Germany Student Visa Guide
The 2026 process for Indian students applying for a German national student visa for a Master's degree. It covers APS and dMAT, admission and language proof, funding, the CSP online application and pre-check, the VFS appointment, questions you may be asked, and the steps after arrival. Includes a readiness check, a full document checklist and a PDF download.
The 2026 process
APS, then admission, then funds and insurance, then the CSP online application, then the document pre-check, then the appointment and biometrics, then the decision.
2026 visa snapshot
- Visa type: National Visa D for long stays over 90 days.
- Where the category is available in the Consular Services Portal, the online pre-check comes before any appointment.
- Financial proof baseline: blocked account of EUR 11,904 for one year, released at EUR 992 per month.
- Indian applicants normally need APS unless a listed exemption applies.
- dMAT is not required for Winter Semester 2026/27 Master's applicants, but can apply from Summer Semester 2027 in Engineering, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Business and Management.
- Duolingo, Pearson PTE and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted for visa applications made in India.
- Student work rights are commonly listed as up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week.