Study in Germany: Universities, Costs and Intakes

• Low or no tuition at most public universities
• Strong engineering, technology and research ecosystem
• English-taught master’s options in many technical subjects
• A residence permit option to look for work after graduation

Academic entry requirements

Universities check whether your previous qualification is equivalent to the German requirement. Indian Class 12 results alone often do not give direct entry to a bachelor’s programme, so some students first complete a year of university study in India or a preparatory course. Many universities use uni-assist to pre-check applications.

English language requirements

English-taught programmes usually accept IELTS or TOEFL. German-taught programmes require proof of German, such as TestDaF or DSH. Requirements are set by each programme.

The winter semester (starting around October) is the main intake. Some programmes also admit for the summer semester (starting around April). Application windows are often months earlier.

1. 112–18 months before: shortlist programmes and check eligibility (DAAD database)
2. 2Apply for the APS certificate early — it can take time
3. 36–9 months before: submit applications (often via uni-assist)
4. 4After admission: open a blocked account and arrange health insurance
5. 5Book and attend your national visa appointment

Even where tuition is free, you must budget for the semester contribution and living costs. Proof of funds for the visa is usually shown through a blocked account (Sperrkonto); the required amount is set by the German authorities and is updated periodically.

Indicative tuition (our database)

€0 – €20,000/year (public unis often free)

Indicative living costs (our database)

€10,000 – €12,000/year

Indicative ranges only. Check each university’s fee page and the official visa funds requirement.

The DAAD offers scholarships for international students, alongside foundation scholarships (Stiftungen) and university awards. Many are aimed at master’s and doctoral students and have early deadlines.

• DAAD Scholarship (Germany)RWTH Aachen University

Indian students apply for a national (D) visa for study through the German missions in India. Indian applicants must obtain an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) verifying their academic documents before applying. You will also need admission, proof of funds and health insurance.

Working while you study

International students can work within an annual limit on working days, and student assistant jobs at universities may be treated differently. Check the latest rules on Make it in Germany.

After graduation

Graduates can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work related to their qualification, and may then move to a work-based residence permit.

• Munich
• Berlin
• Aachen
• Hamburg
• Frankfurt
• Stuttgart
• Karlsruhe
• Dresden

• Check the language of instruction and any German requirement for internships
• Confirm whether your state charges non-EU tuition
• Plan your APS appointment and blocked account early