Trier University of Applied Sciences

Germany is one of the top study destinations for Indian students because of its high-quality education and affordable costs. Many students ask common questions like: How much does it cost to study in Germany? Is education really free? Is IELTS required?

The cost of studying in Germany is relatively low. Public universities in Germany usually do not charge tuition fees, but students must pay a semester fee of around EUR 100 to EUR 400. On average, students need about EUR 11,904 per year in a blocked account to cover living expenses. So, while education in Germany is not 100% free, it is much more affordable than countries like the USA or UK.

A recent survey shows that Germany is becoming one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students from Karnataka. Students from cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Udupi, Shivamogga, and Davanagere are increasingly choosing Germany for higher education and better career opportunities.

More than 600 Indian students have already moved to Germany, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala among the leading states sending students to the country. Popular courses include engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), business administration, and medicine. After graduation, many students find jobs in sectors such as IT, automotive engineering, healthcare, finance, and renewable energy.

Top Reasons to Study in Germany 2027

There are numerous reasons to study in Germany as an international student. One of the major attractive factors is Germany's low-cost and tuition-free education system at many public universities. Other than this, there are a couple of more reasons cited below for reference:

• Germany is home to top universities abroad globally for engineering, technology, business, and research programmes.
• Many public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, making higher education highly affordable for international students compared to other popular study destinations.
• Germany offers more than 2,000 English-taught programmes.
• Students are allowed to work part-time for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, helping them gain work experience and support their living expenses.
• Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe and offers excellent career opportunities in sectors such as engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
• International students can benefit from an 18-month post-study work visa, which allows them to stay in Germany and search for employment after graduation.
• The country is known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and practical learning, helping students develop industry-relevant skills.
• Germany's central location in Europe makes it easy for students to travel and explore other European countries during their studies.

There are several reasons to study in Germany for Indian students after 12th or after completing a bachelor's degree in India. The ones mentioned above are among the most popular.

Study in Germany 2027: Highlights

Education System in Germany

The German education system focuses on creativity and innovation, which makes it a great place for students to learn. There are three types of schools in Germany: public schools (free), private schools (not free), and vocational schools (employers pay for). Public schools are mandatory for children aged six to 16, and it’s the state that pays for them. Private schools are not mandatory, but they do offer better education opportunities. Vocational school is an alternative to university that can be paid for by employers as well as through loans or scholarships. The fees paid by students finance private universities in Germany.

The German education system is different in many ways from those in other countries, and the classes are conducted in German and English. The government finances public universities and does not charge tuition fees, though they may charge a small administrative fee at the start of each academic year. Private universities, in contrast, are financed by the fees paid by students, and these can be quite expensive. Germany has a larger number of public universities than private ones. German law says that education should be offered to everyone and everyone should be able to afford adequate education.

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Top Courses in Germany for International Students

Germany is known for its high-quality education, strong universities, and affordable study options at public institutions. Students from India and other countries choose Germany for its career opportunities and strong job market. If you are planning to study in Germany, here are some of the most popular courses in Germany for international students.

1. Engineering

Engineering is one of the most popular study choices in Germany. The country has a strong automotive and manufacturing industry, with companies such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Electrical Engineering are popular options. These courses also offer good practical learning and career opportunities.

2. Computer Science and IT

Computer Science and IT are also among the top courses in Germany. The country's growing technology sector has created demand for software developers, data scientists, AI specialists and other IT professionals. Students with strong programming and technical skills can find career opportunities in startups as well as large companies.

3. Business and Management

Business and Management courses are popular among international students, including MBA programmes. Germany offers several programmes with lower tuition costs compared with countries such as the UK and the US. A degree in Business or Management can help students explore careers in finance, consulting, marketing and other areas.

4. Medicine and Healthcare

Medicine and healthcare are important fields of study in Germany. Medical education is highly competitive, and students usually need strong academic scores and good German language skills. Knowledge of German is particularly important because medical training and patient communication require a high level of language proficiency.

5. Humanities and Arts

Germany also offers several options for students interested in Humanities, Arts and creative fields. Architecture, Design, History and related subjects are popular choices. Students can explore both traditional subjects and modern creative disciplines while studying in Germany.

What Indian Students Study in Germany (Subject-Wise)

Here is how Indian students are enrolled in different subjects in German universities:

• Engineering – 60%

• Law, Management, and Social Studies – 21%

• Mathematics and Natural Sciences – 13%

• Other Subjects – 5%

Engineering is clearly the most popular choice among Indian students in Germany.

Top Universities in Germany

Many students search for the Top universities in Germany before applying for higher studies. Germany has many good public universities that offer quality education at low cost. These institutes are known for research, modern labs, and strong teachers. That is why students also call them the Best universities in Germany and top-rated universities in Germany.

For Indian students, choosing the right university is very important. The Best German universities for Indian students offer English-taught courses, good job chances, and support for international students. Many Universities in Germany for Indian students also help with visas, housing, and career guidance. Because of this, more students now apply to the Top universities in Germany for Indian students every year.

Why are these the Best universities in Germany

• World Rankings: Many schools like TUM and LMU Munich are in the global Top 100.

• No Tuition Fees: Most public universities in Germany only charge a small semester fee instead of high tuition.

• Industry Links: Schools have strong ties with companies like BMW and Siemens, making it easier for students to find jobs.

• English Programs: There are over 2,000 international programs taught entirely in English, which is perfect for students from abroad.

Here is a simple table of some Good universities in Germany:

These are some of the Top universities in Germany for international and Indian students. Before applying, always check course details, language needs, and admission rules. Choosing the right university can help you build a strong future.

