How to Study in Germany: Complete Guide

Why Germany attracts international students

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, with a large network of public and private universities and many degree programmes taught in English at master's level. Most public universities are state-funded, which keeps the cost of study low compared with many other countries.

This guide walks through the main steps in order — understanding costs, getting your documents ready (including the APS certificate for some applicants), choosing a programme, applying, and arranging your student visa. Treat it as a roadmap; the exact rules, fees, and deadlines are set by each university and the German authorities, so always confirm them on the official sources linked below.

Tuition and the semester contribution

At most public universities in Germany there is no tuition fee for undergraduate and many master's programmes — and importantly, this applies to international students as well, not only German or EU students. However, students still pay a "semester contribution" (Semesterbeitrag) each semester, which typically covers administration and student-services costs and often a local public-transport pass.

There is an important exception: the state of Baden-Württemberg charges a tuition fee per semester for students from outside the EU/EEA at its public universities. Private universities set their own (usually higher) fees. Exact amounts vary by university and state and change over time, so verify the current semester contribution and any tuition fee on the official source before you budget.

• Most public universities: no tuition for international students, but a semester contribution applies
• Baden-Württemberg: a per-semester tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students (verify the current figure)
• Private universities set their own fees

The APS certificate (required for Indian applicants)

Applicants from certain countries, including India, must obtain an APS certificate (from the Akademische Prüfstelle, the Academic Evaluation Centre) before applying to German universities or for a student visa. The APS verifies your previous academic documents.

Because the APS requirement and procedure are country-specific and can change, check the German diplomatic mission or APS page for your country for the current process, documents, and fee. This is general information, not immigration advice — always verify on the official government source.

Finding a programme and checking entry requirements

Start by searching official course databases to find programmes that match your field and language of instruction. For each programme, read the entry requirements carefully — these typically include your previous qualification, a language certificate (German or English depending on the programme), and sometimes a standardised test or a portfolio.

Whether your Indian school-leaving or bachelor's qualification gives you direct entry depends on how it is recognised in Germany. Some applicants need a foundation pathway (Studienkolleg) first — see the companion guide on whether you need a Studienkolleg.

Applying: uni-assist or directly

German universities receive applications in two main ways. Many use uni-assist, a central service that checks and forwards international applications on behalf of member universities; others accept applications directly through their own portal. Always check on the specific university's page which route applies, because it is not the same for every institution.

uni-assist charges a handling fee per application. The exact fee, accepted documents, and deadlines are published on uni-assist.de and on each university's admissions page — confirm them there before you submit. See the companion uni-assist application guide for the step-by-step process.

Student visa and next steps

Once you hold an admission or sometimes a conditional offer, students from outside the EU/EEA generally need to apply for a national (long-stay) student visa at the German mission in their country, and later a residence permit after arrival. Typical requirements include proof of admission, proof of sufficient funds (often via a blocked account), health insurance, and the APS certificate where required.

Visa rules, financial-proof amounts, and processing differ by country and change over time. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify the current requirements on the official German government source (Federal Foreign Office / make-it-in-germany.de) before you act.