Study in Germany: low fees, high entry bar
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition, only a semester contribution. The catch is entry: strong marks, the APS certificate for Indian students, and for many courses, German.
At a glance
| Student visa | National visa for study, then a residence permit in Germany |
|---|---|
| Visa costs | €75 |
| Money to show | €11,904 for 2026 (€992 a month), usually in a blocked account |
| Tuition | Public universities: no tuition in most states, a semester contribution only. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 a semester |
| Work while studying | 140 full days or 280 half days a year |
| After graduation | Up to 18 months to look for a job, working in any role meanwhile |
| Indian students | APS certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre in New Delhi is required before the visa |
| Main intakes | Winter semester (October); summer semester (April) for some courses |
| Official site | make-it-in-germany.com · daad.de |
Rules and fees change often. Confirm every figure on make-it-in-germany.com and the German embassy in India before you pay or apply.
Your year, step by step
English or German?
Many master's programmes are taught in English; most bachelor's programmes are taught in German and need level B2 or higher. Even on an English course, German at B1 makes part-time jobs and the job search far easier.
Before you pay any agent or university
- Check the university on the country's official list (linked above), not on the agent's brochure.
- Private universities in Germany charge full fees; compare them honestly with public ones.
- Open the blocked account only with a provider listed by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Still deciding between countries?
Compare all eight on money to show, work rights and the years you can stay after your degree.
Sources
- Visa for studying: €11,904 for 2026, work days, 18-month job search (Make it in Germany, official)
- Blocked account €992 a month in 2026 (Expatrio)
- Official: daad.de, india.diplo.de, aps-india.de