Study in Germany to experience academic excellence in Europe’s leading economy and top student destination. With world-class universities, a wide range of programs, 458,210 international students, and a strong job market, Germany offers unparalleled opportunities.
450+
Universities
€1.5K
per semester (for Bachelor’s, Master’s & Diploma)
4.4L+
International Students
Up to 18 months
Post-study Work Visa
Germany is a leading study-abroad destination, offering affordable education and living expenses. With numerous study-work opportunities and scholarships, it attracts international students seeking high-quality education and a rich cultural experience. This combination makes Germany an attractive option for students from around the globe.
No of Universities | 423 |
No of Universities Ranking in QS 2025 | 48 |
No of International Students | 458,210 |
Part-Time Working Hours | 140 full days or 280 half days (20 hours per week) as of March 1, 2024 |
Post-Study Work Visa Validity | 18 months |
Average Annual Tuition Fees | €5,000 to €20,000 |
Minimum IELTS Requirement |
6.0 – 6.5 |
Number of Intakes | 2 |
Popular Streams of Study | Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Medicine |
How does the Education System Work in Germany
Germany’s education system is known for its high quality and affordability. Indian students will find a multicultural environment and a strong focus on practical learning. While higher education at public universities in Germany is generally free or low-cost, students still need to pay semester fees and cover living expenses.
The system includes a variety of institutions such as universities, technical universities, and applied sciences universities, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Although international students are not entitled to free education, the low tuition fees and available scholarships make Germany a highly attractive destination for higher studies.
How does the Credit System Work in Germany
Germany uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is standard across Europe.
ECTS is based on the workload required to achieve course objectives, usually measured in student workload or contact hours.
In Germany, one ECTS credit is equivalent to 30 hours of workload, which includes lectures, seminars, and independent study.
A Bachelor’s degree in Germany requires 180 ECTS credits, while a Master’s degree typically requires 90 to 120 ECTS credits.
The ECTS system facilitates credit recognition and transfer between institutions across Europe, promoting student mobility and international cooperation in higher education.
What is the Application Process to Study in Germany
The application process to study in Germany depends on the level of study.
For undergraduate programs, students must have completed their secondary education and submit transcripts, proof of language proficiency (for international students), and a motivation letter. Applications are usually submitted through the university’s online portal or Uni-Assist.
For Master’s and PhD programs, students need to submit their undergraduate degree certificates, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and possibly standardized test scores (GRE/GMAT). Some programs may also require an interview or portfolio submission.
What are the Documents Required to Study in Germany
To apply to universities in Germany, students need to provide specific documents for the application process. The key documents include:
What are the Top Universities to Study in Germany
Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities, offering excellent academic programs across a wide range of disciplines. Notable universities include:
Institution Name |
QS Ranking 2025 |
Technical University of Munich |
#28 |
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |
#59 |
Universität Heidelberg |
#=84 |
Freie Universität Berlin |
#97 |
RWTH Aachen University |
#99 |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
#102 |
Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin |
#=126 |
Technische Universität Berlin |
#147 |
Universität Hamburg |
#191 |
Albert-Ludwig- Universität Freiburg |
#212 |
What are the Best Courses to Study in Germany
Germany offers a wide range of academic programs catering to various fields and career aspirations. Some of the best courses to study in Germany include disciplines such as engineering, computer science, and business administration. Popular courses include:
What Scholarships are Available in Germany for Students
Germany provides various scholarships, including fully funded options to help international students manage their education expenses. Some of the notable scholarships for Indian and international students include:
What Intakes are Available to Study in Germany
Germany typically has two main intakes for academic programs: winter and summer. The intakes are as follows:
What is the Study Cost in Germany
The tuition fees in Germany are relatively low, especially at public universities. Public universities usually charge minimal or no tuition fees but require students to pay semester fees, typically ranging from €100 to €350 per year. International students may face higher semester fees. Private universities in Germany can charge between €5,000 and €20,000 annually, with high-demand MBA programs costing around €65,000.
