Indian students planning short-term academic programs in Germany will no longer have to pay visa fees. This follows a bilateral agreement that allows gratis visas—visas issued free of charge—for Indian students. The move removes a long-standing financial hurdle and is expected to encourage wider participation in academic and cultural exchanges.
A gratis visa has so far been granted mainly to specific groups, such as children under ten, some SAARC nationals, diplomatic visitors, and holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer. Extending this benefit to Indian students reflects an effort by both governments to make international education more inclusive and affordable.
The gratis visa policy is particularly aimed at school and college students joining short-term academic programs, research projects, or cultural exchanges. By removing visa fees, it lowers entry barriers and strengthens educational links between India and Germany.
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Germany’s higher education system is known for world-class universities, research opportunities, and low or no tuition fees. Institutions like TU Munich and Heidelberg University are popular among international students. As per the Germany University Living European Student Landscape Report 2024, the country hosts 3.43 million students, including 39,600 from India and more than 422,000 from other countries.
At the same time, rising living expenses have influenced visa rules. From September 1, 2024, student visa applicants must show financial proof of €11,904 per year, up from €11,208. From February 17, 2025, visa applications will shift fully online through the Consular Services Portal (digital-di.de), replacing traditional submission methods.
A gratis visa is a visa issued free of charge. It is usually given to specific categories of travellers such as children under ten, diplomats, and UN officials. Now Indian students applying for short-term academic programs in Germany will also be eligible.
2. Who can benefit from this new policy?
Indian school and college students attending short-term academic courses, cultural exchange programs, or research projects in Germany. It does not extend to long-term degree programs such as master’s or PhDs, which follow standard visa procedures.
3. Why has Germany introduced this change?
The move is designed to encourage more Indian students to take part in academic exchanges, strengthen cultural ties, and promote research collaboration between the two countries.
4. How many Indian students are already studying in Germany?
Nearly 49,500 Indian students were enrolled in German universities during the 2023–24 winter semester, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. Over the past five years, the number of Indian students has more than doubled.
5. Are there other changes to student visa rules?
Yes. From September 2024, students must provide financial proof of €11,904 per year due to rising living costs. From February 2025, all student visa applications must be submitted digitally via the Consular Services Portal.
6. Does this affect tuition fees in Germany?
No. Most public universities in Germany already offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students. The gratis visa only waives visa fees, making short-term study opportunities more accessible.
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A gratis visa has so far been granted mainly to specific groups, such as children under ten, some SAARC nationals, diplomatic visitors, and holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer. Extending this benefit to Indian students reflects an effort by both governments to make international education more inclusive and affordable.
Rising Indian enrolments in Germany
Germany has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students in recent years. According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), around 49,500 Indian students were enrolled in German universities during the 2023–24 winter semester. This marked a 15.1% increase compared with the previous year. Over the last five years, Indian student numbers have more than doubled, with 80% pursuing master’s degrees, mainly in STEM fields.The gratis visa policy is particularly aimed at school and college students joining short-term academic programs, research projects, or cultural exchanges. By removing visa fees, it lowers entry barriers and strengthens educational links between India and Germany.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Germany’s higher education system is known for world-class universities, research opportunities, and low or no tuition fees. Institutions like TU Munich and Heidelberg University are popular among international students. As per the Germany University Living European Student Landscape Report 2024, the country hosts 3.43 million students, including 39,600 from India and more than 422,000 from other countries.
At the same time, rising living expenses have influenced visa rules. From September 1, 2024, student visa applicants must show financial proof of €11,904 per year, up from €11,208. From February 17, 2025, visa applications will shift fully online through the Consular Services Portal (digital-di.de), replacing traditional submission methods.
FAQ: Gratis Visa for Indian Students in Germany
1. What is a gratis visa?A gratis visa is a visa issued free of charge. It is usually given to specific categories of travellers such as children under ten, diplomats, and UN officials. Now Indian students applying for short-term academic programs in Germany will also be eligible.
2. Who can benefit from this new policy?
Indian school and college students attending short-term academic courses, cultural exchange programs, or research projects in Germany. It does not extend to long-term degree programs such as master’s or PhDs, which follow standard visa procedures.
3. Why has Germany introduced this change?
The move is designed to encourage more Indian students to take part in academic exchanges, strengthen cultural ties, and promote research collaboration between the two countries.
4. How many Indian students are already studying in Germany?
Nearly 49,500 Indian students were enrolled in German universities during the 2023–24 winter semester, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. Over the past five years, the number of Indian students has more than doubled.
5. Are there other changes to student visa rules?
Yes. From September 2024, students must provide financial proof of €11,904 per year due to rising living costs. From February 2025, all student visa applications must be submitted digitally via the Consular Services Portal.
6. Does this affect tuition fees in Germany?
No. Most public universities in Germany already offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students. The gratis visa only waives visa fees, making short-term study opportunities more accessible.
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