Study in Germany: Requirements, Eligibility, Application Process, Cost

Germany is very popular for Indian students who want higher education. It gives good education, many courses, and mostly free tuition fees. If you want study in Germany, this guide help you.

Germany is nice place for international students. You get good education, mostly no tuition fees. There are many tech job opportunities. To study in Germany, first pick program and meet admission requirements, like show English skills with IELTS or TOEFL. You also need German student visa online to study there. Some top universities in Germany are ranked among best in world. The German education system is little different from American system and focus on creativity and innovation, good place to learn.

In 2025, some changes for international students in Germany. You need more money in bank (Blocked Account - €11,904 per year) for visa. The German student visa process is online and some universities may start charging tuition fees. But students also get more work chances and better scholarships in Germany for international students. Even with changes, Germany is still popular because public universities give free or low-cost education. Know the complete guide to study in Germany.

Why Study in Germany? (2026 Updates)

Germany is still the favorite destination for students who want High Quality Education without spending too much money. But for 2026, some rules are changing. If you are planning for Winter Intake 2026, you must know these details properly.

The biggest reason to choose Germany is the Free Tuition. Most Public Universities still charge zero tuition fees. You only pay a small Semester Contribution (around €200-€300). However, be careful! The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has started charging fees for international students. So always check the university website first.

Key Updates for 2026

• Higher Minimum Wage: This is very good news! From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Germany will increase to €13.90 per hour (it was €12.82 before). This means you will earn more money from your Part-time Job to cover your expenses.

• Blocked Account Amount: To get your student visa, you need to show €11,904 in a blocked account. This is approx ₹11 Lakhs. The bank will give you back €992 monthly for your rent and food.

• More Working Hours: Students can now work for 140 full days or 280 half days in a year. Previously it was less. This helps you earn extra cash legally.

• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): If you don't want to study but want to find a job, this new card allows you to come to Germany and look for work for 1 year. It is point-based system.

• Housing Crisis: Finding a room is still very tough in 2026. Rents in cities like Berlin and Munich are increasing. It is better to look for Student Dorms (Studentenwerk) very early.

Education System in Germany

The education system in Germany is very diffrent from other places. Basically, there are three main types of universities that you can join.

First is the Public University in Germany. This is the best option because the tuition fees is zero. You dont have to pay huge money for classes. You only pay a small semester contribution which is like ₹30,000 for whole year, and it covers your transport ticket also. German government thinks education is a right, so it is free.

Second is Private University in Germany. Here you have to pay tuition fees. Honestly, it usually dont make sense to go here unless your grades are low and you cant get into public school.

There are also diffrent categories of colleges:

• Technical Universities: These are big on research. If you want to go deep into theory, this is for you.

• Applied Sciences: These universities focus on practical stuff. They prepare you for jobs directly, specially for engineering and technical work.

• Dual Program: This is very cool option. In this, you study half the time and work half the time in a big company like Mercedes. So you learn and work together.

So, if you have good marks (like 8 CGPA), always try for Public University first.

Popular courses for Indian students in Germany

• Engineering
• Management and Business
• Computer Science / IT
• Social Sciences
• Hotel Management
• Design & Communication

Top Student Cities in Germany

Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Heidelberg are the best cities in Germany. There are many other cities in Germany which are getting popular. Some of the emerging cities in Germany are Aachen, Cologne, Dresden, and Leipzig. All these cities give different study chances, culture experiences, and low living cost for international students.

Top student cities in Germany

Safety and Lifestyle in Germany

Germany very safe, low crime rate and good public services. Despite of all one should take precaution for small crimes like pickpocketing. Life in Germany mostly easy, focus on work-life balance. They have a better public transport services.

Safety in Germany

• Low crime rates: Germany mostly safe, violent crime rare.
• Peaceful environment: Most areas calm and managed well.
• Police presence: Police seen and helpful in cities.

Lifestyle in Germany

• Work-life balance: Germany focus on healthy work-life balance, many companies give flexible work schedules.
• Public transportation: Public transport good and covers many places.
• Social security: A better health, pension, unemployment insurance. Rules different for interns depending on type.
• Cultural norms: Common habit greeting people in shops or offices, using formal address like “Sie” or “Herr/Frau” before last name till told not formal.
• Food and water: German eggs not usually fridge because of natural protective layer, milk use different pasteurization so can stay longer without fridge.

Read: Safety Tips for International Students in Germany

Life of Indian Students in Germany

Living in Germany is not same like what we see in movies. It is tough but also good experience. For an Indian Student coming here first time, many things are diffrent.

Biggest problem is finding a house. Accommodation in Germany is very very hard to get. In big cities like Munich or Berlin, you have to struggle a lot. Sometimes students pay 500 to 800 Euro just for one small room. You must join Facebook groups to find room, but be carefull of scams.

Another thing is money. You need a Blocked Account with 11 Lakh rupees approx. This money is for your Living Expenses. Government gives you monthly pocket money from this account. But if you spend too much on eating outside or shopping, money will finish fast.

Germany is not like India where shops are open late. Here shops close early and Sunday everything is shut. You have to learn cooking because Indian Food in restaurant is very costly. You can buy rice and spices from Asian store and cook at home to save money.

