Study in Germany
Study in Germany
Embark on a journey of academic excellence in Germany, a premier study destination celebrated for its innovation, cultural richness, and globally acclaimed universities. 400+ Higher education institutions 350,000+ International students 48 Universities in QS World Rankings 2025 Post-study work opportunities for graduates
Germany has been a global leader in the education of foreign students for years, providing first-rate education, advanced research, and internationally renowned degrees. Germany attracted more than 350,000 foreign students during the academic year 2023-2024, highlighting its increasing global popularity among learners.
With more than 420 universities, Germany provides a wide variety of programs with 1,800+ English-language courses available, making it a popular option for students across the globe. Germany has 48 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and has over 100 universities of applied sciences that specialize in vocational learning and industry links.
Germany also offers great post-study opportunities, including 18-month work permits for graduates and a robust job market, particularly in STEM, business, and healthcare fields. The affordability of the country, many scholarship opportunities, and lively student life contribute to it being one of the best study abroad destinations for higher studies.
Highlights of studying in Germany
| Factors | Germany |
|---|---|
Average tuition fees (per year) | Vocational or Diploma courses- €300 or INR 27,000 approximately Bachelor’s degree- €300 or INR 27,000 approximately Master’s degree- €300 or INR 27,000 approximately MS- €300-€28,000 or INR 26,500 – INR 25 lacs Ph.D.- €300-€3,000 or INR 27,000 – INR 2,70,000 approximately |
Eligibility criteria |
|
Test scores | |
Top courses offered | Engineering Management Computer Science and IT Creative Arts, Humanities and Arts Social Sciences |
Student visa fees | €75 or INR 6,700 approximately €37.5 or INR 3,300 approximately for minors (less than 18 years old) |
Why study in Germany
Germany is a renowned education hub all over the world with highly-ranked universities, no-tuition policy for public schooling, and strong employment prospects. It prioritizes research and innovation and thus is a very appealing destination for students from abroad.
Here are various glorious reasons why study in Germany as listed below.
Low cost education
The cost of tuition-free education for many programs by the public universities renders Germany an economical destination for top-quality higher study. Special programs are provided in private universities for competitive fees.
Recognition of degrees around the globe
German institutions are well-known for academic quality, providing degrees that are internationally recognized and facilitate career prospects all over the world.
Research and innovation
Germany is at the forefront of research and technological innovation, offering students practical experience and exposure to the latest facilities, including a strong emphasis on innovation.
Post-study work opportunities
International students can remain for 18 months upon completing their degree to seek employment, with excellent job opportunities in numerous sectors.
Multicultural experience
With over 400,000 international students, Germany provides a multicultural, diverse setting, promising lively student life with worldwide networking possibilities.
Student visa requirements for Germany
German student visa for international students depending on the duration of study and type of course. The applicants are required to present financial evidence, university admission papers, and language skills to obtain their visa.
Types of student visas in Germany
Germany provides various types of student visas depending on the reason and duration of study. These are the various types of student visas available in Germany:
- German student visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken): Issued to students pursuing a full-time degree course at an approved German university.
- Student applicant visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung): For students who must travel to Germany in order to finalize university admission procedures prior to enrollment.
- Language course visa: Issued to students pursuing an intensive German language course for 3-12 months.
Documents required
- A passport that is currently valid and has two or more blank pages for visa stamps
- Official university admission letter from a recognized German institution
- Proof of financial resources with €11,208 in a German blocked account
- Valid health insurance coverage for the total duration of your stay
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previous studies
- Proof of language proficiency result in either of the languages, German or English
- Completed visa application form along with recent biometric photos
Student visa application process
- Make an appointment for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in your nation
- Input the date to fill the visa application form and collect all the necessary documents
- Attend the visa interview and submit biometric data if necessary
- Pay the visa application fee of approximately €75 at the consulate
- Wait for visa processing, which usually takes between 4 to 12 weeks
Financial proof for visa approval
For those students who are required to get a student visa to study in Germany, you must prepare the additional documents that may be asked of you during the student visa application process.
