Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Currently home to nearly 50,000 Indian students, Germany is one of the fastest growing study abroad destinations among the Indian student community, thanks in large part to its cheap cost of studies, with many German Universities charging no tuition fees, emphasis on work-life balance, which means fixed hours for work & study, a growing IT environment, easy access to scholarships & an overall better standard of living among some other factors.
Latest Update:
Indian students continue to be the largest international community of foreign students in Germany for the second consecutive year, as per an official media release by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Per latest figures (Winter semester 2023/24) released by Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the total number of Indian students currently at 49,483 saw a rise of 15.1% over the last year, with almost 58% of tho
Currently home to nearly 50,000 Indian students, Germany is one of the fastest growing study abroad destinations among the Indian student community, thanks in large part to its cheap cost of studies, with many German Universities charging no tuition fees, emphasis on work-life balance, which means fixed hours for work & study, a growing IT environment, easy access to scholarships & an overall better standard of living among some other factors.
Latest Update:
Indian students continue to be the largest international community of foreign students in Germany for the second consecutive year, as per an official media release by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Per latest figures (Winter semester 2023/24) released by Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the total number of Indian students currently at 49,483 saw a rise of 15.1% over the last year, with almost 58% of those enrolled in Engineering courses, 20% in Management, Law & Social Studies, while 15% opted for a course in Mathematics & Natural Science.
- About Universities in Germany
- Universities in Germany: Highlights
- Why Study in Germany?
- 3.1 Tuition-Free Universities in Germany
- 3.2 Top Universities in Germany for English-Taught Courses
- Top 10 Universities in Germany
- 4.1 Top 10 Engineering Universities in Germany
- 4.2 Top Ranking Management Universities in Germany
- 4.3 List of Top Medicine and Health Sciences Universities in Germany
- Top Ranking Courses in Germany
- Admissions to Top German Universities
- 6.1 Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Universities in Germany
- 6.2 English Language Requirements by MS Universities in Germany
- 6.3 Admission Requirements for International Students in Germany
- 6.4 How to apply to Universities in Germany?
- Germany Study Visa Process for Indian Students
- 7.1 How many types of German Student Visa are there?
- 7.2 Documents Required for a German Student Visa
- 7.3 German Study Visa Application Process
- 7.4 Student Visa Fee in Germany
- Cost of studying in Germany
- 8.1 Tuition Fees
- 8.2 Cost of Living in Germany
- MS Scholarships in Germany
- Post-Study Work Permit in Germany
- Jobs in Germany
- 11.1 Part-Time Work Options in Germany
- 11.2 Top Job Sectors & Economy
- 11.3 Best Paying Jobs in Germany
About Universities in Germany
Germany is home to around 217 colleges & universities, with the majority based in the cities of Munich, Heidelberg, Dortmund, and Berlin. The Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, and Heidelberg University are some of the more popular options considered by Indian students planning to study in the country. When it comes to popular courses, MS, MIM, BBA, MBA/PGDM, and BTech are some of the more prominent options pursued by international students.
Most German institutes require students to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Thus, TOEFL, IELTS & PTE are some test scores considered as valid proofs of English language proficiency in Germany.
Universities in Germany: Highlights
Generally, the duration of courses in top universities and colleges in Germany is 12 months to 3 years. Universities and colleges in Germany offer admissions twice a year, in April and October.
| Parameter |
Statistics |
|---|---|
| Number of universities in Germany |
422 |
| Tuition fees at universities in Germany |
Up to INR 10 L: 368 Up to INR 40 L: 399 |
| Top streams in Germany |
MS, MBA/PGDM, MSc, MA, BBA & BE/B Tech |
| English language exams required |
IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo |
| Entrance exams required |
GRE/GMAT |
Why Study in Germany?
Germany is home to world-class education, complete with modern amenities, and a major part of the country’s GDP is diverted toward the maintenance of the education system. All state-owned universities (public universities) in Germany are free and do not charge tuition fees to students.
Tuition-Free Universities in Germany
Here is a list of some of the top universities in Germany that are known for charging next to nothing when it comes to tuition costs:
| University | Known For |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Humboldt University of Berlin |
|
| Heidelberg University |
|
| RWTH Aachen University |
|
| University of Bonn |
|
| Goethe University |
|
| University of Hamburg |
|
Top Universities in Germany for English-Taught Courses
While Germany is popular among international students for its low tuition costs, finding universities that offer education in English is another important aspect for International students planning to study in Germany. The table below lists the top universities in Germany offering courses in English:
| University Name | Courses in English |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) |
|
| Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) |
|
| Heidelberg University |
|
| Free University of Berlin |
|
| RWTH Aachen University |
|
Top 10 Universities in Germany
Some of the top universities in Germany for international students are given as follows:
| University Name | Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Ranking 2026 | Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | #22 | #23 |
| #58 | #32 | |
| Heidelberg University Germany | #80 | #41 |
| Freie University of Berlin | #88 | #87 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | #98 | #121 |
| RWTH Aachen University | #105 | #98 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | #130 | #96 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #145 | #122 |
| University of Hamburg | #193 | #120 |
| #201 | #133 |
To know more detailed information about the top-ranked universities in Germany, click here.
