Ambitious students typically go to the heart of Europe in search of a good education. Germany has become a top tourist destination because of its world-class schools, cutting-edge research facilities, and the fact that public colleges don’t charge tuition or very little. If you’re planning your trip in 2026, it’s just as important to know how to get around as it is to get an admission letter. The student visa germany from india The process is well-organised and clear, yet it requires rigorous compliance with certain deadlines and documentation standards.
We at Immi Talks know that dealing with international bureaucracy can be hard. This guide is a complete manual for Indian students who want to move from their local schools to a German university. We help you focus on what really matters: your future job and personal progress by breaking down the criteria into smaller, more doable steps.
The Basis: German National Visa (Type D)
If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days to get a degree, you need to apply for a German national visa, also called a Type D visa. The National Visa is the only way for people who want to live in a country for a long time for educational reasons. This is different from a short-term Schengen visa. It lets you into the nation and sets up the first legal framework until you get your official residence permit after you get to Germany.
Making the Right Choice
There are usually two types of student visas for Germany, depending on your existing situation.
1. Visa for Students: For people who have previously gotten an acceptance letter without conditions.
2. Visa for Student Applicants: For anyone who need to be in Germany to take the entrance exam (Studienkolleg) or have an interview before they can finally get in.
The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) is a required part of the process.
The academic evaluation centre (APS) now has to check all student visa applications in India. This is a big change that has happened in the last few years. You have to have APS India check that your Indian academic credentials, such your 10th, 12th and Bachelor’s certifications, are real before you can even make an appointment for a visa.
- Process: Register on the APS India portal, pay the visa fee equivalent (approximately ₹18,000), and courier your physical documents to their New Delhi office.
- Outcome: You receive a digital APS certificate. This document is a prerequisite for both your university application and your german study visa submission.
The Blocked Account: Financial Security
Germany makes sure that every overseas student gets enough money to live comfortably without having to worry about finding a job right away. A barred account (Sperrkonto) is the best way to prove this.
For the school year 2026, the required budget is €11,904 per year. You put this money into a special account, and it stays “blocked” until you get to Germany. You can take out exactly €992 a month to pay for rent, food, and other living costs once you get there.
Providers You Can Trust
Most Indian students select digital providers like Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle because they handle accounts quickly, typically opening them in less than 24 hours. For Indian applicants, this financial stage is one of the most important parts of the requirements for a student visa in Germany.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Student Visa
There are a lot of steps you need to take in real life and online to get your visa. This is how you get around it:
1. Gather Required Documents
The german embassy or consulate requires two identical sets of documents. Do not staple them; use paper clips.
- Valid Passport (issued within the last 10 years).
- Printed and signed application form from the Videx portal.
- University admission letter.
- APS Certificate.
- Proof of blocked account confirmation.
- German health insurance (Travel insurance is usually sufficient for the visa, but you must switch to statutory or private German insurance upon arrival).
2. Make an Appointment
VFS Global handles appointments in key cities across India. Because there will be a lot of demand in 2026, you should book your spot at least three to four months before your semester starts.
3. Go to the Visa Interview
During the visa interview, an officer will ask you a few questions to see if you really want to study. You should be ready to answer questions about why you choose a certain course, what you want to do with your life after that, and how you plan to pay for your stay. It’s important to be confident and consistent with your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
The Residence Permit: Life After Arrival
Usually, your entry visa is good for three to six months. When you get to your city, you need to do two important things:
- City Registration (Anmeldung): Register your address at the local Citizens’ Office (Bürgeramt).
- Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel): Apply for a formal residence permit at the Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). This permit is usually granted for one or two years and is renewable as long as you maintain your student status.
The Benefits of Immi Talks
You don’t have to fulfil the student visa Germany from India requirements all by yourself. Our team of skilled consultants at Immi Talks makes personalised checklists and interview coaching that are specific to the 2026 landscape. We help you prevent mistakes that could cause delays, such choosing the wrong sort of insurance or not having the right paperwork.
Summary of 2026 Financial Figures
| Item | Amount (2026) | Notes |
| APS Fee | ₹18,000 | Non-refundable verification fee |
| Blocked Account | €11,904 | €992 monthly withdrawal |
| Health Insurance | €120 – €130 | Monthly statutory student rate |
| Visa Fee | €75 | Paid in INR at the VFS center |
FAQs
Starting in 2026, the German government will need a total payment of €11,904 for a one-year student visa for people from India. This amount makes sure you get €992 a month to live on. Some providers might need a little buffer for changes in the exchange rate.
Yes, practically all Indian students who want to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Germany need an academic evaluation centre (APS) certificate. Ph.D. students and others on some short-term exchange programs may not have to follow these rules, but it’s always advisable to check with the relevant German university’s regulations.
The success rate is still very high, usually over 95%, as long as all the requisite paperwork are real and the proof of funds is complete. People frequently get turned down because they have fake documents, they don’t choose courses that make sense from an intellectual point of view, or they can’t answer simple questions during the visa interview.
The visa procedure usually takes 4 to 12 weeks after you make an appointment at the VFS India student visa application centre. But you should start the whole process at least six months in advance, taking into account the four weeks it takes to verify your APS and the time it takes to get into a university.
Yes, if you have a German national visa for studies, you can work part-time. You can work 140 full days or 280 half days each year. This is an excellent option for international students to get work experience in the area and make extra money each month.
A “Incoming” or travel health insurance policy that covers at least €30,000 is all you need to apply for your first student visa in India. But to get your long-term residency permit, you must switch to a German health insurance plan (Statutory/Public like TK or AOK, or a certified private plan) once you get there and sign up.
If your study visa for Germany is turned down, you will get a letter explaining why. You have one month to “Remonstrate” (appeal). You can also fix the mistakes (such not having enough money or missing documents) and send in a new student visa application.