Top courses to study in Germany
The ten most popular courses in the Germany that international students typically pursue while studying in Germany are mentioned below:
| Course name | Top universities offering the course |
|---|---|
Engineering and Technology | Technical University of Munich RWTH Aachen University Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Technical University of Berlin University of Stuttgart |
Computer Science and IT | University of Stuttgart Technical University of Munich University of Karlsruhe (KIT) Technical University of Berlin University of Passau |
Business and Management | University of Mannheim Ludwig Maximilian University Munich Humboldt University of Berlin Technical University of Munich University of Cologne |
Medicine and Healthcare | Heidelberg University Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Ludwig Maximilian University Munich University of Freiburg University of Tübingen |
Natural Sciences | Ludwig Maximilian University Munich University of Heidelberg University of Göttingen University of Freiburg University of Berlin (FU Berlin) |
Economics and Finance | University of Freiburg University of Mannheim Humboldt University of Berlin University of Munich (LMU Munich) University of Cologne |
Social Sciences and Humanities | Humboldt University of Berlin Ludwig Maximilian University Munich University of Heidelberg University of Göttingen University of Tübingen |
Architecture and Urban Planning | Technical University of Berlin Technical University of Munich University of Stuttgart RWTH Aachen University Technical University of Darmstadt |
Environmental Studies and Sustainability | University of Hamburg Technical University of Munich University of Freiburg University of Oldenburg University of Jena |
Arts and Design | University of the Arts Berlin University of Applied Sciences Europe Folkwang University of the Arts University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd Hochschule für Bildende Künste Braunschweig |
Top universities to study in Germany
Germany has a well-established education system with world-leading universities that enjoy state-of-the-art research, academic excellence, and industry interaction. From science to humanities, these universities have various programs, cutting-edge infrastructure, and widespread international recognition.
Hence, Germany is among the most favored destinations for overseas students looking for quality education and professional opportunities.
Some of the top universities to study in Germany according to QS World University Rankings 2025 are listed in the following table.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
QS World University Rankings 2025: 28
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
QS World University Rankings 2025: 59
Universität Heidelberg
QS World University Rankings 2025: 84
Free University of Berlin
QS World University Rankings 2025: 97
RWTH Aachen University
QS World University Rankings 2025: 99
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
QS World University Rankings 2025: 102
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
QS World University Rankings 2025: 126
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
QS World University Rankings 2025: 147
Universität Hamburg
QS World University Rankings 2025: 191
Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg
QS World University Rankings 2025: 212
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
QS World University Rankings 2025: 222
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
QS World University Rankings 2025: 224
Cost of studying in Germany
Living and cost of studying in Germany is relatively less expensive as compared to many other European countries. However, Germany provides an affordable education system, drawing many international students, including Indian students. Knowledge of the cost involved is important for proper financial planning.
Tuition fees
- Public universities: The majority of public universities in Germany do not impose tuition fees for undergraduate studies; students generally pay a nominal administrative fee between €100 to €350 per semester.
- Private universities: The private institutions charge their own tuition fees, ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year, based on the program.
- Specialized programs: Programs such as MBAs can have greater tuition fees, sometimes even as high as €65,000 for the complete course.
- Indian students: It is important that Indian students understand these expenses. For example, a program with an annual expense of €10,000 would be around ₹8.5 lakhs, assuming an exchange rate of ₹85 per €1.
- Scholarships and financial assistance: Several scholarships exist to help defray these costs, and students are encouraged to seek them out.
