Key Highlights
- Germany is a premier choice for international students, offering quality education at public universities with low or no tuition fees.
- Numerous programs are taught in English, ensuring accessibility for those with strong English proficiency.
- The education system emphasizes academic excellence, practical skills, and global career opportunities.
- Indian students benefit from strong support systems and robust student communities.
- Affordable living expenses, supported by the blocked account mandate, make studying in Germany feasible.
- A streamlined student visa process and work visa opportunities after graduation make Germany
Introduction
If you’re planning to study abroad after 12th, Germany should be at the top of your list. Known for its world-class universities, affordable education, and strong job market, Germany is attracting thousands of Indian students every year. In fact, the number of Indian students in Germany is expected to cross 114,000 by 2030 (Times of India, 2024).
So, what makes Germany so popular for undergraduate studies? Let’s find out.
Why Should You Study in Germany?
✅ Top-ranked universities – German public universities offer research-driven, globally recognized degrees that compete with the Ivy League.
✅ Affordable or free tuition – Most public universities charge little to no tuition fees, only a nominal semester contribution.
✅ High employability – The average starting salary after graduation ranges between €65,000–€85,000/year (₹60–75 lakhs/year).
✅ Booming industries – Germany has high demand in IT, Finance, Engineering, Consulting, and Healthcare.
✅ EU access for work across Europe: Study in Germany, work across Europe– A German degree opens doors to the entire EU job market.
✅ Safe and student-friendly – Germany consistently ranks among the safest countries for international students.
Indian Students in Germany Trend (Source: Times of India, 2024)
According to the Times of India, the number of Indian students in Germany is expected to grow by 298% between 2021 and 2030.
| Year | Indian Students in Germany |
| 2021 | 28,773 |
| 2023 | ~39,600 |
| 2024 | 46,086 |
| 2025 | 53,634 |
| 2030* | 114,499 |
*Projected
This trend marks India as the fastest-growing international student group in Germany.
Popular Cities to Study in Germany
Not sure where to go? Here are the best student cities in Germany with their specialties:
| City | Why It’s Great for Students |
| Munich | Home to Technical University of Munich (TUM), perfect for engineering, tech, and business students. Modern city life with a mix of culture and innovation. |
| Berlin | Known for Humboldt University & Freie Universität Berlin, it’s a hub for arts, social sciences, and startups. Affordable living compared to other European capitals. |
| Heidelberg | Germany’s oldest university town with Heidelberg University, best for humanities, medicine, and life sciences. Charming and historic. |
| Aachen | Famous for RWTH Aachen University, ideal for engineering and applied sciences students. Close to Belgium & the Netherlands. |
| Stuttgart | A strong base for automotive engineering with companies like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Great for mechanical and industrial engineering students. |
| Frankfurt | Known as the financial hub of Germany, perfect for students in business, finance, and economics. |
| Hamburg | Offers top programs in media, logistics, and maritime studies. A lively city with lots of cultural activities. |
Wherever you go, you’ll find student communities, Indian associations, and cultural events to help you feel at home.
What Are Popular Courses for Indian Students in Germany
Indian students choose a wide variety of bachelor’s programs in Germany, but the most in-demand fields are:
- Engineering & Technology – Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Robotics, Computer Science
- Business & Management – International Business, Economics, Finance
- Health & Life Sciences – Biotechnology, Medicine (more common at postgraduate level)
- Natural Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science
- Social Sciences & Humanities – Political Science, Psychology, International Relations
- Creative Fields – Architecture, Design, Media Studies
Why are these courses popular? Because they align with Germany’s booming industries, giving you better job opportunities after graduation.
How Can Indian Students Get Admission For Studies in Germany?
If you want to study in Germany after 12th, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Eligibility for Indian students
- Germany follows a 13-year school system.
- After Indian Class 12, you need one additional year of study (like 1 year of college) OR
- Class 12 + JEE Main & Advanced scores OR
- Class 12 + Studienkolleg (1-year preparatory course) + FSP exam.
✅ Language requirements
- Most undergraduate courses are taught in German, so you’ll need B2 or C1 level proficiency.
- Accepted exams: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat.
- Some programs are taught in English, but German is highly recommended for better integration and jobs.
✅ APS Certificate
- Mandatory for all Indian students to prove your academic qualifications.
✅ Application process
- Choose your universities & programs
- Prepare documents (transcripts, APS certificate, language scores, SOP)
- Apply via Uni-Assist or directly to the university
- Wait for your admission letter
- Apply for a student visa
✅ Intakes
- Winter semester: October (most popular)
- Summer semester: April
List of Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students
Good news! You don’t always have to rely on personal savings or any personal loan. There are fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Germany such as:
- DAAD Scholarships – Covers tuition (if any), living expenses, and health insurance.
