# Study in Germany from India

Country guide · For students from India. Checked 15 October 2026; next check December 2026. Researched by the UNIFER research team. Reviewed by Devjot Singh, founder, UNIFER. Rules change: always confirm with the official body before applying.

Page: https://uniferedu.com/study-in/germany

## In short

- **€0** tuition at most public universities, plus a €70–430 semester contribution (Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students; Bavaria lets universities charge)
- **18 months** to look for a job after graduating; any job allowed meanwhile
- **140 days** of work a year while studying (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half)
- **Yes** spouse and children can join if married before the permit and the stay is over a year

## What changed recently

- Since 2024: no internal visa appeal in India; you reapply or go to court in Berlin.
- From the summer 2027 intake: a dMAT test (€150) for master’s in selected fields if you registered for APS on or after 29 June 2026; the field list is not yet published.
- Winter 2027/28: TUM’s master’s fees (€4,000–6,000 a semester) rise.

## Studying in Germany from India: 8 things to know

Germany suits Indian students who want low tuition and time to find work: most public universities charge only a €70–430 semester contribution, and graduates get an 18-month job-search permit, but you need APS and a €11,904 blocked account first.

1. **APS first.** Almost every Indian applicant needs an APS certificate (German Embassy, New Delhi) before the visa and usually before applying. No fixed processing time: start 10–12 months ahead.
2. **New: dMAT** (€150 test) for master's in selected fields from summer 2027 intake, if APS registration was on/after 29 June 2026. Field list not yet published. Tests mid-Jan and mid-Mar.
3. **Mostly no tuition** at public universities, only a semester contribution (€70–430). Exceptions: **Baden-Württemberg €1,500/semester** for non-EU (Heidelberg, KIT, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Tübingen, Mannheim…); **Bavaria** lets universities charge (TUM master's €4,000–6,000/semester, rising in winter 2027/28). Private universities charge fees.
4. **Blocked account €11,904/year (€992/month).** An education loan does **not** replace it; an Indian affidavit of support is **not** accepted.
5. **English test for the visa: generally C1.** IELTS (or German Goethe/telc/ÖSD) accepted. **Duolingo, PTE and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted in India**; university waiver letters don't count.
6. **Deadlines:** winter intake often 15 July, summer 15 January — but many master's close earlier (31 May is common). Submit 8 weeks early.
7. **Housing is the hardest part.** Apply for student halls (~€280) as soon as admitted; average student rent ~€489, Munich room ~€790.
8. **After graduating: 18-month job-search permit**, then EU Blue Card (€45,934/year for recent graduates, 2026) and permanent residence in as little as 21 months.

## How do German universities and master’s degrees work?

A German master’s usually takes 2 years (120 ECTS). Programmes are open (meet the requirements, get a place) or restricted (NC: selection by grade plus criteria), and many start in winter (October) only.

- **Types:** universities (incl. TUs: research, theory) · universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH: practical, placements) · art and music colleges. A **private** degree only counts if the institution is state-recognised.
- **Degrees:** master's is usually 2 years (120 ECTS). A *konsekutiv* master's follows a bachelor's and is usually free; a *weiterbildend* (continuing-education) master's can charge fees and wants work experience.
- **Open vs restricted admission:** *zulassungsfrei* (open) = meet the requirements, get a place. *Zulassungsbeschränkt* / **NC** (restricted) = selection by grade plus criteria (motivation letter, tests, interview). The NC is **not a published cut-off** — it's the last admitted grade that round. Most restricted master's run an *Eignungsverfahren* (aptitude procedure); read the programme's own rules. Medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and vet are restricted nationwide.
- **Language:** English-taught programmes need English proof; German still matters for jobs, daily life and faster permanent residence.
- **Two semesters:** winter (Oct) and summer (Apr). Many programmes start in winter only.