Top 10 Engineering Universities in Germany
Based on QS Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Engineering are as follows:
| University Name | QS Rankings 2025- Engineering and Technology |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | #19 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #45 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | #53 |
| RWTH Aachen University | #65 |
| Dresden University of Technology | #97 |
| University of Stuttgart | #182 |
| Technical University of Darmstadt | #187 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | #225 |
| #237 |
|
| Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg | #254 |
Top Ranking Management Universities in Germany
Based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Management studies are as follows:
| University Name | THE 2025- PG Business and Economics |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | #31 |
| #34 |
|
| #43 |
|
| University of Bonn | #69 |
| Hamburg University of Technology | #101-125 |
| University of Cologne | #126-150 |
| University of Hamburg | #126-150 |
| Free University of Berlin | #151-175 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | #151-175 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #151-175 |
Confused between Data Analytics & Business Analytics & deciding which one is right for you? Unpack all the answers in this Shiksha Exclusive video below:
List of Top Medicine and Health Sciences Universities in Germany
Based on the QS Subject Rankings 2025, some of the top universities in Germany for Medicine courses are as follows:
| University Name | QS Medicine Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Heidelberg University Germany | #32 |
| #53 |
|
| Technical University of Munich | #78 |
| Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin | #93 |
| University of Hamburg | #132 |
| University of Tuebingen | #153 |
| Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg | #161 |
Top Ranking Courses in Germany
Some of the top courses in Germany for international students are given as follows:
| Top 10 courses | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| BA | 278 |
| MA | 274 |
| MBA/PGDM | 272 |
| MS | 271 |
| MSc | 262 |
| BBA | 261 |
| BE or BTech | 234 |
| BSc | 212 |
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Admissions to Top German Universities
Here's all you need to know to apply to a German University of your choice:
Application Deadlines for Top German Universities
While each university sets its own application deadline, most universities have the deadlines listed below:
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter Semester | May-Jul 15 |
| Summer Semester | Early Dec-Jan 15 |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Top Universities in Germany
Some of the entrance exams accepted by top universities in Germany are as follows:
| Entrance Exam |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| 37 |
|
| 29 |
English Language Requirements by MS Universities in Germany
Some of the English Language Proficiency exams accepted for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:
| English Language Exams |
Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| 422 |
|
| 203 |
|
| 68 |
|
| 43 |
Looking for universities abroad WITHOUT IELTS?! Then the video below is for you:
Admission Requirements for International Students in Germany
International students seeking admission to top universities in Germany are required to satisfy the eligibility requirements and provide the following as part of their application:
- The University application form
- A school-leaving certificate from a recognized school, college, or university
- Official transcripts of past education
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
- A valid copy of a passport and two recent passport-sized photos
- Letter(s) of Recommendation or Intent
- A professional CV or Resume
- Standardized test scores such as GMAT or GRE
- A valid APS Certificate
- A preliminary review document or VPD
How to apply to Universities in Germany?
Follow the steps mentioned below to apply to the German University of your choice:
- Check whether you can apply directly via the university portal or via Uni-Assist
- Register on the suitable platform
- Select the university and the course of your choice
- Make sure you satisfy its eligibility requirements
- Gather and upload all essential personal and academic documents as asked during the application process
- Pay the standard university application fee, typically worth EUR 75 (INR 7.65 K)
- Submit the application
- Track the status of your application via the application portal
- Accept the admissions offer and apply for a German Student Visa
Germany Study Visa Process for Indian Students
Indian students seeking admission to universities in Germany or having already secured a seat are required to obtain the German Student Visa to be eligible to stay in Germany over the duration of their studies.
How many types of German Student Visa are there?
There are mainly three types of visas for International students in Germany, these include:
- German Student Visa: The most common type of student visa, typically used by students planning for a full-time academic degree.
- German Student Applicant Visa: For students in the process of applying to a German University who have yet to receive the admissions offer
- German Language Course Visa: For students planning to take on non-academic language courses in Germany, usually with a duration of 3 to 12 months.
