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Study in Germany

    Overview

    Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, with over 350,000 international students studying there. It hosts over nine top universities, which are ranked among the top 200 prestigious institutions worldwide.

    With 21,000 courses in an internationally recognised curriculum and incredibly affordable tuition, the nation has established itself as the ideal foreign destination for applicants outside the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. India is the country from which Germany sends the most international students (26%). Germany welcomed 367,578 foreign students in the winter semester of 2022–2023—a 5% increase over the previous academic year, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This growth in international enrollment is expected to continue in the upcoming year.

    Germany today has the third-largest GDP in the world and has established itself as a global powerhouse in the twenty-first century. This strengthens its case for students looking for work after graduation, which is also supported by the fact that it has a high employment rate of around 80%. Aside from this, the country is now more appealing to foreign students wishing to study in Germany due to the steady decline in the unemployment rate over the past ten years.

    Key Highlights to Study in Germany

    Below is a quick overview of the important information related to study in germany for indian students.

    Head Details
    Number of Universities in Germany 420+
    Cost of Studying in Germany (per year) 67 EUR to 13,000 EUR approximately
    Cost of Living in Germany (per month) 860 - 1550 EUR
    Part-time Work duration Up to 20 hours per week
    Post-study Work Visa (PSW Germany or Graduate Route Visa) Ideally, up to 18 months
    Top 5 Universities (QS)
    • Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
    • Technical University of Munich
    • Heidelberg University
    • TU Dresden
    • University of Tübingen

    Study in Germany: Top Universities in Germany for International Students

    Applicants can select from a variety of prominent institutions in Germany's public and private domains. We have put up a list of the top 10 reputable universities in the nation, along with the percentage of international students attending, to help you with the process.

    Name of the institute THE World Rankings 2024 QS World University Rankings 2025 International Student Population
    technical-university-of-munich 30th 28 39%
    ludwig-maximilian-university-of-munich 38th 59 18%
    heidelberg-university 57th 84 18%
    freie-universitat-berlin 102nd 97 20%
    rwth-aachen-university 90th 99 29%
    KIT-karlsruhe-institute-of-technology.webp 140 102 24%
    humboldt-university-of-berlin 61 126 25%
    technische-universitat-berlin 138 147 24%
    universitat-hamburg 136 191 14%
    universitaet_freiburg 128 212 20%

    The graph below shows some of the best universities in the nation, along with enrollment figures.

    Name of the Universities Total number of students Total number of international students
    Technical University of Munich 34,663 13,912
    RWTH Aachen University 37,380 11,287
    Heidelberg University 19,632 4,130
    Free University of Berlin 23,592 4,568
    Humboldt University of Berlin 34,472 5,609
    University of Bonn 25,027 4,469
    Check All Universities

    Why Study in Germany?

    With its internationally acclaimed universities and nearly free undergraduate education, Germany has a lot to offer people all around the world. Thousands of varied programmes, generous student support, and scholarships are just a few of the draws for international students looking to study in the country.

    Additional elements that support the nation's legitimacy are enumerated below.

    • According to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Germany is home to top-tier educational institutions. The Technical University of Munich is ranked 37th, followed by RWTH Aachen University at 106th, the University of Hamburg at 205th, Leibniz University Hannover at 481st, and TU Dortmund University, which is ranked between 851st and 900th. These educational institutions are renowned for offering top-notch education. Approximately ten of Germany's finest universities are among the top 210 in the world.
    • Since tuition is waived for international students in public universities, most of Germany's best universities don't charge fees. When tuition is charged, the range of 624 EUR to 11,000 EUR per year is what Indian students studying in Germany have to pay.
    • The universities offer a vast range of courses. There are 21,000 bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree programmes to pick from, in addition to more than 1,800 overseas programmes.
    • When it comes to options for studying abroad, Germany is a highly safe nation. Whether it's day or night, urban or rural, being out is generally safe as long as you take reasonable safety precautions.
    • Germany has a relatively inexpensive cost of living when compared to other European countries, at 1,486 EUR per month.
    • Moving to Germany is a great opportunity for young people, especially if you live in one of the larger cities, as you get the opportunity to discover new things. Many of the cities have thriving nightlife, a wide selection of eateries and pubs, as well as a plethora of festivals and events that take place all year long to keep students occupied.
    • The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and other non-governmental organisations provide a large number of scholarship opportunities to international undergraduate and graduate students.
    • Graduates may expect to make roughly 38,800 EUR per year on average. After earning their degrees, around 77% of the graduates are able to find work in Germany in a few months.
    • After graduating, a Germany student visa allows international students can stay in Germany for up to 18 months in order to find employment.
    • Germany is located in the centre of Europe and has good transportation connections to other nations like France and the Netherlands. You may simply plan a day trip to visit several fantastic cities that are only a few hours away. Make the most of your time in Germany by taking advantage of the ease with which you may travel throughout Europe by rail or aeroplane.
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    Popular Courses in Germany

