Study in Germany:

Studying abroad in Germany has become popular for Indian students because of its world-class education, affordable tuition fees, and career opportunities. With over 25,000 Indian students currently enrolled in German universities, Germany has established itself as one of the top destinations for higher education among Indian students.

Germany has 400+ universities and offers courses in fields like Engineering, Medicine, and Social sciences. In 2023, more than 380,000 international students chose tostudy abroad in Germany for their education, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Scholarships worth over €850 million are available to support international students in Germany, making education more accessible. It is also notable that Germany has the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union, with 4.31%. Career aspects an another major reason why international students prefer to study abroad in Germany.

If you are considering studying in Germany after the 12th, check out our detailed guide on the necessary steps, admission requirements, and tips for Indian students pursuing higher education in Germany.

Why Study in Germany?

Various significant reasons stand as proof for international students choosing Germany to pursue higher education. Some of the most important reasons are listed,

Best universities in Germany for Indian students

With a wide range of universities, Germany is one of the best places to pursue higher education for students aspiring to study abroad. The top universities to study in Germany for Indian students based on the course level are listed.

Best Courses to Study in Germany for Indian Students

The universities in Germany offer exclusive and high-quality courses for international students. Some of the most popular courses that are provided by the universities in Germany for international students are,

Top Courses for Indian Students in Germany

1. Engineering

Mechanical Engineering: Germany's reputation in mechanical engineering is unparalleled, with institutions like Technische Universität München (TUM) and RWTH Aachen University offering cutting-edge programs. The demand for mechanical engineers in Germany remains high, providing ample career opportunities.

Automotive Engineering: Given Germany's status as the home of automotive giants like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, pursuing automotive engineering offers direct industry engagement. Universities such as the University of Stuttgart offer specialized programs in this field.

2. Computer Science and Information Technology

With the digital transformation of industries, there's a growing need for IT professionals. Institutions like the University of Mannheim and the Technical University of Berlin offer comprehensive programs in computer science.

3. Business and Management

Germany's strong economy and global business presence make it an ideal place to study business administration, finance, and international business. The Mannheim Business School is renowned for its MBA programs.

4. Natural Sciences

Physics and Chemistry: Germany's focus on research and development makes it a hub for natural sciences. The University of Heidelberg and LMU Munich offer advanced programs in these fields.

5. Social Sciences

Programs in economics, political science, and sociology are offered at institutions like the University of Mannheim and Humboldt University of Berlin.

• Engineering in Germany
• Economics in Germany
• Animation and Games in Germany
• Media and Journalism in Germany
• Cloud Computing in Germany
• Ausbildung Courses in Germany
• Masters in Surgery

Germany Intakes

If you're planning to study in Germany, a common question that comes up is: "How many intakes are there in Germany?" Understanding the intakes in Germany is crucial for timely application submission and planning your study abroad journey effectively. Let’s break down the number of intakes in Germany, their timelines, and what makes each unique for international students, particularly for those coming from India.

Germany has two main intakes for international students each year:

• Winter Intake (Winter Semester): Applications are open from December to July.
• Summer Intake (Sommersemester): Applications are accepted from June to January

German University fees

Studying in Germany is becoming increasingly popular among international students, especially those from India, thanks to the affordable or even free education that many German universities offer. Whether you're planning for an undergraduate or a postgraduate course, understanding the fee structure is an important part of your study abroad journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown of German university fees for international students, including essential information about tuition, cost of living, and visa-related expenses.

Cost of studying in Germany for International students

One of the biggest attractions for international students is that public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. Instead, you may only need to pay a nominal semester contribution, which usually ranges between €150 to €300 per semester. This covers administrative costs, student union contributions, and sometimes even local transportation.

However, there are a few exceptions:

• Baden-Württemberg: In this region, international students (including those from India) are required to pay tuition fees of around €1,500 per semester.
• Private Universities: If you are considering private institutions, tuition fees in Germany for International students canrangeanywhere between €10,000 to €30,000 per year, depending on the program and university.

For postgraduate programs, tuition fees in Germany for international students vary depending on whether you are pursuing a consecutive (following a related bachelor’s) or a non-consecutive (standalone) master’s program.

• Consecutive Master’s Programs: Typically, these programs are tuition-free for international students at public universities.
• Non-Consecutive Master’s Programs: Fees range from €5,000 to €10,000 per year.

For PhD programs, Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations, with little to no tuition fees charged. Often, you may receive a scholarship or a stipend, making your education nearly free.

