Study in Germany

Name: Stubard Education
Address: India

Germany is one of the best destinations for international students seeking quality education at minimal cost. With most public universities offering free tuition, 1,500+ English-taught programs, and post-study work rights up to 18 months, Germany offers a strong mix of affordability, academic excellence, and career potential.

Studying in Germany as an Indian Student: How-To-Guide

Germany ranks among the most popular and reliable study-abroad destinations by Indian students due to its excellent education system, tuition-free government-run universities, powerful economy, and good career prospects. Germany is a favorite destination of thousands of Indian students annually, with its ideal combination of academic perfection, research-based learning, and exposure to the industry.

German universities are known all over the world due to engineering, technology, management, medicine, natural sciences, and applied research. Education in the country is of high quality and costs minimal or no tuition fee, has many English courses, available and attractive scholarships, and good after-education employment.

This guide contains all the information Indian students should know about pursuing studies in Germany, such as universities, courses, eligibility, fees, scholarships, visa, cost of living, employment, accommodation, and life as a student.

Some of the Reasons Why a Large Number of Indian Students Prefer Studying in Germany

Indian students will like Germany as it has the highest education systems, cheap and economical education, and also a global orientation and high employment opportunities after the completion of university.

Prominent Reasons to Study Abroad in Germany

Public universities are popular across the world, as they have no tuition fees or whose tuition fees are minimal.
A high level of engineering, technology, research, and innovation.
Bachelor’s and Master ‘s-level programs in a wide range of English-taught courses.
Good after-study employments and a variety of PR opportunities.
A huge demand for skilled professionals in the STEM area.
Good connections with several international firms such as BMW, Bosch, Siemens, SAP, and Volkswagen.
Entry to the biggest economy in Europe.
Safe, student-friendly, and multicultural cities
Part-time working option throughout studies.
Freedom of movement within the Schengen countries.

Germany will provide Indian students with a perfect mix of good education, affordability, and career-development opportunities.

Quick Facts About Germany

Feature	Details
Capital	Berlin
Top Cities to Study	Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart
Popular Fields	Engineering, IT, Business, Medicine, Sciences
Tuition Fees	Mostly free (public universities)
Living Cost	₹75,000–1,20,000/month
Intakes	Winter (Oct), Summer (Apr)
Scholarships	Govt. & University-funded

The German Education System – Perfect in the Eyes of the Indian Student

Germany adheres to the Bologna Process, which has made its degrees compatible with those in the rest of Europe.

Study Levels

Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years
Master’s Degree: 1.5–2 years
PhD / Doctorate: 3–5 years

Types of Institutions

Public Universities: Scholarship and tuition-free, research-based.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Applied and industry-oriented.
Universities Under Private Undertaking: Specialized courses (tuition fees)

Intakes

Winter Intake: October (prime intake)
Summer Intake: April (limited programs)

Know more: Understanding the German Higher Education System

Best Courses to Study in Germany as an Indian

Germany is respected in the world regarding its technical, scientific, and research-based education.

Popular Programs

Engineering & Technology

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Automotive, Mechatronics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence.

Computer Science & IT

IT, Management, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity.

Business & Management

MBA, International Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Economics.

Natural Sciences

Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry.

Medicine & Health Sciences

Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Political science, International relations, Sociology, philosophy.

Admission Requirements for Indian Students

For Bachelor’s Programs

Completion of Class 12
Studienkolleg (foundation year) can be a major requirement.
Minimum 60–70% academic score
IELTS 6.0-6.5 (English taught programs)
APS Certificate (Indian students are required to possess this certificate)
Statement of Purpose

For Master’s Programs

Recognized undergraduate degree.
IELTS 6.5–7.0
SOP, CV, Letters of Recommendation
APS Certificate

Common Documents

Valid passport
Academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
English language test results.
APS Certificate

Apply 8–12 months before intake.

German Student Visa for Indian students

Indian students would have to apply for a National Student Visa (Type D).

