Study in Germany for Free: Best Universities & Courses

Germany offers free tuition at nearly all public universities, even for international students. As of 2025, over 400,000 international students, including thousands from India, are studying in Germany—many paying zero tuition fees for both bachelor’s and master’s programs. 

With top-ranked universities, courses in English, and a high standard of living, Germany has become one of the best places to study in Europe without breaking the bank. From engineering and business to social sciences and design, public universities here combine academic excellence with affordability. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to study in Germany for free—eligibility, admission steps, living costs, scholarships, and more. If you're looking to build a global career without student debt, this guide is the perfect place to start.

Study in Germany for Free: Overview

Germany is one of the few countries where international students can access free higher education at public universities. You don’t need to pay tuition fees for most bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Public universities only charge a small semester contribution—usually around €250–€350 (₹22,000–₹31,000)—which covers administrative costs and sometimes public transport. In return, you get access to well-equipped campuses, research labs, and academic support at no extra tuition cost.

Both bachelor's in Germany for free and master's in Germany for free are available in fields like:

• Computer Science
• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
• Data Science and AI
• Business and Management
• Design, Architecture, and Media
• Health Sciences and Life Sciences

Courses are available in both English and German. Many universities offer fully English-taught master’s programs, while some bachelor’s degrees may require B1–B2 level German.

Suggested Read: Public vs Private Universities in Germany

Master’s in Germany for Free

Public universities in Germany offer well-structured, job-aligned master’s programs with no tuition fees. For Indian graduates, this is a chance to gain international exposure, build career connections in Europe, and access English-taught programs across top universities — all at a fraction of the cost of private education abroad.

Types of Master’s Programs in Germany

Here are the common types of master’s programs Indian students can apply for:

Program Type	Focus Area	Best For	Duration
MSc / MA	Research, theory, academic depth	Students aiming for PhD or specialized roles	2 years
M.Eng (Master of Engineering)	Applied learning, practical projects	Engineering grads who want industry roles	1.5 – 2 years
MBA (English-taught)	Management, leadership, business strategy	Students with 1–2 years of work experience	1 – 1.5 years
Interdisciplinary Master’s	Combination of fields (e.g. tech + business)	Students from mixed backgrounds	2 years

These programs are available in public universities like TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, University of Stuttgart, and more.

Master’s programs follow the ECTS credit system (90–120 credits)

Check out the ECTS Credit Calculator

Application Timeline for Indian Students

Stage	When to Do It
Research and shortlist courses	8–10 months before intake
Take IELTS/TOEFL, get LORs and SOP ready	6–8 months before intake
Apply to universities	Jan–May (Winter) or Sept–Jan (Summer)
Wait for admission + open blocked account	2–4 months before start
Apply for visa with APS + funding proof	At least 8–10 weeks before travel

Tip for Indian Students

Shortlist public universities through DAAD or official university portals. Avoid agents who promise “guaranteed” admissions or charge high fees. Most German public universities follow a transparent and direct process and do not charge application fees in most cases.

Bachelor’s in Germany for Free

Indian students can pursue a bachelor’s in Germany for free at public universities that don’t charge tuition fees. This applies to most undergraduate programs in German public universities, except for a few states that may charge minimal fees to non-EU students.

Types of Bachelor’s Programs and Duration

Program Type	Duration	Language Options
BSc (Bachelor of Science)	3 – 3.5 years	Available in German and English
BA (Bachelor of Arts)	3 – 4 years	Mostly German, some English
BEng (Bachelor of Engineering)	3.5 – 4 years	Available in both languages
Dual Study Programs (with work component)	3 – 4 years	Mostly in German
International Bachelor’s Programs	3 – 3.5 years	Fully in English

These programs are offered by universities of applied sciences (HAW) and traditional research universities (TU).

Most bachelor’s programs run for 6 semesters (3 years). A few may go up to 7 semesters if they include an internship or practical semester.

Where Indian Students Should Start

Bachelor’s applications in Germany are handled either directly or through Uni-Assist. Here’s how to begin:

1. Choose a relevant course and check language requirement
2. Gather documents (Class 10, 12, passport, language test scores, SOP)
3. Get your APS certificate before applying
4. Apply through Uni-Assist or the university’s own portal
5. Apply for a blocked account and student visa once admitted

Suggested Read: Germany Mandates APS Certificate

 Things to Keep in Mind

• Learning German is important for most bachelor’s degrees
• Start German classes early (in India) if planning to apply after Class 12
• Technical universities (like TU Berlin, TU Munich) often need one-year preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) if your Class 12 is not equivalent to German Abitur
• You can also explore pathway or foundation programs offered by some public universities

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students to Study in Germany for Free

To study in Germany for free at public universities, Indian students must meet certain academic and language requirements. It's important to match your profile with the university’s criteria before applying.

