Studying in Germany: All You Need to Know

Cost of Studying in Germany: Tuition vs. Living Expenses (2026)

Here is the details about money you need. Germany is cheap compared to US or UK but still you need to plan budget.

Tuition Fees

Most people go to a public university in Germany because it is cheaper.

• Public Universities: In government colleges, there is No Tuition Fee. It is almost free. You only pay a small Semester Contribution every 6 months. This is maybe €200 to €350. This usually give you a Free Bus/Train Ticket for the city also.

  • Check this point: In one state Baden-Württemberg, they ask fees from non-EU students (approx €1,500/semester). So be careful when choosing city.

• Private Universities: These are very costly. You have to pay fees like €10,000 or €15,000 per year. Avoid this if you have budget issue.

Blocked Account (Security Money)

This is the most important rule for Visa. You have to show government you have money in a blocked account to survive there.

• You must put around €11,904 in a special bank account before you fly.

• You cannot take all money out. They give you back around €992 per month for your spending.

• This money is your own money for rent and food, not a fee.

Monthly Living Cost in Germany

Even if college is free, living is not free. Here is a rough table on the monthly cost of living in Germany, of what you might spend every month.

Important: Your rent in Germany is the biggest cost. If you find cheap room, you save lot of money. Start searching for room early because Student Housing in Germany gets full very fast.

Admission Requirements in Germany for Indian Students

Getting admission is not just about marks. Germany has strict rules for Indian students. Here is what you need to be ready with.

1. Bachelor Degree (3 Years vs 4 Years)

• This is a big confusion. In Germany, a bachelor is often 180 ECTS or 210 ECTS.

• If you have a 4-Year Degree (like B.Tech), you are safe. You have enough credits.

• If you have a 3-Year Degree (B.Sc, B.Com)

• Solution: You might need to do a Foundation Year or show extra proof of projects. Always check if the university accepts 3-year degree before applying.

2. The APS Certificate (Mandatory)

• For Indian students, this is now a Must-Have. You cannot even apply for visa without this.

• It proves your degree is genuine. You must apply for this at APS India website. It takes time, so do this first.

3. Language Skills (English & German)

• English: Most Master courses are in English. You need IELTS or TOEFL.

  • Usually, a score of 6.5 bands is safe. Some top colleges ask for 7.0.

• German: Even if your course is in English, learning German (up to A1 or A2 level) helps a lot. It helps you talk to people in market and find part-time jobs. Some universities ask for A1 certificate during application also.

4. Subject Matching (Curriculum Analysis)

• This is where most students get Rejected.

• German universities check if you studied the exact subjects they want.

• Example: If you apply for Data Science, they will check if you had enough Maths and Statistics in your bachelor. Even if you have 9.0 CGPA, but no Maths subject, they will reject you.

• You might have to fill a Curriculum Analysis Form (Excel sheet) to show your credits match their credits.

5. Good Grades (CGPA)

• Competition is high now.

• A German Grade of 2.5 or better is usually required. In Indian system, try to have above 7.0 or 7.5 CGPA. If you have 8.5+, you are in very good zone.

Tip: Don't just look at ranking. Look at the Course Modules. If your bachelor subjects match their master subjects, your chance is 100% better.

Step-by-Step Guide to the German Student Visa (2026)

Applying for German Student visa is a long process, don't wait for last minute. It can take 4 to 6 months totally, so start early. Here is the simple steps you must follow.

Step 1: Get APS Certificate (Most Important)

This is the new rule for Indian students. You cannot apply for visa without this.

• What is it: A certificate that proves your Indian degree is real.

• Cost: You have to pay around ₹18,000.

• Time: It takes 1 month or sometimes more. Apply for this as soon as possible, even before you get university admission. If you don't have this, everything will stop.

Step 2: Get Admission Letter

Apply to German universities and wait for the Offer Letter.

• You need the Unconditional Admission Letter (final selection letter) from the university.

• If you have a "Conditional Letter" (admission only if you learn German language etc.), the visa process is little bit different.

Step 3: Open Blocked Account

You must show you have money to live in Germany.

• Amount: You need to put approx. €11,904 (for one year) in a German bank account like Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle.

• Process: You transfer money from India to this account. They will give you a Confirmation Document. You need this paper for visa interview.

• Note: This money is yours. You will get back €992 per month for living. This is the cost of living in Germany. 

Step 4: Buy Health Insurance

You cannot enter Germany without insurance.

• You need a Travel Health Insurance for the first 3 months.

• You also need to sign up for Public Health Insurance (like TK or AOK) which starts after your college starts. Many Blocked Account providers give this in a "Package" together.

Step 5: Book Visa Appointment

This is the hardest part because slots are very less.

• Go to VFS Global website or German Mission website.

• Book a slot for National Visa (Student).

• sometimes you have to wait 2-3 months just to get a date. So book this as soon as you have your Admission Letter.

Step 6: The Visa Interview

On the day of appointment, go to the VFS center or Embassy. Carry 2 sets of all documents.

• Documents List:

  • Passport (Original + copies).

  • APS Certificate (Original).

  • Admission Letter.

  • Cover Letter (Why you want to study there).

  • Blocked Account Proof.

  • Health Insurance.

  • Academic Marksheets (10th, 12th, Degree).

  • CV and Photos (Biometric type).

• They might ask simple questions: "Why this university?", "What is your future plan?". Just be honest.

Step 7: Wait for Passport

After interview, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to get the visa.

• They will stick the visa sticker on your passport and courier it to you.

• Check all details (Name, Date) immediately when you get it.

Advice: Don't book your flight ticket until you have the passport in your hand. Visa delays are very common.

Would you like me to write a Sample Cover Letter for the visa application?