Have you ever heard that it is possible to study in Germany for free? Yes, you have heard it right. You can study in German universities with no tuition fees.
Why is studying in Germany the best? Germany has one of the globally recognised academic systems, which offers publicly financed education. Students from anywhere can receive free education in Germany at the majority of public universities.
The education system in Germany not only allows its citizens, but also any international students, to have the right to tuition-free education in public universities.
You might wonder what to do next or how to proceed. No worries. Let us guide you through every step, from understanding the current criteria to preparing your eligibility, all the way to the final step of securing your dream course in Germany.
Why Study in Germany ?
Choosing Germany for education is not only for no tuition fees. The country offers an opportunity with international exposure with high-end academic performance. All within the limits of your budgets.
● Germany’s higher education system has ranked in the top and is recognised all over the world. You can choose from various courses, from engineering to social science or any management degree.
● The public universities in Germany offer free tuition for all. Not only for their citizens, but for international students too.
● The classrooms have 400,000 international students, including thousands of Indian students. It gives global experience to get exposed to various cultures.
● Post-education, you will get paid internship options, as well as an 18-month post-study work visa from the German government. This feature helps you build a base for your career.
● Many master’s courses are programmed in English. And we have to mention the student support, which is of the highest quality.
Education in Germany is not a choice you make. It’s a shield you’re building for your career.
Can You Study In Germany For Free?
Yes, you can study in Germany for free in most courses. Yes, you heard it right. In most courses. What happens to the others? Let us explain it to you.
Most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free Bachelor’s and Master’s programs with many options. This is for everyone. But as an international student, you might need to pay the semester contribution fee, which comes to around 250 to 350 Euros. That is 25,000 to 35,000 INR. This is usually considered an administrative fee, also for public transport and student services fees.
Even though German private universities offer tuition-free education, it is not completely free. They are a bit expensive when compared to public universities.
Above all, why would anyone choose Germany for their education? It is clearly for the quality with affordability within each. Makes the Indian students pursue their dream to study in Germany for free.
Eligibility To Study In Germany For Free
Eligibility criteria are the first step to start with choosing a study in Germany for free. Note down the basic requirements below.
● HZB -Hochschulzugangsberechtigung: It is a German equivalent of a university entry qualification.
● For Bachelor Programs: Indian students usually require Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Board) + one-year Studienkolleg equivalent to the German Abitur standard.
● For Master’s Programmes: You must have a recognised undergraduate degree in a related field as your program of choice. Universities will check their equivalency.
● APS Certificate (Requirements of Indian Students): Indian applicants are required to get an APS Certificate to verify their academic documents. In the absence of it, German universities will not even consider your application. It’s kind of mandatory.
● Language Proficiency: The language skills are based on the medium of instruction of the program:
● Programs taught in German: Students must possess the level of C1 in German (TestDaF/DSH).
● Courses taught in English: IELTS (6.0 to 7.5) or TOEFL iBT (80 to 100). Of course, in case your course is held in English, the easy German is useful to settle in Germany.
● Financial Report: You have to explain that you can take up living expenses. As of 2025, you must open a German blocked account and deposit 11,904 euros (12,10,196.35 INR). You will have access to it every month at an instalment of 992 Euros, which is approximately an amount slightly above 1 Lakh INR.
● Alternatives: Proof of a scholarship, Verpflichtungserklarung (to be sponsored formally against a living person in Germany), or proof of your parents’ income.
Know The Blocked Account In Germany
If you are planning to study in Germany for free, then you need to set up a blocked account (Sperrokonto) in Germany. It is to prove that you can sustain there along your journey through the course. The amount of 11,940 Euros should be deposited before going to Germany.
After arriving in Germany, you are allowed to withdraw 992 Euros a month, which is 1 lakh INR. It acts as a savings account where you put all your money and take a little bit by little bit every month to cope with your expenditures.
6 Step-by-Step Process for Applying
The application process is one of the essential things to follow with keen knowledge.
- Step 1: Pick the right course. Search the German University websites, such as DAAD, MyGerman University. You will get to choose from a wide range of public universities in Germany.
- Step 2: Be wise to choose the University with your known language, either English or German. And of course, look for the courses that are free!
- Step 3: get ready with transcripts, SOP (statement of purpose), letters of recommendation, language test score from IELTS/ TOEFL/ TestDaF, and APS. And also the certificate proof for your Blocked Account in Germany.
- Step 4: German Universities accept the application 6-8 months in advance. So make sure to get your application either directly or through any uni assistant. Deadlines are so important. So be alert with the timing.
- Step 5: Receiving the admission letter is your next and first step to get into German University.
- Step 6: Get an appointment with the German consulate and send the necessary documents, like your APS certificate, blocked account document, along with your admission letter. Once you receive your student visa, book your flight, register your address and apply for a blocked account debit card. Finally, enrol in the University you are dreaming of.
