Study in Germany for Indian Students

Germany is now a popular study destination for Indian students intending to study abroad. The following are the key benefits of studying in Germany:

• Free Education at Public Universities: Numerous universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for either undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. You will, however, need to pay a semester fee ranging from EUR 70-430 (INR 7,162–44,998) per semester to cover administrative costs and public transport.
• Top Education and Rankings: Germany has some of the best universities worldwide that charge very low attendance fees. For example, the Technical University of Munich ranks #22, LMU Munich is at #54, and Heidelberg University sits at #82 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. These rankings highlight Germany's commitment to excellence and innovation in education.
• Strong Post-Study Work Opportunities: After graduation, you can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa, which makes finding a job easier and allows you to transfer to an EU Blue Card for residence.
• Safe and High Quality of Life: Germany is reputed to be one of the safest places in Europe, with great public infrastructure, healthcare services, and public transport.
• Growing Indian Community: With over 45,000 Indian students currently studying in Germany, you will find a supportive community and some familiar cultural organisations. Many cities have Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and student associations.
• Strong Return on Investment: Students can recover their expenses quickly after graduation because of the already low to no tuition and low living costs. The German job industry is booming. This means that you can get a high-paying job in various fields and get a good return on your investment. 

Germany hosts some of the world's most prestigious universities in Germany for international students for international students. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Currency Disclaimer: All INR conversions are based on the exchange rate of 1 EUR = INR 102.32 as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary with currency fluctuations.

Best Courses to Study in Germany

Students who want to work and study masters in Germany should consider courses that are popular according to industry standards. The best courses to study in Germany for Indian students are:

Study in Germany without IELTS - Top options

If you want to study in Germany without IELTS, then here are the top universities that accept applications and allow you to study without IELTS.

• Free University of Berlin 
• Humboldt University of Berlin 
• Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU Munich) 
• Technical University of Munich (TUM) 
• University of Siegen 
• University of Kaiserslautern
• University of Bonn 

Before you start applying for the visa, it is important to know the admission process. Understanding the study in Germany requirements is necessary for a successful application.

Study in Germany Requirements (UG & PG)

There are some eligibility requirements that universities require you to fulfil before accepting applications. Here are the requirements to study in Germany:

APS Certificate and Eligibility Check

The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate is mandatory for Indian students applying to Germany. This certificate verifies the authenticity of your academic documents.

How to Apply for APS:

1. Register on the APS India website.
2. Submit academic documents (Class 10, Class 12, and bachelor's degree).
3. Pay the processing fee: INR 18,000.
4. Attend a verification interview (30–40 minutes).
5. Receive the APS certificate within 10–12 weeks.

You can apply through either Uni-assist or directly with the university. It is important to understand the difference.

Uni-assist vs Direct Application:
 

Understanding the cost of studying in Germany helps in effective financial planning.

Tuition Fees - Public vs Private Universities

Tuition fees between public and private universities differ significantly, as most public universities charge low or no tuition at all, whereas private universities are comparatively expensive. For minimal costs, look for public universities in Germany for international students free.

Disclaimer: This average tuition is an estimate. Students are advised to confirm actual tuition costs by going through university websites.

Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students (City-wise)

If you want to study and live in Germany, you should know the average monthly expenses. Here is the cost of living in Germany for Indian students according to different cities:

Disclaimer: All costs in INR are converted using an approximate exchange rate of 1 EUR = INR 102.32 as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on current exchange rates. 

Blocked account explained

A blocked account is a special German bank account. This is where you deposit funds that can only be withdrawn in monthly instalments (EUR 992/INR 1,01,501) after you arrive in Germany. This is financial proof to show that you have enough money to support yourself.

How to Open a Blocked Account:

• Find a provider.
• Upload required documents (passport, admission letter)
• Pay opening fee (EUR 50-150 /INR 5,116 - INR 15,348)
• Transfer EUR 11,904 (INR 12,18,017)
• Receive blocked account confirmation for visa

Several Germany scholarships for Indian students can significantly reduce the financial burden.