What are the Living Expenses in Germany
Living expenses in Germany vary depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, students should budget around €992 per month. A typical breakdown of monthly expenses is as follows:
What is the Student Visa Process & Fee for Germany
International students need a student visa to study in Germany. The process begins after receiving an admission offer from a recognized university. Required documents include:
What is the Post Study Work Visa for Germany
Germany offers a post-study work visa, known as the 18-month Residence Permit, allowing graduates to stay and search for a job related to their field of study. To be eligible, students must have completed a degree from a recognized German institution. During this period, graduates can work in any role, and once they secure a job related to their degree, they can apply for a Blue Card or another work visa. This work experience can also contribute to long-term residency applications.
How can you obtain Permanent Residence (PR) for Germany
International students can apply for permanent residence (PR) in Germany after gaining sufficient work experience. One option is through the Blue Card EU, available to highly skilled workers with a job offer meeting certain salary criteria. After living and working in Germany for several years and achieving German language proficiency (B1 level), graduates may apply for a settlement permit, which grants long-term residency.
The process includes demonstrating stable employment, financial stability, and integration into German society. After securing PR, students can live and work in Germany indefinitely and eventually apply for German citizenship.
What are the Best Cities to Study and Live in Germany
The following cities are considered among the best places for international students to study and live in Germany:
Job Opportunities in Germany for International Students
International students can take advantage of various part-time job opportunities to support living expenses and gain work experience. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during semester breaks. Common job sectors for students include hospitality, retail, research assistance, and tutoring. Below are some common job opportunities and average pay rates:
Why Choose Germany to Pursue Your Education.
Choosing Abroad provides comprehensive support for students pursuing education in Germany. Our services include personalized university selection, application assistance, and visa guidance. We ensure your application stands out to German universities and assist throughout the student visa process. Our expert advisors also help you explore various scholarships, including those available to Indian students in Germany, to reduce financial burdens.
You will require the National (D) visa for courses that have tenures of more than three months. The Schengen (C) visa is necessary if your course duration is up to three months.
It is not hard to get a student visa for Germany, provided you adhere to all the requirements and submit your documents in a proper manner. You will need admission confirmation, proof of funds, proof of English/German proficiency, health insurance, and proof of previous qualifications.
The average cost of a study visa in Germany is €75 (INR 6,776).
The German settlement permit is for those who have lived lawfully fin the country for an extended duration. It offers authorization (without limits) to work, live, and study in the country and also bring your family alongside. After eight years with this permit, one can apply for naturalization. After graduation, you should have worked for up to two years at least to obtain this permit. The first step is thus applying for the 18-month post-study work visa and then going for the settlement permit.
You cannot study in Germany without a visa if you are an Indian citizen. Citizens of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the EU only require valid identity proof to enter Germany and then make an appointment at the residents’ registration office to get the document that legally authorizes them to remain in the country. Those from Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, USA, or New Zealand, can enter without a visa and if they stay for more than three months, then they will have to apply for residence permits.
To apply for a Germany student visa, you should contact the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The Federal Foreign Office contains all details of these diplomatic missions for your consideration. The usual documents required include proof of funds, health insurance proof, valid passport, records of language skills and previous study, and a letter of acceptance to the educational institution, among others.
Public universities in Germany typically charge only semester fees, ranging between €100-350 (INR 9,035-31,623). Private universities, on the other hand, charge tuition fees of approximately €5,000-20,000 (INR 4.51-18.07 lakh) per year. Specialized courses such as MBAs may cost up to €65,000 (INR 58.72 lakh) in total.
Yes, 10 lakhs may be sufficient if you study at
No, Germany is relatively affordable for Indian students, especially if they enroll in public universities that only charge semester fees instead of tuition fees. Living expenses are also reasonably manageable in such cases.
Yes, Germany is highly worth considering for Indian students due to its world-class universities, affordable education, excellent research opportunities, and promising global career prospects.
A student in Germany typically needs around €410 (INR 37,044) per month for accommodation. Additional monthly expenses include food and groceries (€198 or INR 17,890), transportation (€49 or INR 4,427), study materials (€31 or INR 2,801), health insurance (€120 or INR 10,842), and miscellaneous costs (€144 or INR 13,010).
Public universities in Germany charge only semester fees, typically ranging from €100-350 (INR 9,035-31,623). Private universities, however, may charge tuition fees of €5,000-20,000 (INR 4.51 lakh-18.07 lakh) annually, with fees for MBA and specialized courses being higher.
