German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently completed his first official visit to India, where he and Indian leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions covering defence, trade, migration, and future collaborations. Against this backdrop, it becomes relevant to explore the key considerations an Indian student should keep in mind when applying for a German student visa. As shared by MEA in the Winter Session of the Parliament in 2025, record 52,197 Indian students study in Germany.Germany has different rules of visa depending on the country an international student resides in. For instance, if a student belongs to any EU country, they will just need a valid ID card or comparable document to enter the country.On the other hand, citizens of Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United States, as well as Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, and San Marino may enter Germany without a visa. However, if their stay exceeds three months, they must apply for a residence permit, which can be obtained from the local foreigners authority (Ausländeramt/Ausländerbehörde). Other than the above mentioned countries, students will need a visa.University NameWorld RankTechnical University of Munich=22Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München=58Universität Heidelberg80Freie Universitaet Berlin=88KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology=98RWTH Aachen University=105Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin130Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)145Universität Hamburg193Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg201Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn=207Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen=215Technische Universität Dresden218Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg232University of Göttingen243Technical University of Darmstadt=253University of Cologne=272Universität Stuttgart=310Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main316University of Münster=350Visa and its feesThere are two types of student visas in Germany. Visum Zu Studienzwecken is given to those who are already accepted by any German University; on the other hand, Visum Zur Studienbewerbung are granted to those who have not been accepted in a German educational institution or are waiting for a response regarding their application.Also Read | Singapore Student Visa ExplainedIf a visa is necessary, it must be applied for well in advance from the home country, through the German diplomatic missions abroad (embassies or consulates general). The type of visa issued depends on the purpose and length of stay:The Schengen Visa is granted for short-term visits of up to three months, such as holidays, language courses, or business trips. This visa cannot be extended. On the other hand, a National Visa is intended for longer stays, particularly for study programmes or extended visits. The Consular Service Portal can be accessed through: digital.diplo.de.Visa fees and waiversVisa fees vary depending on the type of visa: a Schengen visa generally costs €90, while a national visa for longer stays costs €75. In certain cases, fees may be reduced or waived. For Schengen visas, waivers apply to children under six, students and accompanying staff on study trips, young representatives of non-profits, researchers, and individuals replacing a visa with a full passport.Story continues below this adAlso Read | ‘Tough to find lodging, learn language for growth’: As more Indian students head to Germany, here’s how to ease the transitionNational visa fees are waived for scholarship holders and their families, members of diplomatic or international missions with dependents up to age 25, or where agreements exist.General waivers cover spouses, partners, minor children, and parents of German citizens, as well as family members of EU/EEA nationals with free movement rights. Additionally, Germany has visa facilitation agreements with some countries that provide further exemptions, and nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine pay a reduced fee of €35 for Schengen visas.Processing time Schengen visa applications are usually processed within 14 working days, though delays may occur during peak travel seasons. Applicants can submit their request up to six months before their planned trip, but no later than 15 days prior, with appointments allowed even earlier. In contrast, national visas for longer stays often require several months to process, depending on the purpose of the visit.Story continues below this adDocumentsApplicants are generally required to submit a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds, along with records of previous study and language skills. Where applicable, a letter of acceptance from the higher education institution must be included.Those applying for a prospective student visa need to provide a recognised higher education entrance qualification. In some cases, a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation may also be requested. For more information on the documents and to know the checklist, study abroad aspirants can visit: india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2552164-2552164.ProcedureSchengen visa applications must usually be submitted in person at the mission or visa centre, though applicants whose fingerprints were taken within the past 59 months may be exempt. To avoid delays, it is important to check the mission’s website in advance for required documents. Application forms can be completed online and printed for the appointment, or obtained free of charge from the mission in the local language, with bilingual versions also available.Similarly, national visa applications must be submitted in person, and applicants should review requirements early to ensure proper documentation. Forms are provided free of charge by the mission or can be downloaded from its website.Story continues below this adPost-study work opportunityGraduates from EU/EEA member countries can begin working in Germany immediately after completing their studies without needing a work permit. They are subject to the same employment rules, working conditions, and tax regulations as German graduates. Just as they did not require a student visa to study in Germany, they also do not need a work permit to take up employment after graduation.Also Read | These professions are in high demand in GermanyGraduates from non-EU/EEA countries can remain in Germany to seek employment by extending their residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation. To apply for this extension, they must submit their personal ID and passport, proof of graduation from a German university, evidence of financial resources, and proof of health insurance. Once granted, the extended residence permit allows them to use the 18 months to find a job related to their field of study.