Applying for a Student Visa 
Any international student who intends to undertake full-time study in a course at a registered institution of higher education in Germany needs to obtain a Student Visa. The visa, which is granted initially for a period of up to three months by the German Embassy/Consulates General, permits the holder to enter Germany. However, it will be extended by the competent Foreigners’ Registration Office (‘Ausländerbehörde’) when the student duly registers himself/herself within the first three months of his/her stay in Germany. The extension is done for one year at a time, up to the duration of the course. A Student Visa is valid for multiple entries. International students must leave Germany on completion of their course of study. 

With the student Visa, you can o to several other European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy and many more. 

Procedures for Your Country
The VISA procedure may differ from country to country. If you belong to a country outside the European Union and are applying to study in Germany, you need a visa. However, if you are from Australia, Japan, Canada, Isreal, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino, you are exempted from this rule. Be careful: all visas are not the same. A “tourist visa” cannot be converted into a “student visa” and as a tourist, you are not eligible to study in Germany. So it’s essential to pay attention to the word preceding “visa”. 

Three types of visa exist for international students: 
- a language course visa, which cannot be subsequently converted into a student visa. It is valid only for the duration of the course. 
- a three-month study applicant’s visa, which is valid if you have not yet obtained university admission. After admission, it must be converted as quickly as possible into a resident permit for student purposes at the office for foreigners’ affairs. 
- the visa for study purposes, valid for one year. In order to obtain this visa, you must provide proof of admission and financial support for the duration of study. 
In order to apply for a student visa, the following documents are generally required: 
- a valid passport 
- passport photos 
- entitlement to university admission, as recognized in Germany (usually a high school diploma or graduation examination certificate) 
- evidence of previous academic performance 
- proof that complete financial support for one year is guaranteed 
The notification of admission from the university is also required for the application for a visa for study purposes. Generally, a confirmation from the university, certifying that the application documents are available to them , suffices. 
The visa application is submitted at the German Embassy or the German Consulate in your country of residence – preferably as early as possible. German Embassy or Consulate personnel can provide further information. Contact the German Embassy in your country for details. 
Applying for a Student Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian 

Applicants
To be considered for a Student Visa, the applicant must first complete an application form for a ‘longer stay visa’ (white form) in duplicate. The application forms are available free of charge from the Consular Section of the German Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulates General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta. The current application fee for a Student Visa is DM 50 (currently approx. Rs 1100). The fee is subject to change without notice. The fee is a visa service charge and is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the visa application. An application will not be accepted unless it is made in the prescribed form and with the correct fee. A valid passport and 2 passport size photos are needed for the application. 

Visa Assessment 
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: 
Evidence of Enrolment 
One of the essential requirements for a student visa application is that the applicant has been accepted for enrolment by a registered institution of higher education in Germany. This is proved by the admission letter (‘Zulassungsbescheid’) from the German institution. 

Bona Fides Assessment 
The bona fides assessment determines whether an applicant is a genuine student who intends to undertake studies in Germany, abide by visa conditions and depart on completion of the course. This involves amongst other criteria examining the following: 

• Whether the applicant’s German language skills are adequate for the purpose of the proposed course 

• Relevance of the proposed course for the applicant’s current academic and employment circumstances 

• Applicant’s intention to comply with visa conditions and leave Germany at the end of the authorized period of stay 

• Applicant’s migration history and ties with Germany 

Adequate Financial Resources 
This involves an assessment of the applicant’s or his/her sponsor’s ability to finance all expenses pertaining to the applicant’s education in Germany including cost of living and a German medical insurance. 
The approximate cost of living for a single person in Germany is Euro 665.-- a month. Students should not expect to be able to fund their studies and living costs in Germany through part-time-employment. Special conditions for student jobs apply. 

Health Certificate 
It is essential that the applicant meets the German health requirements. This involves the proof of a recent medical check-up and a chest x-ray. The medical certificate should clearly identify the person examined. 

Further Processing 
Once the visa application form and documentation as listed above are completed, they will be sent by the visa section to the competent German authority (‘Ausländerbehörde’) for final approval. Obtaining this final approval may take up to eight weeks. Only after completion of this procedure can the Student Visa be issued. 

Registration 
As soon as you have received your notification of admission and passed the language test, you have to register at your chosen university/college. You need to inquire at the Registrar’s Office (Studentensekretariat) well in advance as to which documents you should have with you. Usually, you are required to register in person. Some of the vital documents you need o carry are:
· Your notification of admission.
· Proof that you have passed the DSH or Test DaF or any other language test that is acceptable to t he university.
· Your higher education entrance qualification 
· Your passport
· Several passport-sized photographs
· A statement confirming that you have statutory health insurance cover in Germany or proof that you do not require insurance cover because your insurance cover at home is recognized in Germany.
As a rule, you will also have to register in writing with your concerned department. Finally, you have to enroll at your respective courses.

University Life 
While some German higher education institutes are quite small, others have a vast network, and getting to know your fellow students might not be easy! Orientation programs at the beginning of each semester might provide one opportunity for making friends and acquaintances. Other than that, the Akademisches Aulandsamt arranges special programs and activities for foreign students. Some departments meet regularly for get-togethers, and these are great opportunities forgetting useful advise on studies and leisure activities. 
The University Sports Office (Akademisches Sportsamt) and the AstA offer many sports courses which regular students can avail of and which are free of cost. 
The University Library (UB) is the largest library in the institution and has books, journals and periodicals from all departments. In addition, specific departments may have their own departmental libraries
Life in Germany
The Federal Republic of Germany is situated in the heart of Europe. It is surrounded by a total of nine neighboring countries. It is the third largest nation of the European Union. In terms of population, though, it is the largest. It also one of the most influential countries of the European Union. 
Germany has a moderate climate. In summer the temperature is about 18-20°C, although in some places it can be as high as 30°C. In winter the mean temperature is about 1.5°C in the planes and can be as low as -6°C in the mountains. Rain falls all the year round.
Standard German or “High German” is Germany’s official language. However, many dialects are spoken across the country. Among the minority languages are Serbian, Danish, and Frisian.
Germany has an astounding 99% literacy rate! Education has always been an important aspect of Germany, and people place a lot of value on it. Germany’s sound education system is well renowned throughout the world.