Detailed planning guides for 13 destinations. Going elsewhere? Choose any country and Scholify will queue it for official-source verification.
How to use this page
Post-acceptance only
This guide is for students who already have an offer or scholarship. The visa step comes after — not instead of — getting accepted.
Enter your start date
Set your programme start date below to generate a personalised timeline showing exactly when to do each step.
Document checklist
Every item on the checklist is country-specific and India-specific, tied to the route you are preparing for.
Review application risks
Use these prompts to identify evidence gaps before you apply, then confirm the current requirements with the official authority.
Curated planning guide
Visa type
National Visa (Type D) — Study
Processing time
4–12 weeks
When to apply
3 months before start
Enter your programme start date above to generate a personalised step-by-step timeline.
Valid passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
University admission letter
Conditional or unconditional — German embassy accepts both
Proof of financial means
€11,208/year (2025 rate) — blocked account (Sperrkonto) at Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, or Expatrio
Proof of health insurance
Valid in Germany — travel insurance is NOT sufficient for student visa
Academic transcripts + certificates
Translated to German or English by certified translator
Language proficiency
IELTS/TOEFL for English-medium; TestDaF/DSH for German-medium
CV / Résumé
Tabular format preferred
Motivation letter
Some embassies ask for this at interview
Biometric photographs
35×45mm, white background, within last 6 months
Visa application form
Must be completed in German or English