Education System – An Overview
Germany offers free and compulsory education for children from the ages 6 to 18. After four years of primary school (Grundschule) , there are different roads students may take. They may spend two years in "orientation grades" and then six years in a Realschule in preparation for technical training or they may spend five years in a Hauptschule , followed by a three-year apprenticeship, a system in which a student learns a trade by working alongside a skilled worker.
Another option is a nine-year gymnasium program that prepares students for a university education. In addition, however, some states offer the comprehensive system (Gesamtschulen), in which all students attend a single school from the fifth year onward.
Student Visa – What Where and How
Before applying for a student visa, decide the amount of time you wish to spend in the country. The following types of visas are issued:
Schengen Visa
This visa allows student to stay for
a period of three months per half yearly period. It is ideal for those who
are interested in taking shorter language course.
Language Course Visa
It covers the student stays for the
length of the course.
National Visa
It allows the student to stay for a
longer period of more than three months and is made for those who want to
pursue more extensive educational research or an academic degree.
Student Applicant Visa
It is designed for those students
who wants to study for a longer term basis but had not been entered to a university.
This visa permits them to come to Germany for three months to look for a
program and once they have enrolled, the visa then can be converted into
National Visa. This Visa can be extended if the student does not enroll into
a program but with the consent of the Visa Guaranteeing Authority.
Procedure:
1.How to Apply:
You are expected to apply for a Visa as soon as possible, but make sure it is at least three months before you expect to reach Germany. For this, you need to contact a Germany embassy in India, located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.
2.Documents Required-
- Completed Application form (which visa you require)
- Valid Passport.
- 2 Photographs.
- Letter showing that you have been accepted by the German University.
- Transcript of academic record
- Certificate of German Language proficiency or proof that you intend to attend a German course in Germany.
- Proof of funds.
- Certificate showing that you have purchased health insurance.
- Declaration of authenticity of documents submitted.
- Proof of no criminal record.
3.Applying for a permit after reaching Germany
Documents Required:
- Proof of valid private or Public health insurance.
- Certificate of enrollment from the University.
- Proof of sufficient finances.
- Valid passport.
- Current visa.
- Certificate of health (if applicable).
- Tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Biometric passport photos.
- Residence permit fees (check current rate before hand to make sure you bring through money).
- Proof of language is also required to gain residence permit you need to provide TOEFL or IELTS.
4.Important Points :
a.Students have to show a statement of funds which prove that they have at least 659 Euros a month or 7098 Euros for a year you will stay in Germany. (1 Euro = 75.42 Rs.)
b.Blocked Account: A student should have sufficient funds in an account and must not use it till he or she reaches Germany.
c.Student from a non EU countries may enter to the Germany without any Visa and then apply for a visa to stay and study , these countries include Andorra , Australia, Brazil, E L Salvador, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand. San Marino, South Korea and U.S.
d.The private domestic and foreign health insurance policy from other countries will be recognized in Germany. If students (public or private) health insurance policy is recognized then, he will need a confirmation that he is exempted from a public health insurance coverage and in this case he has to contact a German health insurance provider in Germany and give them this letter that he is ensured before he enroll at German university.
e.If not Recognized : If your health insurance is not recognized you must pay an amount of 80 Euros per month till you are 30 years of age or completed your 14th semester after which it will cost 160 Euros a month.
