Updated on Dec, 03 2024 10:05 IST
Study in Germany Free for Indian Students
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Study in Germany and fulfil your dreams of studying abroad. There are many reasons why Germany has emerged as one of the most popular study abroad locations for pursuing a wide range of graduate and post-graduate courses. And one of the most popular reasons is that you get to study in the Schengen country without burning a hole in your pocket. When it comes to reputation among international students, Germany is ranked first, leaving behind other popular countries like the UK and France, which have a score of around 80.7 out of hundred. This can be attributed to the fact that there are many top universities in Germany, and many of these are ranked highest in the list of the best universities in the world for higher education. The educational system in Germany is among the best in the world, and studying there also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and language. Indian students looking to improve their prospects can check their eligibility and get admission to institutions to study in Germany. In this section, let us have a detailed look at how students can study for free in Germany and advance their professional standing.
Germany is among the countries which have gained immense popularity lately among students who are willing to study abroad. Every year, lakhs of students prefer Germany as their study abroad destination and the reason behind this is not just limited to the quality of education or the standards of facilities that students get access to here.
One of the primary reasons why students across the world are flocking here is because they get to study free in Germany for several masters and bachelors programs.
Students get tuition-fee-free education in public German universities, which is a prominent attractive factor for them. The tuition fee in private universities is significantly low in Germany, around 26,000 INR/year for bachelors degrees and up to 40,000 INR/year for masters degrees.
Added to this is the spectrum of scholarships available for both national and international students who have excelled in their previous programs or do not have strong enough financial backing for their studies. This way, students get free study in Germany.
With such low tuition fee or no tuition fee at all, the risk of failure to repay your loans is also very low.
How to study in Germany for Free?
The first step to study in Germany for free is to research scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for.
Another way to study in Germany totally free of cost is to study in a public university.
Also, you can apply for a student exchange program.
Another way to sponsor your expenses while studying in Germany is to look for part-time jobs which are readily available in the country.
Germany is a famous country for Indian students looking to study abroad. According to the statistics, around 34,000 Indian students were studying in German universities in 2022. This makes India the second largest group of international students in Germany, after China.
There are many reasons why Indian students feel comfortable studying in Germany:
Excellent Education System: The German education system is designed to be highly efficient and effective, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field.
Welcoming Country: Another big reason why Indian students enjoy studying in Germany is that the locals are warm and welcoming towards foreigners.
Many Indian Students: There are many Indians living in Germany, so students can easily find a community of fellow Indians to connect with.
Affordable Education: The cost of studying in Germany is also very reasonable, especially when compared to other developed countries.
The Beauty of Germany: Germany is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history that Indian students can enjoy during their time here.
Research Opportunities: German universities are known for their excellent research facilities and programs. This attracts many Indian students who want to pursue careers in research.
Career Prospects: The job market in Germany is very attractive for Indian students. With a strong economy and many multinational companies headquartered, Germany offers plenty of opportunities.
So overall, there is an abundance of reasons why Indian students might feel comfortable studying in Germany, be it over 10 lakh vacancies in the IT, management, and engineering profession or the fact that Germany is the largest economy in Europe and the 4th largest globally.
From the majestic alps to the modern cities of Berlin and Munich, there is something for everyone in Germany. Here are the top reasons why you should consider going to Germany for your studies.
Best Academic Programs: German universities offer some of the best academic programs in Europe. Many top universities in the world are located in Germany! Plus, most courses come with an assurance of job placement after graduation.
Affordable Education: Tuition fees in private colleges in Germany are relatively low compared to other countries like the UK or US. And there is no tuition fee charged at public institutions.
Enriching Experience: Studying in Germany gives you the best that Europe has to offer – allowing you to explore all that this incredible continent has to offer. You will have access to diverse cultures, cuisines, and languages.
World-Class Research Facilities: Students in Germany have access to world-class research facilities and internships at some of the most prominent companies in the world. This will give you valuable experience and skills that will distinguish you.
Standard of Living: Germany is a safe and welcoming place to live and study. The country has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and offers excellent healthcare and public transportation services that make it easy to get around.
Excellent Economy: Germany is an economic powerhouse with a proud innovation trend. It is the fourth largest and most successful economy in the world, and this is what makes it so popular among students.
Multicultural Environment: If you're looking for a multicultural environment, Germany is the place for you. With millions of people from all walks of life, you're sure to find a community that suits your needs.
World-Class Infrastructure: Germany is world-renowned for its high-quality infrastructure. The country has an excellent network of roads, railways, and airports that connect its major cities and towns.
Lucrative Scholarships and Grants: Germany is a great place to consider if you're looking for scholarships and grants to study free in Germany. The German government offers a range of scholarships and grants for international students.
There's a lot to look forward to if you decide to study in Germany. Germany is not only home to some of the finest educational institutions in the world but also a wonderful country to call home. Check out the following data on higher education in Germany to help you with your decision:
Germany is the 7th best-ranked country in the world when in comes to quality of life.
Germany is the 4th largest economy in the world.
There are around 400 universities in Germany that offer more than 17,000 study programs.
German universities charge relatively low tuition fees for students. In fact, many degrees can be completed for free!
The country is also known for its high quality of life, with cities like Berlin and Munich ranking among the most livable in the world.
International students can cover their living expenses as they can work part-time while simultaneously completing their degree. The limit for this is 20 hours per week.
There are multiple scholarships available for international students. You can research and check your eligibility before applying. DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service, is among the most popular entities providing scholarships to both national and foreign students.
Germany's commitment to excellence in education is evident in its numerous programs and courses that cater to international students. Some of the most popular courses among students include:
If you're looking to study in Germany, you'll need to know about the different intakes that universities offer. Usually, German universities enroll students in the form of two intakes - Summer and Winter.
For the Summer intake, the deadlines for application and procedures are around January, and the programs will begin in April and end around July-August. There are very few German universities that may have this intake, so research and inquiry are very important.
For the Winter intake, the deadlines for application and procedures are around July, and the programs will begin in September-October and end in February-March. This is the primary mode of intake in most German institutions.
Admission to a German university requires students to give a few tests in order to prove not just their eligibility but also their language proficiency. So if you're looking to study in Germany, make sure you're aware of all the necessary requirements beforehand.
Here is a list of the tests that you might need to clear depending on the university you are applying at:
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
German Language Proficiency Test
English Language Proficiency Test TOEFL and IELTS
Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Many German universities are respected for providing outstanding academic courses and research facilities. These institutions are renowned for their excellent curriculum, cutting-edge research facilities, and exceptional faculty members. If you have made your mind to study in Germany, here are some of the best German universities to consider:
| Name of the University | Average Tuition Fees | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 140-150 EUR per year | 49 |
| Ludwig – Maximilians – Universitat, Munich | 240-250 EUR per year | 59 |
| Universitat Heidelberg | 360-370 EUR per year | 65 |
| Freie Universität, Berlin | 350-360 EUR per year | 118 |
| Humboldt University, Berlin | 620-630 EUR per year | 131 |
| KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 1500 EUR per year | 141 |
| RWTH Aachen University, Aachen | No Tuition Fees for Foreign Students | 147 |
| Technische Universität Berlin | 300-310 EUR per year | 158 |
| Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen | No Tuition Fees | 169 |
| Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | No Tuition Fees | 189 |
Let us have a look at the top universities for each field.
List of top universities for studying engineering in Germany -
| University | Ranking | Global Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 66 | 72.6 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 87 | 63.0 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 124 | 61.6 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 133 | 58.1 |
| University of Stuttgart | 263 | 47.6 |
List of top universities for studying Business Management and Economics in Germany -
| University | Ranking | Global Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Munich | 126 | 75.3 |
| University of Bonn | 152 | 67.0 |
| University of Mannheim | 177 | 43.8 |
| University of Gottingen | 181 | 65.7 |
| Technical University of Munich | 187 | 72.6 |
List of top universities for studying Humanities and Arts in Germany -
| University | Ranking | Global Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Munich | 31 | 75.3 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 51 | 74.0 |
| Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen | 69 | 63.9 |
| Free University of Berlin | 76 | 71.7 |
| University of Potsdam | 97 | 53.1 |
List of top universities for studying Computer Science and IT in Germany -
| University | Ranking | Global Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 17 | 72.6 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 111 | 58.1 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 141 | 61.6 |
| University of Munich | 145 | 75.3 |
| Technical University of Darmstadt | 162 | 48.0 |
List of top universities for studying Social Sciences in Germany -
| University | Ranking | Global Score (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Munich | 101 | 75.3 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 112 | 74.0 |
| Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg | 125 | 74.3 |
| Free University of Berlin | 173 | 71.7 |
| University of Hamburg | 177 | 66.3 |
It is important to be aware of the tuition fee to study in Germany before making any decisions. So, let us have a look at the expenses that are included in education:
| Kind of University | Study in Germany fees |
|---|---|
| Public University | 135-1500 EUR per year |
| Private University | Upto 30,000 EUR per year |
German universities offer various scholarships which are fully funded and partially funded by the Government or Non-Government entities. These scholarships are as follows:
| Name of the Scholarship | Provided by | Amount ( monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship Germany | German Government | 934 EUR for graduates. 1200 EUR for Doctoral / pH.D. students |
| Erasmus Scholarship program in Germany | Non- Government Entities | 350 EUR |
| Bayer Foundation | Non- Government Entities | Up to 10000 EUR fellowship upto 6 months. |
| Mawista Scholarship | Non- Government Entities | 500 EUR |
| Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship (IIF) For Developing Countries | Non- Government Entities | Upto 1250 EUR |
| Heidelberg University Scholarship | German University | 1,000 EUR |
| Hamburg University of Applied Science Scholarship | German University | 400 EUR |
| RWTH Aachen University Scholarship | German University | 300 EUR |
| Humboldt University International Research Fellowship | German University | 2,670 EUR |
| Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waiver | German University | 1,820 EUR |
Study in Germany Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors
You are required to be eligible before taking admission to a German university. These eligibility criteria vary from one university to another and are as follows:
You should have a high school qualification, or you must have acquired a 10+2 certificate. It is a necessary minimum requirement.
Students must acquire 50 percentile marks in their high school without any blockage.
A recommendation letter is a requirement from the school professor.
In major universities, German is the language of instruction. You must acquire English proficiency with a recognized exam like GRE, IELTS or TOEFL.
You are required to score 6.0–7.0 in the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS. In the Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL, you are required to score 90–100.
As the majority of universities offer bachelors programs in German, you are also required to obtain German language proficiency at the C1 level.
Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate. This is a mandatory requirement for applicants from India, China, Mongolia, or Vietnam. The certificate is a confirmation that your documents are authentic and you are eligible to study in Germany.
A valid passport, German visa, and all the supporting documents are mandatory to be eligible to pursue a bachelors degree in Germany.
You are required to submit a statement of purpose (SoP) while applying for your bachelors degree at German universities.
Study in Germany Eligibility Criteria for Masters
There is no hardcore eligibility requirement to apply for masters degrees from German universities. However, some basic eligibility criteria are:
You must present your high school transcript, including a 10+2 certificate. This is necessary to keep records of your educational background.
Students who want admission to German universities should have a bachelors degree from a recognised university in their respective courses.
You must have passed your bachelors with a 50%.
You must have a 7.5 CGPA out of 10.
At German universities, English and German are both the languages of instruction. Some universities also offer German as a language of instruction, for which you must have a C1 level as the minimum requirement to be eligible.
There are specific criteria for the language of Instruction in masters. There are a majority of universities that deliver instructions in English. You must have cleared IELTS and TOEFL to get eligible for German universities. You must score 6.7 bands in IELTS and 9-10 in TOEFL.