Official sources:

- [DAAD, The right university (types, funding, counts)](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/universities/universities/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Finances](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Freiburg, BW tuition for international students](https://uni-freiburg.de/studium/im-studium/studiengebuehren-internationale-studierende/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Studienkollegs](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/studienkollegs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §16b (study)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, Studies checklist (16.02.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2756350-2756350) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, FAQs on documents](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/assemble-your-documents/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §18c (settlement for skilled workers and Blue Card)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18c.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Application process](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/application-process/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, Deadlines and processing time (updated 28 Sep 2026)](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/plan-your-application/deadlines-processing-time/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Renting](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/renting/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Requirements overview](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/overview/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TUM, Tuition fees for non-EU students](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Can I apply with an Indian degree, and is a 3-year bachelor’s accepted?

It depends on the university: each decides if a 3-year degree (180 ECTS) is enough, and some (often applied sciences) want 210. Almost every Indian applicant also needs an APS certificate, and the institution must be H+ in anabin.

- **APS:** decided by where documents come from, not nationality. Exempt: PhD, German/EU public scholarship holders, IB, non-Indian degrees. Steps: register → pay (non-refundable) → courier copies to APS New Delhi. Certificate is a signed PDF — never edit or merge it. Fake documents = refusal and possible ban.
- **Master's with an Indian bachelor's:** each university decides if a 3-year degree (180 ECTS) is enough; some (often applied sciences) want 210. Check the institution is **H+ in anabin**. Distance degrees count only if DEB-recognised for the whole period. Provisional certificates accepted for 12 months only (uni-assist). Send the grading-system letter showing the minimum mark for the degree.
- **Bachelor's from Class XII:** not direct. Needs **70%+ in Class XII** and APS, then either a **Studienkolleg** (1-year prep, German B1–B2, entrance exam) or one completed year of a recognised Indian bachelor's (related subjects). JEE counts only with both Main and Advanced.
- **Tests:** GRE asked by some (e.g. RWTH, KIT); TU Darmstadt accepts GATE in place of its entrance exam.

Official sources:

- [APS India, News (Class XII 70% rule from WS 2026/27; DEB distance rule)](https://aps-india.de/news/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Requirements overview](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/overview/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Studienkollegs](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/studienkollegs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, India country notes](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/info-country-by-country/details-country/country/in/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, FAQs](https://aps-india.de/faqs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TUM, Tuition fees for non-EU students](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, FAQs on fees](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/pay-all-fees/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, dMAT (published and updated 15 Oct 2026)](https://aps-india.de/dmat/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, Studies checklist (16.02.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2756350-2756350) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, home (steps, non-refundable fee, next dMAT cycles)](https://aps-india.de/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, German language](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/german-language/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Health insurance](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/health-insurance/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [REPORTED: krankenkassen.de student contributions 2026 (private portal)](https://www.krankenkassen.de/gesetzliche-krankenkassen/krankenkasse-beitrag/studenten/) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How do I apply to a German university?

You apply through uni-assist (€75 first, €30 each further) or directly, whichever the university says. Winter deadlines are often 15 July, but many master’s close earlier (31 May is common).

- Through **uni-assist** (€75 first, €30 each further; 4–6 weeks) or **directly** — whichever the university says. Some want a **VPD** from uni-assist that the student forwards.
- Usual documents: certified transcripts and degree certificate, passport, photo, language certificate, CV, motivation letter, sometimes references.
- **Enrolment** after admission needs passport with visa, admission letter and German health insurance, within a short deadline.

Official sources:

- [DAAD, Requirements overview](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/overview/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Application process](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/application-process/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, FAQs on fees](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/pay-all-fees/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, dMAT (published and updated 15 Oct 2026)](https://aps-india.de/dmat/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, home (steps, non-refundable fee, next dMAT cycles)](https://aps-india.de/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, Deadlines and processing time (updated 28 Sep 2026)](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/plan-your-application/deadlines-processing-time/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Renting](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/renting/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, VPD](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/plan-your-application/vpd/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, FAQs](https://aps-india.de/faqs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, India country notes](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/info-country-by-country/details-country/country/in/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, FAQs on documents](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/assemble-your-documents/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, Studies checklist (16.02.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2756350-2756350) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Enrolling](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/enrolling/) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How much does it cost, and how much money must I show?

