Academic Requirements: You'll need a school/college certificate equivalent to the German Abitur or a recognised bachelor’s degree; specific GPA, grades, and subjects depend on the university/program.
Language Proficiency :
German-taught programs: Usually need B1–B2 level, with some universities requiring C1.
English-taught programs: Generally need IELTS ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL ≥ 90 (varies by uni).
Study Gap Acceptance:
Short gaps (1–2 years) are widely accepted.
Gaps of 2–3 years require solid justification (work, volunteering, internships).
Longer gaps (3+ years) may still be accepted if well-explained with documentation.
Other Requirements:
Blocked account (~€992/month or ~₹90,000/month) to prove financial readiness.
Valid health insurance and visa.
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Engineering, Technology & Business
2. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU) – Arts, Science, Medicine.
3. Heidelberg University – medicine, natural sciences.
4. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - Engineering & Natural Sciences
5. RWTH Aachen University – Mechanical & Computer Science
6. Freie Universität Berlin – Humanities, Social Sciences
7. Humboldt University Berlin – Arts & Social Sciences
8. Technische Universität Berlin – Engineering, Computer Science
9. University of Bonn – Comprehensive strengths
10. University of Freiburg – Broad-spectrum excellence
PROS:
Tuition fees covered – Even public universities have near-zero tuition, scholarships help pennies-earn.
Networking & prestige – DAAD-backed awards enhance CV and global connections.
Stipends + extras – Often include monthly allowances, travel, research grants.
CONS:
Competitive selection – High GPA, strong motivation, and proposals needed.
Administrative burden – Requires essays, references, visa-proof blocking funds.
Time-consuming – Deadlines vary; some only open several months before term.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) for all levels (undergrad to PhD).
University-specific (e.g., University of Mannheim offers internal scholarships).
Foundations & organizations (Erasmus+, Heinrich Böll, Konrad Adenauer).
Expenses Cost (Approx.)
Rent: INR 25k - 60k
Food & Groceries - INR 13k - 21k
Transport - INR 1,700 - 8,500
Internet / phone - INR 1,700 - 3,400
Study Materials - INR 1,700 - 4,250
Leisure - INR 2,550 - 8,500
Health insurance - 6,800 - 10,200
TOTAL INR 53k - 115k
High-quality & affordable education – World-class public universities, many teaching-free for internationals.
Global rankings & reputation – Strong international standing and industry ties.
Post-study work – Graduates get 18-month residence permit to seek jobs.
Research & innovation – Leading-edge in engineering, sciences, innovation.
Cost-effective living – Student life affordable, especially outside major cities.
Travel gateway – Well-connected to Europe; students enjoy convenient travel.
Non-EU students: up to 120 full days or 240 half-days/year. During term: max 20 hrs/week. Vacations: full-time allowed.
140 full /280 half-days limit also cited; typical cap is similar.
Income: Mini-jobs (≤€538/month) are tax-exempt. Regular part-time taxed but often recoverable via annual filing. Minimum wage ~€12/hr.
Benefits: Earn extra cash, gain German work experience, offset living costs.