General Eligibility Overview

Program Level	Academic Requirement	Language Requirement	Other Requirements
Bachelor’s	Class 12 (minimum 70%) with relevant stream	German (B1/B2) or IELTS 6.0+	APS Certificate, TestAS (if asked)
Master’s	Bachelor’s (3 or 4 years) with minimum 70%	IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL	APS Certificate, SOP, LORs

Specific Eligibility for Bachelor’s in Germany (Indian Students)

• Completed Class 12 from a recognized board (CBSE, ISC, or State board)
• For German-taught programs: B1 or B2 level proficiency in German
• For English-taught programs: IELTS (min 6.0) or TOEFL
• Some courses may require TestAS — a subject-based aptitude test
• APS Certificate (mandatory from 2022 for visa and university application)
• For some universities, Indian students must attend a Studienkolleg (foundation year) if their qualification doesn’t directly match the German Abitur standard

Check Out: Is German language necessary to survive in Germany

Eligibility for Master’s in Germany

• Completed a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum academic score of 70% or 7.0 CGPA
• English proficiency – IELTS or TOEFL scores (waiver possible in some cases)
• German language not required for most English-taught master’s, but helpful for daily life
• APS Certificate is mandatory for Indian applicants
• Most programs require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Some technical programs may ask for course-specific prerequisites (math, coding, statistics)

Application Process to Study in Germany for Free

The application process is slightly different from other countries. You don’t apply through a central portal like UCAS or Common App. Instead, you apply directly to universities or through Uni-Assist, depending on the course and institution.

Here’s how to go about it:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do
1. Shortlist Universities	Use the DAAD portal or university websites to find tuition-free programs that fit your background. Check course language, start date, and eligibility.
2. Get Your APS Certificate	Indian students must get the APS certificate before applying. It verifies your academic records for German institutions.
3. Take Required Tests	IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs, TestAS (if required), or German proficiency test (Goethe, TestDaF) for German-taught courses.
4. Prepare Documents	Keep academic transcripts, passport, SOP, LORs, and language test scores ready. Each university may have its own format.
5. Apply via Uni-Assist or University Portal	Most universities use Uni-Assist to process international applications. Some accept direct applications. Always check their website.
6. Wait for Offer Letter	Once accepted, you’ll get an admission letter (Zulassungsbescheid). This is needed for visa and blocked account setup.
7. Open a Blocked Account	Deposit around €11,904 per year (₹10 lakh) to show proof of funds for living expenses. Required for the visa process.
8. Apply for German Student Visa	Submit your visa application with the offer letter, APS certificate, proof of funds, and insurance.  Visa processing takes 15–30 days to process the student visa, which can even go up to 6–12 weeks in case of several applications.
9. Plan Your Travel	Book tickets, arrange accommodation, and prepare to register with the local city office after arrival in Germany.

Documents You’ll Typically Need

• Class 10 & 12 mark sheets (for bachelor’s) / UG degree and transcripts (for master’s)
• Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
• IELTS/TOEFL or German language certificate
• APS Certificate (mandatory)
• CV/Resume
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• LORs (for master’s programs)
• Proof of funds (Blocked account confirmation)
• Health insurance (can be bought before visa or after reaching Germany)

Read: CV Writing Tips for Studying Abroad - Complete Checklist

Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students

Even though tuition is free at most public universities, you’ll still need to budget for your monthly living expenses.

On average, international students spend around €850–€1,000 (₹76,000–₹90,000) per month, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Monthly Cost Breakdown (Average Estimates)

Expense	Monthly Cost (in €)	INR Equivalent
Accommodation (rent)	€300 – €500	₹27,000 – ₹45,000
Food & groceries	€150 – €200	₹13,500 – ₹18,000
Health insurance	€110 – €120	₹10,000 – ₹11,000
Public transport	€30 – €50	₹2,700 – ₹4,500
Mobile + Internet	€20 – €30	₹1,800 – ₹2,700
Study materials	€20 – €40	₹1,800 – ₹3,600
Personal expenses	€100 – €150	₹9,000 – ₹13,500
Total (approx.)	€850 – €1,000	₹76,000 – ₹90,000

Factors That Affect Living Costs

• City of study: Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive than Leipzig or Dresden.
• Type of housing: Student dormitories are cheaper than private flats.
• Part-time work: Indian students are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, which helps cover expenses.
• Cafeteria meals: University canteens (Mensa) offer full meals at student rates — usually around €3–€4 (₹270–₹360).

Must Read: Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students in 2025

Tips for Managing Costs

• Share accommodation with other students to cut rent
• Use your student ID for discounts on transport, cinema, museums, and more
• Shop from local weekly markets or low-cost supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl
• Look into CAF housing subsidies or part-time job boards at your university

Scholarships to Study in Germany for Free

Scholarships can help Indian students cover other costs like accommodation, food, insurance, and travel. Several government bodies, universities, and private organizations offer scholarships to study in Germany for free or with minimal expenses.

These scholarships are open for both bachelor’s and master’s students, though funding is more widely available at the postgraduate level.

