Visa Requirements

Student interested to take up full time study in Germany are required to apply for a student visa. It is initially granted for a period of three months. It has to be extended by the authorities in Germany within three months of your stay in Germany. Extension is given for one year at a time till the end of the course. All International students must leave Germany on completion of the course of study.

Students have to fulfill the following requirements before being granted a student visa. Submit the following documents:

• Completed Visa Application Form
• Photographs
• Visa Application Fee
• Evidence of Admission
• Proof of Adequate Financial Resources
• Health Certificate

The visa is issued when the student is assessed to be a genuine student, who intends to undertake further studies in Germany, abide by visa conditions, and depart on completion of the course. The student should convince the visa officer that his German language skills are adequate for the course he/she is undertaking. That the course is relevant to his/her current academic / professional status. That he/she will comply with visa conditions and leave Germany after completion of the course.

Processing of the visa can take up to eight weeks.

Registration:

As soon as you have received notification of admission from the International Office and taken the language test, you can register as a student at the respective institution of higher education (you will be given a registration number. The notification of admission also tells you by when you should register. Please note that the deadlines are often short-term and that you usually have to appear in person! Registration takes place at the Registrar's or Admissions Office. The procedures differ from one institution to another, so get hold of a copy of the information leaflet from the Registrar's Office well in advance. This will tell you which documents you have to bring with you. Certificates, usually the originals with certified translations. In any case, apart from the notification of admission, you will have to produce a health insurance certificate unless you fall into one of the exceptional categories exempt from compulsory insurance cover.

Public (state-maintained) universities in Germany do not generally charge tuition fees. Some Master's programs and the additional fees charged by some of the federal states are exceptions to this rule. Additionally, you will be required to pay a minimal social contribution which can extend 50 Euros depending on the institution, which will entitle you to a student identity card, a course record book (at universities), and several registration certificates. By registering and paying the social contribution at some institutions you become entitled to a so-called "Semester Ticket" which allows you to use public transport during the semester free of charge. The charge for the social contribution is increased accordingly. Now you are a certified student in Germany. The student identity card is usually a computer print-out, although some institutions have introduced an identity card (similar to a credit card) so that certain administrative procedures, such as registration renewal, course registration and library lending, merely involve inserting the card into a machine. You need the registration certificates when applying for student accommodation or for obtaining reduced-price fares from the transport companies.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should apply for the visa in person at least 3 months prior to departure. The visa processing may take 4 - 12 weeks.

Required documents:

• Application form
• Passport
• 2 photographs
• Demand draft for visa fees
• Letter of Admission
• Mark sheets and certificates
• Proof of English Language proficiency
• Proof of financial means
• Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted

Please Note Applicants are requested to prepare 2 sets of the above mentioned documents along with their photocopies. Additional documents may have to be presented, if required.

Application Form for a Student Visa

The form then needs to be saved and printed and finally signed by the applicant to be submitted along with the other required documents.

Passport and Photograph
Passport

The passport should have a minimum validity of 12 months. Please note: Passports containing illegible data will not be accepted.

Photograph

The photograph must be 35 mm X 45 mm in size with the face covering about three quarters of the area of the photograph. The background of the photograph should be light in color.

Letter of Admission

Applicants are required to submit the original and an A4 sized copy of the letter of admission from the German University.

Mark sheets and Certificates

Applicants are requested to submit the original and A4 sized copies of their mark sheets and degree certificates. Only course completion certificates are not sufficient.

Proof of English Language proficiency

Applicants are required to submit the original and A4 sized copies of proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Proof of Financial Means

Applicants are required to submit the following documents to prove that they can bear their financial expenses during the entire period of study in Germany:

• Confirmation of Scholarship or stipend received by them
• Formal letter of sponsorship from a sponsor living in Germany ("Verpflichtungserkl�rung" according to Article 68 of the German Residence Act)

A students blocked account ("Sperrkonto") in Germany in the name of the applicant showing a minimum balance of Euro 7.908,- and the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of EURO 659,- (please note if your balance is not fulfilling the mentioned conditions your application can not be processed)

For information with regard to the procedure of opening a blocked account in Germany please contact a bank in Germany or an international bank of your choice. It is highly recommended that the money transfer is made by international bank transfer. Do not send bank drafts, money orders or cheques to open the blocked-account.

• Confirmation of an annually renewable bank guarantee from a bank in Germany to the tune of € 7,908.

