Student visa: step by step

From admission to your visa appointment in India.

To study in Germany for more than 90 days you need a national student visa, applied for in India before you travel.

The usual order

Get your university admission (Zulassungsbescheid).
Get your APS certificate. It verifies your Indian degrees and can take several weeks, so start early.
Open a blocked account and get your blocking confirmation.
Arrange health insurance for the visa (incoming insurance) until your German health insurance starts.
Book your appointment in the category "National Visa – Student" for the German mission responsible for where you live. Appointments are handled through VFS Global.

Passport, biometric photos, completed application
Admission letter and APS certificate
Language certificate (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL or German B2/C1, depending on your course)
Mark sheets and degree certificates
Blocked account confirmation and proof of health insurance

The exact list and the visa fee are set by the German mission. Always check the official checklist for your city before your appointment.

Plan at least 3–4 months before your semester starts.

Official sources

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