Language is big barrier. Even if course is in English, you need German Language for daily life. Bus driver, shopkeeper, they mostly speak German. If you want Part-time Job, knowing German is must. Without language, getting work is very difficult.

But Public Transport is very nice. You don't need car. Students get ticket to travel cheap. Also, making friends is imp. There are many Indian Community groups where you can celebrate Diwali and Holi so you don't feel lonely.

Accommodation in Germany

Find accommodation in Germany at ImmobilienScout24 and Immowelt. There are also student sites such as WG-Gesucht.de, HousingAnywhere, and Amber. Try to look on social media too, check your university housing portal, or go to a local housing agency. Sometimes, your employer gives housing help too.

Accommodation rent in Germany is different everywhere. It depends on city, house type, and how big it is. The average rent in Germany starts from €486 to €1,436 per month. For student housing, it’s much cheaper, you pay between €250 and €750 monthly, depends what city and which type you pick.

Requirements to Study in Germany

Students applying for an undergraduate course in Germany have to undertake a one-year bridge programme as it is to compensate for 13 years of schooling requirement in Germany compared to 12 years in India. International applicants have to take a language test for Germany like TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) before they can enrol in a degree programme.

For each course, Indian students will need to meet a minimum German language requirement. Along with that, a minimum academic record of 70% and above in Standard XII will be required. Foundations and Diploma programs are available for students who have secured around 60%. The following documents also need to be submitted:

• Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII, and the Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
• At least, two Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently.
• If you have work experience then two letters of recommendation (LOR) from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
• SOP
• Resume
• Photocopied score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
• Portfolio (in the case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programmes)
• Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
• Proof of funds (Blocked Account)
• Health insurance

Note: Not all higher education degrees are recognized for all study programmes across Germany. If your school-leaving certificate does not directly qualify you for admission to study in Germany, you are required to take a “Feststellungsprüfung”, or assessment test. Check here whether your higher education entrance qualification will be recognized in Germany.

Timeline to Universities in Germany

Most of the colleges in Germany accept online applications. You will have to visit each college's website to apply. In most cases, you will have to make an account on the college website, that requires you to provide your basic information, submit the scanned version of your documents, and pay application fees. You will be informed about the application process and stages through this account. Please refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.

Application fee: The fee amount will differ depending on the college and course being applied to. So, check with individual colleges about their application fee.

Steps: Given here are the common steps to applying for admission:

• Search for colleges and courses
• Contact schools and visit websites for information
• Narrow down your list of schools
• Take the entrance exams like language tests, GMAT/GRE
• Write SOPs and ask for LORs
• Apply to the colleges that fit your interests
• Appear for video interviews of the colleges that shortlisted you
• If accepted, apply for a German Student Visa

Intake Seasons Across German Universities 

The main intake season for all German universities is September. So the deadlines would be from February till May. A few universities offer admissions in March as well. The deadlines for this intake would be from November to January.

Language exams to Study in Germany

TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) and DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) are the standardized language tests which are required to be taken to get admission to colleges in Germany. You can take the TestDaF at a testing centre in India or in Germany, while the DSH is only administered at German universities. These both follow different formats, structures and result bands. These tests are all different in various ways but many colleges ask for any one of the results. So it's up to the student to decide which exam to appear for. Read: TestDAF vs. DSH - which language proficiency exam to take?

Note: Students wishing to take an international degree programme, which could be Bachelor's, Master's or PhD, do not necessarily have to take a German test. The teaching language in these courses is usually English. To study a degree course in English, an English language exam like the TOEFL exam or IELTS may be required. The average TOEFL score to study in Germany is 80-100.

General Exams to Study in Germany

GMAT - Since almost all MBA programs in Germany are in English, the language of teaching would be English with a bit of German thrown in. German B-schools like admitting multi-lingual candidates, so it will be a bonus if you know German as well. Because of the bilingual clause, GMAT is the standard exam for getting admitted into business schools. GMAT is used to measure the abilities of the potential MBA aspirant to undertake higher education in the field of business or management. It measures the mathematical, English, and reasoning skills of the student.

GRE - Some universities do recommend or require a GRE score, although it is not a mandatory requirement while considering a Master's in Germany. You will come across many options without GRE requirements.

Repetition and Fee: You can give GMAT an unlimited number of times, subject to five times a year and a gap of 30 days between two tests. 

Cost of Studying in Germany

In Germany, the cost of education is quite low, and at some universities, there is no fee. Most German universities are financed by the state government and just a small amount of tuition fees may be required to be paid. The cost of studying in Germany amount depends on the location of the university as every federal state can decide the amount on its own. If it has enough money to abolish tuition fees, it can choose not to charge any fee or if it needs additional fees, then it may charge a certain nominal amount. Read: Steps to Study in Germany for Free for International Students. The private universities in Germany are financed by the fee paid by students and the fee here is much higher. Read: Cheap and Affordable Universities in Germany

Living Expenses in Germany

International students who want to study in Germany need send at least €11,208 to show they can pay first year. This money blocked in bank till you reach Germany. You can take €934 per month for living cost. Cost of living in Germany need at least €992 per month for one person, total around €11,904 per year.