Declaration of Authenticity

A Declaration of Authenticity is required to be signed by the applicant as a guarantee that all information and documents provided by the applicant are genuine. Knowingly providing false information may result in the applicant being denied a visa or being deported from Germany, should a visa already have been issued.

Application Deadlines:

Two dates you should mark red in your calendar: January 15th and July 15th. If you wish to begin your studies in the winter semester (October) the submission period is from the beginning of June to 15th July. If you rather prefer to start your studies in the summer semester (April) the submission period is from the beginning of December to 15th January.

Documents Required:

• Two Visa Application Forms (please make sure that both forms are duly filled out and signed indicating especially the address of your future residence in Germany - (question 15) as well as your complete address including telephone No. and E-Mail-address in India).
• Signed Declaration on True and Complete Information
• Three passport pictures according to biometric specifications
• Visa fee to be paid through Demand Draft made out to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in New Delhi
• Valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months along with two copies of all printed pages
• Cover letter from applicant, explaining the exact purpose and duration of your stay in Germany

Letter of admission from the German University

• Proof that study fees have been paid, if applicable. In case the fees are not paid or due yet, proof has to be provided that the necessary amount will be at the applicant's disposal in due course of time
• School Leaving Certificate of Secondary School
• University Certificates (Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets)
• Proof of Language Proficiency (TOEFL / IELTS, original and A 4 sized copy). Exemptions do apply in case of a written confirmation from the University that this requirement may be waived, for applicants for PhD / Doctorate studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Holders.
• Proof of accommodation is required in order to fill the same in visa form & to attach in the file.

Proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your studies by any of the following means:

• Confirmation of scholarship/ Stipend
• Formal sponsorship letter from a sponsor living in Germany (Verpflichtungserkl�rung according to Article 68 German Residence Act)
• Blocked account (Sperrkonto) in Germany in the name of the applicant showing a minimum balance of Euro 7905, & the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of Euro 659.
• For information with regard to the procedure of opening a blocked account in Germany please contact a bank in Germany or an international bank of your choice.
• Confirmation of an annually renewable bank guarantee from a bank in Germany in the amount of Euro 7905 It is highly recommended that that the money transfer is made by international bank transfer. Do not send bank demand drafts, money orders or cheque to open the block account. From the moment of entering the Federal Republic of Germany you are upon request required to provide proof of a valid Health Insurance. This may be done through a regular Travel Health Insurance bought in India.

However, as soon as you formally register & enroll with the German University & begin your studies a regular Travel Health Insurance loses its validity. You are required to get a valid Health insurance from a German Insurance provider. equired to provide proof of a valid Health Insurance. This may be done through a regular Travel Health Insurance bought in India.

The German Embassy reserves the right to ask for additional documents!
Important Facts to remember during file submitting:

• All the documents mentioned above should be in A4 size only & should be translated in English Language.
• All applicants have to personally sign Declaration 55 and Travel Health Insurance Notice.
• Please remember to take the courier charges of Rs.1500 from the student if they would like us to courier the blocked account details to Germany.
• 2 sets of documents are required.
• Personal appearance at German embassy is mandatory for all applicants.

Link to check VISA Fee-http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/visafees.aspx

Link to check VISA Fee-www.new-delhi.diplo.de

Processing Time- Approx. 45-60 days

Important information

• Student has to show the confirmation of fee receipt, after the payment of tuition fees.
• But in case there is a less fee & that student has to pay after arrival in Germany, then in that case student has to show Saving Account statement showing the sufficient balance that student is able to pay his tuition fees.

Also student has to show the income proof of his earning family member like parents, & it should include salary account statement or salary slips, etc. - (It is required as embassy ask from where you will going to bear your next year living expenses so student can show this that his family is earning this much that they can support him for further studies & for further living)

• Sponsorship letter is also required from parents.
• Any third party can also sponsor so, in that case income proof of third party, sponsorship letter from third party & relationship proof will be required.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Resident Permit / Visa

Citizens of European Union, Australia, Canada, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland & USA do not need a Visa to study & are totally exempted. All other nationals (contact the nearest German Embassy for rules & restrictions) need one of the following Visas issued in the home country or the nearest German mission to pursue education in Germany.

Language course visa

Valid only for the duration of the language course exclusively. This visa cannot be converted into a student visa.

Study applicant Visa

This Visa is valid for 3 month period. After enrolling at the University, this visa must be converted into Resident Permit for study purposes at the Local Foreigners Office (Ausl�nder Beh�rde).

Resident Permit

Generally a Resident Permit for study purposes is issued upon enrollment & admission to a University for duration of 1 year & extendable based on the proof of financial support for the duration of study.

