How to Study in Germany After 12th?

Low tuition fees, great standard of living, excellent quality of education, safety, and security are some of the reasons that make Germany an attractive UG study destination for all students around the world. Check out the large number of courses available to candidates looking to  Study in Germany after the 12th.

Many students from India wants to attend college in Germany after they finishes class 12th. You makes a smart decision when you chooses to study in Germany after completing your class 12th successfully. International students who decides to pursue education after Class 12 can expects to experience amazing cultural diversity there. You meets friendly natives and gets high-quality education that helps your future career goals.

Germany has many different programs you can study, like engineering, arts, and lots more subjects. But figuring out how to applies can feels tricky for most students at first. You need to understand the admission process if you want to study in Germany after the 12th. Language requirements and visa rules also become important things you must learns about before applying.

Getting admission in German Universities requires you to meet certain important requirements every time. You needs good academic record and language skills in German or English that shows your abilities. This article guides you through all the important steps carefully. You can starts your education journey in Germany with confidence when you follow these helpful tips. 

Undergraduate Studies in Germany

Germany's where you'll find education that won't empty your wallet compared to what other European countries charge you. State-funded universities there, most of them gives higher education programs without making students pay tuition. However some courses that are really specialized might have fees attached to it. You got to pay an Administration Fee when each year starts, that's something candidates needs to remember. 

The state funds universities in Germany usually, but they don't really regulate them in strict ways. What this means are that eligibility criteria and cut offs gets decided independently by different universities in Germany themselves. So every university can having their own unique eligibility criteria that's different. It's smart for aspirants checking with university officials about what specific eligibility criteria exists for programmes they want. Undergraduate studies in Germany requires this kind of research beforehand, because each institution might want different things from you as applicant.

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Popular UG Courses in Germany

Here is the list of popular UG courses offered by German Universities:

• Business Management
• Engineering
• Fine and Applied Arts
• Humanities
• Math and Computer Sciences

Eligibility Requirements to Study in Germany After Class 12

For Indian students, the most critical difference to understand is that the German education system requires 13 years of schooling for university entry, whereas the Indian system typically has 12 years. To bridge this "one-year gap," you cannot usually apply directly to a German university with just your Class 12 mark sheet unless you meet specific exceptions.

Below are the detailed eligibility criteria to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Germany.

1. Academic Qualification (The "13th Year" Rule)

To be eligible, you must follow one of the three approved pathways to bridge the gap between the Indian and German education systems:

Note: Your Class 12 aggregate score matters. While the minimum eligibility is often 50%, top public universities in Germany are highly competitive and may expect 90%+ marks.

2. Language Proficiency

Since most public universities offer free education in German, language skills are non-negotiable.

• For German-Taught Programs (and Studienkolleg):

  • You need a minimum of B1 or B2 level certification from Goethe-Institut or Telc.

  • Many universities require C1 level proficiency by the time you actually start your specific Bachelor's degree classes.

• For English-Taught Programs:

  • These are rare at the undergraduate level in public universities.

  • If available, you will need IELTS (6.0 - 6.5+) or TOEFL (80 - 90+) scores.

3. Mandatory Verification & Exams

Before applying, you must clear two specific administrative hurdles unique to Germany:

• APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle): As of late 2022, this is mandatory for all Indian students. It is a certificate issued by the German Embassy that verifies your academic documents are genuine. You cannot apply for a visa without this.

  • Fee: Approx. ₹18,000.

• TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende): This is a standardized aptitude test for foreign students. Many universities ask for this score to assess your intellectual ability to cope with German university standards.

4. Financial Eligibility (Blocked Account)

While this is technically a visa requirement, you must be prepared for it before applying. To prove you can support yourself, you must open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) in Germany.

• Required Amount (2025/2026):€11,904 per year.

• This money belongs to you but is "blocked" so you can only withdraw a monthly sum (approx. €992) for your living expenses.

Documents Requirements to Study in Germany 

• Academic Transcripts
• Proof of Language Proficiency:
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• LOR
• CV
• Passport
• Proof of Financial Means

Step-by-Step Application Process for UG Courses in Germany 2026

Applying to Germany is a long journey, not like India where admission happen fast. You have to be patient. For 2026 intake, you should start preparing now only. Most students go for Winter Intake (September start) because more seats are there.

