German Student Visas: A Guide for Indian Students [UPDATED]

All Indian students who are preparing themselves to study in Germany, this blog post is for you. All your student visa questions will be answered.

Germany's position among the world’s most robust economies as well as the business hub of Europe ensures that it is a appealing option for Indian students in search of a global career. Famous for its leading position within research and science and technology and home to some of the best automobile companies in the world such as Mercedes Benz and Audi, it truly is particularly popular with those planning to work as engineers.

Its popularity has grown rapidly in recent years due to its signing with the Bologna Process, and a greater propensity to provide courses in English. Here’s what you should know about getting a German student visa.

What type of visa do I need?

This is the very first and most important question you need to ask and it's important that you get the right answer to this question.

If you are going to stay in Germany more than 90 days, you'll require a visa to enter the country – in the case of students, a student visa, or, if you are yet to secure a place at a university, an applicant’s visa would be appropriate. It is important to note that if you want to study in Germany, you should NOT enter with a tourist visa because it cannot be converted into a residence permit once you enter Germany. If the duration of your course is more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a residence permit (before the 90 days runs out). In order to get a residence permit, you as a student must be able to provide a certificate of enrollment at the university which you attend, you'll also need to show proof that you have registered with the authorities (immediately you enter Germany, you must register with the local Aliens Department), you must show valid proof that you have enough money to take care of yourself while living in Germany and finally you should have health insurance.

You will only have to show you have enough money for one year. The estimate amount that is expected of you to have is considered to be €659/month – €7, 908 in total for the whole year (roughly INR 53,192 - 638,311 respectively) The residence permit issued for the purpose of study is valid for a maximum of two years (it can be shorter). It is therefore necessary that you remember the date of expiration and renew it early enough.

How much does it cost?

It is also important to be aware of the cost of applying for a student visa. It currently costs €60 (INR 4,900) to apply for a student visa. How long is the visa process? The process can take between 8 to 12 weeks for a visa to be ready, therefore it is advised that you start your application as soon as possible.

Can I work while I study?

We all know how expensive it can be to study in a foreign country and it can be pretty expensive to live in a rich country like Germany. Therefore, many of you students would want to know if it's possible to work while studying. Since Germany can be an expensive place to reside, full-time international college students are permitted to work for three months (90 working days or 180 half days) each year without any sort of work permit. If you are enrolled on short-term language or preparatory course, you are not permitted to work. If you are studying in Germany under a DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship, you need to first contact DAAD to ask for permission before you can do any paid work while studying.

Can I bring my family along while I study In Germany?

There’s no short step to this question. Your spouse, partner and/or children may be permitted to reside in Germany while a you study, provided particular conditions are met. These conditions include having sufficient funds and living area. Cases are selected on an individual basis in the Germany embassy or consulate with which you’re dealing. You have to discuss your circumstances at length with the consulate or embassy authorities to get a fair idea of where you stand.

Can I work after completing my degree?

If you've earned a degree from Germany you will probably be granted a residence permit for one year, in which you can attempt to secure employment relevant to what you studied. If you successfully find a job before the lapse on this one year time frame, you can then make an application for a residence permit with a work permit out of your local Aliens Department.

What of opportunities to immigrate?

So as to permanently reside in Germany, you need a Settlement Permit or a Permanent Residence Title with permission to work in Germany. You are qualified to immigrate if you have lived in the country on a residence permit for a minimum of five years, have sufficient living space (for yourself along with your family members, if any). You need to also have contributed to the pension insurance fund for a minimum of 60 months and be proficient in German. Take note of the following… • Avoid passing over original documents with your visa application. Certified photocopies undoubtedly are a better option. • It is compulsory for all visa applicants to be personally present at the German Embassy if your application is currently being filed.

Useful contacts

The German Embassy in New Delhi No. 6/50G, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 Postal address: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany P.O. Box 613, New Delhi-110001. Telephone: (0091-11) 44199 199 Fax: (0091-11) 2687 31 17 Web: www.new-delhi.diplo.de

The German Consulate General in Kolkata Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore Kolkata-700 027 Telephone: +91-(0)33-2479 1141/ 1142/ 2150, 2439 8906 Fax: +91-(0)33-2479 3028 Web: www.kalkutta.diplo.de The German Consulate General in Chennai Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany No. 9 Boat Club Road, P.O. Box 3110 RA Puram - Chennai 600 028 Telephone: (+91-44) 2430 1600 Fax : (+91-44) 2434 9293 Fax : (+91-44) 2434 9495 Visa and Consular Section Web: www.chennai.diplo.de The German Consulate General in Bangalore German Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany P.O.Box 5126, Bangalore 560 001 Tel: +91-80-4147 0254, 41470255 Fax: +91-80-4147 0256 Web: www.bangalore.diplo.de The Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Goa Mrs. Cecilia Menezes Honorary Consul of The Federal Republic of Germany Cosme Matias Menezes Ltd., Rua de Qurem Panjim, Goa 403 001 Telephone: (0091) 0832 2235526 Fax: (0091) 0832 2223441 Mail: goa@hk-diplo.de