Cost of studying in Germany for Indian students

As an Indian student, Studying in Germany can be more affordable than compared to Studying in the UK and Studying in the USA. German college fees for Indian students at public universities are essentially the semester contribution, with most undergraduate courses being tuition-free. This makes Germany one of the best options for Indian students seeking a quality education without heavy costs. For private colleges or certain professional courses such as MBA programs, fees structure range from €15,000 to €30,000 per year.

The total cost of Studying in Germany for Indian students

• Semester Contribution: €150 - €300 per semester at public universities.
• Tuition Fees for Private Universities: €10,000 - €30,000 per year.
• Professional Degrees (e.g., MBA): €15,000 - €30,000 per year.
• Visa Fee: €75.
• Blocked Account Requirement: €11,208 to cover living expenses.

The living costs in Germany in Germany for Indian students are approximate and vary based on individual preferences and life choices.

Additional considerations:

Health Insurance: All students in Germany musthavehealthinsurance. International students can opt for public or private health insurance, with costs ranging from €80 to €100 per month.

Student Discounts: Students in Germany enjoy various discounts on transportation, cultural events, and leisure activities. The semester contribution fee often includes a public transportation pass, providing unlimited travel within the city or region.

Part-Time Employment: International students are permitted to work part-time during their studies, which can help offset living expenses. The regulations regarding working hours and income limits should be reviewed to ensure compliance with visa requirements.

German Study Visa fees

The German student visa costs €75 for Adults and €37.50 for Minors. This study visa fee applies to most international students, including Indian students. The visa fee must be paid when you submit your visa application at the German consulate or embassy. For Indian students, payment can be made in INR, based on the current exchange rate. The study visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is withdrawn or rejected.

For Indian students, the German study visa fee in Indian Rupees is approximately ₹6,500 - ₹7,000 depending on the exchange rate). Make sure to check the exchange rate on the day of your application to get an accurate amount.

Types of Student Visa

Student Application Visa: If you are going to Germany to apply to universities in person or if you haven't received any confirmation of acceptance, you will need to apply for a student application visa. This visa costs €75.

Student Visa: Once you have secured your admission, you will apply for a Student Visa. This visa is valid for the duration of your studies in Germany and also costs €75.

Germany Student visa Success rate

The visa success rate for Indian students applying for a German study visa is generally favorable, typically around 90-95%. The high success rate is largely due to the structured and transparent visa process followed by German authorities.

Indian students who meet all the visa requirements—such as having an admission letter from a recognized German university, sufficient funds in a blocked account (currently €11,208), valid health insurance, and strong academic documentation—generally have a very high chance of obtaining a study visa for Germany. This is an increase of around 6% from the previous requirement of €11,208.

To improve your chances of success, it’s crucial to carefully follow the guidelines provided by the German consulate, provide complete and authentic documentation, and prepare well for the visa interview.

Germany also offers post-study work visas for Indian and International students.

Documents Required

• German National Visa Application Form
• Valid Indian Passport
• Biometric Photos
• Proof of Admission
• Academic Certificates/Qualifications
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Blocked Account or Sufficient Funds
• Student Health Insurance

Admission requirements In Germany can be complex for Indian students. However, by following the correct procedures, the process becomes more straightforward.

Entrance Exam Requirements for Indian and International Students

If you are an Indian student who wishes to pursue education in Germany, you may need to take certain entrance exams depending on the course and university you choose. Understanding which entrance exams are required and how to prepare for them is a key to successful application. Let's break down the entrance exams required for Indian students to apply to German universities.

TestAS (Test for Academic Studies)

Indian students who want to get admission for an Undergraduate degree in Germany, but haven't yet graduated with an Indian bachelor's degree, must quality TestAS exam. Indian students who have cleared JEE Main and Advanced are exempted. For Master's, some universities require TestAs for admission. While the other universities may recommend it. Though TestAs is not a mandatory test for all German universities, clearing this entrance exam for Indian students can strengthen the application.

• What It Tests: The exam has two parts—a core test that assesses general skills (like problem-solving and critical thinking) and a subject-specific module relevant to your chosen field.
• Language: You can take the exam in either English or German, depending on your language proficiency.

English Language Proficiency Exams (IELTS/TOEFL)

Most programs in Germany are taught in English. The most common entrance exams for Indian students accepted by German universities are IELTS and TOEFL. These scores help universities understand your ability to follow lectures and participate in discussions if you’re enrolled in an English-taught program.

• IELTS: Typically, German universities require an IELTS band score of 6.0 to 7.0. IELTS is valid for two years from the date of the result.
• TOEFL: A score of 80 to 100 (internet-based) is usually required. The TOEFL score is also valid for two years from the date of the result.

GRE/GMAT (for Master's Programs)

Universities in Germany may require GRE or GMAT scores for certain master's programs, especially those in fields like engineering, business, or finance.