    Germany's 400 public and private universities provide hundreds of different degree options, making finding the ideal programme for any student possible. Germany mostly attracts students of STEM courses seeking degrees in Computer science, Mathematics, and Engineering along with programmes in Natural science, Business, Economics, etc., because the tuition charge in the country is relatively lower than in other nations around the world.

    Law, psychology, medicine, and dentistry are among the top courses international students choose to study in Germany. Natural sciences and architecture are also very well-liked. The list of some of teh most popular undergraduate and graduate programmes in German universities is provided below, along with other details.

    Popular Program Best German University for the course Annual Tuition Fees
    Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature Freie Universitat Berlin 625.78* EUR per year (around 55723 INR)
    Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Universitat Heidelberg 302* EUR per year (around lor26892 INR)
    BS Mechanical Engineering RWTH Aachen University 318.66* EUR per year (around 28375 INR)
    BS Architecture KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 3000* EUR per year (around 267141 INR)
    B.Sc. Electrical Engineering Technische Universitat Berlin (TU Berlin) 226* EUR per year (around 20124 INR)
    M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering | M.Sc. Automotive Engineering Technical University of Munich 12,000* EUR per year (around 1068564 INR)
    M.Sc. Robotic Systems Engineering, M.Sc. Textile Engineering RWTH Aachen University 12,000* EUR per year (around 1068564 INR)
    M.Sc. Electrical Engineering | M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 3000* EUR per year (around 267141 INR)
    Electrical and Civil Engineering Technical University of Berlin 113.09* EUR per year (around 10070 INR)
    M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering | M.Sc. Automotive Engineering University of Stuttgart 13,000* EUR per year (around 1157611 INR)
    MSc.Chemical and Biological Engineering | MSc. Electrical Engineering University of Erlangen Nuremberg 67* EUR per year (around 5966 INR)
    Industrial Engineering and Management University of Hamburg 340* EUR per year (around 30275 INR)
    MSc. Aerospace Engineering | MSc.Biomolecular Engineering Technical University of Darmstadt 440* EUR per year (around 39180 INR)
    Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering University of Hannover 791.78* EUR per year (around 70505 INR)
    MSc. Sustainable Systems Engineering University of Freiburg 3,000* EUR per year (around 267141 INR)

    How to Study in Germany: Application Process

    It is strongly advised that you begin working on your application as soon as you can if you have decided that Germany is the country you will be applying to in the future session. The following step-by-step instructions will help you with the German application procedure.

