Your complete guide to studying in Germany

Tuition is €0 at most public universities. Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500 per semester for non-EU students (with some exemptions), and some Bavarian universities, such as TUM, charge students from outside the EU and EEA, so check each programme. Every student pays a semester contribution, with a median of 300 EUR across our Master's catalogue, often including a public transport pass. Living costs run €11,904 for 12 months in a blocked account, the best-known proof of funds for the visa, around €992 per month for rent, food, insurance, and basics.

Yes for many Master's programs and a growing number of Bachelor's, for example in engineering, computer science, and business. Our course search lets you filter programmes by language. You will still need German at A1 to A2 level for daily life: signing leases, doctor visits, registering with authorities. B1 unlocks part-time jobs and faster permanent residency.

402,083 international students were enrolled at German universities in winter semester 2024/25, up 6% on the year before (Wissenschaft weltoffen 2026, published by DAAD and DZHW). India is the largest country of origin with 58,833 students (14.6%). In 2023 Germany was the fourth-largest host country for international students worldwide, after the US, the UK, and Australia.

Yes if your school or degree documents were issued in India, China, or Vietnam, with exemptions such as PhD applicants. The German missions in India list the APS certificate as a study visa document. APS India gives no fixed processing time (at least two weeks), and its June 2026 checklist lists a fee of ₹18,000. Qualifications from other countries are usually checked by the university or uni-assist instead.

Yes. Non-EU students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, which works out to roughly 20 hours per week during term time. Pay starts at the statutory minimum wage, more for tutoring and IT roles. Above €603 per month (the 2026 mini-job ceiling) a job is no longer a mini-job, and income above €12,348 per year (the basic tax allowance) is taxed.

Yes. After a degree in Germany you can get a residence permit of up to 18 months under §20 of the Residence Act to find a job, if you can support yourself. Once employed, you can move to an EU Blue Card if you earn at least €45,934.20 (shortage occupations and young professionals) or €50,700 (other roles). Permanent residency follows in 21 months with B1 German.