If you’re an Indian student dreaming of pursuing masters in Germany Indian students, you’re in the right place. Germany has become one of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students due to its excellent education system, affordable costs, world-class universities, and strong career opportunities after graduation.
In this detailed, human-written guide by Lectures Abroad, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from eligibility and costs to application steps, language requirements, financial planning, scholarships, and life in Germany as a student.
Why Germany Is a Top Choice for Indian Students
Studying a master’s in Germany has become extremely popular among Indian students for several reasons:
💡 Key Advantages
✔ Most public universities charge no tuition fees or very low fees even for international students.
✔ World-class education with practical, research-based programs.
✔ Strong job market and post-study work options.
✔ A multicultural environment with students from across the world.
✔ Opportunity to learn German and open doors to more career prospects.
Germany makes higher education accessible and affordable without compromising on quality, and that’s the main reason Indian students are increasingly choosing it for their master’s degrees.
Popular Master’s Programs for Indian Students
Indian students commonly pursue master’s degrees in:
🎓 Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science)
🎓 Data Science & IT
🎓 Business Analytics & Management
🎓 Artificial Intelligence
🎓 Renewable Energy & Environmental Science
🎓 Economics & Social Sciences
🎓 Life Sciences & Biotechnology
German universities offer both English-taught and German-taught programs, giving you flexibility depending on your language skills and career goals.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
Before you start applications, here’s what you generally need to qualify for a master’s in Germany:
📌 Academic Qualifications
✔ A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution in India.
✔ Relevant academic background for the program you’re applying for (especially for competitive fields like engineering).
✔ Some universities require a minimum GPA or percentage to be competitive.
📌 Language Requirements
Depending on your program:
English-taught programs
- IELTS: usually 6.5 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 80–100
These scores prove you can study in English.
German-taught programs
- TestDaF: Level TDN 4 or above
- DSH Level 2 or higher
Many bachelor’s programs require German, but for masters, there are plenty of English-taught options as well.
Some programs might accept alternative English tests like PTE or Duolingo, so check individual university requirements when you apply — especially through services like Lectures Abroad.
APS Certificate: Mandatory for Indian Students
One of the most important updates for Indian students is the requirement of an APS Certificate (Academic Evaluation Centre).
🧾 What Is APS?
The APS certificate verifies that your Indian academic documents are authentic and recognised by German standards. It is mandatory for Indian students applying to German universities and for the student visa process.
📍 Why APS Matters
Without APS, Indian students generally cannot proceed with university enrolment and visa processing. It’s a verification step introduced to curb fake documents and protect the quality of the education system in Germany.
Make sure you plan and apply for APS early in your application timeline — it can take several weeks to process.
Cost of Studying Masters in Germany for Indian Students
One of the biggest questions Indian students ask is: How much will a master’s in Germany cost?
Here’s a clear breakdown:
🎓 Tuition Fees
- Public universities: Most do not charge tuition fees. You only pay a semester contribution (admin fees) of around €150–€350 per semester.
- Some states and universities (like certain programs at TUM) may charge tuition fees for non-EU students, but this is the exception, not the rule.
💰 Living Expenses (Estimated)
Living costs are a significant part of your budget:
✔ Monthly living cost (food, accommodation, transportation, etc.): €850–€1,200
✔ Health insurance: approx. €80–€120 per month
Overall, Indian students typically budget around €10,000–€15,000 per year to live comfortably in Germany.
🏦 Blocked Account Requirement
To get your student visa, you’ll likely need to open a blocked account in Germany showing you have enough funds to live. Current requirements are around €11,904 per year.
Essentially, Germany offers world-class education at a much lower long-term cost than many other study abroad destinations.
The Application Journey: Step by Step
Here’s a simplified roadmap for Indian students applying for a master’s in Germany:
📍 1. Shortlist Programs & Universities
Choose universities and programs that match your academic background and language skills. Check whether they require APS, Uni-Assist, or direct applications.
📍 2. Prepare Documents
Common documents include:
- Bachelor’s degree certificates
- Transcripts
- Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/German)
- APS Certificate (for Indian students)
- CV, SOP, LORs (varies by university)
- Passport copy
📍 3. Apply Online
Some universities may require you to apply via Uni-Assist, others through their own portals.
📍 4. Receive Admission Letter
Once accepted, you’ll get an official offer letter which you’ll need for your visa application.
📍 5. Apply for German Student Visa
With your admission letter, APS, financial proof, passport, and insurance, you apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the German Embassy or Consulate in India.
📍 6. Plan Travel & Accommodation
Once the visa is approved, you can arrange your flight, accommodation, and other pre-departure essentials.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Germany also offers several scholarship opportunities for international master’s students:
🎓 Popular Scholarships
✔ DAAD Scholarships
✔ Deutschlandstipendium
✔ University-specific grants
These scholarships can reduce costs — sometimes covering living expenses and even tuition where applicable.
Life as an Indian Student in Germany
Studying in Germany is not just about education — it’s also about culture, experience, and growth.
🌍 Student Lifestyle
- Student discounts on travel & events
- Opportunities to work part-time (up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year)
- Joining student clubs, tech events, research groups
- Learning German enhances job opportunities after graduation
Indian food options are available in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, and you’ll find communities that make settling easier.
Common Questions Indian Students Ask
❓ Do I have to learn German to study in Germany?
Not always. Many master’s programs are offered in English, but learning German (even basic A1/A2) helps in daily life and increases job opportunities.
❓ Is work allowed while studying?
Yes! Indian students can work part-time while studying to support their living costs.
❓ How competitive is admission?
Competition can be strong, especially for popular programs like Computer Science or Engineering, so applying early and planning well is very important.
❓ What about post-study work?
After graduation, you can get an 18-month job search visa to find employment in Germany — a big advantage of studying here!
Final Thoughts from Lectures Abroad
Studying a masters in Germany for Indian students is not only academically rewarding, but also cost-effective and career-forward. With proper planning, documentation, and timeline management, you can make your dream of studying in Germany a reality.
If you need help with university shortlisting, applications, APS & visa guidance, document review, or admission strategy, Lectures Abroad is here to support you every step of the way!