Most public universities charge no tuition, only a €70–430 semester contribution, but Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 a semester. For the visa you need a blocked account of €11,904 a year; an education loan does not replace it.

- **Proof of funds:** blocked account (€11,904; banks charge €70–150 to set up), a *Verpflichtungserklärung* (sponsor living in Germany), or a German/EU scholarship of €992+/month. Loan = extra, not instead.
- **Fee-charging/private universities:** the visa section wants the first year's fees paid.
- **Living costs:** €900–1,200/month by city. Health insurance ~€120–150/month (public student rate). Broadcast fee €18.36/month per household.
- **Scholarships:** DAAD, foundations, universities (e.g. TUM €500–1,800/semester).

Official sources:

- [DAAD, Finances](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Freiburg, BW tuition for international students](https://uni-freiburg.de/studium/im-studium/studiengebuehren-internationale-studierende/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TUM, Tuition fees for non-EU students](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Requirements overview](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/overview/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, Studies checklist (16.02.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2756350-2756350) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Federal Foreign Office, blocked account](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [BAföG §13 (need rates)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/baf_g/__13.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Renting](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/renting/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [uni-assist, FAQs on fees](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/faqs/pay-all-fees/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, FAQs](https://aps-india.de/faqs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, home (steps, non-refundable fee, next dMAT cycles)](https://aps-india.de/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Rundfunkbeitrag, English page](https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/welcome/englisch/index_ger.html) (checked 2026-10-15)

## How do I get a German student visa from India?

You apply online for a national (D) study visa through the Consular Services Portal, at the mission for your home state; most students are seen at VFS. The fee is INR 8,300 plus the VFS charge, and processing may take several months.

- National (D) study visa, applied online (Consular Services Portal), at the mission for the student's **home state**; most students are seen at **VFS**. Fee INR 8,300 + VFS charge. No agent needed.
- Checklist: passport, certificates and marks sheets, language proof, APS, admission letter, own motivation letter, tabular CV, proof of funds, fee payment proof where relevant, health insurance from arrival.
- Copies must be certified by a **German** authority (Indian notary not accepted).
- Appointments can't be brought forward except for extreme cases; processing "may take several months". **No internal appeal in India since 2024** — reapply or go to court in Berlin.
- **Part-time or online study does not qualify** for a study visa. A tourist visa can't be converted. Spouse/children can join if married before the permit and the stay is over a year.

Official sources:

- [German Missions in India, National Visa (01.10.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2755482-2755482) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, Studies checklist (16.02.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2756350-2756350) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §17 (seeking a study place)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__17.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Visa](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/visa/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, FAQs](https://aps-india.de/faqs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §16b (study)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html) (checked 2026-10-15)

## When should I start preparing?

Start 12 months before a winter intake: register for APS (and book the dMAT if needed) in October–December, since APS has no fixed processing time, then apply 8 weeks before each deadline from April to July.

| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Oct–Dec (12–10 months before) | Shortlist; check open/restricted, fees, deadlines, anabin. Register APS; book dMAT if needed. |
| Dec–Feb | Book IELTS (aim C1). Collect transcripts and grading letter. Courier APS documents. |
| Feb–Apr | APS/dMAT certificates arrive. Motivation letter, CV, translations. |
| Apr–Jul | Apply 8 weeks before each deadline. Apply for student housing. |
| Jul–Aug | Accept offer, pay fees if any, open blocked account, buy insurance, start visa and book VFS. |
| Aug–Oct | Visa decision; find housing (avoid scams). |
| First 2 weeks | **Anmeldung** (address registration), bank account, enrolment. |
| First 1–3 months | Residence permit at the foreigners' office before the visa expires. |

## Can I work while studying, and what happens on arrival?

You can work 140 full days a year (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half) at a minimum wage of €13.90 an hour. Register your address (Anmeldung) within 2 weeks of moving in.

