Must read for those who want to study in Germany
Want to study in Germany? Well, then you should know that you may not be required to have a German student visa but rather a residence permit. Yes! To study in Germany, some students need a visa while others need a residence permit. And, to know in which category you fall, read this blog where we have listed the points that will tell you whether or not you need a visa.
Applicants within the European Union (including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein):
If you are somebody from within the EU (including Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein), you will not need to obtain the German student visa before entering the country.
Applicants from the US, Canada, Australia, Israel, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand:
Students from the above mentioned countries also don’t need a visa to study in Germany, however, they need to register at the local Residents’ Registration Office and the Aliens’ Registration Office for residence permit. Also, what is important is that the students have to get this done within two weeks of arrival in the country.
Applicants from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Taiwan, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino:
Applicants from these countries can stay with or without a visa but having residence permit is mandatory for them. Visa is essential for those who plan to work before or after attaining the degree. Other than this, students from Taiwan should also have a passport which includes an identity card number.
And since India is not amongst the countries listed above, you will need a student visa for Germany; you can apply for this visa either through German embassy or the consulate. The fee for visa is around rupees 4500-5000.
What is the procedure to apply for a student visa for Germany:
Well, to apply for a student visa in Germany, you need to contact the local German embassy or consulate in one’s own country. You will need to submit documents like:
- Valid passport
- Two photographs
- Letter showing you’ve been accepted by a German university
- Transcript of academic record
- Certificate of German language proficiency or proof that you intend on attending a language course in Germany (if studying in German)
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Germany (€8,700 per year, which is roughly ~US$10,250)
- Certificate showing you’ve purchased health insurance
- Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted
What is the procedure for a residence permit?
Within two weeks of arrival in the country, you will have to register with the local Alien Registration Office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). The documents needed for residence permit are more or less the same as needed for the visa:Proof of valid private or public health insurance - Certificate of enrollment from your university
- Current visa, if you have one
- Certificate of health (if applicable)
- Proof of sufficient finances
- Valid passport
- Your tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Biometric passport photos (if applicable)
- Residence permit fee (check the current rate beforehand to make sure you bring enough money)
Other than these, you will also have to submit a TestDaf or DSH score if opting for courses taught in German and TOEFL or IELTS score, if opting for courses taught in English.
Note : The validity for residence permit is only for two years and so, should be renewed before its expiry.
How student visa can be a ticket to admission in German university
If you did not get accepted by any German university, you should apply for a student visa which will grant you permission to stay in the country for three months and look for a university program on German soil. The other plus point of this is that even if you fail to get enrolled in any university during this period, you can get the period extended for six more months (the permission for this extension depends on the visa authorities).
Is working allowed in Germany with a student visa?
Those with the German student visa are allowed to work, and can do so for 120 full days each year or 240 half days. However, this condition differs in some cases.And, if you intend to work in Germany after acquiring your degree, students with a residence permit can extend their stay and look for work for up to 18 months after graduating, as long as the job is related to their field of study.
Now that you know that being an Indian student, you need a student’s visa, apply for it today. For information other than these, you can always come to us, Your EduAdvisors, India’s leading study abroad consultants in Delhi.