German Permanent Residence Permit

Once a candidate has found a job that he would like to accept, he is required to apply for a work permit from his earlier ‘Job Seeking Visa.’ The candidate can remain in Germany while their application is pending. Furthermore, if the candidate is looking to permanently settle down in Germany (PR in Germany), he/she can apply for an ‘EU Blue Card’ - Residence Permit as early as two years after receiving his work permit.

The EU Blue Card is a permanent residence permit for European countries. However, if the candidate is looking to apply for an EU Blue Card he will be allowed to work and live in any of the EU states. To be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must be offered a job that pays at least €53,000 (~US$57,844) a year or at least €41,808 (~US$45,629) a year for mathematicians, engineers, natural scientists, technicians or physicians. Candidates are advised to check with the foreign residents’ registration office for advice on which permit to apply for and what documents they would need as part of the admission process.

Admission Requirements to Study in German Universities

The admission requirements to Study in Germany are set very high by German Universities. For UG courses as much as 90% is expected for admission. Also, students need to either complete 1 year of Bachelors's study in India and appear for IIT JEE or Fa exam to be eligible to apply for a UG course in Germany. In addition to this students need to appear for IELTS or TOEFL to prove their efficiency in the English language. An IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 100 is a minimum requirement for candidates looking to study in Germany.

For PG courses: students are expected to have at least 70-75% from a reputed Indian University. They are also required to appear for GRE (accepted by some Universities) and a score of above 300 should do the needful. Also, it can boost a student's profile if he or she appears for the course even though the University has not requested it.

The courses meant for international students are called International study programmes and are taught in English. Hence, students looking for courses exclusively in English must look under the section specified above for their course or under ‘Internationals'. Unless a student has sound knowledge of the German language no point in opting for courses taught in German otherwise. Some courses also have the option of doing a dissertation in German for which students need to prove their efficiency in German beforehand.

The students willing to learn German must do it through certified sources and in India students need to contact only Max Muller Bhavan and clear TesDaf. The level to be cleared is generally specified on the University website as it depends on what percentage of classes are conducted in German.

Timeline for Admission to German Universities

Universities can have a particular intake season or opt for rolling admissions where the selective university won’t have a deadline. When we talk about intake season, the academic year is divided into two semesters i.e. Summer Semester and Winter Semester. Candidates can also get in touch with our Shiksha Study Aboard counsellors who primarily look at assisting with university admissions.

Scholarships to Study in Germany

Merit-based scholarships provided by universities are another great way for candidates to bring down their tuition costs. However, students will have to show an exceptional academic track record to avail scholars of higher value. One of the primary names for funding your studies in Germany is the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD. The organization helps you not merely shortlist a suitable college but also helps you with a variety of scholarship options depending on your chosen discipline or field of research. Apart from DAAD, candidates can also check out German university scholarships to study in the country on our website.

Many international students choose to study in Germany because of affordable education and wide scholarship options. These scholarships help reduce living costs, tuition fees, and study expenses. Below is a list of popular scholarships for Indian and international students in Germany.

Education Loan for studying in Germany

Germany requires proof of financial resources via a blocked account (EUR 11,904 or INR 10.6 lakhs, equating to €992/month). An education loan can fund this deposit (disbursed directly to the blocked account provider) alongside other expenses, satisfying visa requirements while easing family burden. Many loans also cover the full first-year needs.

One of the major drawbacks of studying abroad is the cost of studying in a foreign country. To cover such expenses, students can borrow education loan for abroad studies from banks and NBFC. You can explore schemes and offers of education loans for studying in Germany.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany

International students who are travelling to Germany to study will be allowed to work for a total of 140 full or 280 half days in a year. A student will not be allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week during the term. Students, however, can take up full-time employment during vacations. The option to work part-time in Germany for international students is provided with the German Study Visa and does not need to be applied for separately. As of January 2025, the minimum wage for working in Germany is to be raised at €12.82 euros per hour.

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany

Students who have completed their education in Germany are eligible for working in Germany after their studies. This is time over and above the duration of the study period granted in their German Study Visa. For their post-study work visa in Germany, students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa otherwise called the post-study work visa to find work related to their studies. In these 18 months, the candidates can work as much as they like and take up any kind of employment to support themselves.

What is Opportunity Card?

This is a new visa introduced recently which is great backup plan.

• Backup Option: After finishing your studies, you normally get 18 months Job Seeker Visa. But if you cannot find job or if you return to India and want to come back, you can apply for Opportunity Card.

• Points Based: If you have a degree and know English/German, you get points. This card allows you to come to Germany for 1 year to search job and you can also do part-time work (20 hours/week) while searching.

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Study in Germany FAQs

What should I know before deciding to study in Germany?

The admission process is not easy. However, you can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions. It is important to have all documents in place for the university admission letter. For the German Student Visa, it is important to have sufficient money in your Blocked Account (slightly more than prescribed which would be deducted as bank charges). Know a little German. And above all enjoy the process.

How can an Indian student study in Germany?

Germany is one of the favourite study destinations for Indians. Germany is home to world-class universities offering a wide selection of courses many of which are taught in English. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees but have an administration fee that needs to be paid at the start of every semester. The country also provides affordable education, a multitude of course options, job opportunities, and immigration options.

How much does it cost to study in Germany?

The cost of study in Germany will depend upon the type of university you have enrolled for. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for both domestic and international students. On the other hand, tuition fees at private universities of Germany is around €3,000 to over €20,000 (approximately ₹2.7 lakh to ₹17.9 lakh) per year.

Can I study for free in Germany?

Yes in Public universities in Germany, you can study free by just paying minimal semeseter fee.

Is IELTS required to study in Germany?

If you are apply for an English-taught program, most German universities require proof of English proficiency. The IELTS exam is commonly accepted. The minimum IELTS score required to study in Germany are 6.0 to 6.5.