Germany | GoAbroadly

Why Germany

Why Germany is one of the most underrated study destinations for Indian students

Germany offers something virtually no other top study destination does: world class university education at public institutions with zero tuition fees for international students. Most German public universities charge only a semester fee of EUR 100 to 350 to cover administrative costs. For a degree from a country with nine Nobel Prize winning universities in 2024 alone, that is an extraordinary value proposition.

After graduation, Germany offers an 18 month Job Seeker Visa to find employment, followed by the EU Blue Card for skilled workers, and a pathway to Permanent Residency in as little as 21 months for Blue Card holders. The catch is that most programmes at top universities are taught in German, though English taught programmes are growing rapidly.

Typical Costs for Indian Students

Student Visa Fee	EUR 75
Blocked Account (per year)	EUR 11,208
Semester fee (public university)	EUR 100 to 350
Private university tuition per year	EUR 10,000 to 25,000
Living costs per month	EUR 850 to 1,300
Health insurance per month	EUR 80 to 110

Get a Free Estimate

01

Free Tuition at Public Universities

Most German public universities charge no tuition at all for international students, only a semester fee of EUR 100 to 350.

02

EU Blue Card

Germany's EU Blue Card gives non-EU skilled workers a fast track to permanent residency in just 21 to 33 months depending on salary.

03

18 Month Job Seeker Visa

After graduating from a German university, you can stay for 18 months on a Job Seeker Visa to find employment without needing a job offer first.

04

Engineering and Technology Hub

Germany is home to globally respected engineering universities like TU Munich and RWTH Aachen, and is a major hub for automotive, industrial, and software companies.

05

Central European Location

Study in Germany and travel visa-free across 26 Schengen countries. Germany's central location makes it ideal for exploring all of Europe.

06

Growing English Programmes

Over 1,700 English taught programmes are now available at German universities, particularly at the masters level, making the language barrier less of an obstacle.

Visa Routes

Visa routes for
germany

Primary Route

Student Visa (National Visa D)

The National Visa D is the entry visa for international students heading to Germany. It is converted into a student residence permit at the Auslanderbehorde after arriving in Germany.

Valid for study at a recognised German higher education institution
Requires a blocked account of EUR 11,208 per year
Work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year
Convertible to a residence permit on arrival in Germany
Valid initially for 1 to 2 years, renewable until graduation

Get Guidance

Post Study

Job Seeker Visa (18 Months)

The 18 month Job Seeker Visa gives German graduates ample time to find a qualified job. Once you secure employment, you convert to an employment visa or EU Blue Card.

Stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation
Available to graduates of German and foreign universities
No work permit required during the job search period
Convert to employment visa once you receive a job offer
Health insurance required throughout the stay

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Skilled Work

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is the premier work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals in Germany. It is the fastest route to German Permanent Residency and is widely used by Indian IT and engineering professionals.

Requires a university degree and a job offer meeting minimum salary
Minimum gross salary of EUR 45,300 per year (2024)
Lower threshold of EUR 35,100 for shortage occupations
PR eligibility in 21 months with B1 German, 33 months otherwise
Bring family under favourable family reunification rules

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Language Study

Language Course Visa

Many Indian students use a language course visa to complete an intensive German language programme or Studienkolleg foundation year before starting their degree programme.

For preparatory language courses before degree admission
Valid for up to 12 months for intensive language study
Required for Studienkolleg (foundation year) entry
Can be converted to student visa after course completion
Blocked account requirement still applies

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Step by Step

How the process
actually works

01

University Application

Apply to German universities directly or through uni-assist, the central application portal for international students. Most top programmes have January and July deadlines.

02

Open Blocked Account

Open a German blocked account (Sperrkonto) with EUR 11,208 to prove financial sufficiency. Providers include Fintiba, Expatrio, and Deutsche Bank.

03

Student Visa Application

Apply at the German Consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, or Bangalore with your admission letter, blocked account proof, and full document set.

04

Arrive and Register

Land in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days, and convert your entry visa to a student residence permit at the local Auslanderbehorde.

FAQs

Germany
questions answered

Still have questions? Book a free call and speak to Saurabh directly. No sales pitch, just honest answers.

Ask Us Anything

Are German public universities really free for Indian students?+

Yes. Most German public universities charge no tuition fees for international students, only a semester administration fee of EUR 100 to 350. This covers public transport in the city too.

Do I need to speak German to study in Germany?+

Not necessarily. Over 1,700 programmes are fully taught in English, particularly at the masters level. However, knowing German significantly improves your job prospects and social experience.

What is a blocked account and why do I need it?+

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a German bank account where you deposit EUR 11,208 to prove you can support yourself for a year. You can withdraw EUR 934 per month after arriving in Germany.

How long can I stay in Germany after graduation to find a job?+

You can stay for up to 18 months on a Job Seeker Visa to find qualified employment. During this period you can work up to 10 hours per week.

What is the EU Blue Card and how do I qualify?+

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU citizens. You need a recognised university degree and a job offer with a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 45,300.

Can I apply to German universities without a German language test?+

For English taught programmes, yes. Most English medium programmes require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ instead of German language certification.

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