Free Visas for Indian students moving to Germany: 2025 update

Ananya
Sep 8
2 min read

Got dreams of studying in Germany, even just for a few months? Well, there’s some amazing news that just dropped, and it’s going to make your study abroad journey a whole lot easier (and cheaper!).

News Source: ANI

Latest Update: Free Visas for Indian students planning to study in Germany

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, recently announced a brand new visa rule and it's all good news for Indian students heading to Germany!

Here’s the scoop:

Indian students going to Germany for short-term exchange programs will now get their visas FOR FREE.

Yep, no visa application fee. ZERO

🤔 So, What Exactly Counts as “Short-Term”?

This free visa policy applies only to:

Semester exchanges
Summer schools
Short academic programs (usually a few weeks to a few months)

So if you're heading to Germany as part of a student exchange between schools, colleges, or universities, you’re in luck!

🧑‍🎓 But wait, What If I want to study in Germany long-term?

Here’s the important part:

If you’re planning to do your entire Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Germany, this rule doesn’t apply ❌

Long-term students will still need to go through the regular visa process (and yes, pay the regular visa fees).

Why Is This a Big Deal?

Germany's largest groups of international students are from India and China, with India having the most students in recent years (around 49,000).

According to the newly released Transnational Education Report 2024–25 by upGrad:

Germany now holds a 32.6% share of Indian student interest for international education.

Applications to the US and Canada have seen a decline, mainly due to visa uncertainties, cost of living, and policy changes.

This is the first time Germany has surpassed traditional education giants like the US and Canada and it signals a major shift in how Indian students are thinking about their global education choices.

Why Germany? Why Now?

Here’s why Indian students are leaning into Deutschland:

1. World-Class, Affordable Education

Public universities in Germany often charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students, a huge plus compared to skyrocketing US tuition costs.

2. Strong Job Market Post-Study

Germany’s post-study work policies are student-friendly, especially for STEM, engineering, and IT graduates and their economy needs global talent.

3. Safer and More Stable Option

With rising visa rejections and unpredictable immigration changes in the US/Canada, Germany offers reliability and clarity, a breath of fresh air for students and parents alike.

🇩🇪 Ready to Make Germany Your Next Stop? Start with the Language!

With free short-term visas, rising popularity, and a world-class education system, Germany has officially become more than just a backup plan, it’s now the top choice for Indian students.

Whether you're eyeing a summer school, an exchange semester, or even a full-time degree, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

But here’s the thing:

While only some programs are taught in English, knowing German gives you a massive advantage in your studies, everyday life, internships, and job opportunities.

That’s Where LearnningTree Comes In!