Germany Student Visa (National Visa for Studies) for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 6–12 weeks
- Government fee
- about $87
- Start preparing
- about 7 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 9
- Need an apostille
- 1 document
- Need a translation
- 1 document
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 6–12 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
National visa (Type D) for admitted students. Requires university admission, an APS certificate (mandatory for Indian applicants), and a blocked account of €11,904 covering one year of living costs (€992/month released after arrival). Official processing guidance: 6–8 weeks.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Germany Student Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $13,800 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $87. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- University admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid)Unconditional admission from a recognised German university, or conditional admission plus Studienkolleg.
- Open a blocked account (~€11,904/year)Covers one year of living costs at about €11,904; confirmation letter required for the visa file.
- Academic transcripts & certificates (APS if required)The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian applicants since 2022.
- Language proof (German B1/B2 or IELTS/TOEFL)Which proof is needed depends on the program's language of instruction.
- Valid passport + biometric photosRecent 35×45 mm photos and a passport valid for the study period start.
- Travel health insurance until enrollmentIncoming insurance until statutory student insurance starts.
- Submit VIDEX application & book appointmentCombines the VIDEX form with an appointment.
- Attend appointment & submit biometricsBring originals and copies, and pay the fee.
- Register address & enroll at universityAnmeldung, then matriculation with your admission letter and insurance proof.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Student Visa (National Visa for Studies) takes about 7 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Germany Student Visa (National Visa for Studies) take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 6–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Student Visa (National Visa for Studies) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $87. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Student Visa (National Visa for Studies)?
- No. The Student Visa (National Visa for Studies) does not require a job offer from a Germany employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Student Visa (National Visa for Studies)?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other Germany visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Germany visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.