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Overview of Requirements for Indian Students

Requirements can vary from one institution to another; however, here are the general things asked for by students.

Who Can Apply to Study in Germany from India?

Basically, anyone can apply. The most important thing is to check the course requirements for the specific university programme you want to study. You need to determine the field of study you're interested in, then choose the location and university.

There are no special restrictions beyond meeting the university’s admission criteria and the standard visa requirements, such as opening a Blocked Account and submitting the necessary documents.

General Eligibility and Academic Prerequisites

Eligibility to study in Germany as an Indian student depends on the chosen programme. Each university has its own specific requirements. However, some general requirements are consistent across most institutions.

If you are planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in Germany, you will need a school leaving certificate that qualifies you for higher education in Germany.

By filling out the form on the Anabin database, you can find out whether you are eligible to apply directly or if you need to first complete a preparatory course called Studienkolleg.

You will also need the APS Certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle), issued by the Academic Evaluation Center. This certificate is mandatory for prospective students from India, China, and Vietnam.

It verifies that your academic qualifications meet German standards. For Indian students, the cost of obtaining this certificate is €225, and it typically takes up to six weeks to be issued.

Differences Between Bachelor’s and Master’s Requirements

For bachelor’s degree admissions, German universities will review your Class 12 qualifications, especially to ensure that your curriculum includes the required subjects.

For example, if you’re applying to a STEM programme, subjects like mathematics and science will be considered essential. Universities also use the Anabin database to confirm your eligibility, just as you can do yourself.

For Master’s degree admissions, your bachelor’s degree must come from a recognised Indian university and should be equivalent to a German undergraduate degree in a related field.

Depending on whether the Master’s programme is consecutive (building on your previous field of study) or non-consecutive, universities will evaluate your course content, total credit hours, and final grades.

Academic Requirements

If you want to apply to a German university, you’re probably wondering what academic requirements you need to meet. While each university sets its own criteria, there are common requirements that can help you understand what to expect.

Minimum Marks and Percentage Requirements

Technically, there is no universal cutoff that applies to all German universities in terms of minimum grades. Every university and even each programme can set its own minimum academic requirements, if any.

While some institutions do have minimum grade requirements, you will also find plenty of courses that do not impose grade cutoffs.

But, as a general rule of thumb:

• For bachelor’s degrees, the minimum required grade is often around 2.5 or 3.0, depending on how competitive the programme is.
• For master’s degrees, although there’s usually less emphasis on grades alone, a 2.5 is required.

Keep in mind that Germany uses a different grading system, which ranges from 1.0 (best) to 6.0 (lowest). To understand how your grades compare, you’ll need to use a German grade conversion calculator.

That being said, having a strong academic track record is still important. More competitive programmes are likely to expect higher grades and admit students with better academic performance.

Recognition of Indian Qualifications in Germany

Germany does not automatically recognise all Indian qualifications. The best way to check your eligibility is by consulting the Anabin database, where you can verify if your qualifications are recognised.

If your qualifications are not recognised, you may be required to complete a one-year preparatory or foundation course known as Studienkolleg before beginning a bachelor's degree. However, you may be able to skip Studienkolleg if you have completed at least one year of university or a bachelor’s degree in India.

AIU-Recognised Degrees and Their Acceptance

AIU, or the Association of Indian Universities, can play a role in determining whether your Indian degree will support the recognition of your studies in Germany. While having a degree from an AIU-recognised university generally strengthens your case, it’s important to understand that the Anabin database has the final say when it comes to recognition in Germany.

If your degree or university is not listed within the AIU, German universities may require additional documents, the completion of a bridging programme, or even the passing of an entrance test.

The most reliable and straightforward way to confirm recognition is by checking your qualifications directly in the Anabin database.

Language Requirements for Indian Students

If you are planning to study in Germany as an Indian student, there are plenty of courses available in both English and German, depending on what you choose.

Language proficiency in at least one of the languages mentioned is one of the requirements when applying to universities in Germany.

German Language Requirements for Admission

If you are applying to a programme taught in German, you will need to demonstrate your German language proficiency. Most universities require at least a B2 or C1 level, depending on the programme, and proof must be provided through a recognised certificate.

Accepted German language certificates typically include:

• TestDaF
• DSH-2
• Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or C1

Some universities may accept other certifications, but it’s essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen programme.

If you are applying for a Studienkolleg, German proficiency can be a requirement in some cases we will detail below, though usually at a lower level, such as B1 or B2.