Documents Required

University admission letter
APS Certificate
Evidence of financial assets (blocked account of 11,208/year)
Health insurance
Academic documents
Visa application form

Visa Processing Time: 4–8 weeks

On arrival, the students are expected to get a Residence Permit in Germany.

Cost of Studying in Germany

Program Level	Fees
Bachelor’s	Mostly free
Master’s	Free–₹3 lakh
MBA (Private)	₹8–25 lakh
PhD	Fully funded

Universities of the state have a semester fee (€250 0 350).

Indian Students in Germany Living Costs

Expense	Monthly Cost (EUR)	Approx INR
Rent	300–700	₹27,000–63,000
Food	150–250	₹13,500–22,500
Transport	30–60	₹2,700–5,400
Utilities	100–150	₹9,000–13,500
Personal	100–200	₹9,000–18,000

Such cities are more costly than those in Leipzig, Magdeburg, or Chemnitz.

Best Universities in Germany for an Indian

German universities that are ranked globally are:

QS Rankings 2026

QS Rank	University	Best Programs
22	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Engineering, AI
58	LMU Munich	Humanities, Economics
80	Heidelberg University	Medicine, Sciences
105	RWTH Aachen University	Mechanical Engineering
130	Humboldt University of Berlin	Social Sciences

Indian Students’ Scholarships in Germany

Government Scholarships & External Scholarships

DAAD Scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium
Erasmus+
Heinrich Böll Foundation

University Scholarships

Merit-based tuition waivers
Monthly stipends
Research assistantships

Benefits Include

Tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200)
Health insurance
Travel allowance

Apply 8–12 months in advance.

Study Intakes in Germany

Intake	Months	Notes
Winter	Oct	Main intake
Summer	Apr	Limited program

Employment Opportunities in Germany

During Studies

240 half days or 120 full days per year
On-campus employment and internships are permitted.

Post-Study Work

18 months post-study job-seeking visa.
Pathway to Euro Blue Card and Permanent Residence.
The engineering, IT, healthcare, research, and manufacturing are in high demand.

Accommodation for Indian Students in Germany

Housing Options

University dormitories
Private student residences
Shared apartments (WG)
Studio apartments
Homestays

Facilities

Furnished rooms
Shared kitchens
Laundry facilities
High-speed internet
Common areas, study rooms, and gyms.
DCCTV, entry security, and fire security.

Accommodation is friendly and cheaper for students, particularly in smaller cities. Students can choose to either live alone in their accommodations or can live with roommates or housemates. Many of the accommodations are close to universities. You can choose to live within walking distance of universities even if you have chosen to live in an off-campus accommodation.

Student Life in Germany

Study in Germany for Indian students proves to be a lifetime experience for Indian students. Germany provides Indian students with a balanced academic and social life. Cities are multicultural, safe, and well-connected with the metro. Cultural communities, grocery stores, and Indian restaurants are a common occurrence.

Students like travelling within Europe, festivals such as Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and sightseeing within ancient cities. Good standard of living, orderly lifestyle, and career-oriented living make Germany an ideal choice. Besides, students find many co-curricular activities in their universities, colleges, as well as in the cities where they are living. There are excellent sports facilities that students can enjoy. Germany is one of the top countries playing football in the world. Germany also hosted the Olympic Games at different times.

Something More to Know about Germany

Germany is a European country that is in the central part of Europe and is the biggest economy in Europe. It boasts of a good healthcare system, great infrastructure, and a very efficient transport system.

The official language is German, but English is spoken in the universities and the workplaces. Basic German is a great way to live better and get a job.

Germany has also been famous for its rich history. It also played a major role in the European Renaissance. It is the country where Martin Luther was born. There are a lot of other things that make Germany one of the best countries in the world.

Final Note

Germany is among the cheapest study-abroad destinations with regard to Indian students. Germany is a life-altering academic and career experience with the best universities, low tuition, high scholarships, and good career opportunities.

Germany is certainly a good choice for Indian students who want to receive a good education, have European exposure, and long-term career success.

Cost of Living in Germany

Manage your living costs in Germany effortlessly! Plan your budget from accommodation to daily expenses with an average of Euro 10,000–15,000 per year.