German Student Visa Guide

A - Z about visa......

I have noticed the German student visa process seems to look a bit complicated for all german aspirants.... so i have created this Blog in such a way that you can find every possible answer related to visa from the scratch.
Note:
for those who have done with the visa, the thread might look a bit basic but please rewind yourself because you would have been in the same situation before your visa process.

German Consulates in India Weblinks

1.Chennai

http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/03__Chennai/Chennai.html

2.Bangalore

http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/02__Bangalore/Bangalore.html

3.Mumbai

http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/05__Mumbai/Mumbai.html

4.Kolkata

http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/04__Kolkata/Kolkata.html

5.New Delhi

www.new-delhi.diplo.de/

German National/Student Visa Checklist:

1. valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 12 months validity left after the scheduled return)
2. 1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
3. 3 passport pictures according to bio metric specifications[ http://vfs-germany.co.in/south/images/Fotomustertafel_2005_english[1].pdf ]
4. cover letter from applicant explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay
5. letter of admission from German university
6. proof of payment of study fees, if applicable
7. School Leaving Certificate of Secondary Education

proof of other academic qualifications, if applicable

proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your studies by one of the following documents:

- confirmation of scholarship/ stipend

- “Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany

- “Sperrkonto” (blocked account) in Germany in the name of the applicant

showing a minimum balance of 7908,- Euros and the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of 659,- Euros

- please refer to the additional information given below -

- Confirmation of an annually renewable bank guarantee from a bank in Germany in the amount of 7908,- Euros

Step 1:

When you have decided with the university, next is your visa process. Make sure u apply well in advance because the visa process takes up to 6 weeks and in some cases even more. So plan accordingly and start with the visa process in advance.

Step 2:

Then decide your mode of sponsor. you have got two options in this case. One is you can use your own money or get a bank loan. In most cases you should show a minimum of Rs.800000(safe amount).[ i.e, 1 year living expenses + first year tuition fees- check university website for average living expense and fees]

If you go with the first option, you should show this amount in a SB account from a nationalized bank which is atleast 12 months old. The SB account holder can be your father, your mother or yourself (these 3 are the safe options to avoid other questions). One important thing here is, if you are the account holder, i.e a self sponsor, please make sure you have worked before and carry a work experience certificate from the company to avoid unwanted questions regarding the source(rare cases but has happened).it doesn't matter when you have deposited the amount.You can even deposit the amount a week before the scheduled visa interview.Get a letter from the bank on a legible letter head stating the amount available in your account and mention the equivalent Euros and get six months bank statements.

In case you go with the loan, it has to be from a nationalized bank. I cant explain the loan process here as it varies from every bank.Make sure you start the loan process in advance because it may take a few weeks to get the approval. once your loan is approved, get a loan approval letter from the bank on a legible letter head stating the amount approved in your name and mention the equivalent Euros.

Few consulates may ask for collateral security document copy that you submitted to the bank for the loan.just check with your concerned consulate webpage.And you have to submit an Affidavit of support document on a legal bond paper with stamp value Rs.20 or more. The affidavit should say your sponsor(father/mother/uncle) will support you financially and you will not be a liability to the German government.

Blocked Account:

Now most consulates are insisting the students to open a blocked account in Germany during the visa process( what is blocked account ? you will be asked to transfer your one year living expense to this account eg:8000 Euros from which you will allowed to withdraw a certain amount say 650 Euros a month)

Additional information on blocked accounts (Sperrkonto):

If you want to open a blocked account, please contact any German bank, e.g. Deutsche Bank (db.student@db.com) to send you the application form.Please present this application form together with a copy of the data page of your passport at the visa interview.The necessary attestations of your signature and of the passport copy will be done during your visa interview.The fee for the attestations is 15,- Euros (payable in Rupees; cash or credit card).After the interview, please send the application form for the blocked account to the German bank.The Consulate General will receive an e-mail confirmation once your blocked account has been activated.

Step 3:
Once you decide on your sponsor next step is to fill up the application form and declaration form and submit in the nearest VFS office.For Bangalore consulate you cannot submit your documents in VFS you can directly submit all documents at the consulate .

You can download the forms from the following links.

Form 1 : Residence permit application
http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/south/images/Application%20Form%20for%20German%20Resident%20Permits.pdf
Form 2 : Declaration Form
http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/south/images/Declaration%20on%20True%20and%20Complete%20Information.pdf
Tips to fill up the application form
Q5 a and b, leave it blank If you are single then
Q7 fully blank
Q8 fully blank
For Q11, passport issued by is REPUBLIC OF INDIA
Q12 and 13 blank (if you have never visited Germany )
Q15, university name and address
Q17 Yes and India
Q20 Higher education

Study
University name with address
Student
Q21 your UG degree eg: BE mechanical
Q23 approximate course duration for 2 years eg: sep 1 2010 to sep 1 2012
If the course is 1.5 years, fill accordingly
Q25,26all blank
Q27 b, write will get it after reaching germany.
The Second form is just a declaration form which you need to sign with place and date.