You must have all the supporting documents, a valid visa, and a valid passport to apply for a masters in your desired course in Germany.
You are required to submit a statement of purpose (Sop) while applying for a masters degree at German universities.
Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate. To be eligible to study masters in Germany, APS certificate is a mandatory requirement for applicants from India, China, Mongolia, or Vietnam. The APS certificate will confirm that your academic documents are genuine and you are fully eligible to study in Germany.
Although enrolling into a German university is not very difficult, it is not that simple to get admission to German universities also. There are various processes involved in the admission process, like university preference, consultation, Visa guidance, and so on. Here is how our experts can help at every step:
Counseling:- Usually, students seem confused while applying for their desired courses at to study in Germany. Anigdha assures that our consultant can solve your queries concerning the best courses offered at different universities in Germany.
Selecting the university:- If you are in a dilemma while choosing the right German university to pursue your desired course, then, Anigdha can help you out. We will guide you in choosing the top universities according to the course of your choice.
Application Submission:- It is a crucial stage where you must have proper guidance from a counselor. Our counselor can help you fill out your application forms for various universities and ensure that you have all your required documents ready to apply at a German university if your choice.
Language Test:- While applying for admission, you must start your preparation for basic language tests like IELTS and TOEFL. We can guide you about the test preparations and scores required by different universities.
APS Certificate:- The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate is a mandatory requirement for Indian students looking to enrol for undergraduate, master's, and Studienkolleg programs in Germany. Our consultants will guide you about the process of obtaining the certificate.
Approval Letter:- Once your documents are approved, you will receive a go-ahead from the university. We will keep you updated about any important communication.
Fee Payment:- Once you receive the approval letter, pay your fee and your invitation letter will soon reach you.
Invitation:- Right after receiving the invitation, apply for your visa. We will guide you about the process.
Visa Guidance:- A visa is crucial when you are looking to study in foreign countries like Germany. German student visa procedure can take upto 3-4 weeks. After receiving an invitation from any German University, our professional counselors can help you in preparing for your Visa and travel.
If you're looking to study in Germany, you'll need to obtain a student visa. The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward. First, to get a student visa, you must have all the necessary documents for higher education. Then, you can apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate. Once you have your visa, you can start packing your bags for the thrill that awaits. The processing time for a German visa will take around 3-4 weeks.
In order to study in Germany, interested students can apply for one of three different visas:
Language Course Visa: If the course you've chosen is expected to last between 3 months to a year, this visa is for you.
Student Applicant Visa: If you've decided that Germany is the place for you to pursue your education, but you haven't yet enrolled in a program or received official acceptance from a German university, this visa is for you.
Student Visa:This visa is for those who have been accepted to study at a university in Germany.
If you're looking to further your education by studying in Germany, then you'll need to brush up on your German language skills.
Although English is widely spoken in Germany, knowing some German will give you a leg up when it comes to universities.
Especially the bachelors programs in Germany primarily use German as their language of instruction. English-taught bachelors programs are rare in Germany, found only in a few private colleges.
There are a few different ways that you can go about studying German before heading off to Germany.
One option is to enroll in a German course. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of the language and get some practice using it.
There are also many online resources that you can use to learn German at your own pace.
Whatever method you choose, make sure to start studying German well in advance of your trip so that you'll be prepared for success in your studies abroad!
You are required to submit various documents before applying to German universities. If you want to pursue your bachelors and masters degrees in Germany, these are the documents that your would need:
Study in Germany - Documents Required for Bachelors
There are various documents required to be eligible for admission to bachelors programs in Germany. You can find the list of documents below:
Certificate of class 10+2 and school leaving certificate
Certificate of German language proficiency
Certificate of English language proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL
Academic transcript
Student Visa
ID proof
SOP, or Statement of Purpose
LOR, or Letter of recommendation
Birth certificate as age proof
Copy of the application form
Income Proof
Passport of the student
Acceptance letter from the university
Passport-size photograph
APS certificate
Study in Germany - Documents Required for Masters
There are various documents required for a masters degree while taking admission to German universities.