Steps to apply for a Visa

• - Valid Passport
• - Biometric photos
• - Admission letter to University in Germany
• - Proof of previous academic performance
• - Proof of Financial support for the duration of study
• - Medical fitness certificate
• - Some other documents may also be needed in a case to case & country to country basis

Local German Embassy can provide checklist or detailed info on the Visa application process. The Visa application is to be submitted to the local German Embassy or Consulate & this process may sometime take longer than 6 weeks. So apply as early as possible.

SEARCH

STUDY ABROAD GERMANY

1. HOMEPAGE
2. STUDY ABROAD GERMANY

Studying in Germany
Click on the Tabs Below for Detailed Information:

• WHY GERMANY?
• COST
• FINANCING STUDIES
• LIVING IN GERMANY
• EDUCATION SYSTEM
• VISA REQUIREMENTS
• APPLICATION PROCESS
• PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Resident Permit / Visa

Citizens of European Union, Australia, Canada, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland & USA do not need a Visa to study & are totally exempted. All other nationals (contact the nearest German Embassy for rules & restrictions) need one of the following Visas issued in the home country or the nearest German mission to pursue education in Germany

Language course visa

Valid only for the duration of the language course exclusively. This visa cannot be converted into a student visa.

Study applicant Visa

This Visa is valid for 3 month period. After enrolling at the University, this visa must be converted into Resident Permit for study purposes at the Local Foreigners Office (Ausl�nder Beh�rde).

Generally a Resident Permit for study purposes is issued upon enrollment & admission to a University for duration of 1 year & extendable based on the proof of financial support for the duration of study.

Steps to apply for a Visa

• - Valid Passport
• - Biometric photos
• - Admission letter to University in Germany
• - Proof of previous academic performance
• - Proof of Financial support for the duration of study
• - Medical fitness certificate
• - Some other documents may also be needed in a case to case & country to country basis

Local German Embassy can provide checklist or detailed info on the Visa application process. The Visa application is to be submitted to the local German Embassy or Consulate & this process may sometime take longer than 6 weeks. So apply as early as possible.

Housing

A major part of the expenditure incurred depends largely on the cost of accommodation. Statistically Germans spend 1/3 of their income towards accommodation. It is highly recommended to take up accommodation in the student hostels. Looking for private accommodation should be the last choice at least during the initial days.

Depending on the city, location, size of room, services provided rental in University hostels vary from 150 Euro to 250. Approach the Studentenwerk to know more. Generally the hostels provide a private room with shared kitchen (equipped with multiple electric stoves, Refrigerator, Freezer, Electric Oven, Cupboards, dining table with chairs etc), bath & toilet. The rooms are equipped with at least

• A cot with bed
• A small wardrobe,
• Closet,
• Study table with lamp & a chair,
• Electrical sockets,
• Room heaters,
• Big windows &
• Personal keys to access the hostel building/ room
• Internet/ Telephone connection may or may not be available depending on the services provided

Advantages with hostels

• Close to University
• Rules are not complex to follow

Disadvantages with Private accommodation

• For a furnished accommodation, rent is high
• For an unfurnished apartment, setting up all furniture such as for kitchen etc is a daunting task.You have to bother about disposing the furniture when you plan to shift or move out
• For short duration, rent will tend to be high
• Plenty of written & unwritten rules to follow
• Difficult to search & convince the owner to rent it to you

Some Universities provide assistance in searching private accommodation to incoming international students. In such scenarios, it depends & varies on a case to case basis & the very same disadvantage could turn out to be an advantage.

Home search companies could charge more than 3 months rental as brokerage. For self-search the following websites are useful

www.wg-gesucht.de
www.immobilienscout24.de
Home Search Company:
homeconsultancy@googlemail.com

Work Permit

Students are allowed to work during study. Non-European citizens or citizens of the new EU member states are however allowed to work on 180 half working days or 90 full working days without even applying for a work permit. Some states have laws allowing to work only during summer vacations. However some other states allow working up to 20 hours a week even during the semester. In fact in some cities work inside the University is unrestricted as long as it does not impact studies. Mandatory Internship, Project work or Thesis work are excluded from the work restrictions or work permit necessity.

After completion of study at the university, foreign student is allowed to stay up to 1 year in order to apply for jobs. Upon receiving a Letter of Interest or Work contract one may apply for a Work Permit at the Local Employment Office. Issuance of a work permit may take around 4 to 6 weeks.