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest scholarship provider for international students.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer their own fully or partially funded scholarships:

Part-time Work Rules and Earning Potential

International students can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without additional permission.

Average Hourly Wages: Germany has a minimum wage system in place. Students working part-time can earn EUR 12.82 (INR 1,311.74) per hour. 

Understanding German student visa requirements is essential for smooth travel.

German Student Visa Process (Step-by-Step)

Students should know the correct process to apply for the visa. Here is everything you should know, from required documents to the actual process.

Visa Type: National Visa (Type D) for studies

Required Documents:

1. Valid passport (at least 6 months validity + 2 blank pages)
2. University admission letter (Original)
3. APS certificate
4. Blocked account confirmation (EUR 11,904 / INR 12,18,020)
5. Health insurance valid in Germany (minimum EUR 90 / INR 9,209 per month)
6. Visa application form (completed and signed)
7. Passport-size photographs (biometric, 2 copies)
8. Academic documents (Class 10, 12, Bachelor's)
9. Language proficiency certificates
10. Proof of accommodation in Germany

Application Process:

Step 1: Book an appointment at VFS Global (German visa centre in India)

• Locations: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata

Step 2: Pay the visa fee

• Fee: EUR 75 (INR 7,674)
• Payment: Cash/Card at VFS Centre

Step 3: Attend a biometrics appointment

• Submit documents
• Biometric data collection (fingerprints, photograph)

Step 4: Wait for processing

• Processing time: 8-12 weeks
• Track the application online

Step 5: Collect the visa

• Pick up from the VFS Centre or by courier

Important: Apply for a visa at least 3 weeks before departure.

Germany has two main intakes for international students:

What will your life look like after graduation? Here is everything from how to upgrade your visa to job prospects.

Germany Post-Study Work Visa Explained

If you want to continue living in Germany after graduation and start working, then here are some visa requirements you should know:

18-Month Job Seeker Visa:

After graduation, Indian students can apply for an 18-month job-seeking residence permit to find employment in Germany.

Eligibility:

• Completed a degree from a German university
• Proof of financial support 
• Valid health insurance

Benefits:

• Can work full-time during the job search period
• No salary restrictions during this period
• Can be converted to an EU Blue Card or a work permit after finding employment

EU Blue Card & PR Pathway

The EU Blue Card is a work permit that allows students to work full-time in Germany without restrictions.

EU Blue Card:

Once you secure a job with a minimum annual salary of EUR 45,300 (INR 46,35,096), you can apply for an EU Blue Card.

Benefits:

• Live and work in Germany
• Travel freely in the EU Schengen area
• Pathway to permanent residency after 21-33 months
• Family reunification rights

Permanent Residency (PR):

• After 5 years of living in Germany (Blue Card holders: 21-33 months)
• Requires B1 German language proficiency
• Proof of employment and financial stability
• Integration course completion

Job Prospects and Salaries for Indian Graduates

The German job industry is booming. Here are the top positions and their average annual salary to give you an idea:

Average Starting Salaries by Field:

Disclaimer: The average annual salary is an estimate. Actual salary may depend on role, qualifications, and company size.

Top Employers for Indian Graduates:

• BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi
• Siemens, Bosch, SAP 
• Deutsche Bank, Allianz
• Bayer, BASF
• Amazon, Google, Microsoft

Study in Germany provides Indian students with an unmatched opportunity for a world-class, free education, with numerous job opportunities after studying and pathways to permanent residency in the EU. With good planning, gaining acceptance to a notable German university is certainly possible.

Preparation should begin early in the process. Create your APS certificate, research satisfactory universities, and feel free to contact university admission offices for assistance. Germany awaits with innovative universities, a booming economy, and a rich culture.

Ready to start your journey? Talk to Leap Scholar advisors today to get personalised guidance on universities, scholarships, and how to study in Germany without IELTS and visa applications.