Documents Required for a German Student Visa
Here is a complete list of documents international students seeking a German study visa are required to submit:
- Visa application form and passport
- An admission letter from a recognized institute in Germany
- Academic Certificates
- Health Insurance
- Proof of English or German Language Proficiency
- A German visa application fee worth EUR 75 (INR 7.6 K)
- Proof of purpose of stay and financial resources (German Blocked Account, Parental Income Statements, Scholarship letter, Bank guarantee)
- Health Insurance Cover
- Past academic transcripts (school or college level)
German Study Visa Application Process
Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a German Student Visa:
- Register on the Consular Services Portal (CSP)
- Choose Visa -> Study Purposes -> Select 'India' as your country of residence
- Answer all questions as honestly as possible as part of the application form
- Complete the VIDEX application form
- Upload the documents required
- Pay the standard CSP Portal Fee worth INR 900 and keep a copy of the payment receipt
- Schedule a Visa Interview at your nearest VFS appointment center
Note: Apply at least 3 months in advance of your course start date to allow enough time for document and visa processing and making any last-minute changes.
Student Visa Fee in Germany
The German Foreign Ministry has introduced a new Consular Services Portal known as digital.diplo.de, which will be effective from February 17, 2025. This portal will help to speed up the visa application process for international students without the hassle of VFS Global Services. The cost of a German Student Visa is INR 6,818.
Cost of studying in Germany
The tuition fees for MS courses in private universities in Germany range from INR 10 L to INR 40 L.
Tuition Fees
The first-year tuition fees for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:
| 1st Year Tuition Fee Range | Count of Universities |
|---|---|
| INR 10 L | 368 |
| INR 20 L | 392 |
| INR 30 L | 396 |
| INR 40 L | 399 |
| INR 40 L+ | 8 |
Did you know? You can pursue your higher studies in Germany for next to no cost?
Check out the video below to know more:
Cost of Living in Germany
Accommodation, food, clothing, and recreational activities are generally covered under the ambit of living costs. Every year, according to the prevailing economic conditions as well as the relevant fee structure, every university would request that a monthly sum be provided for the student to facilitate their living expenses in the country, as well as for completing their education. This money is deposited in a Blocked Account.
Keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the minimum amount required for studying in Germany is EUR 12,000 (INR 12.06 L) for an entire year or €1000 (INR 1 L) for a month. This would include rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio, and TV license fees, and recreational activities.
To know more, check out: Germany Cost of Living 2025
MS Scholarships in Germany
Scholarships for studying abroad are broadly categorized into merit-based and need-based financial aid. Multiple scholarships for international students applying to German universities are provided by the universities to attract an international crowd and government/private organizations. Candidates who are looking for MS scholarships to study in Germany can view the most comprehensive study-abroad scholarships mentioned on our website. Our website currently registers more than 2000 scholarships distributed in 11 countries, amounting to over INR 1,315 crores in total amount. Some of the types of scholarships offered are given as follows:
| Type of Scholarship | Number of Scholarships |
|---|---|
| English Proficiency Waiver | 3 |
| GMAT Waiver | 2 |
| University Name |
Name of Scholarship |
Amount Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | INR 1.63 L |
|
| Humboldt University of Berlin | EUR 992-EUR 1,300 (INR 99.7 K-INR 1.3 L) |
|
| Technical University of Berlin | INR 1.1 L |
Post-Study Work Permit in Germany
Students who have completed their Master's in Germany (MS in Germany) are eligible to work in Germany after their studies. International students can work for up to 18 months as part of their post-study work permit in Germany. This extended period of 18 months is called a post-study work permit in Germany. During these 18 months, candidates can work on their own initiative and take on any type of work to support themselves. However, if a student wants to permanently stay in Germany, he or she can apply for an ‘EU Blue Card’ - Residence Permit as early as two years after receiving their work visa.
Jobs in Germany
Here's all you need to know about job opportunities in Germany for international students:
Part-Time Work Options in Germany
International Students traveling to Germany would be allowed entry with a German Student Visa. The German student visa will allow international students a slew of benefits, the most important being to take up part-time employment along with their studies while in Germany. Some of the job sectors in Germany for international students are given as follows:
- Teaching/Graduate/Research Assistants at the University
- Support Staff/Waiters at cafes or bars.
