- No tuition fee at most public universities — only a semester contribution
- Large and growing number of English-taught master's programmes
- 18-month post-study job-seeking visa after graduation
- APS certificate is mandatory for Indian applicants
- Blocked account of EUR 11,904 required as proof of funds
Tuition fees
| Institution type | Indicative tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Public university (bachelor's and master's) | No tuition fee; semester contribution of approx. EUR 150 - 400 per semester | 2-4 years |
| Public university in Baden-Württemberg (non-EU) | Approx. EUR 1,500 per semester | 2-4 years |
| Private university / business school | Approx. EUR 12,000 - 20,000 per year | 1-4 years |
Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Cost of living
Approximately EUR 850 - 1,200 per month. Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are the most expensive; Leipzig, Dresden and smaller university towns are considerably cheaper. The blocked account figure of EUR 11,904 a year reflects the official minimum estimate.
Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Germany student visa requirements
- Indian students must obtain an APS certificate before booking a visa appointment. Apply at least four months ahead — processing alone takes four to six weeks.
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto) of EUR 11,904 is required as proof of funds. Submitting the older EUR 10,332 figure leads to rejection.
- You may withdraw approximately EUR 992 per month from the blocked account.
- Blocked accounts can be opened with providers such as Fintiba, Coracle or Deutsche Bank.
- German health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged before the visa appointment.
- Visa appointment slots are limited and fill quickly — book as soon as you have your APS and admission letter.
Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Intakes
- Winter semester — September/October 2026 (main intake, most programmes)
- Summer semester — March/April 2027 (limited programme choice)
Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Working during and after your studies
Student visa holders may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. After graduating you can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work related to your qualification.
Indicative — not yet confirmed with the institution · last checked 2026-08-22 · source · always confirm current figures with us before you budget or apply.
Universities in Germany we work with
Our Germany counsellors by city
Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany really free for Indian students?
Tuition is free at most public universities, but "free" is misleading. You still pay a semester contribution of roughly EUR 150-400, and you must prove EUR 11,904 in a blocked account before you get a visa. Baden-Württemberg also charges non-EU students about EUR 1,500 per semester, and private universities charge full fees.
What is the APS certificate and do I need it?
APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) is the verification body under the German Embassy that checks whether your Indian academic documents are genuine. Indian applicants cannot book a student visa appointment without it. Apply at least four months before you intend to travel.
How much is the German blocked account in 2026?
EUR 11,904 for a year, from which you can withdraw about EUR 992 per month. This figure is updated periodically — using an outdated amount is a common cause of visa rejection, so confirm the current requirement before you transfer funds.
Can I do an MBA in Germany without IELTS?
Some private institutions accept alternatives to IELTS — TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or in certain cases a medium-of-instruction letter from your previous university. This is decided case by case and is never guaranteed. Confirm with us for the specific institution before you plan around a waiver.
Can I stay in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work related to their qualification, and can move to a work permit or EU Blue Card once employed. German language ability makes a substantial difference to how quickly you find that job.
Planning to study in Germany?
Talk to a counsellor who handles Germany applications every intake. We will check your eligibility, shortlist universities and lay out the visa timeline. No charge.
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