Visa type
Fee Paying Student Visa (most full-time international study)
Globally ranked German universities and institutions
World leader in engineering, automotive and technology
Strong focus on research and innovation
High-quality education with global recognition
Wide range of English-taught programs
Excellent student infrastructure and facilities
Public universities offer low or no tuition fees
Main intakes in October and April
Part-time work up to 20 hours per week
Affordable living costs compared to other EU countries
18-month post-study job search visa
Strong job market for skilled graduates
Popular Courses for International Students
Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
Computer Science and Data Science
Electrical Engineering and Robotics
International Business and Management
Industrial Engineering
Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering
Architecture and Construction Management
Economics and Finance
Life Sciences and Biotechnology
Supply Chain and Logistics
Top Vocational Courses
Dual Vocational Training (Ausbildung)
IT Specialist Training Programmes
Industrial Mechanics and CNC Machining
Nursing and Healthcare Training
Hospitality and Culinary Training
Research and Science Courses
Automotive and Mobility Research
Artificial Intelligence and Secure Computing
Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Systems
Materials Science and Nanotechnology
Climate and Environmental Engineering
Language Courses
German Language (A1–C1)
Academic German
TestDaF / Goethe Preparation
Short-Term Courses
Summer Schools (Engineering and Business)
Industry 4.0 Workshops
Data and Cloud Fundamentals
Intakes & Admission Timeline
Key Admission Intakes
Major: October (Winter Semester)
Secondary: April (Summer Semester)
Limited: Preparatory intakes (Studienkolleg)
Admission Process timeline
9–12 months: University shortlisting, APS planning
6–8 months: uni-assist / direct applications
4–6 months: APS, blocked account, insurance
2–3 months: Visa, accommodation, travel
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Cost of Studying in Germany
Tuition Fees
UG: NZD 35,000–55,000 per year approx
PG: NZD 20,000–45,000 per year approx
Actual fees vary by university and faculty
Living Expenses
NZD 18,000 – 22,000 per year
Other Costs
Student visa fee, health insurance, accommodation deposit, books, local transport, flights, forex & initial setup costs
Scholarships & Financial Support
- DAAD funding routes (Masters, research, PhD, short stays)
- University scholarships + Deutschlandstipendium (where offered)
- Paid HiWi/student assistant roles (after arrival, subject to rules)
- DAAD scholarships (multiple schemes across subjects and levels)
- Erasmus+ (for eligible mobility/partner programmes)
- Indian education loans for blocked-account funding + first-year expenses
Student Visa Overview
When to apply
After Offer of Place + fee/financial plan; apply about 3 months before travel in peak season
Typical processing duration
Varies by season and case complexity; peak time is usually Oct–Mar
Family
Partner/children generally apply for their own visas based on your status (separate applications).
Documents Checklist (Student Visa)
1
Passport, photos, Offer of Place from institution
2
Visa application confirmation, fee payment proof
3
Financial proof (tuition + living), sponsor evidence
4
Academic transcripts, English proof if required
5
Medical, police clearance, accommodation proof (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
1
Education offer accepted
2
Tuition fee paid
3
Online visa application
4
Medical & police checks
5
Biometrics if required
6
Visa decision & travel
Work allowance during & after Studies
- 120 full days/year
- Alternative: 240 half days/year
- Student assistant roles allowed at universities
- 18-month job search visa
- Work allowed during job search period
- EU Blue Card for skilled employment
How We Help (End‑to‑End Support)
Profile & pathway review
NZQA course shortlist
SOP guidance
Offer & enrolment support
Funds & expenses guidance
Student Visa filing
Medical & PCC support
Pre-departure briefing
Post-arrival help
FAQs
Indian students must apply for a German National Student Visa for full-time higher education
In most cases, yes. A blocked account showing prescribed annual living expenses is required
English-taught programmes require IELTS or TOEFL, while German-taught programmes require certified German language proficiency
Most public universities charge minimal or no tuition fees, though semester contribution fees apply
Students must show funds meeting the officially mandated annual living cost requirement through a blocked account or equivalent
International students are allowed limited part-time work days per year as per immigration regulations
Yes. Valid health insurance recognised in Germany is mandatory before visa approval
Processing times can be lengthy and vary by consulate, especially during peak intake periods
Graduates may apply for a residence permit to seek employment related to their qualification
Common reasons include incomplete financial proof, unclear study motivation, or gaps in academic history
Releated Links
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