What changed
On 1 January 2025 the German Federal Foreign Office launched its Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de) worldwide. National visa applications, including student and study-related visas, can now be started and submitted online across all 167 German visa sections globally, covering 28 categories of national visa. Schengen (short-stay) visas are not yet included.
What it means for students
Indian students applying for a German student visa can now complete much of the application digitally, upload documents online, and reduce the number of in-person embassy visits. The Foreign Office states the reform is intended to speed up processing and cut appointment wait times, though a personal appearance for biometrics may still be required.