Germany is one of the most popular and affordable study destinations for Indian students, thanks to its tuition-free public universities, strong engineering and research reputation, and excellent career opportunities. Here's your complete guide to study in Germany.
Why Study in Germany?
- Little to no tuition at public universities
- Globally ranked programs in engineering, IT and business
- Strong industry links and paid internships
- 18-month post-study job-seeker visa
- Affordable, high quality of life
Admission Requirements
- Relevant bachelor's/12th qualification with good grades
- APS certificate (for Indian students)
- IELTS/TOEFL, or German proficiency for German-taught programs
- SOP, CV and letters of recommendation
Cost & Blocked Account
Public universities charge only a small semester fee; private universities charge tuition. For the student visa you must show funds in a blocked account (currently around €11,900+ for a year) to cover living expenses of roughly €900–1,100 per month.
Student Visa
Indian students apply for a German national (D-type) student visa with the university admission, blocked account, health insurance and APS certificate. Our team handles the documentation and interview preparation.
APS Certificate: The Step That Blocks Everything Else
Every Indian student applying for a German student visa needs an APS certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre at the German Embassy in New Delhi. It has been mandatory since 1 November 2022, there is only one APS office in India, and without the certificate the visa is refused regardless of how good your admission is.
Two things changed recently, and older guides do not reflect them:
- From 15 March 2026, the Anabin criteria require a minimum of 70% of the maximum achievable marks in Class XII, regardless of board — CBSE, ICSE or any state board.
- A Digital Master Test (dMAT) certificate is being introduced for selected master's applicants from Engineering, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business and Management backgrounds, beginning with the Summer Semester 2027 intake.
| APS certificate | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | ₹18,000 (about €160), non-refundable |
| Typical processing | 3–4 weeks |
| Peak season | up to 3 months |
| If an interview or university check is required | 6–10 weeks |
| Offices in India | one, in New Delhi |
| Class XII minimum (from 15 March 2026) | 70% of maximum achievable marks |
Start the APS before you start university applications, not after. The fee is non-refundable and the processing window can stretch to three months in peak season, which is long enough to cost you an intake if you leave it until you have an offer in hand. This is the single most common reason a German plan slips by a semester.
Details checked July 2026. APS criteria are revised — confirm the current requirements before you pay, as the fee is not returned.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the APS certificate mandatory for Indian students going to Germany?
Yes. It has been mandatory for Indian student visa applicants since 1 November 2022, and the visa is refused without it. There is only one APS office in India, at the German Embassy in New Delhi.
How much does the APS certificate cost and how long does it take?
The fee is ₹18,000, about €160, and it is non-refundable. Processing normally takes 3 to 4 weeks, but can stretch to three months in peak season, or 6 to 10 weeks if an interview or university verification is needed.
What are the new APS rules for 2026?
From 15 March 2026 the Anabin criteria require at least 70% of the maximum achievable marks in Class XII, whatever the board. A Digital Master Test certificate is also being introduced for selected master's applicants in engineering, commerce, finance, economics, business and management from the Summer Semester 2027 intake.
Is education really free in Germany?
Most public universities charge no tuition fee — only a small semester contribution. You still need to cover living costs, shown via a blocked account for the visa.
Do I need to know German to study in Germany?
Not always. Many master's programs are taught fully in English. German is helpful for daily life, part-time work and German-taught courses.