Public universities
Many public universities charge low or no tuition for most programmes. Fees and semester contributions vary by state and university.
Study in Germany
Study in Germany: Public University Admissions & Student Visa Guidance
Germany is known for engineering, technology and research, and many public universities charge low or no tuition fees for most programmes — though some states and private universities do charge fees, and every student pays a semester contribution.
The process is more document-heavy than most countries: Indian applicants need an APS certificate, many applications go through uni-assist, and the visa requires proof of finances. VedaPath takes you through each step in order.
Why this country
Why study in Germany?
Engineering and research
Strong programmes in mechanical, automotive, electrical and computer engineering, often with industry projects.
English-taught master's
A large number of master's programmes are taught in English, though learning German helps with daily life and jobs.
Stay to look for work
Graduates may be able to stay in Germany to look for work after their degree. The conditions are set by German authorities, so confirm the current rules.
Programmes
Popular courses in Germany
- MSc in Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
- MSc in Computer Science & Data Science
- MSc in Electrical Engineering & Mechatronics
- MSc in Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering
- Master's in Management & International Business
- Bachelor's programmes (often via Studienkolleg, depending on your qualifications)
Entry tests
- English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught programmes
- German proficiency (for example TestDaF or DSH) for German-taught programmes
- GRE or GMAT for some programmes, especially at technical universities and business schools
Timelines
Intakes and timelines
Winter semester · October
The main intake. Application deadlines are often in spring or early summer.
Summer semester · April
Available for fewer programmes, with deadlines in winter.
Typical patterns — individual programmes and deadlines vary.
University options
Universities in Germany our students apply to
Examples of universities we help students shortlist and apply to. Your list is built around your course, profile and budget.
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- KIT - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- University of Freiburg
- University of Tübingen
- University of Göttingen
- University of Bonn
- University of Hamburg
- University of Cologne
- University of Stuttgart
- TU Berlin
- TU Dresden
- TU Darmstadt
- University of Mannheim
- University of Frankfurt
- University of Münster
- University of Würzburg
- University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
- Leibniz University Hannover
- Ulm University
- Jacobs University Bremen
Step by step
Application process for Germany
- 1
Programme search
We check language of instruction, entry requirements and tuition at each university.
- 2
APS certificate
Indian applicants need an APS certificate verifying their academic documents. Apply early — it can take time.
- 3
Applications
Applications directly to universities or through uni-assist, with SOP, CV and certified documents.
- 4
Admission letter
Accepting your offer and enrolling as the university instructs.
- 5
Finances and insurance
Proof of finances (commonly a blocked account) and health insurance, as required for the visa.
- 6
National (D) visa
Visa application through the German missions in India, followed by residence registration after you arrive.
Checklist
Documents you will need
- Academic transcripts, degree and mark sheets
- APS certificate
- English or German language certificate
- Statement of purpose and CV (often in a specific format)
- Letters of recommendation, if requested
- Valid passport
- University admission letter (visa stage)
- Proof of finances, such as a blocked account, and health insurance (visa stage)
Funding
Scholarships for studying in Germany
DAAD scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service funds a range of scholarships for international students, especially at master's and research level.
Deutschlandstipendium
Merit scholarships offered through participating universities, co-funded by private sponsors and the government.
Foundation scholarships
Several political and private foundations fund international students; criteria vary.
Visa guidance
German national (D) student visa
- Applied for through the German embassy or consulates in India, usually via an appointment system.
- Requires your admission letter, APS certificate, proof of finances and health insurance.
- After arrival you register your address and apply for a residence permit for study.
After you graduate
Graduates may be able to get a residence permit to look for work in Germany after their degree. Its length and conditions are set by German law and can change — check the official German government pages for the current position.
Official sources
FAQ
Studying in Germany: common questions
Is studying in Germany really free?
Many public universities charge low or no tuition for most programmes, but some states and all private universities charge fees, and every student pays a semester contribution. You also need to show funds for living costs.
What is the APS certificate?
A certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) at the German Embassy in New Delhi confirming your academic documents. Indian students need it to apply for many programmes and for the student visa.
Do I need to know German?
Not for English-taught programmes, but basic German makes daily life, part-time work and job searches much easier. German-taught programmes require proof of German proficiency.
When should I start for the October intake?
Around 12 months ahead. The APS certificate, language tests and uni-assist processing all take time before university deadlines.
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Planning to study in Germany?
Talk to a VedaPath counsellor about courses, universities, scholarships and the German national (D) student visa.