Gratis Visa: Due to a free visa agreement between the two nations, Indian students can now study or take part in short-term programs in Germany. This agreement intends to improve educational exchanges and lower financial barriers for prospective students.
On Wednesday, September 3, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that Germany and India had reached an agreement to provide free visas for brief college and school visits.
The most recent development followed Johann Wadephul, the German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, visiting India. India and Germany evaluated the multifaceted strategic partnership during the delegation-level discussions with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the MEA said, expressing satisfaction with advancements in trade and investment, defense and security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, education, and people-to-people ties.
What’s new: the “Gratis Visa” or fee exemption
India-Germany Agreement for Gratis Visas
A new agreement between India and Germany allows Indian students to obtain gratis visas (i.e., free visas / visa fee exemption) for short-term academic visits.
Which short-term visits are included
The fee exemption applies to:
School and college visits
Study tours
Faculty-led excursions
Short academic programs/exchanges (not for long-term studies / full degree visas)
Purpose
This initiative is designed to foster academic exchange, study tours, research collaboration, and cultural interaction. Thus, students intending to engage in such short activities will gain from it.
What is not covered (yet)
Long-term student visas / full degree programs: If you’re traveling to Germany for a complete master’s, bachelor’s, or Studienkolleg program, this free visa option does not apply to you. Such visas are regular student visas with their standard fee (unless Germany decides to waive those in future announcements).
Other requirements still apply: Even for short-term gratis visas, other conditions (such as an invitation from the host institution, proof of purpose, accommodation details, financial evidence, etc.) will still need to be met. It’s not entirely free; only the visa fee is waived.
What Indian students need to do to take advantage of this
If you are planning a brief academic visit (e.g., a short program, study tour, faculty visit, etc.):
Verify whether your program qualifies under the “short-term / exchange/tour/study visit” category.
When submitting your visa application, ensure you state and provide documents that indicate it is a school/college visit or short program; this may be necessary to secure the gratis visa.
Stay informed of announcements from the German Embassy/Consulates in India for updated visa application forms/checklists indicating “gratis visa” or fee exemption for students.
Request your host institution in Germany (if applicable) to issue an official letter or invitation that outlines the purpose and duration.
Even with the fee waived, you still need to meet all other visa requirements (proof of funds, accommodation, insurance, etc.).