Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades

Currently home to nearly 50,000 Indian students, Germany is one of the fastest growing study abroad destinations among the Indian student community, thanks in large part to its cheap cost of studies, with many German Universities charging no tuition fees, emphasis on work-life balance, which means fixed hours for work & study, a growing IT environment, easy access to scholarships & an overall better standard of living among some other factors.

Latest Update:

Indian students continue to be the largest international community of foreign students in Germany for the second consecutive year, as per an official media release by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Per latest figures (Winter semester 2023/24) released by Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the total number of Indian students currently at 49,483 saw a rise of 15.1% over the last year, with almost 58% of those enrolled in Engineering courses, 20% in Management, Law & Social Studies, while 15% opted for a course in Mathematics & Natural Science.

About Universities in Germany

Germany is home to around 217 colleges & universities, with the majority based in the cities of Munich, Heidelberg, Dortmund, and Berlin. The Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, and Heidelberg University are some of the more popular options considered by Indian students planning to study in the country. When it comes to popular courses, MS, MIM, BBA, MBA/PGDM, and BTech are some of the more prominent options pursued by international students.

Most German institutes require students to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Thus, TOEFL, IELTS & PTE are some test scores considered as valid proofs of English language proficiency in Germany.

Universities in Germany: Highlights

Generally, the duration of courses in top universities and colleges in Germany is 12 months to 3 years. Universities and colleges in Germany offer admissions twice a year, in April and October. 

Parameter	Statistics
Number of universities in Germany	422
Tuition fees at universities in Germany	Up to INR 10 L: 368 Up to INR 40 L: 399
Top streams in Germany	MS, MBA/PGDM, MSc, MA, BBA & BE/B Tech
English language exams required	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo
Entrance exams required	GRE/GMAT

Why Study in Germany?

Germany is home to world-class education, complete with modern amenities, and a major part of the country’s GDP is diverted toward the maintenance of the education system. All state-owned universities (public universities) in Germany are free and do not charge tuition fees to students. 

Tuition-Free Universities in Germany

Here is a list of some of the top universities in Germany that are known for charging next to nothing when it comes to tuition costs:

University	Known For
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Strong STEM and Business programs
Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich (LMU Munich)	Offers a diverse range of courses which include Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Natural Sciences
Free University of Berlin	Humanities, Social and Natural Science
Humboldt University of Berlin	Business, Economics, Computer Science, and International Affairs
Heidelberg University	English Taught Master's Courses
RWTH Aachen University	Engineering, Computer Science, and Automotive Engineering
University of Bonn	Humanities, Medicine, and Social Sciences
Goethe University	Business, Finance, Law, Engineering, and Medicine
University of Hamburg	Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, and Health Economics

Top Universities in Germany for English-Taught Courses

While Germany is popular among international students for its low tuition costs, finding universities that offer education in English is another important aspect for International students planning to study in Germany. The table below lists the top universities in Germany offering courses in English:

University Name	Courses in English
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	BS in Management and Data Science BS in Information Engineering MS in Software Engineering BS in Management and Technology BS in Aerospace Engineering
Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU)	BA in English and Literature Master's in Economics Master's in International Health Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation Master's in Management
Heidelberg University	Bachelor's of English Studies Master's in Data and Computer Science Master's in International Health Master's in Physics Master's in Economics
Free University of Berlin	Bachelor's in North American Studies Bachelor's in English Language and Literature MS in Data Science MA in Archaeology MS in Biology MA in Critical Dance Studies MS in Molecular Medicine MS in International Health
RWTH Aachen University	MS in Computer Engineering MS in Data Science BS in Computer Science MS in Automotive Engineering MS in Software Systems Engineering

Top 10 Universities in Germany

Some of the top universities in Germany for international students are given as follows:

University Name	Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Ranking 2026	Shiksha Popularity Ranking
Technical University of Munich	#22	#23
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich	#58	#32
Heidelberg University Germany	#80	#41
Freie University of Berlin	#88	#87
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	#98	#121
RWTH Aachen University	#105	#98
Humboldt University of Berlin	#130	#96
Technical University of Berlin	#145	#122
University of Hamburg	#193	#120
Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg	#201	#133

To know more detailed information about the top-ranked universities in Germany, click here. 

