Your complete guide to studying in Germany

Tuition is €0 at most public universities outside Baden-Württemberg, which charges €1,500 per semester for non-EU students. Every student pays a semester contribution of €150 to €350 covering admin and a public transport pass. Living costs run €11,904 for 12 months in the mandatory blocked account, around €992 per month for rent, food, insurance, and basics.

Yes for most Master's programs and a growing number of Bachelor's. Around 2,300 English-taught degrees exist across German universities, concentrated in engineering, computer science, business, and natural sciences. 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.

Around 420,000 international students were enrolled at German universities in winter 2025/26 according to a DAAD snapshot survey, up about 6% year-on-year. India is now the single largest country of origin with roughly 59,000 students. Germany sits in the global top three destinations for international students after the US and UK.

Yes if you hold an Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Pakistani academic record. APS is mandatory before any university or German embassy accepts your file. APS India in New Delhi processes applications in 3 to 4 weeks and charges INR 18,000. Applicants from other countries verify their qualifications through 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 typically runs €12 to €18 per hour for student jobs, more for tutoring and IT roles. Earnings above €603 per month (the 2026 mini-job ceiling) trigger social security contributions, and above €12,348 per year you owe income tax.

Yes. Every graduate gets an 18-month post-study work visa under §20 of the Residence Act to find a job related to your degree. 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.