Must-Know Changes for International Students in Germany

For Indian students planning to study in Germany, this year bring some important changes. These updates will affect various aspects of student life for those who want to study in Germany. This article contains details on changes for students in Germany. 

Top universities in Germany and zero tuition fees in German public universities are some common reasons why Indian students choose to study in this country. Students planning to study in Germany - who have already applied to German universities, should be aware of new regulations for Students in Germany in 2025. The key changes to study in Germany include an increase in the blocked account requirement, adjustments to minimum wage laws, new tuition fees at certain universities and expanded work rights for international students. These updates will affect various aspects of student life, including how much money you need, your ability to work, and even tuition fees at universities in Germany for the next two years.

Changes to Education in Germany in 2025

Important visa changes for students going to Germany in 2025 are-

Starting 01 July 2025, Germany will stop offering remonstration procedure for visa rejections. With this change if your German visa application is rejected - you will no longer be able to appeal informally. Instead you must file a formal legal appeal which takes more time, may involve legal help and could be more expensive. 

German government says this change will help reduce visa processing times by allowing staff to focus on new applications instead of handling appeals. Students can still reapply for a visa at any time if their application is denied.

New Online Portal for Germany Visa Application

German Foreign Ministry launched a new Consular Services Portal, digital-di.de, to streamline the visa application process. This new process started on February 17th, 2025. If you are applying for German Student Visa the summer or winter semester you must use the new portal.

How to apply for Germany Visa in India? 

• Step 1: Apply online at digital-di.de.
• Step 2: Fill all required forms and upload all required documents.
• Step 3: Authorities will verify your documents.
• Step 4: Once verified, book an appointment at the VFS Center for in-person verification of documents and biometric data collection.

Increase in Blocked Account Requirement To €11,904-

One of the major changes for international students planning to study in Germany is the increase in the blocked account requirement. 

From September 1, 2024, the students are required to prove their financial viability by showing €11,904 per year (which is approximately € 992 per month) in a blocked account. This is higher than the previous requirement of €11,208 in order to get a loan. 

The concept of a blocked account is still an important element of the application for the German student visa, ensuring that students can cover their living expenses while studying.

Increase in Minimum Wage To €12.82 Per Hour

As of January 1, 2025, the legal minimum wage in Germany will rise to €12.82 per hour, up from €12.41. This increase means that full-time workers can expect a gross monthly salary of approximately €2,222. 

For students working part-time jobs in Germany, this change will surely boost their earning potential significantly and allow them to better support their living costs while pursuing their education.

Mini-Job Salary Threshold Increase

A mini job in Germany is a part-time position with a low wage and flexible hours that allows people to earn extra money. It is a type of employment where the person's income must not exceed a certain limit. Earlier, in 2024, In 2024, the Mini-Job Salary Threshold was 538 euros per month

The mini-job salary threshold will also see an increase from €538 to €556 per month starting January 1, 2025. Mini-jobs are popular among students as they allow them to earn money without incurring full social security contributions. 

With the new minimum wage, students can work around 43.3 hours per month under this scheme while maintaining their student status in Germany.

Tuition Fees for Non-EU Students at TU Munich

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) will implement tuition fees for non-EU international students, starting from the winter semester of 2024/25. These fees at TU Munich for Non-EU students will range from €2,000 to €6,000, depending on the program level (bachelor's or master's). This policy is part of a broader trend among German universities but does not affect students who enrolled prior to this change.

Increased Funding for Erasmus+ Program

To increase international students' mobility, German universities will receive approximately €220 million over the next two years from the Erasmus+ Program. Of this amount, €186 million will support student and staff exchanges abroad. This funding represents a significant increase compared to previous years and is expected to benefit around 58,000 participants.

Expanded Employment Rights for International Students

Starting March 1, 2024, international students are enjoying greater employment freedoms under new regulations:

• Students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week during their studies.
• Prospective students on a student applicant visa can work part-time to 20 hours per week while applying for admission.
• New provisions allow third-country nationals to stay in Germany for up to nine months to find vocational training opportunities.
• A person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period at low wages can now work part-time up to 20 hours per week alongside their training.

BAföG Reforms: Increased Support Rates and Allowances

The BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) system will undergo reforms starting July 24, 2024-

• Maximum support rates will increase by 5%, with allowances for housing rising to €380.
• The income threshold for parents and siblings will also be adjusted upward.
• New provisions will allow students changing fields of study to receive funding longer.

BAföG Requirements 2025: Rates, and Allowances

New Nationwide Deutschland Ticket for Students

A new nationwide student ticket has been launched in summer semester 2024. The New Nationwide Deutschland Ticket for Students costs €29.40 per month, which is 40% cheaper than the regular price.

This Deutschland  ticket allows students unlimited access to local transport across Germany (excluding long-distance trains) and is calculated into university semester fees. This initiative makes it easier for students to commute and explore various regions within Germany without thinking of additional travel costs.

Five German Universities in Top 100 QS Rankings

In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, five German universities have made it into the top 100 globally:

A total of 48 German universities are ranked under QS Ranking 2025, out of which 28 universities are under top 500 universities world wide.