Requirements for Studying in Germany for Indian Students

German universities are known for their academic standards and quality education around the world. The universities’ cutting-edge facilities, numerous funding choices, research-based courses, award-winning curriculum, diverse and lively student community, and unique lifestyle ensure that students have the finest learning experience possible. These features have become a magnet for brilliant international students who want to develop their academic and research skills. 

Furthermore, national and international students’ zero or low tuition fees make education affordable and Germany everyone’s first choice for higher education. 

According to the latest data, India sends the second largest number of international students to Germany. The number of Indian students studying in Germany has increased by 20.85% in the last one year.

However, many students find it challenging to comprehend the process of studying in Germany as an Indian student.  This article will help students understand the prerequisites for admission to a German institution.

Read More: Germany: A dream destination to study abroad

Find the University and Study Program

Choosing the right university and the course could be a crucial decision for students. There are many possibilities accessible, as Germany has over 400 accredited higher education institutions that provide over 18,000 courses. The students should be clear about their future goals or receive guidance from counsellors regarding the best-suited course. They should begin gathering information two months before the application deadline.

Requirements to Study in Germany for Indian students

Now that students have set their goals, the next step is to know what they need to do to achieve them. Students need to check the entrance requirements at the University of their choice.

They should visit the university’s website and study the section on admittance requirements attentively. They can also take notes and form a strategy to finish each criterion one at a time if necessary. If there is anything about the procedures they don’t understand, they should contact the institution by email. Entry requirements to study in Germany for Indian students change from university to university depending on the chosen course.

For a Bachelor’s degree in Germany:

Eligibility criteria 

1. A student must be at least 18 years old.
2. A student must have a certified 12th-grade mark sheet.
3. Depending on the course and university, a student should have SAT or ACT scores ranging from 400 to 1600.
4. According to university requirements, a student must have received the appropriate band scores on the English proficiency test.

Documents Required 

1. Entrance Qualification
2. Transcript of Grades
3. Proof of Language Proficiency
4. ID or Valid Passport Copies
5. Letter of Motivation 

The Bachelor’s Degree Application Cycle in Germany:

Undergraduate courses often begin in September or October. By March, students must shortlist 8–12 universities to which they wish to apply. The deadlines for applications are usually in May and June.

Language Proficiency for a Bachelor’s Degree in Germany: 

Students will need to submit scores on a standardized language proficiency test. In Germany, almost all undergraduate courses are taught in German. So, if students plan to attend such a course, they will have to learn German. A very few German universities offer courses with English as the medium of instruction.

Read More: Want to study in Germany? Choose IU

For a Master’s Degree in Germany

Eligibility criteria

1. An Indian candidate seeking an MA in Germany must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
2. Students must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving at least 6.0 in IELTS (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or 50 in PTE to be eligible to pursue masters in Germany.
3. In Germany, a student must be 21 years old to pursue a master’s degree.

Documents required 

1. Recognized Bachelor Degree
2. An official transcript of grades
3. Language Proficiency Proof (German or English)
4. A Letter of Motivation
5. Important References
6. Professional Experiences (Optional)

The Master’s Degree Application Cycle in Germany:

Every institution has its own set of application events, which may or may not be identical to those of other colleges. Students can apply for the summer session from December to the fifteenth of January. For the winter semesters, it runs from the beginning of April until July 15th.

Language Proficiency for a Master’s Degree in Germany:

In contrast to undergraduate courses, many master’s level courses are taught in English, either partially or totally. Before applying, students must complete a language standardized test to demonstrate their language skills.

The language skill required to apply for a Master’s degree in Germany varies based on the students’ university, course, and exam.

*There are many English-only courses available in Germany. However, some courses are taught in English and German, which is a terrific opportunity to improve German language skills.

1. DSH – German universities only accept this test, and it is one of two German language tests accepted by German institutions.
2. TestDaF – This is a test that colleges recognize in over 90 countries.

For courses taught entirely in English, students must take English proficiency tests:

1.  PTE Academic
2. IELTS Academic
3. TOEFL iBT

Read More: Career Opportunities in Germany

University Application Process for Indian students

Students must submit their university applications after completing the application paperwork. Students can complete the application online, by mail, or in person. It is worth noting that, while online applications are the most common, certain German universities only accept applications submitted by mail or in person.