    • STEP 1: Choose the university : Now that you have chosen to study abroad in Germany, you must pick the best university and course for you. You can search through a database of nearly 2,000 programs, 1,389 offered in English, at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). To choose the best universities, look through international rankings like THE World University Rankings and QS.
    • STEP 2: Check the eligibility criteria for your preferred course : It is quite important to check the eligibility criteria of the course for which you are applying for a smooth process.
    • STEP 3: Arrange your finances : Germany is well known for providing candidates, regardless of their nationality, with nearly free or inexpensive education. The majority of public universities in the nation are free to enrol in; international students may be required to pay taxes. Moreover, private and master's programmes may have costs comparable to those of other internationally recognised universities. To satisfy the requirements for a student visa, you will have to provide evidence that you own or have access to around 8,700 EUR annually.
    • STEP 4: Get your application ready : In Germany, several institutions are centrally managed and take applications through UniAssist. Ensure that you have thoroughly reviewed all of the prerequisites for your specific course.
    • STEP 5: Send in your application : The nation has two admission seasons, each with a deadline. It is strongly advised that applications be submitted at least 4 to 6 months in advance of these dates, particularly if a visa is required, in order to prevent last-minute issues such as visa rejection, etc.
    • STEP 6: Obtain health insurance : Make sure you have health insurance to cover you while in Germany before you depart from your home country. This is necessary before enrolling and obtaining a student visa and/or residency permit. There ought to be a social security agreement between your nation and Germany if you live in an EU or EEA member state. This implies that you should have coverage in Germany if you have public health insurance in your place of origin. To take advantage of this, you will often need to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is free of charge.
    • STEP 7: Get a student visa to study in Germany : As soon as you receive your acceptance letter, apply for a student visa at the German embassy that is closest to you. Include any necessary paperwork, such as your passport, proof of income, and health insurance. A German student visa application typically costs EUR 75 (6667 INR).
    • STEP 8: Look for accommodation : It's ideal to begin looking for housing as soon as you've been accepted into your course and have your student visa, if appropriate.

    We suggest that you approach study in Germany consultants or study-abroad consultants when facing issues with university and visa applications or require scholarship assistance.

    Admission Requirements to Study in Germany

    The following table contains some basic information about the admissions requirements and prerequisites for German universities.

    Where to apply Uni Assist portal/ Individual portals of respective universities
    Academic Requirements A Higher School Certificate/A bachelor's degree or its equivalent
    Additional Documents Letter of Motivation | Letters of Recommendation | Resume | Statement of purpose
    English Languageproficiency score
    IELTS score : A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
    TOEFL iBT: score: 70- 85 overall
    Standardized test GMAT : 600 | GRE score: 600

    Tests Required to Study in Germany

    Below some of the tests which you may require to study in Germany as an international students

    tests-required-to-study-in-germany

    When to Study in Germany?

    International students can enrol in Germany during the summer or winter sessions. The due dates for each are broken out as follows:

    • Summer intake : In Germany, applications are accepted from early December to mid-January for the summer intake, which starts in March and ends in April. Summer intake classes typically have a smaller enrollment than winter intake classes. This suggests that there was less competition among individuals who applied at this time. The arrival of summer is also accompanied by calm and comfortable weather. Acceptance letters from universities are often sent in August or September.
    • Winter intake : Germany's main intake is the winter intake, which begins in September or October and lasts until February or March. The majority of Masters students in Germany apply for the winter intake. In the year of study, applications for the winter intake become available in May. Generally, the deadline for applications is typically July 15th, though it may vary based on your university. Since almost all the universities in germany accept applications during this intake, students have higher chances of getting admitted into the top-notch universities for a popular course.
    intakes-in-germany

    Study in Germany Cost

    To determine the cost of studying in Germany for international students, one must consider tuition fees at the university and living costs. So, let’s discuss both things below.

    Tuition Fees

    Programs Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)
    Undergraduate Programs 226 EUR to 6000 EUR (20124 to 534262 lakhs INR)
    Graduate Programs 67 EUR to 13,000 EUR (approximately 5966 INR to 11.5 lakhs INR)
    MBA 33,500 EUR to 43,000 EUR (29.8 lakhs to 38.2 lakhs INR)

    NOTE : The cost of studying in Germany is very less in public universities, as they do not charge any tuition fees, international students only have to pay the regional taxes.

    Cost of Living in Germany

    Germany has higher living expenses than India. Monthly expenses for an individual, not including rent, come to approximately 510 - 1000 EUR (83695 INR). Whereas, the average monthly expense for international students including is 860 - 1550 EUR (1.30 lakhs INR).

