Study in Germany Without Visa Fees for Students
In a move aimed at strengthening educational ties, Germany has announced that Indian students attending short-term academic programs will no longer be required to pay visa application fees. The initiative comes under the “gratis visa” category, which allows applicants to obtain a visa free of charge.
Traditionally, gratis visas were issued to children under ten, certain SAARC nationals, diplomats, and UN document holders. Extending this benefit to Indian students marks a significant step in facilitating academic and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The new policy will particularly benefit students participating in short-term research projects, summer schools, internships, and exchange programs in Germany, reducing the financial and administrative barriers associated with studying abroad.
The announcement also follows recent reforms to Germany’s visa system, including the launch of a digital Consular Services Portal, enabling online visa applications and document submissions, and an increase in the financial proof requirement to €11,904 per year for student visa applicants from September 2024.
With Indian student enrolments in German universities steadily rising, the visa fee waiver is expected to further encourage mobility and strengthen academic collaboration.