Germany

All about Study in Germany for Indian students

A highly preferred place among international students is Germany because of its quality education, choice of schools and courses, and affordability. What’s impressive is the fact that there are a huge number of universities that offer courses in English. Education is affordable as in most public universities there are rarely if ever any tuition fees. There are plenty of part-time jobs for international students during studies accompanied with great post study work prospects. Moreover, Germany’s good living standards, excellent public services, and cultural richness sum up to a well-rounded adventure. This creates an environment in which students from across the globe are welcomed in universities and provided with the necessary support services. Generally, education in the country boasts a high educational system, a cost-effective approach, and a rich social atmosphere.

Key Facts to consider to Study in Germany

Admission Intakes

Summer (Mar / Apr)
Winter (Sep / Oct)

Average Tuition Fee

Public Universities: Free
Private Universities:
Bachelor’s : €10,000 to €15,000 per year
Master’s: €10,000 to €20,000 per year

Living Expenses

€12,000 to €15,000 per year

Post Study Work Permit

Bachelor’s : 18 months
Master’s : 18 months

Accepted Tests

IELTS, GRE, GMAT

Top Cities

Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg

Advantages of Studying in Germany

German higher institutions attract many international students because of the numerous advantages it offers. Here are some of the key advantages of studying in Germany

High-Quality Education

Germany has a good reputation as far as education is concerned as many of the country’s universities frequently make it in the top rankings across the world. Research-based focus and practice oriented education ensures better learning outcomes.

Affordable or Free Tuition

German public universities normally charge low or no tuition fee thus making education affordable to international students. This greatly minimizes the expenditure that goes towards foreign education.

Strong Job Market

The German economy is characteristically strong and flexible when it comes to the supply of jobs, especially those related to science, technology, and engineering. Internship possibilities as well as post-graduate job opportunities are available for international students.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

After completion of their studies in Germany, graduates can stay in the country for a maximum period of 18 months to seek employment pertaining to their fields. The study after work is actually very beneficial for all job seekers in Germany.

Research Opportunities

Germany has a strong research and innovation culture that makes it a world power. It gives international students an opportunity to take part in current research, and interact with global scholars in specific disciplines.

Cultural Diversity

The country of Germany has a vast cultural background, making international students feel at home. In this case, such exposure to other cultures improves the learning process as a whole.

Collectively, these advantages make Germany a good place of choice whereby students are looking for quality education with rich cultural experiences after graduation.

Cost of Studying in Germany for Indian Students

Tuition fees differ from one university and federal state to another. Nevertheless, most of the public universities in Germany tends to have reasonably lower tuition fees than many other nations. Here is a general overview

Bachelor’s Programs
  • Public universities: Undergraduate programs in some public universities of Germany are free, especially for EIU/EEIA students. A state may incur an administrative tax for some of its residents.
  • Private universities: The tuition may be expensive in private institutions, and it ranges substantially between €10,000 to €15,000 per year
Master's Degree
  • Public universities: The tuition fees in most public universities are free for subsequent masters’ programs, particularly to EU/EEA students. There could be high cost in non-consecutives’ programs leading one to opt for consecutive studies.
  • Private universities: In private universities, there can be more expensive prices for the master’s training. The tuition fee ranges between €10,000 to €15,000 per year
PhD Programs
  • Public universities: Typically, PhD programs in public universities have no tuition or low payment. They need money because PhD students have to live.
  • Private universities: Certain private University can charge tuition fee in PhD programs. But most Universities offer a fully funded PhD program.

Note also that Tuition fee policies may undergo changes and subsequent updates after the date of my last update on Tuition fee policies. Moreover, non EU/ EEA foreign students will have an entirely different fee system.
We would suggest that you visit the respective university’s website for the most reliable and recent data about these institutions. This means that they will give specific and actual data regarding tuition, scholarships, and whatever else may be of financial concern.

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How to Study in Germany for free?