Top 10 Engineering Universities in Germany 

Based on QS Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Engineering are as follows:

University Name	QS Rankings 2025- Engineering and Technology
Technical University of Munich	#19
Technical University of Berlin	#45
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	#53
RWTH Aachen University	#65
Dresden University of Technology	#97
University of Stuttgart	#182
Technical University of Darmstadt	#187
Humboldt University of Berlin	#225
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich	#237
Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg	#254

Top Ranking Management Universities in Germany 

Based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Management studies are as follows:

University Name	THE 2025- PG Business and Economics
Technical University of Munich	#31
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich	#34
University of Mannheim	#43
University of Bonn	#69
Hamburg University of Technology	#101-125
University of Cologne	#126-150
University of Hamburg	#126-150
Free University of Berlin	#151-175
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	#151-175
Technical University of Berlin	#151-175

Confused between Data Analytics & Business Analytics & deciding which one is right for you? Unpack all the answers in this Shiksha Exclusive video below:

List of Top Medicine and Health Sciences Universities in Germany

Based on the QS Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Medicine courses are as follows:

University Name	QS Medicine Rankings 2025
Heidelberg University Germany	#32
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich	#53
Technical University of Munich	#78
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin	#93
University of Hamburg	#132
University of Tuebingen	#153
Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg	#161

Top Ranking Courses in Germany

Some of the top courses in Germany for international students are given as follows:

Top 10 courses	Count of Universities
BA	278
MA	274
MBA/PGDM	272
MS	271
MSc	262
BBA	261
BE or BTech	234
BSc	212

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Admissions to Top German Universities

Here's all you need to know to apply to a German University of your choice:

Application Deadlines for Top German Universities

While each university sets its own application deadline, most universities have the deadlines listed below:

Semester	Deadline
Winter Semester	May-Jul 15
Summer Semester	Early Dec-Jan 15

Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Universities in Germany

Some of the entrance exams accepted by top universities in Germany are as follows:

Entrance Exam	Count of Universities
GRE	37
GMAT	29

English Language Requirements by MS Universities in Germany

Some of the English Language Proficiency exams accepted for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:

English Language Exams	Count of Universities
IELTS	422
TOEFL	203
PTE	68
Duolingo	43

Looking for universities abroad WITHOUT IELTS?! Then the video below is for you:

Admission Requirements for International Students in Germany

International students seeking admission to top universities in Germany are required to satisfy the eligibility requirements and provide the following as part of their application:

• The University application form
• A school-leaving certificate from a recognized school, college, or university
• Official transcripts of past education
• Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
• A valid copy of a passport and two recent passport-sized photos
• Letter(s) of Recommendation or Intent
• A professional CV or Resume
• Standardized test scores such as GMAT or GRE
• A valid APS Certificate
• A preliminary review document or VPD

How to apply to Universities in Germany?

Follow the steps mentioned below to apply to the German University of your choice:

• Check whether you can apply directly via the university portal or via Uni-Assist
• Register on the suitable platform
• Select the university and the course of your choice
• Make sure you satisfy its eligibility requirements
• Gather and upload all essential personal and academic documents as asked during the application process
• Pay the standard university application fee, typically worth EUR 75 (INR 7.65 K)
• Submit the application
• Track the status of your application via the application portal
• Accept the admissions offer and apply for a German Student Visa

Germany Study Visa Process for Indian Students

Indian students seeking admission to universities in Germany or having already secured a seat are required to obtain the German Student Visa to be eligible to stay in Germany over the duration of their studies. 

How many types of German Student Visa are there?

There are mainly three types of visas for International students in Germany, these include:

• German Student Visa: The most common type of student visa, typically used by students planning for a full-time academic degree.
• German Student Applicant Visa: For students in the process of applying to a German University who have yet to receive the admissions offer
• German Language Course Visa: For students planning to take on non-academic language courses in Germany, usually with a duration of 3 to 12 months. 

Documents Required for a German Student Visa

Here is a complete list of documents international students seeking a German study visa are required to submit:

• Visa application form and passport
• An admission letter from a recognized institute in Germany
• Academic Certificates
• Health Insurance
• Proof of English or German Language Proficiency
• A German visa application fee worth EUR 75 (INR 7.6 K)
• Proof of purpose of stay and financial resources (German Blocked Account, Parental Income Statements, Scholarship letter, Bank guarantee)
• Health Insurance Cover
• Past academic transcripts (school or college level)

German Study Visa Application Process

Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a German Student Visa:

• Register on the Consular Services Portal (CSP)
• Choose Visa -> Study Purposes -> Select 'India' as your country of residence
• Answer all questions as honestly as possible as part of the application form
• Complete the VIDEX application form
• Upload the documents required 
• Pay the standard CSP Portal Fee worth INR 900 and keep a copy of the payment receipt
• Schedule a Visa Interview at your nearest VFS appointment center

Note: Apply at least 3 months in advance of your course start date to allow enough time for document and visa processing and making any last-minute changes. 