- **Anmeldung within 2 weeks** of moving in; needed for a bank account. **Residence permit** card can take months; renewed every 2 years if studies progress.
- **Housing:** deposit up to 3 months' rent; landlords ask for SCHUFA or a guarantor. Scam signs: landlord "abroad", foreign IBAN, pay before contract.
- **Health insurance:** cheap public student rate until 30; private is binding for the whole degree.
- **Work:** 140 full days a year (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half); university student-assistant jobs don't count. Minimum wage €13.90/hour. Over 20 hours/week in term time triggers insurance contributions; side jobs won't cover all costs. Breaking the rules can mean deportation.
- **Re-register every semester** or be exmatriculated. Changing course or university must be cleared with the foreigners' office.

Official sources:

- [DAAD, Renting](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/renting/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Federal Registration Act §17](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__17.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Registering](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/registering/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §16b (study)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Health insurance](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/health-insurance/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [REPORTED: krankenkassen.de student contributions 2026 (private portal)](https://www.krankenkassen.de/gesetzliche-krankenkassen/krankenkasse-beitrag/studenten/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Enrolling](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/enrolling/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Side jobs](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/work-career/side-jobs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [University of Freiburg, BW tuition for international students](https://uni-freiburg.de/studium/im-studium/studiengebuehren-internationale-studierende/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa (01.10.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2755482-2755482) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §18c (settlement for skilled workers and Blue Card)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18c.html) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Can I stay and work in Germany after graduating?

Yes: graduates get an 18-month job-search permit, not extendable, with any job allowed meanwhile. The EU Blue Card (€45,934 a year for recent graduates, 2026) can then lead to permanent residence in as little as 21 months.

- **18-month job-search permit**, not extendable; any job allowed meanwhile.
- **EU Blue Card 2026:** €50,700/year, or €45,934 for graduates within 3 years and shortage jobs. **Skilled-worker permit:** any qualified job, no salary floor (under 45).
- **Permanent residence:** Blue Card after 27 months (21 with B1 German); skilled worker with a German degree after 2 years. Citizenship after 5 years.
- **Back in India:** degree equivalence from AIU (online).

Official sources:

- [Residence Act §20 (job search)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §18c (settlement for skilled workers and Blue Card)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18c.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Residence Act §9 (settlement; study time counts half, §9(4) no. 3)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [Nationality Act §10](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/__10.html) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [AIU, Equivalence of degree](https://aiu.ac.in/frontpage/equivalence-of-degree/) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Common mistakes Indian students make

The costliest mistakes: starting APS (and now the dMAT) too late, treating a loan or affidavit as the blocked account, and the wrong English test (Duolingo, PTE) or relying on a waiver letter.

1. Starting APS (and now dMAT) too late.
2. Treating a loan or affidavit as the blocked account.
3. Wrong English test (Duolingo/PTE) or relying on a waiver letter.
4. Booking the visa appointment late.
5. Picking a part-time or online programme.
6. Missing early master's deadlines (31 May, not 15 July).
7. Not checking anabin / non-DEB distance degree.
8. Late housing search and housing scams.
9. Missing Anmeldung or semester re-registration.
10. Ignoring German — it decides jobs and permanent residence.

Official sources:

- [APS India, dMAT (published and updated 15 Oct 2026)](https://aps-india.de/dmat/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, home (steps, non-refundable fee, next dMAT cycles)](https://aps-india.de/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, News (Class XII 70% rule from WS 2026/27; DEB distance rule)](https://aps-india.de/news/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Requirements overview](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/requirements/overview/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [TUM, Tuition fees for non-EU students](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa (01.10.2026)](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2755482-2755482) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [German Missions in India, National Visa FAQs](https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2546328-2546328) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [DAAD, Side jobs](https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/work-career/side-jobs/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [REPORTED: krankenkassen.de student contributions 2026 (private portal)](https://www.krankenkassen.de/gesetzliche-krankenkassen/krankenkasse-beitrag/studenten/) (checked 2026-10-15)
- [APS India, FAQs](https://aps-india.de/faqs/) (checked 2026-10-15)

## Job market

- [Jobs in Germany for international graduates](https://uniferedu.com/job-market-research/germany): pay and visas, by field.