The UniAssist platform, which allows students to apply for courses online, is used by most German universities. On the other hand, several universities operate their own online application portals. Students must submit their application paperwork in PDF or JPG format in any case.

Germany Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students

An Indian student must obtain a visa before enrolling in a German university. They must take a printout of the admission letter and visit the German consulate in their native country after they have received it. Officers on the premises will list the paperwork and procedures to complete to apply for a student visa to study in Germany.

The following are the most crucial documents for an Indian student who wishes to study in Germany:

1. University admission letter
2. Proof of financial resources “Finanzierungsnachweis”
3. Proof of health insurance coverage
4. University entrance qualification
5. Proof of language proficiency

The German Blocked Account confirmation letter is one of the most crucial documents. It verifies that students have sufficient funds to study and live in Germany for a year as international students.

Read More: How to study in Germany for free for Indian Students?

Finding Pocket-Friendly Accommodation in Germany

Being one of the most diverse and vibrant countries, Germany has affordable rented apartments at the most popular locations. We recommend you look out for affordable rented apartments located near the university. If you cannot find an apartment online, you can make a list of addresses where accommodations are available at affordable rates.

You can also look for students who want to share their accommodation. That will save some extra costs. If you don’t have any relatives in Germany, then you can join the online forums made by Indian students already living there and ask them if anyone is willing to share the apartment.

Read More: Settle in Germany from India

Things to Keep in Mind: 

Financial Resources –

To be eligible to study in Germany as an international student, they must have sufficient money. The government is interested in providing opportunities to self-sufficient students and does not anticipate relying on government funds, which would strain the country’s budget. Students can demonstrate their financial means to study in Germany in various ways, with the blocked account being by far the most appropriate. To be granted a visa and be permitted to study in Germany, Indian students must have at least €8,700 deposited in their restricted account.

Some universities charge fees –

The majority of international students, especially those from India, are confused by the fees charged in German universities. The majority of public higher education in Germany is free. However, there are several states in Germany where universities charge nominal tuition rates, and private colleges in Germany also charge tuition fees to international students.

Work with studies –

Students can cover a specific portion of their expenditure by working part-time and their studies. Germany allows overseas students to work up to 20 hours a week.

Important Resources to Read About Germany:

Read More: Build Career in Data Science in Germany without engineering degree

Best German Universities for Indian students

1) TU Munchen

2) TU Darmstadt

3) TU Kaiserslautern

4) RWTH Aachen

5) TU Chemnitz

6) Freie Universität Berlin

7) University of Duisburg-Essen

8) University of Stuttgart

9) University of Magdeburg – OVGU

10) Rhine-Waal University

11) TU Dresden

Scholarship Programs in Germany

The following is a list of the most well-known scholarship programs in Germany:

DAAD: 

This scholarship promotes academic excellence and is offered by Germany’s leading higher education institutions.

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program: 

This scholarship provides various study options for students from developing countries who wish to pursue masters or doctorate degrees in Germany.

The HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarship:

This scholarship is offered by Germany’s oldest business school to international students pursuing degrees in various subjects.

Read More: Germany vs. Canada: Which is better for study abroad?

Health Insurance Coverage for Indian Students Studying in Germany

Having healthcare insurance is mandatory for international students. Indian students should have a health care policy that can cover all their medical needs in a health emergency. You need to apply for healthcare coverage before enrolling in any German university.

Read More: How important is the German language to survive in Germany?

Study with upGrad Abroad 

With a commitment to providing quality education at affordable prices, upGrad Abroad has launched study abroad programs. These programs enable students to study for one year online from home and then on-campus for the following years. With this, learners can save a lot on living costs or other additional expenses. Our programs cost around 1/10th of the regular on-campus studies and learners can save up to 80% of their tuition fees. We have partnered with excellent German institutions like IU International University of Applied Sciences. With partnered universities, we provide high-quality education at affordable fees. upGrad Abroad will also provide students support throughout the application process, visa process, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read More Resources to Read About Germany: