Study in Germany from India

Study in Germany at a glance

Visa route

National visa (D) for study

Who decides

German missions in India, under the Federal Foreign Office; applications are typically submitted through VFS Global

Key documents

University admission letter, proof of financing, health insurance, and — for Indian applicants — an APS certificate

Main intakes

Winter semester (starts around October) and summer semester (starts around April)

Usual course length

Bachelor's degrees are usually 6–8 semesters (3–4 years); master's degrees are usually 3–4 semesters (1.5–2 years)

Tuition

Many public universities charge no tuition for most programmes, but rules vary by state, level and programme. Every student pays a semester contribution.

Language

English-taught and German-taught programmes exist; each needs its own language proof

First task after arrival

Anmeldung — registering your address, usually within two weeks of moving in

Currency

Euro (EUR, €)

What do I need to study in Germany?

Short answer: you apply for the National visa (D) for study. Who decides: German missions in India, under the Federal Foreign Office; applications are typically submitted through VFS Global. The checklist below shows what the route asks of you; the official page has the current detail.

What the student visa route needs from you

• Admission (Zulassung) from a German university — check whether you apply directly or through uni-assist
• An APS certificate if the German mission requires it for Indian applicants
• Proof of financing — a blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the most common option; the official pages list what else is accepted
• Proof of health insurance, in the form the German mission accepts
• Language proof for your programme (English or German, depending on how it is taught)
• Your academic documents, with any certified copies or translations the checklist requires
• A valid passport and the photos and forms on the mission’s checklist

When can I start? Intakes in Germany

Short answer: the main intakes in Germany are Winter semester (from about October) and Summer semester (from about April). Some courses and universities add other start dates.

• Winter semester (from about October)
• Summer semester (from about April)

Work back from your start date: applications, then the offer, then proof of funds, then the visa. The timeline below shows the usual order — your university’s deadlines always come first.

How do I plan my move to Germany? What you will do, and when

A typical order of play for a winter-semester start. Deadlines vary by university and programme, and some fall many months before the semester begins — confirm each one.

1. 1

   12–10 months before the semester

   Research programmes and start your APS

   Use the DAAD database to compare programmes and check the language requirement. If you need an APS certificate, start early — the process takes time.

2. 2

   9–6 months before

   Apply to universities

   Apply directly or through uni-assist as each university requires. Many deadlines are well before the semester starts.

3. 3

   On admission

   Arrange financing and health insurance

   Open your blocked account or arrange another accepted proof of financing, and arrange health insurance proof in the format the German mission accepts.

4. 4

   As soon as the official process allows

   Book your visa appointment

   Appointment availability can be limited, so book early. Prepare every document on the mission’s checklist.

5. 5

   While you wait

   Look for accommodation

   Student housing through the Studentenwerk can have waiting lists. Private rooms in shared flats are common — beware of listings that ask for money before you can see the room.

6. 6

   After the visa is issued

   Book flights and sort the basics

   Book your flight, plan how you will pay on arrival and choose how you will get data when you land.

7. 7

   First two weeks

   Register your address (Anmeldung)

   Register where you live with the local registration office, usually within two weeks of moving in. You will need the confirmation for many other steps.

8. 8

   First weeks and months

   Enrol, insure and get your residence permit

   Enrol at your university with your health insurance proof, then apply for your residence permit at the local foreigners’ authority before your visa expires.

What does it cost to study in Germany? Costs to plan for

No figures here on purpose — they change. Each line says where to find the current amount.

• Tuition and semester contribution

  Tuition is often zero at public universities, but not always; the semester contribution is paid by everyone. Check your university and state.

• Living costs

  Rent is usually the biggest cost and varies by city. Budget for food, transport and utilities too.

• Blocked account funds

  The amount you must deposit is set by the German authorities and updated from time to time — check the official pages. Providers may also charge setup and monthly fees.

• Health insurance

  A monthly premium. Student rates usually apply while you are eligible.

• APS and visa fees

  Check the current fees with APS India and the German mission.

• Application fees

  Some universities or uni-assist charge for processing applications.

• Language courses and tests

  If your programme or daily life needs German, budget for tests and courses.

• Housing deposit (Kaution)

  Deposits are usually legally capped. Ask for a written receipt and a contract.

• Flights, forex and bank charges

  Compare exchange rates and transfer fees together.

Popular universities in Germany

A starting point, not a ranking. Check each university’s own site for courses, fees and deadlines.

All universities in Germany

Guides for studying in Germany

Official sources for Germany

• Visa service — Federal Foreign Office — Visa types and how to apply
• Make it in Germany — Government portal for coming to Germany
• DAAD — German Academic Exchange Service — Programme database and study guidance
• uni-assist — Application service used by many universities
• APS India — Academic evaluation for Indian applicants

Study in Germany: common questions