Popular Courses To Study In Germany For Free
When it comes to tuition-free, German Universities offer bountiful options to pick from. Here are a few popular courses to pick from.
| University Name | City/State | Notable For |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg | Oldest university in Germany, medical sciences |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | Humanities, history, and philosophy |
| Free University of Berlin | Berlin | Political science, humanities |
| University of Göttingen | Göttingen, Lower Saxony | Life sciences, research-intensive |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia | Engineering, technology |
| University of Mannheim | Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg | Business, economics |
| University of Stuttgart | Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg | Automotive and mechanical engineering |
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg | Law, economics, and social sciences |
| University of Cologne | Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia | Arts, business, and education |
| University of Freiburg (Albert Ludwig) | Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg | Medicine, environmental sciences |
| University of Leipzig | Leipzig, Saxony | History, linguistics, and biosciences |
| University of Münster | Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia | Theology, mathematics, and arts |
| University of Tübingen | Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg | Theology, philosophy, and life sciences |
| University of Würzburg | Würzburg, Bavaria | Medicine and life sciences |
| University of Bremen | Bremen | Space sciences, sustainability research |
| University of Bonn | Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia | Math, economics, and philosophy |
| University of Duisburg-Essen | Duisburg/Essen, NRW | Engineering, business, and computer science |
| FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg | Erlangen, Bavaria | Engineering, IT, and natural sciences |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg | Engineering, computer science |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Munich, Bavaria | Tech, AI, business analytics |
| TU Darmstadt | Darmstadt, Hesse | Electrical and computer engineering |
| Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) | Dresden, Saxony | Engineering, architecture, and robotics |
| Bundeswehr University Munich | Munich, Bavaria | Security studies (mostly for military personnel) |
| Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) | Hamburg | Engineering and tech innovation |
| Leibniz University Hannover | Hannover, Lower Saxony | Mechanical engineering and geosciences |
| University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt | Würzburg, Bavaria | Application-focused engineering and business |
Why choose to study in Germany?
First thing is their world-class recognised degrees and the best infrastructure in German universities. The affordability with no tuition fee makes it even smoother. The English-taught Master’s programs offer a great opportunity for Indian students who don’t know German.
The student visa comes with a part-time work permit. So it allows the Indian students in Germany to manage their expenses with ease. Also, the post-study visa helps the students to establish a residence by securing employment there.
Cost Of Living In Germany For Indian Students
The tuition fee may be free, but survival should be done by yourself. It will take 850 to 1100 Euros for a student, depending on the city they choose. This is purely the rent, food, transport and personal expenses along with health insurance.
The cost of studying in germany is comparatively less than the cost of living you could expect. Indian students might need to do part-time work to manage their expenses and should minimise their spending.
Visa And Immigration Process
After applying, you will receive the admission letter. The next important step is to apply for a German student Visa.
- Collect the necessary documents, such as, valid passport, an admission letter from Germany University, a blocked account document, English language certificates, academic transcripts, an APS certificate, a filled visa application form, and health insurance.
- Reserve a slot with the German Embassy in India. The slots are limited, so book as fast as you can.
- During an interview for Visa, be bold and honest with your answers. Take all the necessary documents and photocopies of original documents with you.
- Obtaining the visa might take 4- 12 weeks. So make your plans accordingly.
- Document verification has a crucial role here. So be well prepared with all important papers.
To avoid any denial or delay in your visa approval, Walk International helps you make your process smooth with guidance.
Best Courses To Study In Germany For Free
Tuition-free courses are available in many areas at public universities in Germany. The most picked courses in the best public universities in Germany are discussed below.
| Field of Study | Popular Courses | Top Public Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, Civil, Robotics | RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, TU Berlin, Karlsruhe Institute of Tech |
| Computer Science & IT | Data Science, AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity | University of Stuttgart, TU Darmstadt, LMU Munich, University of Freiburg |
| Business & Management | MBA, International Business, Supply Chain, Finance | University of Mannheim, University of Cologne, LMU Munich |
| Natural Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences | Heidelberg University, University of Göttingen, TU Dresden |
| Health & Medicine | Biomedical Engineering, Public Health | Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Bonn |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, History | Humboldt University Berlin, University of Leipzig, University of Tübingen |
| Design & Architecture | Architecture, Urban Planning, Product Design | Bauhaus University Weimar, TU Munich, University of Stuttgart |
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Germany
Scholarships are a lifesaver when you want to study abroad. There are many scholarships available for Indian students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses and also travel expenses. If you have the deserving capabilities, scholarships for Indian students in Germany programs are there to take you to your dream education.
One important thing to consider is the timing. Some scholarships will open 6-9 months before the course starts. So you may join hands with Walk International for filtering and applying for the right scholarship program for you.
Now, let’s see a few scholarships and eligibility criteria, and what expenses they will cover.
| Scholarship Name | What It Covers | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | Living costs, travel, and insurance | Master’s & PhD students |
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300/month (merit-based) | Bachelor’s & Master’s in Germany for Indian students |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | Tuition + living stipend + German language courses | Politically/socially active students |
| Erasmus+ | Exchange programs across the EU | Students enrolled in joint programs |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation | Tuition + monthly allowance | For students with academic excellence |
Finally!
Education in Germany is a privilege you choose, as it is of the highest quality with the lowest expenses. The career opportunities and international acceptance are highest. Being an international student from India, you might need to do the whole application process, and processing the eligibility criteria and visa application is more tedious.
Join your hands with Walk International to make the process smooth and effortless. We guide you to study in Germany for free with our professional expertise. With years of experience in helping hundreds of Indian students to land in German universities, we will handle everything.
From University selection through application, Visa application, blocked account services and guiding to prepare all necessary paperwork.
We will make your dream of studying in Germany for free come true. It’s just one step away from here. Book an appointment with us now to start your education journey in Germany!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know German to study in Germany?
Not always. There are lots of higher learning institutions that teach in English, yet it is useful to know German in everyday life and employment.
Is education free for Indian students in Germany?
Yes. Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for all, even for Indian students. But you need to make your living expenses.
Is it possible to study for free in Germany?
Yes, for sure. The majority of courses offered by public universities in Germany are free. Only the semester fees and living expenses should be considered.
What are the job opportunities in Germany after graduation?
International students are offered a post-study work visa that extends for 18 months after their education. The job market in Germany is enormous for all sectors, from engineering, IT, healthcare, to research. You can secure attractive job offers with the best education.
Can Indian students work while studying in Germany?
Yes. Part-time working is allowed with the student Visa. So Indian students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