- Deutschlandstipendium – Merit-based scholarship of €300/month.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships – For students with excellent academic performance.
- Heinrich Böll Scholarships – For students focused on sustainability and social engagement.
Mentora helps you identify and apply for these scholarships to reduce your financial burden.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Germany offers a 18-month post-study work visa so you can find a job after graduation. Once you secure employment, you can apply for a EU Blue Card, which leads to permanent residency (PR) within a few years.
With booming industries like IT, engineering, renewable energy, and finance, graduates from German universities are in high demand.
Best Universities in Germany vs India – QS Ranking Snapshot
QS Ranking Comparison: Germany vs India (Top Public/Private Institutions)
| University | QS Rank | Founded | Sem Fee (€) | Total Fee (₹) (8 Sems/4 Years) |
| TUM | 28 | 1868 | €2000–3000 | ₹6.8L – ₹10.2L |
| LMU Munich | 59 | 1472 | €375 | ₹1.68L |
| Heidelberg | 84 | 1385 | €1500 (tuition) | ₹6.8L |
| RWTH Aachen | 99 | 1870 | €300 | ₹1.34L |
| Humboldt Univ. | 126 | 1810 | €315 | ₹1.41L |
| TU Berlin | 147 | 1879 | €320 | ₹1.43L |
| Univ. of Hamburg | 205 | 1919 | €335 | ₹1.5L |
| Univ. of Bonn | 239 | 1818 | €300 | ₹1.34L |
| Univ. of Gottingen | 252 | 1734 | €400 | ₹1.78L |
| Freie Univ. Berlin | 98 | 1948 | €250 | ₹1.12L |
Note: €1 = ₹89 INR (approx. as of 2025)
🌟 QS Ranking of Top Indian Universities (Public & Private)
| Institution | QS Global Rank 2026 | Estimated UG Fees (4 years) |
| IIT Bombay | 118 | ₹9–10L |
| IIT Delhi | 150 | ₹9–10L |
| IIT Madras | 227 | ₹8–10L |
| IIT Kanpur | 263 | ₹8–10L |
| IIT Kharagpur | 271 | ₹9–11L |
| University of Delhi | 328 | ₹60K–2L |
| IIT Roorkee | 335 | ₹8–10L |
| VIT Vellore (Private) | 691 | ₹7–8L |
| BITS Pilani (Private) | 801–850 | ₹18–20L |
| Amity/Thapar (Private) | 951–1000 | ₹12–18L |
How Mentora Overseas Helps You Succeed
Navigating the process of studying in Germany for Indian students can be overwhelming – but you don’t have to do it alone. Mentora Overseas is one of the leading study in Germany consultants in India, offering:
- Early career guidance – Ideal for students planning from 9th–12th grade
- Profile building – Language prep, co-curriculars, portfolio development
- University shortlisting – Tailored to your goals and budget
- Scholarship guidance – Help with fully funded and merit-based options
- Application & visa support – End-to-end documentation assistance
- Pre-departure help – Accommodation search, travel checklist, and more
We’ll handhold you from your first counselling session to your first day in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most in-demand courses in Germany for Indian students?
Indian students want to learn engineering, computer science, business administration, and data science in Germany more now. This is because the job market in Germany is very strong for these fields. People who finish these programs can get really good career opportunities in Germany and in other countries too. Indian students know that companies need these skills, so they decide to follow these paths for a better future.
Do I need to know German to study in Germany?
Knowing German can be good, but you do not have to know it to study in Germany. There are many colleges in the country that offer classes in English. Still, learning some basic German can help you a lot. It can make your time in Germany better and help you feel part of the local culture and community.
How do I apply for scholarships as an Indian student?
To apply for scholarships as an Indian student in Germany, you need to look for the different options, such as DAAD scholarships. First, gather all the required documents. Make sure you meet both the academic and language rules for the scholarship. Fill out your applications on time. Show your best achievements, as this will help your chances of getting selected.
Can Indian students work part-time while studying in Germany?
Yes, Indian students with a student visa can work part-time in Germany while they study. They are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days each year. This can help with their finances and also give them good work experience in their field of study.
What are the post-study work opportunities for Indian graduates in Germany?
Indian graduates in Germany can look for many work options after their studies. They can apply for the 18-month job-seeking visa. Many of them get jobs in engineering, IT, business, and healthcare. If you network at the university or go to industry events, you can get better job chances. It also helps to know German.
