German Student Visa Interview Questions, Answers and Tips

Per the Federal Statistical Office (Germany), the number of Indian students has increased by 26% over the last year (34,134) and stands at 42,997 (Winter Semester 2022–23). This makes Germany one of the top study-abroad destinations.  To study there, you will need to ace the visa interview. Our expert-approved guide to the German visa interview questions will help you crack the interview like a pro.

Though all applicants are not called for an interview, however, every applicant should be prepared to face one. 

Germany Student Visa Interview Questions

Here are some German interview questions for visa-seekers that you should note carefully. In addition to the common questions, we have listed the ways you can answer these questions.

Academic Background 

• Can you tell me about your previous education background?

How to Answer:  For this question, talk about your chosen stream of study earlier, your grades in major examinations, and your academic achievements, if any. You can also provide a gist of how your education has expanded your perspective in general as well. 

Quick Tip: If you have undertaken research projects or other relevant academic coursework, keep these details handy and inform the interviewer briefly about them while talking about your academic background. 

• Were you involved in any extracurricular activities during your studies? 

How to Answer: This question is to understand your enthusiasm to learn beyond the core modules. Let the interviewer know about the skills you acquired during these extracurricular activities.

• What are your English proficiency or standardized exam test scores? 

How to Answer: Share your English language proficiency tests or any other standardized test scores as asked. You can also let the interviewer know if your university has waived off this requirement.

Professional Background

• What have you done since you graduated last? 

How to Answer: Talk about your internships, volunteering, community projects, or jobs that you took up after graduation. Highlight if you have worked as a research assistant and how your experience has cemented the foundational knowledge of the subject you desire to pursue abroad. 

• How will your previous work experience help you in your chosen future pathway? 

How to Answer: Talk about the skill sets that you gained while working at your previous organization, along with how they are relevant to your chosen specialization and area of interest. Also, mention any work-related tasks or achievements that are noteworthy. 

Quick Tip: For any gap year, justify it by what skills you enhanced during that time or if you pursued any short-term course. Be clear about what you pursued and how it relates to your interests. 

Intentions to Study in Germany- 

• Why do you want to study in Germany? 

How to Answer: Mention why Germany has attracted you as a study-abroad destination. It can be due to its reputed institutions, the public and educational infrastructure you like, the culture, and the local community.

• Why did you choose this course and university? 

How to Answer: Tell how the chosen course relates to your short-term and long-term plans. In the latter context, mention the university’s faculty, infrastructure, teaching standards, curriculum, and student support as key reasons. 

• Why did you choose this particular city? 

How to Answer: Be armed with data on the city you will be studying in while answering with pointers related to the city’s environment, attractions, lifestyle, amenities, quality of life, and research opportunities. If it has a high population of international students (or Indian diaspora), then you can include it as well in your answer.

Quick Tip: Learning about Germany, the city you study, and the university will help. At the same time, you can keep some ranking data handy on the university to substantiate your reasons for choosing the institution. 

Financial Situation

• How are you going to fund your education?

How to Answer: Mention how you will cover the education costs, i.e., through your own savings or family support or even an education loan.

• What proof do you have that your sponsor can fund your studies? 

How to Answer: You should provide bank statements and income documents of your sponsor to prove that they can fund your studies in Germany. 

Quick Tip: An aspirant needs to open a blocked account (€11 208). They should tell you about the overall funds' availability that encapsulates their tuition fee, living cost, etc. Also, be ready with details of your scholarship if you have obtained the same.

Miscellaneous

• Do you know German?

How to Answer: Be honest if you do not know the language. However, express your willingness to learn while you live in the country. If you know German, convey your level of proficiency to the interviewer. 

Note: Germany provides many English-taught courses; not knowing German won’t impact your learning during the course.  

• Do you have any relatives in Germany or Europe? 

How to Answer: Mention whether you have family, friends, or extended family members in the region or the country. 

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Documents required for student visa

7 Tips to Crack Germany Student Visa Interview 

Here are a few tips to help you crack the German visa interview successfully. 

1.Make a note of the German visa interview questions listed above. Prepare flawless answers for the key aspects like your plans, reasons for choosing the country, course, and university, and funding details. 

2.Be on time at the Embassy or Consulate. Do not arrive even one minute late for the interview, and avoid going in early. Greet everyone positively. 

3.Wear comfortable and simple outfits that are formal yet do not leave you looking overdressed. 

4.Keep the full list of supporting documents, including originals and copies. 

5.Answer honestly and directly without avoiding questions or giving fake replies. Staying frank and positive is the best approach that you can adopt. 

6.Make sure that your answers are in sync with the documents that you provide and details of your present and past circumstances. 

7.Avoid giving unnecessary details or straying from the core point. 

Germany student visas are not hard to obtain, provided you adhere to the requirements stringently while providing all the documents necessary for substantiating your application. Ensure you stay calm, confident, and honest during the interview.