Documents Checklist for Germany Student Visa

Are you planning to apply for a German student Visa? Here is the Document Checklist in a simplified way.  

Basic Documents

1. Original Passport
2. VFS Global Appointment Letter
3. Passport Copy (Front & Back) - Colored Xerox Copy of First and Last page of Passport. Also attach any other pages of passport which have any visa stampings, stickers, or remarks. 
4. Photographs (4) - Size must be 35mm x 45mm, White background, Without Border, 80% Face and Matt Finish

University Documents

1. Letter of Admission
   • From German University or Letter of Admission to Preparatory College (Studienkolleg) or Registration for a Language Course
   • The Language of Instruction should be mentioned on the Admission Letters
2. Proof of payment of Tuition Fees - Only required if a student is enrolled in a Private University.
3. Proof of Language Proficiency - If the Letter of Admission confirms sufficient language proficiency, then Language Proficiency Certificates are not required. If required, then for English - IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo and for German - Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD.
4. APS Certificate - An APS Certificate is NOT required in the following scenarios
   • You intend to pursue PhD / Post-Doc studies in Germany
   • You intend to pursue Non-German Degree in Germany
   • You have received a scholarship / stipend from German or EU public funds
   • Your studies are built on a non-Indian school graduation certificate or non-Indian degree

Financial Documents

1. Blocked Account Confirmation (06) (Apply Now) - The Confirmation Letter provided by the Blocked Account provider after successful deposit of minimum EUR 11,208 will be required as Proof of Funds unless you have another proof of financial means such as Proof of a German / EU scholarship or stipend / Formal obligation letter by a sponsor living in Germany. Having a Blocked Account is highly recommended for smoother visa processing. 
2. Public Health Insurance / Private Health Insurance (Apply Now) - Having a German Health Insurance is mandatory, whether public or private. Students above 30 years are not eligible for Public Health insurance, hence they have to go for Expat Health Insurance. The premium payment starts after reaching Germany and students only have to complete the registration process with the recognized Insurance provider for visa purposes.
3. Travel Insurance (Apply Now) - It should cover the first 90 days in Germany including the intended date of entry. Most of the Blocked Account providers are providing it for Free if purchased as a bundle. For most of the students, it cost around Rs 2500 from reputed and accepted insurance providers such as Bajaj Allianz and Reliance General Insurance etc. 
4. Sponsership Letters
5. Scholarship Letters
6. Education Loan Sanction Letter

Academic Documents

1. Class 10th Marksheet
2. Class 12th Marksheet
3. Bachelor's Marksheets & Degree
4. Master's Marksheets & Degree
5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae - It should be updated
6. Other Supporting Documents

Application Forms

1. Application Form VIDEX - (Download) - It should be duly filled Online and signed by the applicant. In case of any mistake, refill the form again. There are no restrictions
2. VFS Checklist - (Download) - Take the printout of the Checklist, and leave the checkboxes unticked. VFS Executive will fill it out on the day of the appointment.
3. Declaration Form - (Download) - Fill in the current date and city name along with the Signature of the Applicant.
4. Additional Contact and Legal Representative Information - (Download) - Leave the Barcode field empty and fill out other columns. Choose to receive the Application Notifications via Email. In Representation Columns, enter your Father/Mother/Brother/Sister details.
5. Student Questionnaire - (Download) - Write the answers to 10 Questions about yourself and sign at the bottom.
6. Cover Letter - (Download) - We have attached a Format of Cover Letter, please review it and change it according to your suitability.
7. Motivation Letter - (Download) - It is a Statement of Purpose, aka SOP, defining your purpose of visiting Germany. The Motivation Letter should be minimum 2 pages clearly stating your purpose of visiting Germany and information about financial sponsorships. The motivation letter is there to answer the possible questions which may arise in the mind of Immigration Officer while reviewing the visa application. 

Important Points

1. Arrange all the documents according to the Checklist.
2. Do not staple the documents. Use the U Clips to tie them if required.
3. Carry Original documents with you. They may ask for verification.
4. No Attestation or Notarization required
5. Reach at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.
6. Keep your Original Passport and Visa Appointment Letter in hand. It will be checked at multiple checkpoints at VFS.
7. Fill out the application form carefully and make sure each piece of information matches with your Passport and other documents.
8. Take the Xerox copies and printouts on A4 Sheet with Colored ink.

What are the specifications for Xerox and Printouts ?

The documents should be printed or xerox on A4 sheet using colored ink. If the document is bigger than A4, you should change the settings and print it on A4 sheet only.