Here is the step-by-step process in simple language:

Step 1: Learn German Language First

Before anything, start learning language. For Bachelors, German Language is very important.

• Join classes for A1 to B2 Level.

• Don't think you will learn there. It is very hard if you go blank.

• Try to clear Goethe Exam or Telc certificate in India.

Step 2: Get Your APS Certificate

This is the most important document now. Without APS Certificate, the embassy will not take your visa file.

• Go to APS India website and register.

• Pay fee around 18,000 INR.

• Send your Class 10th and 12th marksheets by courier.

• This takes 1-2 months, so apply as soon as you have result. Don't do late.

Step 3: Clear Entrance Exams

Some universities ask for extra exams to check your brain level.

• TestAS: It is an aptitude test. Many good universities ask for TestAS score for foreign students.

• If you want English course (very rare), you need IELTS or TOEFL.

Step 4: Apply via Uni-Assist

In Germany, we don't apply to college directly mostly. We use a portal called Uni-Assist.

• Upload all your scanned documents like School Leaving Certificate, Language proofs, and Passport.

• You have to pay application fee. First college is 75 Euro, then 30 Euro for next ones.

• Wait for 4 to 6 weeks for reply.

Step 5: Get Offer Letter & Blocked Account

Once you get the Admission Letter (Offer Letter) from university, you are half done. Now you need to show money proof.

• Open a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). This is must.

• You have to put approx 11,904 Euro (check latest amount for 2026).

• This money is yours only. You will get it back monthly for your expenses like rent and food.

Step 6: Visa Interview

Book appointment at VFS Global.

• Take all original documents, APS, Blocked Account proof, and Offer Letter.

• Be confident in interview. They just check if you are genuine student.

• Visa usually comes in 3-4 weeks.

Step 7: Fly and City Registration

After reaching Germany, first work is City Registration (Anmeldung). Go to local office and register your address. If you don't do this, your Blocked Account money will not activate.

Top Universities to Pursue UG Courses in Germany

Here is the list of top universities in Germany that offer UG courses:

• Technical University of Munich
• Free University of Berlin
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Bayreuth
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Stuttgart
• Technical University of Berlin

Cost of Living in Germany for International Students

Living in Germany, on the other hand, is at par with most of the European cities and the cost of living in Germany is approximately between INR 85,000 - INR 1.25 Lakhs per month per month for a single person. There are lots of scholarship programmes available for pursuing Higher Education in Germany which would eventually lessen the financial burden on the student.

Also, Read

• Exams required for admissions to UG Courses in Germany
• Germany Student Visa Guide

Scholarship For Studying in Germany

To make living even further affordable, international students will also have the opportunity to work part-time to ease their living expenses. International students are eligible to work 20 hours per week. This part-time work facility will not only help them ease their living expenses but also allow them to gain relevant work experience in their field of interest. As with most universities, international students can also benefit from the various scholarship programmes listed on the official website of universities or www.daad.de.

List of Top Scholarships

Here is the list of popular scholarships to study in Germany for Indian students:

• The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program

This notable scholarship is awarded in association with Financial Sumo. The sole purpose of this scholarship is to unburden the student of their college fees. This need-based scholarship is applicable to students pursuing their undergraduate studies from Germany. Applicable to all candidates who want to pursue MBA in Germany, this scholarship is awarded to a single deserving candidate every academic year. The maximum value of the scholarship stands at USD 1,000.

• Global Study Awards

This prestigious scholarship is awarded in association with Study Portals, ISIC and British Council. A merit-based scholarship is awarded to two students for each academic year. The maximum scholarship per student is GBP 10,000.

• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship

This celebrated scholarship is awarded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. This scholarship has been designed to provide financial assistance to selected candidates for pursuing education abroad from an accredited Institution/University. Applicable to all candidates who want to undergraduate studies from Germany, a total of 100 students are awarded this scholarship for one academic year. The maximum scholarship per student is USD 33,800.

Popular Courses in Germany