Are you an Indian student planning to study in Europe? Understanding the Schengen visa application fee is essential to budgeting for your international education. Whether you’re enrolling in a university, attending a research program, or participating in an exchange semester, this guide provides everything you need to know about Schengen visa application fees for students, including payment options, fee waivers, and additional costs.
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Standard Schengen Visa Application Fee for Students
For Indian students planning to visit Europe for academic purposes, understanding the Schengen visa application fee is essential. The Schengen visa allows travel across 27 European countries, making it a popular choice for students attending exchange programs, conferences, or short-term courses.
The Schengen visa application fee varies depending on the applicant’s age and visa type. As of 2025, the Schengen student visa application fees are:
- Students (12 years and above): Approx. INR 8,035. It is equivalent to EUR 90.
- Students (6 to 12 years): Approx. INR 4,017. which is equivalent to EUR 45.
Many students and researchers traveling for educational purposes may be eligible for fee exemptions or reductions. Additional service charges may apply when applying through external agencies. Since visa fees can change periodically, it’s important to check the latest updates before submitting an application.
Also Read: List of Approved Foreign Universities for Education Loan
Additional Charges and Service Fees for Schengen Visa Application
Apart from the Schengen visa application fee, students might have to pay extra service charges when applying through third-party agencies. The approximate additional service charge is INR 1,500 per application. Optional services, such as SMS notifications, courier delivery, and premium lounge services, may also incur additional costs.
Check with your visa processing center to confirm these charges and choose only the necessary services to keep costs low.
Payment Methods for Schengen Visa Application Fee
To successfully apply for a Schengen visa application fee for a student, you must pay the required fee using approved payment methods. The commonly accepted options include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Rupay
- Demand Drafts: Payable to the respective embassy or consulate
- UPI Payments: Online transaction facilities for quick processing
Since payment methods may vary by country or consulate, it is advisable to confirm accepted payment options before proceeding.
Schengen Visa Fee Waivers & Discounts
Many students are eligible for Schengen visa fee waivers or reductions. If you belong to any of the following categories, you may qualify for a discount or full waiver:
- Students and Teachers traveling for academic purposes
- Researchers attending European scientific conferences
- Non-Profit Organization Representatives (under 25) participating in events
- Diplomatic Passport Holders
- Children under six years (free visa application)
If you qualify for a waiver, ensure you provide the necessary documentation to support your exemption request.
Also Read: Minimum Bank Balance Requirement for a Schengen Visa
Is the Schengen Visa Fee Refundable?
One of the most common concerns for applicants is whether the Schengen visa application fee is refundable. Unfortunately, visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. To avoid unnecessary losses, ensure your application is complete, accurate, and supported by all required documents before submission.
As an Indian student aspiring to study in Europe, understanding the Schengen visa application fee is crucial for financial planning. By knowing about visa costs, possible fee waivers, and additional expenses, you can budget efficiently for your educational journey. Always check the latest visa fee updates on the official embassy website, as costs and policies may change over time.
For a smooth Schengen visa application process, start early, gather all necessary documents, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Best of luck with your studies in Europe!
FAQs on Schengen Visa Application Fee
The Schengen visa fee for students aged 12 and above is approximately INR 8,035 (EUR 90). For students aged 6 to 12 years, the fee is around INR 4,017 (EUR 45). These fees apply to short-term student visas for academic purposes.
Yes, students traveling for academic purposes, researchers attending conferences, and representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 may qualify for fee waivers or reductions. Diplomatic passport holders and children under six are also exempt from visa fees.
No, the Schengen visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. To avoid losing money, ensure your application is accurate, complete, and supported by all required documents before submission.
Yes, if you apply through external agencies, you may have to pay a service fee of approximately INR 1,500. Additional costs may also apply for optional services like SMS updates, courier delivery, or premium lounge access.
The Schengen visa application fee can be paid using credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Rupay), demand drafts, or UPI payments. Since payment methods vary by consulate, it’s best to confirm the accepted options before applying.
No, the Schengen visa application fee is mandatory unless you qualify for an exemption. Applications submitted without payment will not be processed, so ensure you pay the required amount before submitting your documents.
Yes, the Schengen visa application fee covers multiple Schengen countries, Schengen visa allows travel across all 27 Schengen member states without requiring additional visa fees. However, your main destination should be the country where you submit your visa application.
Yes, if you apply for a visa extension, you may need to pay an additional fee depending on the reason and duration of the extension. Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
Schengen visa fees are subject to periodic updates by European authorities. It’s recommended to check the latest visa fees on the official embassy or consulate websites before submitting your application.
To learn more about bank accounts for students, the best education loans, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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