Sample Cover Letter formats:

Place:

Date:

From,

Robert Jr

Sea View Apartments

Chennai, INDIA 68

TO

CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

NO.9 BOAT CLUB ROAD

RA.PURAM, CHENNAI 600 028.

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, Robert Jr is submitting here with my valid passport H999999 and other required documents for obtaining student visa for a period of 2 years.

I have completed B.Tech in Information Technology from * University, Chennai and is working as a Software Engineer with * Technologies for past 22 months. The * University of Applied Sciences has accepted my application for the Masters program in * Technology for the year * and classes will commence in the first week of march *. I would like to grab this opportunity and pursue Master’s in this University, which will lead to my career developments in Technical field and also gain more confidence in order to make my career and reach new heights.

Therefore kindly arrange for a personal interview at the earliest

Sincerely,

[Full Name]

Bank Covering Letter [Sample]

FROM,
* BANK
-------------------- BRANCH(bank code)
------------ (DISTRICT)
PINCODE:------
PH.NO.----------


TO WHOM SO EVER IT MAY CONCERN


This is to certify that ---------,S/o of --------,resident of --------- is maintaining a savings account bearing number --------- with ------- branch and the balance mentioned in the above accounts as on date 31.07.20** is rs 10,03,985.00(Indian rupees ten lakhs three thousand nine hundred and eighty five only) which is approximately eguivalent to euro ----.(euros eight thousand nine hundred and forty five only) at the close of business hours today.(approximately the conversion has taken as 1 Euro=67.52)


This certificate has been issued at the specific request of the account holder Mr ---------.


Place:-------
Date:

BRANCH MANAGER

Affidavit of support:[Sample]

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

I, John S/o. Late Varghese, aged about 60 years and residing at [address]do here by declare and affirm as under:

My son Gregory has been granted admission for MSc in * Technology at University of applied Sciences, Germany.

The cost of first year education is 7908 Euros for 12 months

I along with the support of bank loan is sponsoring the candidature of my son.

Canara Bank, Road branch,** has sanctioned an education loan of Rupees 10 lakhs equivalent to 14437.6 Euros for his studies (Bank letter enclosed).

I have Savings Bank Account No.*****, with Canara Bank, *Branch,**, duly evidencing a balance of Rs 2,64,679 /- equivalent to 3821.00 Euros

I own immovable property comprising of residential building at *, with present market value is Rs.4200000/- equivalent to 60,632.30 Euros.

I am a retired Government Employee with an annual pension of Rupees 3,30,000/- equivalent to 4850 Euros . Also I have agricultural income of approximately Rupees 2,50,000/- equivalent to 3600 Euros per year.

My son shall be proceeding to Germany with the sole aim of completing his academic course, where after, he shall be required to return to India and settle down in life. His additional educational qualifications and exposure in Germany is bound to enhance his career opportunities in India.

I hereby undertake to maintain, sustain and render all financial assistance to my son, to enable him to continue his studies, in an uninterrupted manner. I shall not hesitate to utilize the above mentioned incomes/properties, for the purpose of my son’s education in Germany. Hence my son will not be a public charge to the Government of Germany.

Solemnly affirmed on Wednesday	DEPONENT
The 4th day of January 20**
at **	(John **)
Things to Remember

The Affidavit of support should be on a legal bond paper with stamp value not less than Rs.20 and it should be signed by the Deponent (i e Father/Mother/Sponsor) and also signed and sealed by a public notary

Once all the above mentioned documents are ready you can submit the application form along with the documents and valid passport at nearest VFS office. once you submit all the documents at VFS they will verify all the documents( carry two sets of photocopy of all the academic documents and original covering letter) and fix an available date for visa interview at the consulate.

Interview at consulate:

Carry all the original documents for the visa interview.Reach the consulate at least 15 minutes before the allotted time . Just be casual during the visa interview don't panic and please be clear about your intention to study in Germany. once the visa interview is over you will receive the passport with the visa fee receipt in 2-4 days.There will be a seal in the passport saying "VISA D DE 26/08/2****" which means your visa is under process and the date mentioned will be your visa interview date.if you are getting the passport with a rejection letter then you can reapply for the visa.After you receive the passport you can expect a call from the consulate in 4-6 weeks.If you have submitted the blocked account details along with one year living expense during the visa interview , you have to take a travel ticket and submit your passport at the VFS office for visa stamping. This will take 3-4 days time.

If you have any queries regarding the German Student visa i will be more than happy to help !

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