As an overseas student, it is quite possible to study in Germany for free, especially at public ones. Here are steps and considerations to help you achieve this

Choose Public Universities

Many public universities in Germany have reduced or no tuition fee that apply to both their local citizens and foreign students. Private universities tend to be more expensive, especially their tuition cost.

Research Tuition-Free Universities

Many public universities may not be free of charges but offer low fees. Find out about the tuition rates of research universities within your state and ensure that such rates are affordable to you as an international student.

Consider Tuition-Free States

On the other hand, some states like Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamiltonian, among many others, have decided to drop tuition fees for foreign students. These state have some of the cheapest universities, which you can consider to save on costs.

Meet Admission Requirements

Make sure to have a thorough knowledge of and adhere strictly to the required standards on academic as well as language level in order to be eligible for the particular program. Usually, your transcripts would be needed, also language proficiency test (i.e., IELTS/TOEFL) and possibly some recommendation letters.

Apply for Scholarships

Besides low or no tuition charges, it is possible to consider scholarships to cater for your living expenses. The government, universities, and other institutions provide numerous international student’s scholarships in Germany.

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Requirements to Study in Germany

The detailed conditions of overseas students learning in Germany may depend on a particular field of study or a certain educational institution. However, here is a general list of requirements that international students typically need to fulfill

Educational Qualifications

For Bachelor's Programs: To undertake a vocational training course, you must have completed secondary education equivalent to a German school-leaving certificate.
For Master's Programs: A bachelor’s degree in any field similar OR an equivalent qualification from any recognized institution.

Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency: Master’s degree programmes are mostly delivered in English, where fluency can be achieved via internationally recognized exams like IELTS or TOEFL. However, some universities may also accept other English proficiency tests.

Application Form

Submit your applications on the university’s website. Double check your data and provide it with utmost completeness.

Academic Transcripts

Get the certified copies of your academic records translated into either German or English per the language in which they were instructed.

Letter of Motivation or Statement of Purpose:

Produce a motivation letter or a statement of purpose justifying why you want to be accepted into the program, giving your academic and career achievements as well as the aspirations in future.

Letters of Recommendation

There may be some programs that will require letters of recommendations from your professors and even employers. Make sure that you have satisfied all the conditions stipulated for a particular programme.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Create an elaborate CV that has information on the areas including education, job history, qualifications, and achievements that are related.

Portfolio (for Certain Programs)

This may involve a portfolio showing your samples of work if you apply for programs such as arts and artisan design related fields.

Financial Resources

Show that you can sustain yourself financially while in Germany. That could be exhibited by means of a blocked bank account statement, scholarship confirmation note, or declaration of financial aid.

Interview (if Required)

The selection process might involve an interview in some programs and institutions. Be ready to talk about plans for studies and careers.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that these requirements may differ depending on the university and program, therefore it is necessary to verify their respective needs. Secondly, ensure that you submit your application in good time even prior to the deadline.

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How to get a Student visa for Germany from India

The process of securing a student’s visa to Germany from India is multi-tiered. Here is a general guide to help you through the process

Receive Admission Offer

You can only receive a visa if you secure an unconditional offer by an accredited university in Germany.

Blocked Bank Account

Providing evidence of funds in a German blocked bank account. Although this differs by year as it ranges between eight thousand six hundred and forty Euros (€8,640) per year.

Health Insurance

Get a compliant German health insurance plan. Some universities list down a few recommenders from their end.

Complete Visa Application Form

Complete the application form pertaining to visa formalities. The form may be obtained at the website of the German mission in India or from the official website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents, including: Visa application form. Passport-sized biometric photos. With effect from 30th, June valid for a period of at least twelve month’s passport. The German university admission letter. Financial guarantee (e.g., blocked account, scholarship confirmation, or declaration of financial support). Health insurance confirmation. Academic certificates and transcripts. Visa fee payment receipt.

Book an Appointment

Go and schedule an appointment with the german embassy/consulate in your jurisdiction.

