STUDY ABROADCountry hub · Germany
Study in Germany from India
A guide to study in Germany from India: costs, the blocked account and visa steps, intakes, exams and funding for Indian students, checked against official sources.
13 Nov 2026
Checked against official sources
Why Germany
Indian students are the largest group of international students in Germany. Public universities charge little or no tuition for most programmes, many master's degrees are taught in English, and graduates can stay for up to 18 months to look for a job that matches their degree.
- Most public universities charge no tuition, even to non-EU students. You still pay a semester contribution, and Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
- English-taught master's programmes are common. Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German and need a recognised German-language certificate.
- After graduating you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work related to your degree.
Public vs private universities
Public universities are funded by the state and are the usual choice for low-cost study. Private universities charge fees and set their own admission routes. Whichever you choose, check that the institution and the programme are state-recognised.
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Funded by the state | Funded by fees and sponsors |
| Tuition | Usually none; a semester contribution applies | Charged; check each institution |
| Admission route | Through the university or uni-assist | Directly to the institution |
| Recognition | State-recognised | Confirm it is state-recognised and the programme is accredited |
Intakes and deadlines
Deadlines differ by university and programme, and popular master's programmes often close earlier than the typical window. Always confirm on the university's own page.
| Intake | Typical application window | Programme starts |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Often mid-May to mid-July; some programmes close earlier | October |
| Summer | Often November to mid-January | April |
Costs
Your budget has four parts: tuition or semester contribution, the blocked account that proves you can fund your stay, living costs, and health insurance. Convert to rupees only with the exchange rate of the day.
| Cost head | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | €0 at most public universities; €1,500 per semester in Baden-Württemberg for non-EU students | A semester contribution applies, usually a few hundred euros. |
| Blocked account | €11,904 per year (€992 per month) | Proof of funds for the visa. Confirm the current amount on the German mission page. |
| Living costs | About €992 a month as the official minimum | Rent is the biggest cost and differs a lot between cities. |
| Health insurance | Mandatory; roughly €120 a month for students | Depends on the insurer. Proof is needed for the visa. |
Visa steps
The steps below follow the order most Indian students go through. The German mission in India publishes the current checklist and fees.
- 1
Get admitted
Apply to your programme through the university or uni-assist and obtain the admission letter.
- 2
Get the APS certificate
Indian applicants need an APS certificate, which verifies your academic documents. Apply early because it takes time.
- 3
Open a blocked account
Deposit the required amount (€11,904 for one year) to prove you can fund your stay.
- 4
Arrange health insurance
Take cover that is valid from arrival and keep the proof for the visa appointment.
- 5
Apply for the national visa
Book an appointment through the German mission, submit your passport, admission letter, APS certificate, blocked-account and insurance proof, and pay the visa fee (currently €75).
- 6
Register after arrival
Register your address in Germany and apply for your residence permit at the local immigration office.
Grade conversion
German universities set their own rules for comparing Indian grades. Many use the modified Bavarian formula; check the method on the programme page.
ToolCGPA to Percentage Calculator