New German Student Visa Process: Online Portal at digital.diplo.de for Applications

New German Student Visa Process: Online Portal at digital.diplo.de for Applications

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on May 09, 2025 09:08 AM IST

Germany student visa process has just changed for international students from a quite lengthy process to a simplified version involving complete online application submission. The new German visa process was introduced effective from 17th February 2025 through a new Consular Services Portal, an online student visa application portal (digital.diplo.de). Indian students and other international students from over 167 countries in the world can easily apply for a German student visa 2025 through this portal with less processing time. The new online student visa application portal was introduced to simplify the German student visa process. This change addresses the significant delays that international applicants have faced, with German student visa processing times previously taking up to six months last year. As a result, many students missed their winter intake and hereby they have to start again for the summer semester.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is New Germany Student Visa Process?
  2. How Germany Online Visa Portal Works For Student Visa Processing?
  3. Germany Student Visa 2025 Process: Key Highlights
  4. How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa 2025
  5. Steps to Follow After Successfully Applying At Germany Online Visa Portal
New German Student Visa Process: Online Portal at digital.diplo.de for Applications
New German Student Visa Process: Online Portal at digital.diplo.de for Applications

The German foreign ministry then launched the new Consular Services Portal at digital.diplo.de to simplify and speed up the entire German study visa application process for international students. With the new portal, foreign students applying for German student visas can get it approved within the timeframe and avoid the hassle of physical paperwork and the existing waitlist system.

We have mentioned the complete step-by-step guide on the changes to Germany’s student visa processing in this article. Students have a smooth and simple application experience through the new German study visa process from India to Germany. Read further to understand how to apply for Germany student visa through a new online portal.

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What is New Germany Student Visa Process?

German immigration has offered a new Consular Services Portal for simplified student visa application processing for international students. This new website offers a completely digital application process that is not only limited to German student visas but also covers 28 other national visa categories as well, such as work permits. Students who are currently studying in Germany can also access this online portal at digital.diplo.de for post study work permit applications in Germany.

Germany launches online visa portal for students to attract skilled professionals and students across countries ensuring more efficiency and discontinuing the German waitlist system. The main aim is to offer faster application processing, reducing unnecessary delays and physical documentation.

How Germany Online Visa Portal Works For Student Visa Processing?

Germany launches online visa portal for international students, including Indians. This online portal allows Indian applicants to fill out applications and submit documents digitally at digital.diplo.de. It removes the need for physical paperwork and the existing waitlist system. Once the application and documents for German student visa are submitted, the concerned authorities review the application, and approved candidates receive a notification from the VFS centre to schedule a biometric data collection and document verification appointment. On right confirmation about the credibility of the application and documents, you will then get the German student visa successfully.

Germany Student Visa 2025 Process: Key Highlights

The previous German student visa process has been revamped, effective from 17th February 2025. Here are the main highlights of the changes introduced as a part of new study visa application processing,

  • Online: The entire German study visa process is now online which was previously offline.

  • Digital Visa Document Submission: Students can easily apply and submit documents online at Consular Services Portal (CSP).

  • No Physical Paperwork: There are no physical paperwork requirements for German study visa applications.

  • Speedy Processing: New Germany student visa process for Indian students aims for faster visa application processing.

  • Waitlist System Discontinued: The existing waitlist system for visa appointments is discontinued with new Germany student visa process from India.

Read More:

How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa 2025

To apply for a German student visa in 2025 online, students can follow the below mentioned steps and navigate through the application process.

New Germany Student Visa Process for Indian Students

  • STEP 1: Visit digital.diplo.de (Consular Services Portal). Click on ‘Visa’.

Screenshot%20from%202025-04-15%2016-41-58

  • STEP 2: On the redirected page, choose ‘Study Purposes and Seeking a University Place’.

Screenshot%20from%202025-04-15%2016-18-20

  • STEP 3: Select the country ‘India’ (Country of application). Then, click on 'Apply Online Now'. You will be directed to the online portal page.

Screenshot%20from%202025-04-15%2016-21-52

  • STEP 4: Register on the Consular Services Portal with a valid email. Then fill out the application form with the required information. This part of the German student visa application generally includes personal and educational information of the applicant.

  • STEP 5: Upload necessary documents such as passport, university acceptance letter, financial documents, academic transcripts, etc.

Screenshot%20from%202025-04-15%2016-28-13

  • STEP 6: Submit an application to apply for the German student visa

Steps to Follow After Successfully Applying At Germany Online Visa Portal

After successfully submitting the application digitally at digital.diplo.de, international students will receive a notification to book an appointment at a nearby VFS centre for document verification and biometrics.

Students should visit the designated German mission to attend the interview, provide their biometric information and get documents verified. Then, students can access their accounts on the Consular Services Portal to track their Germany student visa process status and updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to get a student visa in Germany 2025?

As per the new German student visa processing online through the Consular Services Portal, it can take up to 1 to 2 months to verify the documents and process visa applications for international students.

2. What are the new rules for international students in Germany 2025?

The old way of German student visa application is completely revamped and new online application system is introduced for international students applying for a student visa in Germany. New rules for international students is to apply through the Consular Services Portal digitally.  

3. How do I fill my German visa application online?

To fill out German visa application online, students need to create an account on the Consular Services Portal, fill the application with accurate information there, and submit relevant documents.

4. What is the success rate of German student visa 2025?

The success rate of a German student visa 2025 for international students is approximately 92% to 95%. This shows high approval chances for the study visa in Germany. 

5. How to know if a German student visa is approved?

Upon approval of the student visa, applicants are notified on their registered email. They can then book an interview with the nearest VFS centre for biometrics and document verification.

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2. LMU (Munich) – Medicine, Humanities

3. Heidelberg University – Medicine, Life Sciences

4. Humboldt University (Berlin) – Humanities, Social Sciences

5. KIT (Karlsruhe) – Engineering, Natural Sciences

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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.

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