To study in Germany from India, students are required to start their study abroad process, which is not as straightforward as it looks. It starts with shortlisting the well-aligned course, university, and city and goes up to applying for a visa and preparing for the steps post arrival in Germany. Also, the country offers an unmatched return on investment for students with strategic courses and an academic profile after graduation.
In this article, a breakdown of how students can start their study abroad journey from India to Germany is provided. Interested students can read along to understand the process.
Why is Germany a Top Choice for Indian Students?
Germany is one of the best countries for studying abroad in terms of affordability. Along with being a budget-friendly country, it also has some of the top universities in the world, offering reputable courses for international students that provide value, stability, and long-term career opportunities.
- Public universities charge EUR 0–EUR 350 per semester in tuition fees
- Germany offers an 18-month post-study job search visa
- Graduates are in demand in engineering, IT, AI, data science, automotive, and healthcare
Step-by-Step Study Abroad Process to Germany from India
It is crucial for international students to be aware of the steps involved in applying for German studies from India. The process to study in Germany includes many steps, starting with navigating through the application process to universities, proving financial requirements, applying for a visa, and applying for a student residence permit after entering Germany. Here are the steps in the study abroad journey for Indian students seeking studies in Germany:
Step 1: Selecting the Right Course and University
Firstly, choose the best-suited course and a well-aligned university to study in Germany from India. Also, the postgraduate studies in Germany are quite popular, where the majority of students go there for a master’s. Germany stands out as the best country to study abroad in if you are looking for courses including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science and Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Mechanical, Electrical and Automotive Engineering
- Management (limited but specialised options)
- Natural Sciences and Research-oriented programs
Moreover, you need to understand that there are two types of universities in Germany, including the private and public universities.
- Public universities are often research-focused institutions with low costs that include no tuition and just a semester-wise administration fee but are highly competitive and selective.
- On the other hand, private universities are comparatively more expensive, with an average fee ranging from EUR 8,000 to EUR 20,000 per year for international students.
Step 2: Understanding Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Next, Indian students must comply with the eligibility criteria of the chosen course of study at German universities. So, check the common academic requirements to study in Germany from India.
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor’s Courses in Germany
- A school passing certificate or a Studienkolleg.
- A minimum of 70 to 75% in Class 12.
- An APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Courses in Germany
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or field.
- Students need to show academic excellence with a score of more than 70%.
- Presenting the SOP and academic transcripts is crucial.
- Work experience is mainly optional but may be a requirement for some specialised courses.
Step 3: Understand the Language Requirements: English or German?
Indian students are generally confused about whether to submit an English language proof or a German proficiency test. It depends on the language in which the course will be taught. Here are the common language requirements to study in Germany from India:
English-Taught Courses
- An IELTS score of 6.5+ with no band below 6.0 or its equivalent.
- The TOEFL is also accepted by many universities.
German-Taught Courses
- You can appear for the TestDaF / DSH / Goethe certification or any other.
- A minimum B1-B2 level is usually required for proof.
You also need to consider that even for English-taught programs, basic German skills improve part-time job prospects and integration in the country.
Step 4: Applying for the APS Certificate
It is a crucial step for Indian students, as APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certification is compulsory for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany. Check below to consider while applying for an APS certification:
- It verifies academic authenticity.
- It needs to be submitted before university admission or a study visa application.
- The processing time is around 4 to 8 weeks.
Step 5: Budgeting for Cost of Studying and Living in Germany
Although Germany is an affordable country in comparison to others, such as US and UK, it is important to budget rightly for the living expenses, semester fee, or even tuition fees if you are admitted to a private university. Here is the average cost of studying and living in Germany for Indian students in 2026:
- Tuition fees for public universities are free, but you can budget the semester fee of around EUR 700 per year.
- The living expenses are required to be shown through a blocked account with EUR 11,208 per year. A blocked account is mandatory for visa applications.
- Health insurance costs around EUR 110 to EUR 130 per month.
It is crucial to note that Indian students can work 20 hours per week on a study visa, where they can earn around EUR 12 to EUR 15/hour on average.
Step 6: Student Visa Process for Germany
For Indian students applying for studies in Germany, the student visa application process is quite structured. The study visa processing time for Germany in India typically takes nearly 6 to 12 weeks. To apply for a German student visa, you mainly need a university admission letter, an academic transcript, an APS certificate, proof of a blocked account, health insurance, a statement of purpose, and more.
By following the steps mentioned in this article, Indian students can start their study abroad journey to Germany. Also, it is important that you start early, plan smart, and choose guidance that prioritises your academic fit and future, not just admission letters to study undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Germany. If confused, platforms such as Leverage Edu help students to navigate the complete study abroad process from India to Germany.
FAQs
1. How to go to Germany from India for study?
To study in Germany from India, you need to follow some of the steps that start from shortlisting the course and university as per your preferences and skills, complying with eligibility and financial requirements, applying, getting an admission letter, applying for a study visa, getting approval, flying there, and completing post-arrival steps. You need to apply for your student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) after entering the country.
2. Can I get a 100% scholarship in Germany?
Yes, you can definitely get a 100% scholarship in Germany as an Indian student. There are many organisations, such as DAAD, as well as universities that offer fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students. However, these are highly competitive and selective.
3. Who is eligible for DAAD?
All students aiming to apply for graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in Germany are generally eligible, with some scholarship-specific requirements, such as an excellent academic background, a research thesis, or more.