Cost of living and accommodation
The cost of living in Germany. differs depending on where one is and how they live. Here is the detail list of expenses for the cost of living in Germany that international students can consider:
| Particulars | Average cost per year in Euro | Average cost per year in INR |
|---|---|---|
Rent | €3,600 – €8,400 | ₹3,06,000 – ₹7,14,000 |
Food | €1,800 – €3,000 | ₹1,53,000 – ₹2,55,000 |
Clothing | €600 – €1,200 | ₹51,000 – ₹1,02,000 |
Transportation | €240 – €1,200 | ₹20,400 – ₹1,02,000 |
Health insurance | €960 – €1,440 | ₹81,600 – ₹1,22,400 |
Communication | €240 – €480 | ₹20,400 – ₹40,800 |
Educational materials | €240 – €600 | ₹20,400 – ₹51,000 |
Total cost | €7,680 – €16,320 | ₹6,53,400 – ₹13,87,200 |
Please note: the figures mentioned above are approximate and may be subject to change based on city and individual lifestyle preferences.
City-specific monthly expenses
Expenses can differ significantly between cities in Germany. Here is the basic overview you can look at when considering studying in Germany:
| City | Monthly expenses in Euro | Monthly expenses in INR |
|---|---|---|
Munich | €1,200 – €1,500 | ₹1,02,000 – ₹1,27,500 |
Berlin | €1,000 – €1,200 | ₹85,000 – ₹1,02,000 |
Frankfurt | €1,100 – €1,400 | ₹93,500 – ₹1,19,000 |
Hamburg | €1,000 – €1,300 | ₹85,000 – ₹1,10,500 |
Stuttgart | €1,100 – €1,400 | ₹93,500 – ₹1,19,000 |
Please note: Major cities like Berlin and Munich typically have higher living costs compared to smaller towns in Germany.
The estimated living expenses for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Germany are outlined in the table below.
| Particulars | Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree |
|---|---|---|
Tuition fees | €200 – €700 per semester for public universities €5,000 – €20,000 per year for private universities | €200 – €700 per semester for public universities €5,000 – €30,000 per year for private universities |
Living expenses (per year) | €10,000 – €12,000 | €10,000 – €12,000 |
Duration of course | 3 – 4 years | 1.5 – 2 years |
Total cost in Euro | €30,600 – €49,400 for public universities €45,000 – €92,000 for private universities | €15,300 – €24,400 for public universities €22,500 – €46,000 for private universities |
Total cost in INR | ₹26,01,000 – ₹41,99,000 for public universities ₹38,25,000 – ₹78,20,000 for private universities | ₹13,00,500 – ₹20,74,000 for public universities ₹19,12,500 – ₹39,10,000 for private universities |
Please note: The costs indicated are for reference purposes only and could be different depending on the university and location.
Most German public universities have tuition-free undergraduate and postgraduate studies for local and foreign students, although administrative charges are applicable. Private universities, however, command the payment of a tuition fee.
Scholarships to study in Germany
Germany offers various scholarships for international students to study at its universities. Here’s a list of some popular scholarships to study in Germany:
- DAAD Scholarships – The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a wide range of scholarships for international students at all study levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral). These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Deutschlandstipendium – Various universities and private sponsors in Germany offer this scholarship. It provides financial support to both domestic and international students based on academic merit and social engagement.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships – The Erasmus+ program offers scholarships for students from EU/EEA countries and partner countries to study in Germany and other European countries. It supports both short-term exchanges and full-degree programs.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships – This scholarship is provided by the Heinrich Böll Foundation and supports international students pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. degree at German universities in the fields of social sciences, arts, and culture.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships – KAS scholarships are available for international students who wish to study in Germany and demonstrate a strong commitment to social and political issues.
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships – This foundation offers scholarships to international students who show outstanding academic performance and have strong social and political engagement.
- Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Students – This scholarship is specifically for students from developing countries who want to pursue an MBA degree at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin.
- EPOS Scholarships – The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and support students from developing countries pursuing postgraduate courses in various fields offer EPOS scholarships.
- The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance) – This scholarship is for international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in public policy, governance, or public administration in Germany.