Study a Bachelor's Degree in Germany — 2026 Guide for Indian Students
Want to study a bachelor's degree in Germany from India, often with no tuition fees? This 2026 guide covers the APS certificate, the blocked account, public-university fees, the student visa and the top universities.
Cost at a glance
| Tuition (public) | EUR 0 + EUR 100–350 semester fee |
| Living | about EUR 934 / mo |
| Blocked account | EUR 11,208 / yr |
| Post-study | 18-month job-seeker permit |
Why study undergraduate in Germany from India?
- Most public universities charge no tuition — you pay only a small semester fee
- World-class engineering, computer science and sciences with strong industry links
- Low living costs versus the US, UK or Australia
- Many English-taught programs, plus an 18-month job-seeker permit after graduation
Tuition and living costs
Public universities charge no tuition for most bachelor's programs — only a semester fee of about EUR 100–350. The exceptions: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students about EUR 1,500 per semester, and TU Munich now charges roughly EUR 4,000–6,000 per year.
Budget about EUR 934 per month for living — the same figure used for the blocked account.
Admission requirements
- Class 12 with at least 70 percent (from WS 2026/27); some students complete a Studienkolleg foundation year first
- An APS certificate, which is mandatory for Indian applicants (about INR 18,000, 6 to 10 weeks)
- IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs, or TestDaF/DSH for German-taught programs
Intakes and timeline
Winter (October) is the main intake; Summer (April) is the secondary intake.
Student visa and funds
You will need a German student visa, which requires a university admission, the APS certificate and a blocked account. Open a blocked account of EUR 11,208 (about INR 10 lakh), which is released to you at EUR 934 per month. The visa costs EUR 75 — apply 3 to 4 months early and convert to a residence permit after you arrive.
Work and post-study options
While studying: Work up to 140 full or 280 half days per year.
After graduation: Stay up to 18 months on a job-seeker residence permit after graduation to find work.
Top universities for Indian students
Studying in Germany - FAQs
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Frequently asked questions
Is studying in Germany really free for Indian students?
At most public universities, yes — there are no tuition fees for bachelor's programs, only a semester fee of EUR 100–350. A few states and TU Munich are exceptions.
What is the APS certificate?
Since 2022 the APS certificate is mandatory for Indian applicants. It verifies your documents, costs about INR 18,000 and takes 6 to 10 weeks, so apply early.
How much is the German blocked account in 2026?
EUR 11,208 for the year, released to you at EUR 934 per month after you arrive in Germany.
Do I need to know German?
Not for English-taught programs, where you need IELTS or TOEFL. For German-taught programs you need TestDaF or DSH.
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