Student Visa Fee in Germany

The German Foreign Ministry has introduced a new Consular Services Portal known as digital.diplo.de, which will be effective from February 17, 2025. This portal will help to speed up the visa application process for international students without the hassle of VFS Global Services. The cost of a German Student Visa is INR 6,818.

Cost of studying in Germany

The tuition fees for MS courses in private universities in Germany range from INR 10 L to INR 40 L.

Tuition Fees

The first-year tuition fees for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:

1st Year Tuition Fee Range	Count of Universities
INR 10 L	368
INR 20 L	392
INR 30 L	396
INR 40 L	399
INR 40 L+	8

Did you know? You can pursue your higher studies in Germany for next to no cost?

Check out the video below to know more:

Cost of Living in Germany

Accommodation, food, clothing, and recreational activities are generally covered under the ambit of living costs. Every year, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fee structure, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate their living expenses in the country, as well as for completing their education. This money is deposited in a Blocked Account.

Keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the minimum amount required for studying in Germany is EUR 12,000 (INR 12.06 L) for an entire year or €1000 (INR 1 L) for a month. This would include rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio, and TV license fees, and recreational activities.

To know more, check out: Germany Cost of Living 2025

MS Scholarships in Germany

Scholarships for studying abroad are broadly categorized into merit-based and need-based financial aid. Multiple scholarships for international students applying to German universities are provided by the universities to attract an international crowd and government/private organizations. Candidates who are looking for MS scholarships to study in Germany can view the most comprehensive study-abroad scholarships mentioned on our website. Our website currently registers more than 2000 scholarships distributed in 11 countries, amounting to over INR 1,315 crores in total amount. Some of the types of scholarships offered are given as follows:

Type of Scholarship	Number of Scholarships
English Proficiency Waiver	3
GMAT Waiver	2

University Name	Name of Scholarship	Amount Offered
Technical University of Munich	TUM Scholarships for International Students	INR 1.63 L
Humboldt University of Berlin	DAAD Scholarship	EUR 992-EUR 1,300 (INR 99.7 K-INR 1.3 L)
Technical University of Berlin	Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V.	INR 1.1 L

Post-Study Work Permit in Germany

Students who have completed their Master's in Germany (MS in Germany) are eligible to work in Germany after their studies. International students can work for up to 18 months as part of their post-study work permit in Germany. This extended period of 18 months is called a post-study work permit in Germany. During these 18 months, candidates can work on their own initiative and take on any type of work to support themselves. However, if a student wants to permanently stay in Germany, he or she can apply for an ‘EU Blue Card’ - Residence Permit as early as two years after receiving their work visa. 

Jobs in Germany

Here's all you need to know about job opportunities in Germany for international students:

Part-Time Work Options in Germany

International Students traveling to Germany would be allowed entry with a German Student Visa. The German student visa will allow international students a slew of benefits, the most important being to take up part-time employment along with their studies while in Germany. Some of the job sectors in Germany for international students are given as follows:

• Teaching/Graduate/Research Assistants at the University
• Support Staff/Waiters at cafes or bars.
• English Tutors
• Industrial Production Assistants

Top Job Sectors & Economy

The German economy is projected to grow by USD 4.75 thousand billion - as per the latest data made available by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), posing a bright future in the jobs market. Top job sectors in Germany for Indian students include

• Building & Construction Sector
• Electrical and Electronics Industry
• Health Sector and Medicine
• Information Technology and Telecommunications
• Mechanical and Automotive Sector

Best Paying Jobs in Germany

Mentioned below are some of the best-paying jobs and industries in Germany:

Profile	Average Salary (in EUR)	Average Salary (in INR)
Legal Counsel	EUR 69,989	INR 71.39 L
Cyber Security Engineer	EUR 66,082	INR 67.4 L
Project Manager	EUR 61,706	INR 62.94 L
Software Engineer	EUR 59,650	INR 60.84 L
Dentist	EUR 55,301	INR 56.4 L
Operations Manager	EUR 51,309	INR 52.33 L
Data Analyst	EUR 49,666	INR 50.66 L
Civil Engineer	EUR 46,354	INR 47.28 L
High School Teacher	EUR 43,909	INR 44.79 L
Accountant	EUR 42,331	INR 43.18 L
Registered Nurse	EUR 37,143	INR 37.88 L
Graphic Designer	EUR 35,634	INR 36.34 L

Source: Payscale

Conversion rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.01

Akash Gaur09-16-2025 17:18