1. New Digital Visa Application Portal
From February 17, 2025, all Germany student visa applications must start through the new Consular Services Portal (digital‑di.de/diplo.de). The entire application is submitted online, and only after document verification will you be allowed to book an appointment for biometrics through VFS.
2. Higher Blocked Account Requirement
Effective September 1, 2024, the required amount for the blocked account was increased to €11,904 annually (€992 per month), up from €11,208.
3. Mandatory Digital Biometric Photos
As of May 1, 2025, only digital biometric photographs are accepted for visa applications. Paper-based passport photos will no longer be allowed.
4. Enhanced Student Work Rights & Minimum Wage
From January 1, 2025, Germany’s minimum wage rose to €12.82/hour. Students on mini-jobs can now earn up to €556/month (about 43 hours/month), maintaining the legal limit of 20 hours/week during semester time.
5. Tuition Fees Introduced at TUM
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) introduced tuition fees for non-EU students from winter semester 2024/25:
- €2,000–€3,000/semester (Bachelor)
- €4,000–€6,000/semester (Master)
6. No More Informal Visa Appeals (Remonstration)
Starting July 1, 2025, students can no longer file remonstrations. Instead, rejected visa applications now require a formal legal appeal in court.
7. Priority Processing & New Job-Seeker Permit
Students in high-demand professions (e.g., engineering, IT, healthcare) now get priority processing. After graduation, you can stay in Germany for 12–18 months using the updated Opportunity Card visa.
8. APS & Language Requirements
- APS Certificate is now mandatory for all Indian applicants.
- For German-taught programs: B2 level German.
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90+ is required.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Update for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Portal | Fully digital via digital‑di.de since Feb 2025 |
| Blocked Account | Raised to €11,904/year (€992/month) |
| Biometric Photos | Digital photos required from May 1, 2025 |
| Student Work Rights | Mini-jobs up to €556/month; 20 hrs/week max |
| Tuition Fees @ TUM | €2K–3K/semester (Bachelor), €4K–6K/semester (Master) |
| Visa Appeals | Remonstration removed; legal appeal required |
| Processing Priority | Fast-tracked for high-demand courses |
| Job-Seeker Permit | 12–18 months post-study via Opportunity Card |
| APS & Language | APS for Indians; IELTS/TOEFL or B2 German required |
