Complete Guide to Studying in Germany: Public Universities, Visa Rules & Part-Time Jobs (2026 Edition)
A detailed roadmap for Indian and international students planning their higher education in Germany.
- Why Study in Germany?
Germany continues to be one of the world’s top study destinations, especially for Indian students. Here’s why:
- Zero or negligible tuition fees at most public universities
- Globally recognized degrees in engineering, data science, business, automotive, AI, and more
- Strong job market and excellent post-study work opportunities
- Affordable living compared to other European countries
- Safe, multicultural environment
Whether you’re planning a bachelor’s or a master’s, Germany offers academic excellence at a cost that’s difficult to beat.
- Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, except a small semester contribution (usually €250–€350).Popular Tuition-Free Public Universities
| University | Known For |
| RWTH Aachen University | Engineering, Mechanical, AI |
| TU Munich (TUM) | Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering |
| University of Stuttgart | Automotive, Aerospace |
| Humboldt University Berlin | Sciences, Humanities |
| University of Hamburg | Data, Business, Marine Sciences |
| Technical University Berlin | Engineering + Design |
| University of Freiburg | Environmental Science, Medicine |
✔ Bachelor vs. Master Programs
- Bachelor’s programs are mostly taught in German
- Master’s programs have a large number of English-taught options
Tip: If you’re planning a bachelor’s degree, start preparing German language skills early (B1/B2 level preferred).
- Eligibility Requirements (2026 Update)
📌 For Bachelor’s Applicants
- Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Boards)
- A minimum of 75–80% overall, higher for top universities
- APS Certificate (mandatory for Indian students)
- German language proficiency for German-taught programs
- Valid passport + financial proof
📌For Master’s Applicants
- A 3–4 years bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 7.5 CGPA or above
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 80+) for English programs
- German proficiency for German-taught programs
- Strong SOP + academic CV + LORs (CBSE/ISC/State Boards)
- Germany Student Visa Requirements (2026 Rules)
Applying for a German student visa involves the following:
✔Essential Documents
- Offer letter from a German university
- APS Certificate (for Indian students)
- Proof of funds (Blocked Account + Sponsor, if applicable)
- Health insurance
- Academic transcripts + certificates
- Language test scores
- Passport + visa application
- Blocked Account Requirements (Updated Amount, 2026)
To obtain a student visa, you must show proof of funds through a Blocked Account.
🔹 Required Amount – 2026 is €11,904(approximately Rs. 12 Lakhs), this covers:
- rent
- food
- transportation
- health insurance
- basic living expenses
🔹 Approved blocked account providers:
- Expatrio
- Fintiba
- Coracle
- Deutsche Bank
- Cost of Living in Germany for Students
Average monthly living cost: €950–€1,100
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Student accommodation | €300–€500 |
| Food | €200–€300 |
| Transport | €50–€80 |
| Health Insurance | €100–€120 |
| Miscellaneous | €100–€150 |
Cities like Munich and Stuttgart are costlier, while Leipzig and Aachen are more affordable
- Part-Time Job Options for International Students
Students are legally allowed to work:
✔ 120 full days OR 240 half days per year
Common part-time jobs include:
- University assistant (HiWi)
- Library assistant
- Café/server jobs
- Retail store associate
- Warehouse helper
- Delivery jobs
- Customer support roles
- Internships (sometimes paid)
💰 Average pay: €10–€15 per hour
Students typically earn around €800–€1,000 per month, which helps manage living costs.
- Scholarships in Germany for International Students(2026 Guide)
One of the biggest reasons Germany is a top destination for Indian and international students is the availability of high-quality, low-cost education—and a large number of scholarships that reduce expenses even further. Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Germany offers several merit-based and need-based funding options.
✔DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service):
- Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Sometimes, tuition assistance
✔Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship):
- €300 per month (for 1 year, renewable)
✔Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships:
- €934 per month (Master’s), €1,200+ per month (PhD)
- Tuition fee support in certain cases)
✔Erasmus+ Scholarships:
- Tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and accommodation support
- Post-Study Work Opportunities (Blue Card Pathway)
After graduation, students can avail a:
✔18-month Job Search Visa
Once employed full-time, you can transition to:
- EU Blue Card, or
- German Residence Permit
Top industries hiring international graduates:
- IT & Software
- Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
- Data Science
- Robotics & AI
- Electronics & Electrical Engineering
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Step-by-Step Application Process for Germany (Timeline)
- Choose universities (6–10 options)
- Prepare documents (SOP, LORs, CV, transcripts)
- Get APS Certificate
- Apply via Uni-Assist / University Portal
- Receive admission letter
- Open Blocked Account
- Get Health Insurance
- Book VFS visa appointment
- Submit financial documents
- Visa approval & travel to Germany
⭐ Conclusion:
Germany is one of the smartest, most affordable, and high-quality study destinations in the world. With minimal tuition fees, excellent universities, a strong job market, and clear visa pathways, it’s a top choice for ambitious students—especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and business.
If you plan carefully and stay updated with APS & visa requirements, your journey to Germany can be smooth and rewarding.