Certificate of class 10+2 and school leaving certificate
Birth certificate as age proof
Copy of the application form
SOP, or Statement of Purpose
LOR, or Letter of recommendation
Certificate of German language proficiency
Certificate of English language proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL
Acceptance letter from the university
Academic transcript
Income proof
Passport-size photograph
Passport of the student
Student Visa
ID proof
APS Certificate
Living and learning expenses in Germany are lower than the international average. Rent, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and extracurricular activities might cost anywhere from 850 to 1500 EUR per month. The best city to live in is Munich, with the cost of living between 850 EUR-1000 EUR per month. Other popular cities include Frankfurt (1600 EUR/month), Berlin (1100 EUR/month), Hamburg (1000 EUR-1200 EUR/month), etc.
Here is a detailed breakup of the prices:
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | 200-1100 EUR per month |
| Food or restaurant charges | 50-150 EUR per month |
| Commute charges | 30-90 EUR per month |
| Shopping charges | 50+ EUR per month |
| Medical expenses | 30-90 EUR per month |
There are a number of accommodation options available for students studying in Germany. These include student dormitories, private rented accommodation, and PGs.
Dormitories: These are usually owned and operated by the university. These are often the most affordable option, but they are limited, and you have to share the space with other students.
Private accommodations: You can occupy these as per your convenience, either alone or with flatmates of your choice. There are many websites and Facebook groups where you can search for rooms or apartments to rent, and prices will vary depending on the location and amenities.
PGs: PGs are a popular type of accommodation for students studying in Germany. They tend to be more affordable than private apartments, and they also include utilities and other amenities in the monthly rent.
Germany is a Western European country with a population of over 80 million people. The capital and largest city is Berlin, while other major cities include Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne. Germany is known for its picturesque countryside, vibrant cultural scene, and many historical landmarks. The country has a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The terrain is varied, with lowlands and mountains. Germany is home to the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley, and the Bavarian Alps. A federal republic, Germany is made up of 16 states, each with its own government. The economy is strong and diversified, with exports ranging from cars and fuels to pharma and plastics. Germany is also home to some of the world's leading companies, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens, and Volkswagen. Here are some facts about Germany -
| Continent | Europe |
|---|---|
| Capital | Berlin |
| Largest City | Berlin |
| Native Language | German |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Also known as | Deutschland |
| Total area | 357,022 km2 |
| Population (As of 2022) | 83,695,430 |
| GDP (As of 2022) | $5.317 trillion |
| Calling Code | +49 |
| Time difference from India | India is 3:30 hours ahead of Germany |
| Distance from India | 6748 km |
| Exchange rates with Indian National Rupee | 1 Euro = 85.44 Indian Rupee |
| Dominant Religion | Christianity |
Is it expensive to join a university in Germany?
Studying in Germany is not as expensive as one might think. In fact, many students are able to study free in Germany with thetuition fee waivedat public universities and so many grants and scholarships for help.
Is it safe to study in Germany?
Germany is a safe country to study in. There are many reasons why this is the case. First, the country has a low crime rate. Second, Germany has a high standard of living.
Is it difficult to obtain a visa for Germany?
The application process is very straightforward, and as long as you have all the required documents, it should not be too difficult to obtain a visa for Germany.
Is IELTS 7 considered a good score for admission to a German university?
Yes, a score above 6.5 in IELTS is considered suitable if you want to pursue higher education in Germany.
Can I study in Germany if I have a gap in education?
Yes, even if you have about five years of gap in education and a valid reason to back it, you can pursue a degree in Germany.
Which is the best city for job opportunities in Germany?
Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is among the primary economic hubs in the country and offers a wide range of opportunities for job seekers, whether they are freshers or experienced individuals.
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