Germany Student Visa Guide 2023 - Process, Requirement, Fees

Germany ranks amongst the best study-abroad destinations in the world. The country is a paradise for the seekers of higher education. Many countries are stepping forward and climbing the ladders regarding global university rankings, amenities, and infrastructure, but Germany outranks them in all disciplines. While the country stands at the pinnacle of excellence, there are various reasons why it is a good idea to study in Germany as an international student.

First, the universities in Germany come to the list of top universities in the world, as ranked by QS World University Rankings. Second, the number of courses offered is high and some of the best in the field. Around 1,000 English-taught courses are offered by over 400 universities and colleges in Germany. This ensures that international students don't have any difficulty adjusting to the country's language and can use one common one while focusing on their academics and new life in Germany well.

In Germany, Indian students comprise the third-largest international student community. This helps other international students connect with these students and feel a familiar sense of home in the county. This also helps them develop several interpersonal relationships that, in turn, help them navigate both personal and professional life well.

Stating the above points provides enough grounds for why Germany is the perfect place to study and is worth the hard work. But, let us look at some additional points to understand the benefits well. Given below are the 5 benefits of studying in Germany. Let’s start, shall we?

Many public and private universities in Germany are among the top-ranked universities in Germany, with excellent rankings in the QS World University Rankings too. The institutes also have veteran faculties with expertise in different subjects or fields of study and great infrastructure. The universities enjoy a good reputation, excellent student satisfaction, employability, and overall excellence. This is also why many students value these institutes, given the country's quality education and pioneer standing.

One of the main reasons why students prefer to study in Germany rather than other countries like the USA, the UK, Canada or Australia is because of the free education at the public universities in the country offered to both domestic and international students. In Germany, the government funds higher education in these public universities and the institute has to abide by the rules set by the authorities, including free education for all. This is why public universities have no or very low tuition fees. Meanwhile, private institutions are free to set their curriculum as well as the fees they wish to charge.

In Germany, the education system is designed to match well with current and modern scientific developments. This is done to prepare students to face challenges and grow professionally while maintaining strong industry connections and influence confidently. Engineering, technology, journalism, art and design courses are among the best in the country. Apart from these, many other courses are famously offered by German institutes renowned for their practical and research-based tutoring. Since universities in Germany are highly regarded, their degrees are also globally recognised and sought-after by employers.

Universities in German are globally famous for the research-intensive courses they offer to their cohorts. While there are many benefits of studying in the country, one major benefit is that universities have various courses with various specialisations in different fields of study. Let’s say you wish to study engineering, but with a minor in creative writing, you can find that at German universities. Due to their emphasis on application, dual degrees are highly well-liked in Germany. German degree programmes can combine occupational training and the usual bachelor's, master's, and state examination options. The universities offer courses suiting every interest.

The cost of living plays a major part in determining where you’ll study and what will fit your budget and what won’t. The cost of living in Germany is affordable compared to other European and Western countries. The majority of the student expenses come in the form of paying rent, utility shopping and eating out. Rent is very high in Germany in major areas and is significant others which is a major factor in the cost of living. But the low cost of other things makes up for it. The cost of activities like transport and food are relatively inexpensive. Additionally, plenty of part-time jobs are available to manage these expenses too. This, in turn, creates a low cost of living for international students in Germany.

 Now that it is a tad bit clear to you what the benefits of studying in Germany are, it is also necessary to know about the types of student visas in Germany. There are three different sorts of student visas:

• The primary student visa in Germany is the Visum Zur Studienzwecken, which is only available to individuals who have been admitted to a university programme.

• A language course visa is available for those accepted into a language-learning programme that lasts three months and a year.

• Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung) is for individuals who haven’t picked their course yet or are still awaiting confirmation of acceptance. 

A German student visa fee is around 75 euros (37.5 euros for children or those under 18). Students are required to pay in local currency. The different payment options depend on your home nation.

To submit a German student visa application, contact the German embassy or consulate in your nation. On the Federal Foreign Office website, which also provides details on the precise paperwork you will require, you may locate the addresses of the German diplomatic missions. Typically, you may obtain the application forms and other essential paperwork from the diplomatic missions' websites.

You may apply for a student visa if you have already been admitted to a higher education facility. Applying for a prospective student visa is advised if you need to pass an entrance exam or are still awaiting your acceptance letter. A prospective student's visa is good for three months, but if they enrol in a foundation course or a German language course within that time or if they are accepted into a higher education school, their visas can be extended by six months.

Germany is a very safe and stable country with a very low crime rate. It is home to stunning landscapes and scenic beauties, starting from the Alps to the Baltic Sea. Having a student visa in Germany can provide various benefits that you might not be aware of.

There are many benefits of a German study visa. A student visa in Germany helps an international student to pursue higher studies in the country and further work there if an exciting opportunity presents itself by extending their stay. The country offers excellent opportunities for skilled professionals, and the German government actively encourages foreign graduates to stay and contribute to its workforce.

For study purposes, the residence permit can be issued for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. If you have yet to receive your degree within this time, you can also request to extend your residence permit. Student visa holders in Germany are permitted to work part-time during their studies, allowing them to support themselves financially and gain valuable work experience. As of my last update in September 2021, students from non-EU countries were allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

After successfully obtaining your degree, you can extend your stay in the country by holding a student visa and applying for a residence permit for job seeking under the German Residence Act. The permit is issued for up to 18 months. This helps you look for jobs and further your stay in Germany. When you get an offer letter from an employer, you can apply to convert your residence permit to a work permit or an EU Blue Card.

Additionally, With a student visa in Germany, Indian and international students gain access to the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. This facilitates easy travel to nearby countries during holidays and breaks, allowing students to explore Europe conveniently.

Germany is a cutting-edge research and innovation hub. International students have the chance to participate in groundbreaking research projects and work with leading experts in their fields. Germany offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. Indian and international students have the opportunity to enrol in highly esteemed universities and benefit from excellent teaching methods and research facilities.

Here are some of the top courses in Germany for international students.

• Medicine and Dentistry

• Law

• Industrial Engineering

• Engineering

• Visual Design 

• Dentistry 

• Psychology

• Mathematics and Computer Science

• Natural Sciences

• Business and Economics

• Architecture

There are many top universities in Germany for international students ranked among the top universities in the world by QS World Rankings. These universities are globally accredited, and their degrees are recognised all over the globe. The table below lists some top German universities and the city they are located in.

 The student visa requirements in Germany are mentioned below.

• Proof of Health Insurance

• Proof of Sufficient Funds

• Academic and Professional Documents

• Proficiency in the English Langauge 

• Health Certificate 

• Proof of Acceptance by the University 

To summarise, Germany, one of the most famous European countries, is a famous study-abroad destination which offers many perks to domestic and international students alike. The country is a melting pot of cultures, attracting students from all over the world. Indian and international students have the chance to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global networking opportunities. Completing higher education in Germany opens up pathways for long-term residency and, eventually, citizenship, subject to meeting certain criteria. This allows students to build a stable and fulfilling future in the country.

Having a student visa in Germany is a stepping stone to a successful and rewarding academic journey and a fulfilling career in Germany or beyond. The benefits are not just limited to the ones mentioned in the blog. There are many more which you’ll discover once you move there. We hope you have decided to study in Germany after this blog! If yes, we wish you luck!

We hope you had an insightful read about the benefits of a student visa in Germany and got useful insights on all the essential types of visas, top courses, universities, requirements, visa fees and why to study in Germany. If you would like to get a deeper insight into how to SOPs are written or how to apply to universities abroad, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad journey. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.