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany

Scholarship Name	Who Can Apply	What It Covers
DAAD Scholarships	Master’s students in all fields	Monthly stipend (€850+), travel, health insurance
Deutschlandstipendium	UG/PG students at German universities	€300/month (₹27,000) based on merit
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)	Master’s/PhD students with leadership record	Stipend, housing, health insurance
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship	Master's and PhD students in all fields	Monthly allowance + other support
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship	Social sciences, politics, humanities	Full funding + travel and living costs
RWTH Aachen Scholarships	UG/PG students at RWTH Aachen	Partial fee waivers and merit awards

How to Apply

• Visit the DAAD scholarship portal and check eligibility
• Some scholarships require a separate application along with university admission
• Prepare key documents: academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume, and language certificates
• Apply early, often before or during your university admission process

Quick Tips

• Many scholarships are competitive, so apply to more than one
• Write a strong Statement of Purpose that aligns with the scholarship’s goals
• Scholarships like DAAD often prefer students with academic excellence + clarity on career goals
• Some German universities also offer internal scholarships—check your target university’s website for updates

Visa Process for Indian Students Studying in Germany

Once you receive your admission letter from a German public university, apply for a student visa. The Germany student visa (Type D visa) is required for long-term courses like bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.

The process includes submitting documents, opening a blocked account, and attending a visa appointment at your nearest VFS center or German Embassy.

Steps to Apply for a German Student Visa

Step	What to Do
1. Collect Your Admission Letter	This is the official document from your university confirming your enrollment.
2. Get APS Certificate	Mandatory for all Indian students. Apply early as this takes 3–6 weeks to process.
3. Open a Blocked Account	Deposit approx. €11,208 (₹10 lakh) to show proof of funds for one year. Banks like Deutsche Bank, Kotak Mahindra, Fintiba, and Expatrio offer this.
4. Get Health Insurance	You’ll need German public or private health insurance for the visa and once you arrive.
5. Book Visa Appointment	Schedule your visa slot through VFS Germany. Early booking is advised due to long wait times.
6. Prepare Documents	Gather all documents and keep two sets — originals and photocopies.
7. Attend Visa Interview	Submit your application at the VFS office or Embassy and complete biometrics.
8. Wait for Approval	Processing usually takes 4–12 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your visa sticker in your passport.

Documents Required for Germany Student Visa

• Passport (valid for at least 12 months)
• Admission letter from a German university
• APS certificate
• Proof of funds (Blocked account confirmation)
• Health insurance proof
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or German certificate)
• Academic documents (Class 10, 12, UG degree if applicable)
• Visa application form
• Passport-size photos (biometric format)
• Cover letter and SOP

Post-Study Work Options and Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in Germany 

Germany allows Indian students to work part-time during their studies and stay back after graduation to search for full-time jobs. For Indian students, this means more financial independence during the course and better career opportunities after finishing their degree.

Part-Time Jobs While Studying

Indian students are allowed to work part-time under their student visa.

Work Limit	Allowed
Full days per year	120 full days OR 240 half days
Weekly hours during semester	Up to 20 hours/week
During semester breaks	Full-time work is allowed

Salary Expectations for Part-Time Jobs

The average student earns €10–€15/hour (₹900–₹1,350) depending on the job and city. Here's a rough idea:

Type of Job	Hourly Pay Range
Retail/Service Sector	€10 – €12 (₹900 – ₹1,100)
On-campus roles	€12 – €15 (₹1,100 – ₹1,350)
Research/Teaching Assistant	€13 – €18 (₹1,200 – ₹1,600)
Internships (paid)	€800 – €1,200/month (₹72K–₹1.08L)

Note: Rates may vary by city and university.

Tax Rules for Student Jobs in Germany

• If you earn less than €520/month, your income is tax-free
• If your monthly earnings exceed €520, you may need to pay income tax (usually between 10–14%)
• You’ll get a tax ID after registration, and taxes can be refunded at year-end if you're under the income threshold
• All jobs must be registered officially with proper contracts

Popular Student Job Options

• University library or administrative office
• Research or academic assistant (HiWi)
• Retail assistant, waiter, warehouse helper
• Online freelancing (content writing, design, coding) — allowed if registered

Post-Study Work Options After Graduation

Once you finish your bachelor’s or master’s, you can apply for:

Visa Type	Duration	Purpose
Job-Seeking Visa	6 months	Search for a job related to your degree
EU Blue Card	Up to 4 years	Requires job offer + salary threshold
Skilled Worker Visa	Variable	For employment in a qualified role

Once you secure a full-time job, you're eligible to stay longer, change visa type, and later apply for Permanent Residency (after 5 years).

From SOPs to Scholarships: upGrad Abroad Has You Covered

Want to study in Germany for free and save on living costs too? upGrad Abroad helps you apply for top scholarships in Germany—like DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and university-specific funding. 

Get expert tips to write strong SOPs, request LORs, and prep for IELTS, TOEFL, or German language tests. We’ve got easy blogs, sample formats, and admission checklists ready for you. 

You can also book a 1:1 counseling session to plan your next steps, shortlist the right courses, and apply with confidence. Don’t miss out on funding opportunities. Start your scholarship journey with upGrad Abroad today!