Study In Germany

How to Apply for a German Student VISA

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a German student VISA.

Locate the nearest German Consulate or Embassy in your country.
Indian students can check the https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/studentvisa/2004346 website to see the application requirements and set up a VISA interview.
Set up the VISA appointment at the embassy.
Carry all necessary documents during the VISA interview. Make the VISA application fee payment at the time of the interview.

Before appearing for the VISA interview, you must prepare 2 sets of the following documents.

Important Documents to be Carried During the Student VISA Interview

Types of Student VISA to Study in Germany

There are three types of student visas in Germany

German Student VISA

This is the most important student VISA for international students who have been accepted in one of the German universities for full-time university studies or to apply for a Foundation course.

German Student Applicant VISA

If you want to apply for the university in person, then you may need this VISA. This VISA is only suited for the university application process and doesn’t allow you to study at any university.

It is also known as the Language Course VISA or Language Learning VISA and is designed for individuals who wish to study the German language intensively in Germany. This VISA is available to non-EU/EEA citizens who want to participate in a language course and enter Germany.

APS Process In Germany

APS (Academic Evaluation Centre or Akademische Prüfstelle) is a mandatory certificate that international students should have when applying for or submitting a German VISA application. The purpose of this certificate is to prove a student has submitted genuine documents for the VISA application.

APS is a joint institution between DAAD and the German embassy in Delhi (cultural department). Retrieving an APS certificate here simplifies the VISA process for international students since all eligibility criteria have been met. Students applying for a long-stay student VISA in Germany and graduated from an accredited university are eligible for an APS certificate.

The best time to apply for an APS certificate is in April or September/October. Here are the process steps:

Verify your academic documents via APS.
Create an account on the official website of APS.
All academic and related documents should be submitted either via courier or in person.Ensure all documents are photocopied from the original and translated into English.
Pay the verification fees, INR 18,000, to the APS bank account. At times, additional documents will be enquired.
There will be a 20-minute interview process in either German or English or both. Notification for the same will be shared 10-14 days prior.
Visit your APS account to see the status. The processing time is 3-4 weeks.
If approved, you will receive five copies of the APS certificate via courier. The certificate validity is forever.
Proceed further by applying for a German student VISA.

A set of crucial documents are required to complete your APS process. Based on your study degree, the documents can vary accordingly.

12th	Undergraduate & Graduate Degree
Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago)	Printed and signed application forms with a recent passport-size photo (not more than 6 months ago)
Copy of APS fee transfer receipt	Copy of APS fee transfer receipt
Copy of Aadhar with linked mobile number	Copy of Aadhar with linked mobile number
Copy of Passport	Copy of Passport (1st and last page)
Copy of 10th marks card and certificate	Copy of 10th marks card and certificate
Copy of 12th marks card and certificate. If not available, get a provisional certificate.	Copy of 12th marks card, certificate and admit (if present).
JEE main or advanced results, along with an admit card. (completed 12th with JEE)	Copy of Marksheet of all semesters attended
Copy of TestAS for both core and subject-specific	Copy of Bachelor's degree. If not available, get a provisional certificate (not older than 1 year)
Copy of Language certificate for German/English or both	Copy of TestAS result for core and subject-specific
	Copy of all Master’s degree academic transcripts (if applicable)
	Copy of Language certificate for German/English or both

Types Of German Post-Study VISA

Indian students can apply for a post-study work permit of 18 months to look for a job matching their skills. Here are the type of post-study work visas they can apply for.
Temporary Residence Permit (while seeking a job): This work permit allows university graduates to work part-time or full-time in the country without any additional formalities. Students must apply for this VISA while they are in the university.
Job Seeker VISA: This VISA is more appropriate for students who have returned to their home countries after studies and wish to come to Germany for career opportunities. The VISA is issued for a short time of six months.
Temporary Residence Permit: As soon as the student finds a job corresponding with educational qualifications, they can apply for a temporary residence permit or EU Blue Card.
German Residence Permit: This allows Indian students and other foreign nationals to live in the country for the period indicated in their employment contract. The residence permit can be extended as many times as required.
EU Blue Card: This card allows highly skilled Indian students and other foreign nationals to work in Germany and other EU states. Graduates from STEM or IT fields can apply for this card.
Temporary Residence Permit (self-employment): Any non-EU student who wishes to start a business in Germany after graduation can apply for this VISA.
Permanent Residence Permit: This allows foreign nationals to come and settle in Germany. It allows them to work and live in the country with their families without any restrictions. Students who have held temporary residence permit for at least two years can apply for this permit.