Both Germany and Finland are highly affordable compared to many other countries. In Finland, programs taught in Finnish or Swedish are free for international students, whereas tuition fees are required for English-taught programs. In Germany, public universities offer free education for most programs, with students paying only semester fees. Therefore, Germany is generally considered more cost-effective for studying.
To study in Germany, you need qualifications recognized by your chosen university, typically the university entrance qualification called Abitur or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB). If your school-leaving certificate is not recognized, you may need to complete a one-year preparatory course, known as Studienkolleg. Some universities may also require you to take an aptitude test, such as TestAS, for undergraduate programs. Language proficiency in German or English is mandatory, depending on the program. For postgraduate admissions, you must provide proof of a recognized undergraduate degree.
English language proficiency is essential for studying in Germany. However, IELTS is not the only accepted test. You can also submit scores from other recognized tests, such as TOEFL or any alternative accepted by your chosen institution.
To apply to study in Germany, you typically need to complete an online application through the university’s official website or via a centralized platform like Uni-Assist. The process involves filling out the application form and submitting the required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, passport copy, a recent photograph, CV, letter of motivation, letters of recommendation (if applicable), APS certificate (for Indian applicants), and standardized test scores if required by the university.
Admission to German universities can be straightforward if you follow the application process correctly and provide all the necessary documents. However, it is important to ensure that your qualifications are recognized in Germany. If not, you may need to take a preparatory course or Studienkolleg before applying.
To study in Germany, you will need recognized school-leaving certificates or an undergraduate degree, depending on the level of study. You must also provide proof of proficiency in either German or English, depending on the language of instruction. Additionally, some programs may require standardized test scores.
The eligibility for studying in Germany includes proof of proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction. You must also have recognized school-leaving or college qualifications. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while studying.
Yes, it is possible to get a full scholarship in Germany. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers fully-funded scholarships for master’s degrees, PhD, and postdoctoral studies. Additionally, organizations like the Heinrich Boll Foundation and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung provide generous scholarships to successful applicants, helping cover tuition and living costs.
You can study for free in Germany by enrolling in public universities, which generally only charge a small semester fee instead of tuition fees. Additionally, applying for scholarships like DAAD or the Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship can help cover living and other study-related expenses.
Indian students can find scholarships by first checking for options at their university. They can also apply for external scholarships such as the DAAD Scholarships, Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship, Erasmus Scholarships, Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships, and others that support international students.
Scholarships in Germany vary, with some offering full coverage of tuition and living expenses, while others provide partial support in the form of monthly allowances. There are a range of options available depending on the scholarship program you apply for.
Yes, the DAAD provides fully funded scholarships for master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral programs. Additionally, other scholarships, such as those from the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, may offer substantial financial support, potentially covering the full cost of your studies.
The percentage requirement varies based on the specific scholarship provider or university. However, maintaining a score of 70-80% or higher is generally recommended to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Yes, graduates can stay in Germany for up to 18 months after completing their studies to search for employment. Once they work for two years, they become eligible to apply for a settlement permit, allowing long-term residence in the country.
Yes, Indian students can secure jobs in Germany if they meet the required qualifications, possess relevant skills, demonstrate language proficiency, and fulfill other eligibility criteria.
Getting a job in Germany requires meeting various qualifications and skill requirements, making it neither excessively difficult nor particularly easy. Proficiency in the German language can significantly enhance your chances.
Students working part-time in Germany can earn a minimum wage of €13.50 (approximately INR 1,220) per hour. Earnings may vary depending on the type of job and location.
Yes, Indians are eligible to work in Germany. After completing their studies, they can stay in the country for up to 1.5 years to find employment. Once they have worked for two years, they become eligible to apply for a settlement permit.
Germany has two major intakes: the winter intake, which runs from October to March, and the summer intake, which runs from April to September.
The winter intake is generally considered better in Germany as it offers more course options and wider availability across universities.
The majority of students choose the winter intake since it is the primary intake and offers a wider range of course options across universities.
While the winter intake in Germany runs from October to March, some universities may accept applications for programs starting in January, depending on the course and institution.
No, the course duration remains the same across different intakes in Germany. However, the number of available courses may vary between the winter and summer intakes.
In most cases, universities in Germany require you to decline your offer and reapply for the next intake. However, deferring admission may be possible in special circumstances, such as visa delays or personal issues, but typically not for a full year.
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