NEW DELHI, INDIA – In a significant boost to educational and cultural ties, Germany has agreed to provide free-of-charge “Gratis visas” for Indian students participating in short-term school and college visits. This landmark agreement, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to remove a long-standing financial barrier and make international academic opportunities more accessible.
The new policy applies specifically to students engaged in short-term academic programs, cultural exchanges, and research collaborations. A “Gratis visa” is a travel document issued without any fee. This initiative is a direct result of discussions held during the recent visit of German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to India, where both nations agreed to further promote student exchanges.
It is crucial for students to note that this new visa waiver does not apply to long-term study visas for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs, which continue to have a standard fee. However, the move is expected to act as a stepping stone, encouraging more students to explore Germany’s academic environment through short programs, which could, in turn, lead to future long-term commitments.
The announcement comes as Germany solidifies its position as a top destination for Indian students. According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the number of Indian students in Germany has more than doubled in the past five years, with a significant increase in enrollment in the last year alone.
This policy change, along with other recent developments like the digital Consular Services Portal for visa applications, is part of Germany’s broader strategy to streamline its immigration process and attract skilled talent from India.
Conclusion
The agreement to provide free “Gratis visas” is a momentous step that will benefit thousands of Indian students by making short-term academic programs and cultural exchanges with Germany more accessible. This policy is a clear signal of the strengthening educational and bilateral relationship between the two countries.
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Disclaimer
The information provided is based on public announcements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and media reports. The specifics of the visa application process and eligibility criteria for the “Gratis visa” are subject to official guidelines from the German missions in India. All travelers are advised to verify details with official sources before making travel arrangements.
Official Authentication Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources:
- German Federal Foreign Office in New Delhi: https://india.diplo.de/
- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Press Release: The official press release can be found on the MEA’s website under the ‘Press Releases’ section. Please search for announcements related to the German Foreign Minister’s visit in September 2025.
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in India: https://www.daad-india.org/
