In this guide
Fast answer
To study in Germany with Indian qualifications you almost always need three things before the visa: an admission letter, an APS certificate that verifies your Indian documents, and proof of funds, usually a blocked account with EUR 11,904 for the first year, from which you can withdraw up to EUR 992 a month. Public universities charge little or no tuition (Baden-Württemberg is the exception), but rent decides your budget: EUR 950–1,550 a month in Berlin, EUR 1,100–1,750 in Munich.
- Comparing countries first? Read study in Europe for Indian students.
- Want a master’s with a full scholarship? Look at Erasmus Mundus: some programmes include a German university.
- Comparing with other countries? The same steps for France, Ireland and Italy.
Germany is the most searched European destination from India, and the process is more bureaucratic than most: APS comes before the visa, and the blocked account comes before the appointment. The rules below are from the German Missions in India (page dated 16 February 2026) and APS India; city costs are from Odisea’s city guides, verified in 2026.
The order that saves months
| Step | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Shortlist programmes | Check entry requirements and teaching language on each university page | 12–10 months before |
| 2. APS certificate | APS India verifies your Indian school and university documents | Start as early as possible: processing time depends on demand and on your institutions |
| 3. Apply to universities | Directly or through uni-assist, depending on the university | Usually 8–6 months before |
| 4. Admission letter | Needed for the visa | — |
| 5. Blocked account and health insurance | Proof of funds and insurance from your arrival date | As soon as you are admitted |
| 6. Visa application | National student visa for Germany | As soon as you have the documents |
APS: what it is and who needs it
The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) in New Delhi checks that your Indian certificates are genuine and comparable. The German Missions in India say applicants with an Indian school-leaving certificate, Indian semesters or an Indian degree “almost always” need it for a student visa. It does not replace the university’s admission decision.
You may not need APS if:
- you are coming for a PhD or postdoc and your German institution does not require it;
- you hold a scholarship funded by German or EU public money that falls under the exemption rules (the Missions’ page cites EU or German public stipends);
- your relevant degree is not Indian, or your school certificate is international (for example the IB);
- you are only doing a German language course.
How to apply: check the APS India eligibility quiz and checklist for your case, register online, pay the fee (non-refundable), and send your documents by post. For some master’s fields APS has added a mandatory test, the dMAT; its next cycles are in mid-January and mid-March for the winter semester 2027/28. Check aps-india.de for your field before you plan anything else.
The blocked account
A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account you fund before you travel. The Missions currently require EUR 11,904 for the first year, with a blocking confirmation that no more than EUR 992 a month can be withdrawn. Alternatives are a formal sponsor declaration (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany, a German or EU scholarship, or proof of an education loan.
The point to remember: EUR 992 a month is the immigration threshold, not a comfortable budget. In Munich or Berlin it rarely covers rent plus food, so plan extra savings.
What it costs to live in German cities
| City | Room or student rent | Monthly budget |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | EUR 550–1,000 | EUR 950–1,550 |
| Munich | EUR 650–1,100 | EUR 1,100–1,750 |
| Cologne | EUR 450–850 | EUR 900–1,450 |
| Aachen | EUR 272–700 | EUR 850–1,300 |
| Hamburg | EUR 400–750 | — |
| Frankfurt | EUR 400–700 | — |
Student residences run by the Studierendenwerk are the cheapest option: EUR 250–450 a month in Hamburg and EUR 285–385 in Frankfurt (plus a EUR 600 deposit), but waiting lists are long. Our student residences guide explains how to get a place, and renting in Germany covers contracts, deposits and the address registration (Anmeldung) you need after arrival.
Tuition. Most public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution that often includes a transport ticket. Baden-Württemberg is the exception: it charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester. Private universities charge full fees, and the visa requires proof that they are paid or deposited.
Visa documents from India
The German Missions in India list these for a national student visa:
- passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages;
- school-leaving certificate or previous degree, with mark sheets for every semester;
- language certificate: C1 in German or English for direct bachelor’s or master’s study (B1 German or B2 English for a preparatory course);
- APS certificate, or anabin/ZAB recognition if you are exempt;
- admission letter from a full-time German university, Studienkolleg or language course;
- motivation letter and a CV in table form, in English or German;
- proof of funds (blocked account, sponsor declaration, scholarship or loan);
- health insurance from your arrival date.
Accepted English certificates include IELTS. The Missions do not accept Duolingo, Pearson PTE or the TOEFL home edition in India, so check before you book a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APS mandatory for Indian students in Germany?
Almost always, if your school or university documents are Indian. Exemptions include PhD or postdoc candidates whose institution does not require it, holders of German or EU public scholarships, and people with non-Indian or international qualifications.
How much money do I need in a blocked account for Germany?
EUR 11,904 for the first year, with a maximum withdrawal of EUR 992 a month (German Missions in India, February 2026). Check the Missions’ page on the day you apply, because the amount is updated.
Is studying in Germany free for Indian students?
Tuition at most public universities is free apart from a semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester, and private universities charge full fees. Living costs are your main expense.
What is the cost of living in Germany for Indian students?
Between about EUR 850 and EUR 1,750 a month depending on the city: Aachen and Cologne are at the lower end, Munich at the top. Rent is the biggest item.
Which English test does the German embassy in India accept?
IELTS and certificates from ALTE members are accepted. Duolingo, Pearson PTE and the TOEFL home edition are not accepted for visas in India.
Can I work while studying in Germany?
Students from outside the EU can work part-time under German residence rules, but the visa requires you to prove your living costs without that income. Do not count on a job to pay rent in the first months.