Riddhi Mevada
Oct 30, 2026
Germany Student Visa 2026: Blocked Account, APS & Process for Indian Students
Quick answer: Indian students apply for a German national student visa with an admission letter, an APS certificate, health insurance and proof of funds, usually a blocked account of EUR 11,904 for 12 months (EUR 992 per month). The visa fee is generally quoted as EUR 75. Most public universities charge little or no tuition, but you still need to prove your living costs.
What Is the Germany Student Visa?
If you are an Indian citizen admitted to a German university, you need a national visa for study before you travel. Once you arrive, you register your address, enrol at the university and apply for a residence permit for study at the local immigration office. The visa for a degree programme is normally valid for the first period of study and is then extended in Germany.
How Much Money Do You Need in a German Blocked Account in 2026?
| Period | Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12-month stay | 11,904 | Commonly required total for the first year |
| Per month | 992 | Released to you each month after arrival |
This amount has been unchanged since 2024, and the figure is reviewed every one to two years. German missions and consulates may ask for a different amount, so confirm the requirement with the office handling your application before you transfer money. You must open the account before you travel, because you cannot open it after arrival. Providers usually ask for a small extra buffer to cover transfer and setup charges.
What Is the Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) and How Do You Open One?
- Choose a provider that is accepted for German visa applications.
- Register online and upload a copy of your passport.
- Receive your account details and transfer the required amount in euros.
- Wait for the bank to issue your blocking confirmation (Sperrbescheinigung).
- Bring the confirmation to your visa appointment.
Opening and funding the account can take two to four weeks, so start before you book your visa slot. Providers change what they offer to international students, so check that the one you choose is currently accepted.
What Is the APS Certificate and Do You Need It?
Indian applicants to German universities need an APS certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre in India. It verifies your academic documents and is checked as part of your visa application. Processing usually takes several weeks and can run to about three months in busy periods, so apply as soon as you have your admission plans fixed.
How Much Does a German Student Visa Cost?
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National visa application fee | About EUR 75 | Confirm on the German mission or VFS website |
| Blocked account provider fees | Varies | Setup and monthly fees differ by provider |
| Health insurance | Varies | Required for enrolment and your residence permit |
| APS certificate | Varies | Paid to the APS |
| Semester contribution | Varies by university | Paid each semester, usually covers administration and a transport pass |
Is Tuition Free in Germany for Indian Students?
Most public universities charge no tuition for most programmes, but you pay a semester contribution. Some states, such as Baden-Wurttemberg, charge tuition fees to students from outside the EU, and private universities and some programmes charge full fees. Always check the fees for your exact course before applying.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid passport and recent photographs
- Admission letter from a German university
- APS certificate
- Blocking confirmation (Sperrbescheinigung) or another accepted proof of funds
- Academic documents with certified translations where requested
- Proof of German or English language ability, as your course requires
- Health insurance proof
- CV and motivation letter, if requested by the mission
- Completed national visa application form
What Language Skills Do You Need?
Requirements depend on the programme. English-taught courses usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL, and German-taught courses ask for a German test such as TestDaF or DSH. Check your university's requirements and whether any course-specific score is needed before booking a test.
How to Apply for a Germany Student Visa Step by Step
- Get admission from a German university.
- Apply for your APS certificate.
- Open and fund your blocked account.
- Arrange health insurance.
- Book your visa appointment with the German mission or its VFS centre.
- Attend the appointment with your documents and pay the fee.
- After you arrive, register your address, enrol and apply for your residence permit.
Can You Work in Germany on a Student Visa?
Students can work a limited number of days per year alongside their studies. Sources currently give different limits, 120 or 140 full days (240 or 280 half days), because rules have changed in recent years. Confirm the current limit with your local immigration office before you take a job, and keep your studies as your main purpose.
Can You Stay in Germany After You Graduate?
Graduates of German universities can usually apply to extend their residence permit to look for a job related to their degree. The permit is generally for up to 18 months. If you find a qualifying job, you may be able to switch to a work permit. Rules can change, so confirm the details with the immigration office near the end of your degree.
Common Reasons for German Student Visa Refusal
- Funds that do not meet the blocked account requirement
- Missing or late APS certificate
- Unclear reasons for choosing the course or university
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- Insufficient language evidence for the programme
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a blocked account compulsory?
It is the most common way to prove funds, but other methods such as a formal obligation letter may be accepted. Ask the mission handling your application.
How long does the visa take?
Appointment waiting times and processing times vary. Visa appointments can take weeks to secure, so plan your APS, blocked account and appointment in good time before your course starts.
Can I apply for the visa without an admission letter?
For a degree programme you normally need your admission letter. Some applicants apply for an applicant visa to look for a place, which has separate rules.
Is the visa fee refundable if I am refused?
Visa fees are generally not refunded, so check your file carefully before the appointment.
Planning to Study in Germany?
Volumaax helps you choose the right course, plan your APS and blocked account, and prepare a complete visa file.
Talk to a Germany Visa ExpertRelated Guides
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Visa rules, fees, blocked account amounts and processing times change; verify all details with the German mission in India or the official Federal Foreign Office website (auswaertiges-amt.de) before applying. Volumaax is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with the German Government.
