understanding:

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  • Schengen Visa: Also known as C visa for short courses in Germany.

  • National Visa: Also known as Dvisa for long term university courses in Germany.

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Documents Required to Apply for Germany Student Visa

The checklist of the required documents to apply for a German student visa is mentioned below for prospective students. Students must note that they are required to prepare two complete sets of visa documents to apply for a German study permit from India.

Germany Student Visa Checklist 2025

Documents Requirement

Details

Visa Application Documents

Here is the application document checklist for the German student visa 2025 for perspectives students:

  • Complete national visa application form

  • Valid passport (Validity of at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in Germany)

  • Birth certificate

  • Passport size photographs

  • Anu previous German residence proof

  • Application supplement documents such as LOR, SOP, resume, etc.

Proof of Funds for Germany

One of the mandatory requirements of a German student visa is demonstrating enough funds to study and stay in Germany. Some of the different ways to show proof of funds for a German student visa 2025 include:


  • Adding funds to German blocked account

  • Parent’s finances

  • Scholarships

  • Bank guarantee

  • PR in Germany


Germany Student Visa Latest News

One of the most popular means for proof of financial means in Germany is a blocked account. There is the latest update on funds requirements in Germany effective for 2025. Now the proof of funds requirement is EUR 11,904 raised from EUR 11,208 for international students. This indicates a 6% increase in financial requirements.

Proof of Admission/Visit

One of the key German student visa checklists is providing proof of enrollment for a study program in Germany to the concerned authorities. One can provide one of the following:


  • Confirmation of admission (Zulassungsbescheid)

  • Confirmation of admission in a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg)

  • Conditional admission (Bedingter Zulassungsbescheid)

  • Confirmation of enrollment in a long-term intensive language course

Academic Requirements

It includes the certificates and documents earned from the previous course of studies. An APS certificate is always mandatory along with the official academic transcripts. A few of the official academic documents for eligibility include:

  • Original school-leaving certificate

  • High school diplomas

  • Degree certificates

  • Equivalent qualifications

Health Insurance

Obtaining health insurance in Germany is a major requirement for international students seeking a national visa. Students must present valid insurance documents to the immigration authorities as it is a mandatory Germany student visa checklist in 2025.

Language Proficiency Certificates

International students must provide a language proficiency certificate in the language of instruction for their chosen study program. So, here are the language requirements for a German study permit:


  • English language courses in Germany: Generally, candidates are required to achieve IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or its equivalent.

  • German language courses in Germany: Generally, candidates are required to demonstrate a minimum of B2 level German proficiency.

Proof of Visa Processing Fee

Students are required to provide a receipt or a demand draft of the German student visa fee payment. The standard cost of a Germany Student Visa is EUR 75. The residence permit which is required on arrival in Germany costs EUR 110.

Also Read: Best Student Cities in Germany for International Students

How to Apply For A German Student Visa in 2025

Students must prepare the documents as per the Germany student visa checklist 2025 mentioned above. After gathering the relevant documents, candidates are required to apply for the visa. Here are the German Visa application steps for Indian students:

  • Search for the closest German embassy or consulate

  • Check the requirements and procedures to apply for the study permit

  • Schedule a visa appointment on India’s German embassy website.

  • Submit the required documents and application form.

  • Pay the non refundable German student visa application fee

  • Appear for the interview

  • Wait for the official German student visa decision on your visa status

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the documents required for a German student visa?

A set of documents must be provided to German immigration to apply for a Germany student visa including a valid passport, photographs, admission letter, financial proof certificates, language proficiency certificates, and more.

2. How much bank balance is required for a Germany student visa?

As per the latest news on Germany student visas, the bank balance required to apply for a study permit is EUR 11,904 raised from EUR 11,208 for international students.

3. Is 5 year gap accepted in Germany?

Whether or not a 5 year gap is acceptable in Germany depends on the course level. The universities in Germany often accept 1 to 2 years of study gap for bachelor courses whereas a gap of up to 5 years is acceptable for master courses. 

4. What is the rejection rate for German visa?

The rejection rate for German visa is quite low at 5 to 10%. Hence, candidates complying with the German study visa requirements often get the visa easily.

5. Is SOP required for Germany student visa?

Yes, a SOP (statement of purpose) is generally required for applying for a German student visa in 2025.

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello,

yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.

Hello,

It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.

You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.

It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.

Hope it helps !

Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.


Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:


1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.

2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.

3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.


To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:


1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.

2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.

3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.


It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.

Hello!

You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.


Key Points to Consider:

1. German University Admission Requirements:

German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.

All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.


2. APS Certification:

As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.


3. Recognition of Online Degrees:

Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.


Recommendations:

You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.

Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.


Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.

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