- English Tutors
- Industrial Production Assistants
Top Job Sectors & Economy
The German economy is projected to grow by USD 4.75 thousand billion - as per the latest data made available by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), posing a bright future in the jobs market. Top job sectors in Germany for Indian students include
- Building & Construction Sector
- Electrical and Electronics Industry
- Health Sector and Medicine
- Information Technology and Telecommunications
- Mechanical and Automotive Sector
Best Paying Jobs in Germany
Mentioned below are some of the best-paying jobs and industries in Germany:
| Profile | Average Salary (in EUR) | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Counsel | EUR 69,989 | INR 71.39 L |
| Cyber Security Engineer | EUR 66,082 | INR 67.4 L |
| Project Manager | EUR 61,706 | INR 62.94 L |
| Software Engineer | EUR 59,650 | INR 60.84 L |
| Dentist | EUR 55,301 | INR 56.4 L |
| Operations Manager | EUR 51,309 | INR 52.33 L |
| Data Analyst | EUR 49,666 | INR 50.66 L |
| Civil Engineer | EUR 46,354 | INR 47.28 L |
| High School Teacher | EUR 43,909 | INR 44.79 L |
| Accountant | EUR 42,331 | INR 43.18 L |
| Registered Nurse | EUR 37,143 | INR 37.88 L |
| Graphic Designer | EUR 35,634 | INR 36.34 L |
Source: Payscale
Conversion rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.01
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Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
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Commonly asked questions On Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Yes, students to have attained an aggregate of 60% or more in their 12th standard academics can study in Germany. But for that, students must maintain a strong CV with quality scores in German university entrance tests & language test scores.
Public universities in Germany are relatively tougher to get into with low scores than private ones, which charge a higher tuition fee.
Students are advised to conduct a thorough research of both public & private universities in Germany accepting students with a 60% aggregate in Class 12th.
The average cost of studies in Germany depends on the type of institution one is interested in admission to. The table below highlights the average cost of studies for different types of institutions:
| University Type | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Universities | EUR 100-350 (INR 10 K-INR 35.1 K) per semester |
| Private Universities | EUR 10,000 - 20,000 (INR 10 L-INR 20.1 L) per year |
Conversion rate: 1 EUR = INR 100.55
INR 10 Lakhs, can be enough for international students enrolled in public universities in Germany, which charge lower tuition fees from its students.
The cost of living in Germany for a year is estimated to be around EUR 11,904 (INR 11.96 L), but can be made up for provided one is able to land a part time job.
To know more about the same, check out: Part Time Jobs in Germany for International Students 2025
International students seeking a German student visa must have a minimum bank balance worth: EUR 11,900 (INR 11.96 L) for their first year of studies. The German government wants to make sure that all students who apply for a study visa in Germany have ample financial resources to fund their studies in the country without any issues.
Moreover, students are also required to pay an application fee worth EUR 75 (INR 7.5 K) to submit their student visa application.
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Commonly asked questions On Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
Being proficient in German certainly opens up more job opportunities to international students in roles where language is important, such as Teaching and Retail.
However, it is okay if someone is not proficient in German there are plenty of top organizations that give preference to an individual's skill set over language proficiency, and most IT jobs don't require German language proficiency; however, proficiency in English is very important.
Top job sectors in Germany for Indian students include the following:
- Building & Construction Sector
- Electrical and Electronics Industry
- Health Sector and Medicine
- Information Technology and Telecommunications
- Mechanical and Automotive Sector
Students interested in pursuing an MS from a German institute must submit a set of documents that includes: past educational transcripts, language test scores, proof of valid VISA & passport, APS Certificate, Letters of Recommendation & a Statement of Purpose among some other documents.
Listed below are the general requirements for international students seeking MS in Germany:
- Must possess a UG degree from a recognised international institute
- Provide valid language test scores of English or German, as per the course requirements
- Must possess a German Student Visa (Residence Permit)
- Submit an online application via the official university portal or common application portal
- APS Certificate
- All past educational transcripts (photocopies + original, or as specified by the institute)
- A professional resume, highlighting skills & past work experience
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) as specified by the colllege/university
- Valid GRE/GMAT scores (may or may not be optional)
- Passport
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Commonly asked questions On Top Universities and Colleges in Germany - Courses, Fees, Scholarships, Admission Requirements & Grades
International students in Germany can work a maximum of 20 hours a week during academics. However, during vacations, students are allowed to work a upto 40 hours a week.
Over the course of an year, international students can work a maximum of 140 full days or 280 half days, per government regulations.
Working more than 4 hours a day is described as working full-time, while less than 4 hours a day, is described as part-time in Germany.
While accurate data about the most popular courses among Indian students in Germany isn't available, courses like Computer Science, Data Science, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Technology are very popular among students currently in Germany.
Source: Unofficial
Engineering courses are the most popular among Indian students in Germany, as per the official data (Winter semester 2023/24) made available by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, with about 58% of Indian students pursuing an Engineering course of some type.
Given below is a breakdown of the most popular courses pursued by Indian students in Germany:
| Stream | Percentage of Indian Students |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 58% |
| Management Law & Social Studies | 20% |
| Mathematics & Natural Science | 15% |
| Other Courses | 7% |
The German Foreign Ministry has launched a Consular Services Portal called digital.diplo.de in order to speed up the processing time of Germany student visas. This change is effective from February 17, 2025. Students can now apply for visa online, fill the application form and submit the documents. The students will also have to visit VFS Global only for biometrics after completing their application online.
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