Study in Germany from India
Public universities in most of Germany charge no tuition, including to international students. You pay a small semester contribution and your living costs. Combine that with 18 months after graduation to find work and one of Europe’s strongest job markets for engineers and scientists, and Germany is the best-value destination there is. It is also demanding: admission is competitive, many courses are taught in German, and you must lock a year’s living costs in a blocked account before you apply.
The numbers that matter
Tuition at public universities
None in most states. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students a fee per semester
Semester contribution
A modest amount, often including a public transport pass
Blocked account
€1,091 a month in 2026, so €13,092 for a year
Work while studying
Part-time, within annual limits
After graduation
18 months to find a job related to your degree
Settlement after graduating and working
As little as 2 years of skilled work
What you need
- University admission. Apply directly or through uni-assist. Indian applicants need an APS certificate, which verifies their academic documents, before applying for the visa.
- Language. German at B2 or C1 for German-taught courses. IELTS or TOEFL for the growing number of English-taught master’s programmes.
- A blocked account with the required amount.
- Health insurance.
- A student visa from the German mission in India.
Eligibility for a bachelor’s degree
Class 12 from India does not qualify you directly for a German bachelor’s degree. You need one of: a year of university study in India, a pass in the first stage of the IIT entrance route, or a one-year preparatory course in Germany called Studienkolleg followed by an assessment exam. For master’s degrees, a relevant bachelor’s with good marks is the requirement. Four-year Indian degrees are accepted most readily.
Public or private
| Public universities | Private universities | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | None or minimal | Substantial |
| Admission | Competitive, by marks | Easier |
| Language | Many German-taught, a good number of English-taught master’s | Mostly English-taught |
| Reputation with employers | Strong | Varies. Check state recognition |
Agents often promote private universities because they pay commission. Check that any private institution is state-recognised before you commit.
After you graduate
You get 18 months to find qualified work, during which you can take any job. Once you have a job matching your degree, you move to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit. Graduates of German universities can apply for a settlement permit after two years of skilled work.
Questions people ask us most
Is studying in Germany really free?
Tuition is, at most public universities. Living costs are not.
Can I study in English?
Yes, mainly at master’s level. Learn German anyway. It decides your job prospects.
What is APS?
A certificate from the German Embassy’s Academic Evaluation Centre in India, verifying your academic records. It is required for a student visa.
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