Cost of Living in Germany

Health insurance

Health insurance from private providers in India may be recognized in Germany. You will have to inquire with your health insurance provider and get a confirmation that you are exempt from compulsory public health insurance coverage. This letter of confirmation will be essential in your application process, as only with it will you be permitted to enrol at a university.

You will not be able to switch to a German public health insurance provider once your studies begin. If your Indian insurance policy is insufficient, you will have to purchase a policy in Germany itself. Many universities offer service packages for international students which include accommodation, meal plans, and a health insurance policy. You will have to check with institutes for such packages.

Scholarships to Study in Germany

Scholarships to study in Germany is provided based on merit and need. Students with good academics can get scholarships and financial help. To get it, you need send all required documents before deadlines. How you show your application also matter because it shows your image.

German institutes more generous than other countries, so getting fully-funded education in Germany not very hard. Click here for full list of scholarships in Germany.

Education Loan to Study in Germany

Student eligibility criteria: The first thing is to be aware of whether you are eligible to apply for the loan or not. The general eligibility criteria followed by all the banks are -

• You should be an Indian national
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must be seeking admission to professional, technical or other courses of study.
• Most banks maintain that the selected course should be job-oriented
• You must have secured admission to a foreign university institution
• You must be above the age of 18 years or else your parents can avail of the loan

Eligibility of course: You may not get a loan on every course. Here are the kinds of courses that qualify for the education loan.

• For Graduation: Job-oriented professional or technical courses offered by reputed universities
• For Post Graduation: MCA, MBA, MS or even diplomas
• These courses could be from foreign universities or institutes approved by the state and central government

Loan amount: If your total fee is Rs 10 lakh, the bank may offer to give a loan of 80% of the amount and you will have to put in the balance 20%. This is called the margin amount. The maximum loan amount for studies abroad is generally around Rs 20 lakh by the bank. If your tuition fee amount is Rs 30 lakh, you'll have to manage the rest of the funds by yourself. Some banks charge a processing fee, while others don't. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total loan amount. So if the bank charges you one per cent as a processing fee, that will be an additional cost you'll have to cover. Read: Education Loans for Studying Abroad

Documentation required: You will have to provide the acceptance letter sent by the university reflecting that you have been selected for the course and the schedule of fees. You will also need to show the mark sheet of the last qualifying examination to show your academic record. All banks have different requirements for documentation, so you need to confirm with the bank first.

Repayment: Repayment starts only after the course period. If the student gets employed within one year after completion of the course, the repayment should start immediately after the expiry of one month from the date of employment.

If you do not secure a job within a year of completing the course, then repayment starts irrespective of whether or not you are employed. The loan is generally to be repaid in 5-7 years after the commencement of repayment. If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time extension for completion of the course, he may be permitted for a maximum period of two years. Generally, you will get up to a maximum number of 10 years to repay the loan. Apply: To India's top education loan providers

Conditions

To stay in Germany for more than 90 days as a student, you are required to get a residence permit. You will need to prove to the visa officer that you have had finances for one year. The amount would be €934 per month. A residence permit issued to students is valid for a maximum of two years. It needs to be renewed if the duration of the course is longer than the stated two years.

A Residence Permit costs between €100. It can take a long time to be issued, which is anywhere between eight to 12 weeks. Since this means two to three months, international students are advised to apply as soon as possible. You will have to apply for your visa in person. Visa fees amount to €75 (to be paid in INR). In addition, you should provide two sets of application documents photocopies containing the following documents:

1. Application form
2. Declaration stating the information provided is true and complete information
3. Cover Letter explaining the reason for your visa application. You may be required to submit a German translation of this document
4. Letter of Admission from a German university
5. University Certificates and transcripts
6. Proof of Language Proficiency (German language test scores)
7. Applicants for PhD studies and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship holders are exempt from this rule.
8. Proof of funds

Work Permit in Germany

According to German visa rules, a student can work 180 days halftime or 90 days full-time in an academic year. Presently, Germany is the only country where a student can do a technical part-time job in a related industry. Some universities offers part-time jobs on campus called Hi/wi. Students will have to contact the institute's student placement cell to get into this job.

Visa for spouse

Spouses and children may be permitted to reside in Germany while you study, but this is conditional. These conditions include having enough and appropriate financing and a living space. Cases are decided on an individual basis at the Germany embassy, and special consideration may be given to your case if you are able to explain your situation to the Consulate effectively.

Pre-departure list for Germany 

• Book tickets
• Arrange accommodation in Germany
• Arrange transportation to/from the airport to home in Germany
• Arrange your banking; consider buying traveler's cheques
• Check baggage and customs limitations
• Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

These documents should be kept before going at airport

1. Passport
2. Airline tickets
3. Travel insurance certificate
4. Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution
5. Key addresses and phone numbers
6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
8. Traveller's cheques, if applicable
9. Medical and immunisation records
10. Academic history and university transcripts

To explore more study options in Germany, click the following links.

• MBA in Germany
• B.E./B.Tech in Germany