    Expense Type Average Cost per month (EUR) Average Cost per month (INR)
    Accommodation 350 - 700 31138 - 62276
    Food 250 - 350 22241 - 31138
    Transportation 80 - 120 7117 - 10675
    Health Insurance 80 - 100 7117 - 8896
    Textbooks and Supplies 50 - 80 4448 - 7117
    Entertainment and Leisure 100 - 200 8896 - 17793
    Total 860 - 1550 76510 - 137897

    Cost of living in Germany in various cities are mentioned below:

    City Estimated Cost of Living (Monthly in Euros)
    Munich 1300-2000
    Frankfurt 1150-1800
    Hamburg 1100-1750
    Berlin 1100-1750
    Heidelberg 1100-1700
    Cologne 1100-1650
    Bonn 1100-1650
    Stuttgart 1100-1650
    Dusseldorf 1050-1600
    Wiesbaden 1050-1550
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    Top Cities Preferred by Students

    One of the main reasons to study in Germany is its student cities. Two of the top ten student cities, i.e. Munich and Berlin, are in Germany, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2024 rankings. Below, let’s check some of the best student cities for international students in Germany and universities located there.

    • Munich

      munich-city
      QS Rank 5

    • Berlin

      berlin-city
      QS Rank 8

    • Hamburg

      hamburg-city
      QS Rank 80

    • Stuttgart

      stuttgart-city
      QS Rank 94

    • Hannover

      hannover-city
      QS Rank 124

    Apart from the above-mentioned cities, there are some other cities as well which ae preferred by international students in Germany, including Frankfurt, Aachen, Bonn, Dresden, Leipzig, and Cologne.

    Student Visa in Germany

    Obtaining a student visa for Germany is an important step for international students aspiring to pursue higher education in the country. Germany's education system is renowned for its academic excellence, and its universities offer a wide range of programs taught in English and German. To apply for a student visa in Germany, prospective students must fulfil certain requirements and navigate through a structured application process. Firstly, applicants need to secure admission to a recognised educational institution in Germany.

    Once accepted, the next step is to apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. The visa application typically requires a valid passport, proof of financial resources to cover living expenses in Germany, health insurance coverage, and a university admission letter. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language, especially if their chosen program is taught in German.

    The processing time for student visa applications varies depending on the country of origin, so it's essential to plan ahead and submit the application well in advance of the intended start date of the academic program. Upon arrival in Germany, students are required to register their residence and apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners' Registration Office. This permit allows students to stay in Germany for their studies and may have certain conditions, such as limitations on working hours. Overall, while the process of obtaining a student visa for Germany may seem daunting, proper preparation and adherence to the requirements set forth by the German authorities can pave the way for a smooth transition to academic life in one of Europe's leading destinations for international students.

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    Scholarships to Study in Germany

    Any candidate can actually study in the nation for free if they are awarded a studentship to help pay for their education because the tuition is so inexpensive there. For foreign students wishing to enrol in a reputable institution in the nation, the German Academic Exchange Service also referred to as the DAAD, offers a variety of funding options and scholarships. Candidates from all over the world, including researchers, are eligible to apply for these scholarships.

    The Federal Ministry of Education and Research, or BMBF, is another resource for funding studies in Germany. It maintains a website with information on scholarships for students throughout the nation. The table below enumerates the scholarships offered to Indian students in Germany can be found below. There is also mention of the scholarships' eligibility requirements and the value of the grant.

    Scholarships Eligibility Criteria Award Value
    TUM Scholarships Strong academic performance| Demonstrated financial need (low income) One-time aid: EUR 500 - EUR 1500/Semester
    Erasmus Scholarship Programs Merit-based Up to 350 EUR
    DAAD Scholarships Completed first degree required Scholarship: EUR 934/month
    RWTH Aachen University Strong academic performance Up to EUR 5,928/semester based on weekly hours
    ESMT Women’s Academic Scholarship For Females, applying for MBA courses at ESMT (European School of Management and Technology, Eligiblility criteria Above 700 score in GMAT) 32,000 EUR Scholarship amount if selected
    DAAD WISE Those pursuing degree in engineering or science and wanting to do a two to three months internship at a public-funded German university are eligible Students will get 861 EUR per month for living costs along with 1,050 EUR as travel subsidies and payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
    QS scholarships Merit-Based Scholarship awards up to USD 10,000
    Deutschland Stipendium Merit-Based EUR 300 per month
    EMS Undergraduate Scholarship Those students applying for bachelor’s courses with excellent academic and social credentials are eligible Offers 50% waivers on tuition costs and worldwide exposure for personality development.
    Heinrich Boll Scholarships Excellent academic records, socially and politically engaged, and have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination and justice. PhD Students: EUR 1350 per month | EUR 100 per month for research allowance Undergraduate and graduate students: EUR 812 and EUR 300 book allowance per month
    Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship For masters and PhD, Eligibility criteria interest in political aspects and a stellar academic record Monthly stipend of 1,200 EUR for Ph.D. students, Graduate students may get 861 EUR per month if selected
    Goethe Goes Global Scholarship Merit-based scholarship at masters level 500 EUR
    View All Scholarships

