Moving to Germany as an Indian prospective student

As India emerges as the largest source of international students for Germany, there have been recent shifts in the immigration process for students moving from India. Getting to know the process and applying by the priority deadlines will allow you to have a smooth process into Berlin and the Hertie School! 

Applying to a German university might require a bit of time for you to have everything ready and without complications. Given the long degree recognition process and visa procedures, we strongly encourage prospective students from the Indian community to finish their application process by the Early Bird (1 December) Deadline or the Priority Deadline (15 January).

Are you planning to apply to one of the Hertie School’s master’s programmes? Here’s the step-by-step you need to follow to guarantee a smooth transition: 

Step 1: Check if the German Government recognises your undergraduate and/or postgraduate degree(s)

Only the students at recognised Indian universities are eligible to secure student visas to Germany. This is a new guideline issued by the German Government in 2024. The list of such published universities is listed on the Anabin Portal.

Step 2: Secure the Admission Confirmation Letter from Hertie School

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the Early Bird Deadline of 1 December or the Priority Deadline of 15 January. Do you have questions about the application process? Worry not! Read the admissions blog post about how to apply. 

Step 3: Apply for APS (By December 2024 or latest by Mid-March)

What is APS?

The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS India) is a service provider of the Science section of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. Established in 2022, APS India is the gateway to German universities for applicants with Indian academic qualifications. Undertaking document verification and securing an APS Certificate from APS India is a prerequisite for the visa application when applying to study in Germany.

Please note an APS certificate is mandatory for studying at any university (public or private) in Germany and can be applied for at any point in time if you ever decide to study in Germany. The APS certificate never expires. 

We recommend applying by December 2024, or by mid-March 2025 at the latest. 

More information here.

Step 4: Apply for a German Study Visa (Preferably March – Mid-June Period)

German Student Visas in India are processed by VFS Global. 

The processing time for German Student Visas in India, varies from four to 12 weeks, depending on the consulate and on the submission of the documents by the students. Missing documents or additional information sought from the consulate usually increases the processing time by at least two to four weeks.

More information here

Step 5: Pack your bags and make your way to Berlin!

Congratulations on securing the visa! Please pay special attention to emails from Hertie Student Life, Student Admissions, Curricular Affairs, and other offices for updates on Orientation Week, Course Registrations, and Events at the Hertie School!

Willkommen in Deutschland!

 

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