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Study in Germany from India
Mostly tuition-free public universities, a blocked account for living costs, and 18 months to find a job after graduating.
Checked on official sites · 14 Oct 2026Visa
National (D) study visa
Visa fee
EUR 75 (about INR 8,300)
Blocked account
EUR 11,904/yr (EUR 992/mo)
After graduation
18-month job-search permit
Intakes
Winter semester (starting around October) and summer semester (starting around April). Not every course admits in both.
National (D) visa for study purposes: step by step
- Get admission from a state-recognised university (through uni-assist or directly)
- Get an APS certificate (usually needed for Indian qualifications)
- Open a blocked account of EUR 11,904 and arrange health insurance from your arrival date
- Get your language certificate
- Apply on the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de/visa) and upload your documents
- Attend your appointment at the mission responsible for your state
- After arriving, register your address within 2 weeks and apply for a residence permit
The embassy doesn't publish processing times, so apply early. Since 1 Jan 2024 a refusal in India can only be challenged in court in Berlin (no remonstration).
Fees and money you need to show
- Visa fees
- EUR 75 (about INR 8,300) for applicants over 18, paid in INR and not refunded. The service provider charges an extra service fee.
- Proof of funds
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto) of EUR 11,904 a year, releasing up to EUR 992 a month. A scholarship or a formal declaration of commitment can be used instead.
- Tuition
- Most public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution of about EUR 100–350. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester, and TU Munich charges non-EU students EUR 2,000–6,000 per semester. Private universities charge more.
Work, English and family
- Work while studying
- 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or up to 20 hours a week (Make it in Germany). Student assistant jobs at the university don't count.
- After graduation
- Residence permit to look for a qualified job: up to 18 months, during which you can take any job. You can then move to a skilled-worker permit or EU Blue Card.
- English tests
- Language proof is generally C1 for degree study. German-taught courses accept DSH, TestDaF, telc C1 Hochschule, DSD II or Goethe C2; English-taught courses usually need IELTS. The embassy in India doesn't accept Duolingo, PTE or TOEFL Home Edition for the visa.
Recent changes
- 2026: blocked account remains EUR 11,904 a year (EUR 992 a month).
- 1 Jan 2024: remonstration against refusals abolished in India.
- Student visas in India are applied for through the Consular Services Portal.