    Job Opportunities in Germany

    Germany's lenient immigration laws allow students of all backgrounds and nationalities to remain in the nation for up to 18 months after earning their degrees, during which they can find employment. Most students want to go into the workforce after graduation, and in this situation, being fluent in German will greatly enhance your employment prospects.

    The following are a few of the most lucrative jobs that graduates in Germany pursue, together with their average yearly salaries:


    Profession Average salary per month (EUR) Salary Equivalent (INR)
    Data Scientis 56,024 49.7 lakhs
    Biochemical Engineer 2,910 2.58 lakhs
    Business Intelligence Analyst 47,266 41.9 lakhs
    Chemical Engineer 3,400 3.02 lakhs
    Civil Engineer 3,310 2.94 lakhs
    Data Analyst 48,413 43.01 lakhs
    Electrical Engineer 3,680 3.26 lakhs
    Robotics Engineer 3,560 3.16 lakhs
    Machine Learning Engineer 55,549 49.35 lakhs
    Big Data Engineer 58,669 51.89 lakhs

    Study in Germany: FAQs

    Ans. The cost of studying in germany is quite affordable for international students. Most of the public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. However, international students have to pay teh regional taxes. Whereas the tuition fee at private universities for undergraduate courses is around 226 EUR to 3000 EUR (20124 to 267141 lakhs INR). For postgraduate, it is around 67 EUR to 13,000 EUR (approximately 5966 INR to 11.5 lakhs INR).

    Ans. Some of the top universities to study in germany include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, TU Dresden, and University of Tübingen.

    Ans. Yes, in order to get admitted to English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs in Germany, one must take the IELTS exam. Undergraduate programs require an IELTS band score of 6.0, while postgraduate courses require a score between 6.0 and 6.5. However, if there are other alternatives to IELTS, like PTE or TOEFL, you can appear if your targeted universities accept their scores. Moreover, if you are enrolling for German-taught programs, you have to appear in German proficiency tests like DSH and the TestDaF.

    Ans. One of the best study-abroad destinations for Indian students is Germany. The country boosts some of the world's top-notch universities with a broad range of courses. Most courses taught in English can be found in germany. There is no tuition at public colleges in Germany; there is only an administrative fee that must be paid at the beginning of each semester. Additionally, the nation offers several course selections, inexpensive education, employment prospects, and immigration options.

    Ans. For the majority of programs, public institutions do not charge tuition fees. However, there are semester fees (between EUR 75 and EUR 150) that fund administrative expenses and student services. Tuition is charged at certain private universities.

    Ans. As an Indian student, if you are planning to study in germany, you must apply for a student visa as soon as possible. Generally, you will either receive a national visa or a Schengen visa.

    Ans. Yes, Indian students can easily explore teh various job opportunities after completing their education in teh country. Jobs in Germany, such as nursing, might pay much more for fresh Indian graduates. On the other hand, individuals who have finished their education in Germany and speak the language fluently are more likely to land well-paying jobs.

    Ans. The amount that indian can earn in germany depends on their skills, course, university placement, etc. However, one can earn an average income between 50,000 EUR to 1,00,000 EUR in Germany.

    Ans. Both domestic and foreign students favour pursuing a management master's degree in Germany. Either choose broad management courses or focus on a particular field or sector, such as engineering or human resources. In any scenario, a master's degree in management studies will prepare you for executive positions at prosperous German companies.

    Ans. Most international students agree that Germany is a great place to study. In comparison to other European nations, Germany offers a comparatively affordable standard of living. Furthermore, the nation provides a large selection of English-language programs. It is actually not necessary to speak German in order to enrol in a German university.

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