Masters Degree in Germany Requirements for Indians

Germany is now one of the most preferred places when you think about doing a Master’s degree in Germany. But before you apply anywhere, it is important you know the requirements to study Master’s in Germany. Things like GPA requirements in Germany, student visa for Germany, and some other important needs you must prepare also.

What are the requirements to pursue a Master’s in Germany? This is the question many students ask. Another thing students wonder is, Am I eligible to get admission to German universities for Master’s programs? These doubts come often for anyone who wants to do a Master’s degree in Germany. Let me make it simple for you. You need good academic performance in your bachelor’s degree. English or German language proficiency is required. And yes, having your German student visa ready is also very important. These are the main eligibility criteria for Master’s in Germany.

But that’s not all. Some top-ranked universities in Germany ask for extra requirements depending on the course. Germany is very popular for engineering and technical courses. The Technical universities in Germany are famous for STEM courses like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They also provide programs in other areas. With such high quality, competition for admission is strong, and students from all over the world apply.

Latest Rules and Key Updates for German Master’s Courses (2025 Onwards)

The rules for applying to German Master's Courses keeps changing, especially from 2025 onwards you needs to pay attention. Keeping up with the changing requirements is essential when your planning to pursue a master's degree in Germany because things shifts around. Here are most important updates for 2025 that Indian students should knows before they applies anywhere.

• First thing is Higher Financial Proof which got updated recently. Students must show proof of funds that's around €11,904 now in their blocked account during student visa process. That's more than before so plan accordingly.
• Language Skills requirements has changed bit too. While many courses are still offered in English language, several universities now asks for B1 or B2 level German language proficiency depending on program. So learning some German might helps you lot.
• Good news is Faster Visa Processing is happening now! Student visa processing times are shorter for Indian applicants these days. 
• Updated Academic Requirements are something you need to know. Top public universities are now looking for minimum CGPA of 7.5–8.0 for fields like engineering, data science, and AI programs.
• There's also Expanded Work Rights which is great for students. International students can now work more hours per year than before. Updated minimum wage rules supporting part-time job opportunities makes it easier earning while you studies.
• Don't forget about Intake Deadlines timing! Application deadlines are usually by mid-July for winter intakes, and mid-January for summer intakes is the cutoff. So prepare your paperwork in advance or you'll misses out.
• One more important thing - APS Certificate submission continues to be must for Indian students applying to German universities.

It is important to keep a track on official university announcements and embassy websites regularly.

Eligibility for MS in Germany for Indian Students

Candidates should note that eligibility for an MS in Germany is different from the admission requirements to study for a Master's in Germany. Eligibility for studying MS in Germany is about the general requirements that are required to be fulfilled by the student in order to pursue a master’s in Germany. This is regulated by German law. The eligibility for MS in Germany includes:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Irrespective of the university the candidate is looking to take admission in. The candidate would be required to have completed a bachelor’s/undergraduate degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. This is a mandatory requirement for all students looking to pursue a master’s in Germany. Candidates should note that their bachelor’s degree must be equivalent to a German Bachelor’s degree. Meaning, depending on the course of study that candidates are interested in, their initial degree course will need to be equivalent to a German Bachelor's course with a duration of 3, 3.5, or 4 years.

2. Language Proficiency Certificate

Whether candidates are planning to study courses in English language or maybe study programmes in German instead, they would requires a language proficiency certificate for the same thing. What this means is pretty simple actually. Candidates who are going to study courses in English would be required to either opt for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or DET so they can proves their English language proficiency to universities there.

Now on the other hand, candidates who are going to study courses in the German language will be required to have certified proficiency in German language instead of English. That makes sense right? There's several German language tests recognized by universities that you can takes. The TestDaF language exam is one popular option students chooses. Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH is another test that works good too. You could also go for Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam if that suits you better. Some students opts for Deutsches Sprachdiplom II which is recognized also. And then there's Goethe C2 certification which lot of people knows about.

So basically, no matter which language your planning to study in, you got to show you can speaks and understands it properly. Universities needs proof that you won't struggles with language barrier during classes.

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3. German Study Visa (Residence Permit)

All international students who are travelling to study in Germany would need to have a German student visa (Residence Permit) with them. Courses that are six months or less in duration are not required to apply for a German Student Visa but can enter the country on a Schengen visa. However, all programmes that are longer than six months will require students to apply for a German Student Visa. The German student visa process will also include students having to show their financial proof and health insurance as part of the visa application process. November 2022 onwards, all Indian students applying for a Long Stay Student Visa in Germany must have an APS Certificate. An APS Certificate for Germany is proof of the authenticity of their Indian academic documents and is a prerequisite for your German Study visa application. Candidates should note that these are the Eligibility requirements for studying for a master’s degree in Germany.

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Master's in Germany Admission Process

The Master’s in Germany admission process might look hard first time you see it. To do MS in Germany, every German university admission committee makes its own rules. They add extra things apart from the general eligibility criteria for MS in Germany you already heard.

What You Need for MS in Germany

• First thing, the online application form. You fill that for the university and program you want. Just check you not missing anything.
• Then comes educational documents. Keep your undergraduate transcripts, mark sheets, degree papers, all of them ready in one place.
• Now about the APS certificate. Since Nov 2022, Indian students must have it. APS only means Academic Evaluation Center. It checks your India documents are real. Better apply for APS before starting, because sometimes it takes long.
• Let’s talk CGPA requirements in Germany. If you got CGPA 8 or more, top schools like TU9 universities will be possible. Between 6 and 7 CGPA, you can still get good universities. Mostly, the minimum CGPA for MS in Germany is 7 or about 70%. But remember, universities also look other things not just CGPA.
• You also need a resume for MS in Germany. Put your skills, studies, work, and any good achievements. This paper is like your first picture in front of admission people.
• Another big one is SOP (Statement of Purpose). In SOP you write why you want to study in Germany, your goals, who you are. It shows your personality that grades cannot show.
• Then there is LOR (Letter of Recommendation). This must come from your professors or maybe employer. LOR helps the university know your strengths and academic abilities.
• Of course, your passport is needed. Without that, nothing moves.
• Some places ask GRE or GMAT scores. Not all universities need it, but if you have good scores, it makes your application stronger than others.

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What is the minimum Language Scores requirement for Masters's in Germany?

Whether candidates are looking to pursue their program in the German medium of instruction or English they would be required to provide English language scores as part of the admission process. For English language scores, candidates are required to appear for either IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or DET proficiency exam to prove their English language skills. Similarly, candidates are required to appear for the TestDaF language exam, Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH, Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam, Deutsches Sprachdiplom II or Goethe C2 certificate to prove their German language skills. Read: German Language Requirements to Study in Germany

Also Read: 

• IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic vs Duolingo: Which test you should take
• Which exam to give for which course to study abroad

What is the APS Certificate and Why Do You Need It?

All Indian students applying for a long-term student visa to Germany must obtain anAPS Certificate. This certificate verifies your academic documents and is now a mandatory step before your visa application.
Make sure to:

• Apply early (processing can take 4–6 weeks).

• Submit verified transcripts and degree certificates.

• Attach your APS certificate with your university and visa application.

Does Work Experience Required for MS in Germany?

A lot of universities could also require candidates to have some kind of work experience in their related field of study as part of the application process requirement. Providing experience certificates will only further the candidates' application. Internships, research papers, vocational training, competitions and projects can all be submitted as part of work experience as long as it is in the related field of study. 

Candidates looking to study MS in Germany can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications or MS in Germany requirements. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.