Attend Visa Interview

On the scheduled date, proceed to attend the visa interview at the German Embassy or Consulate. Come ready with possible topics of discussion such as your study plan, financial state, etc.

Pay Visa Fee

Pay the required visa fee. This fee may be different, therefore visit the embassies’ website for up-to-date details.

Visa Processing

The Visa processing may take up to a weeks’ time. You can also check on the progress of your visa application online via the embassy’s website.

Receive Visa Decision

Upon completion of visa processing, you will get a choice. An ambassador will stamp a visa on your passport if he approves the same.

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Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Many students, for instance, from different countries get a chance to study in Germany where they can access numerous scholarships towards funding both education and living. Some of the prominent scholarships available for international students in Germany include:

DAAD Scholarships:
DAAD is an institution that grants numerous scholarships to different categories of international students at varying levels of education. These include graduate and postgraduate scholarships, as well as small term research awards.

Erasmus+ Scholarships:
Erasmus + is a eu programme supporting education, training, and youth activities. It grants scholarships to foreigners who are interested in studying at European institutions, such as those in Germany.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships:
Students interested in masters’ as well as doctoral studies in Germany can apply for scholarships from the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung. They offer student scholarships in a special way towards those who show commitment of theirs to environmental and social justice issues.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships:
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation sponsors this scholarship for international master’s or Ph.D. degree seeking program in Germany. Any student with a strong commitment to Christian democrat principles may apply for the award.
Humboldt Research Fellowship:
It is a foundation that supports scholarships for experienced and well-qualified postgraduate students all over the world. Researchers can undertake a research project in Germany by virtue of the fellowship.
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Top Universities to Study in Germany

Germany is home to several top public universities that are known for their academic excellence and diverse programs. Here are some of the top public universities in Germany that are particularly welcoming to international students:

Germany is home to several top public universities that are known for their academic excellence and diverse programs. Here are some of the top public universities in Germany that are particularly welcoming to international students;

  1. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
  2. Heidelberg University
  3. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
  4. Humboldt University of Berlin
  5. Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin)
  6. RWTH Aachen University
  7. University of Freiburg
  8. University of Mannheim
  9. University of Stuttgart
  10. University of Bonn

Germany is known for its strong public university system, and private universities are relatively less common compared to public institutions.

  1. Jacobs University Bremen
  2. WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
  3. GISMA Business School
  4. SRH Hochschule Berlin
  5. ESMT Berlin (European School of Management and Technology)
  6. Touro College Berlin
  7. Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
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Post Study Work Opportunities

Germany offers post-study work opportunities for international students through the "Job Seeker Visa" and the "Residence Permit for Job Search." Here's a general overview of the post-study work options in Germany for different academic programs

  • Bachelor's Degree: 18 Months
  • Master's Degree: 18 Months
  • Ph.D. Programs: 36 Months
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FAQ's

What are the English Language requirements to Study in Germany?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Many universities accept a score of 6.0 to 7.0 or higher. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A score of 80 to 100 or higher is often required.

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Most countries allow international students to work for up to 20 hours a week per semester, during academic period. International students can work unlimited hours in Germany during vacation periods (semesterferien).

How is the quality of education in Germany?

The German education system is reputable for its advanced learning and research standards. Its universities are always ranked among the best in the world, and they offer varied programs, industrial links, and favorable conditions for research, creativity, and innovation.

What is the cost of living for international students in Germany?

The cost of living in Germany for international students differs from one city to another, with regard to the style of life that one upholds and their own expenditures. Regarding these additional costs, a student can typically budget between 800 and 1,000 euro per month which covers accommodations, meals, transportations, the health insurance, and others. In some cities such as Berlin and Munich, living costs could be higher than in small villages.

Can I stay in Germany after completing my studies?

Upon completion of studies, one can opt to go for a post-study work visa popularly known as, ‘Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche’ or ‘Job Seeker Visa’. This is a visa that permits an individual to remain in.

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