Germany Student Visa Guide 2026
Everything Indian students need for the German national (D) visa — blocked account, APS certificate, fees, documents, and what happens after you graduate.
German Visa & Permit Types for Students
National (D) Student Visa
The main long-stay visa for full-time degree courses at German universities
- University admission letter
- Blocked account (EUR 11,904/year)
- APS certificate (India)
- Health insurance
- Language proficiency proof
Student Applicant Visa
For entering Germany to complete admission steps, entrance exams, or interviews
- Proof of university contact/application
- Blocked account funds
- Health insurance
- Converted to a student permit after admission
Language Course Visa
For intensive German language courses (18+ hours per week)
- Course enrollment confirmation
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- Usually cannot be switched to a study permit — plan ahead
18-Month Post-Study Residence Permit
Applied for in Germany after graduation, to search for a job matching your degree
- German university degree
- Valid residence at time of application
- Proof of funds & health insurance
- Switch to work permit / EU Blue Card once hired
Student Visa Application Process
Secure Admission & APS Certificate
Get your admission (or conditional admission) letter from a German university. Indian applicants must also hold an APS certificate (Rs 18,000, 3-4 weeks standard processing) — apply for APS early, before or alongside your university applications.
Open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
Deposit EUR 11,904 (as of 2025-26) in a German blocked account as proof of funds for one year. After arrival you can withdraw EUR 992 per month. A scholarship award or formal sponsorship declaration can replace the blocked account.
Arrange Health Insurance
Organize German health insurance — statutory student insurance costs roughly EUR 110-130 per month. You may also need travel cover for the period between arrival and university enrollment.
Book Your Visa Appointment
Book an appointment at the German Mission or VFS Global centre responsible for your region in India. Slots fill quickly before the October intake, so book as soon as your documents are ready.
Submit Documents & Biometrics
Attend your appointment with the completed national visa application, all supporting documents, and the EUR 75 fee (paid in INR, non-refundable). Your biometrics are captured and some applicants are interviewed.
Decision, Travel & Registration
Processing typically takes several weeks. After arriving in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung), enroll at your university, and convert your visa into a student residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Valid for your stay, with blank pages
Admission Letter
From a recognized German university
APS Certificate
Mandatory verification for Indian applicants
Blocked Account Confirmation
EUR 11,904 for one year (as of 2025-26)
Health Insurance Proof
Statutory or approved private cover
Language Certificate
IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH, per your program
Academic Documents
Transcripts, degree/12th certificates
Motivation Letter & CV
Requested by some missions and programs
Visa Costs Breakdown
Figures as of 2025-26 — always confirm current fees on the official German Mission (germany.diplo.de) and VFS Global websites before applying.
Good to Know Before You Apply
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)
A blocked account is a special German bank account that proves you can fund your first year. The 2025-26 reference amount is EUR 11,904, released to you at EUR 992 per month after arrival. Open it with an approved provider only after receiving admission, and always confirm the current amount on the German Mission's website — it is adjusted periodically.
APS Certificate for Indian Students
Since November 2022, Indian students need an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying for a German student visa. It verifies the authenticity of your academic documents, costs Rs 18,000, and standard processing takes 3-4 weeks — up to 3 months in peak season. The certificate has no expiry date, so apply as early as possible.
After You Graduate
German university graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for a job related to their degree — and you may take up any work to support yourself while searching. Once you sign a qualified job contract, you can switch to a German work residence permit or the EU Blue Card, a common path to long-term settlement.
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