English-Taught Programmes and IELTS/TOEFL Scores

If you are applying to a programme that is taught in English, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency. Depending on the university or programme, certain certificates are required, but in general, the following are widely accepted:

• IELTS, with a score of 6.5 or more
• TOEFL, with a score of over 80
• Cambridge English C1 (over 180) or C2

In some cases, especially for master’s programmes, you may be able to get the English test requirement waived.

This is typically possible if your previous education was entirely in English and you can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your Indian university or school confirming this.

However, this is not accepted by all universities, so you should always confirm directly with the admissions office of your chosen university.

Do Indian Students Need German for Visa or Admission?

The short answer is: it depends on the language of your study programme.

If you are applying to a programme taught in English, then German is not required: not for your admission and not for your visa.

However, if you are applying to a German-taught programme, then you will need to prove your German language proficiency and submit a valid certificate, even for your visa application.

Don’t be surprised if the visa officer asks you a few questions in German during your interview. This can happen in some cases.

However. even if you choose an English-taught programme, we still recommended you start learning German to help with daily life interactions and integrating from a social standpoint as a student in Germany.

Entrance Exams and Standardized Tests

If you are wondering whether you have to take an entrance exam when applying to a university in Germany, the good news is that Germany typically does not require entrance exams like those in India.

Most German universities evaluate your previous academic records, a motivation letter, and a CV detailing your activities, such as extra courses, clubs, or other achievements.

However, it's important to know that some programmes and universities may ask for standardized international tests, depending on the course.

Do Indian Students Need GRE or GMAT for German Universities?

In most cases, GRE or GMAT scores are not required to study in Germany. However, there are exceptions, so it's always best to check directly with the admissions office of your chosen university.

• GRE: This may be required or recommended for certain technical universities and engineering master’s programmes, especially at U9 universities.
• GMAT: This is sometimes required for MBA programmes, but usually only at private universities or institutions offering international MBA programmes in English.

Even if these tests are not mandatory, if you do have them with strong scores, submitting them as additional documents may help with improving your chances of admission.

Financial and Visa Requirements for Indian Students

Understanding and meeting both the financial and visa requirements is crucial to successfully starting your studies in Germany. These requirements can significantly impact your ability to enter the country and begin your academic journey on time.

We recommend that you thoroughly research and prepare for the financial and visa aspects of studying in Germany. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to visa rejection or delays, which may cause you to miss your university admission.

Minimum Funds Indian Students Need for Germany

Before you can apply for a German student visa, you are required to open a Blocked Account. This account proves that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany for at least one year.

As of 2025, the required amount for a Blocked Account is:

• €11,904 per year

또는

• €992 per month

You must deposit this amount in advance into a Blocked Account before your visa appointment.

Once in Germany, you will not have access to the full amount at once. Instead, the funds will be released in monthly installments into a current account, which you will need to open after arriving in Germany.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Indian Students

The Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement for all Indian students applying for a student visa to study in Germany. As mentioned earlier, it serves as proof that you can cover your living expenses for at least one year while studying.

Here’s how a Blocked Account works:

• You open a German Blocked Account before your visa appointment.
• After you deposit the required amount, the account is blocked, meaning the money cannot be accessed all at once.
• Instead, you will receive monthly installments into a current account (which you'll open after arriving in Germany) on the date you choose.
• You must include the Blocked Account confirmation in your visa application.

It is highly recommended that you open your Blocked Account 4 to 6 weeks before your visa appointment to avoid any delays.

Student Visa Process for Indian Students

The first step in the student visa process is to gather all the required documents. Being thorough and organized at this stage is essential to avoid delays or rejection. Here's a list of the documents typically required for your German student visa application:

• A valid passport, issued within the last 10 years
• A completed visa application form and declaration, available on india.diplo.de
• A declaration for additional contact and legal representation
• A copy of your passport’s data page
• A motivation letter
• The APS Certificate (Academic Evaluation Center)
• Proof of admittance to the study course or to a preparatory college (Studienkolleg)
• Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction for your course
• Certificates of all previously obtained academic qualifications
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Proof of financial means, such as your Blocked Account confirmation
• Proof of travel health insurance and long-term German health insurance

You will need to submit two identical sets of these documents along with the originals. Also, do not staple any of the documents. Use paper clips or folders instead.

After 12th: Studying in Germany for Indian Students

If you are exploring study options abroad right after completing Grade 12, Germany can be an excellent choice thanks to its strong education system, promising career prospects, and tuition-free study at public universities.

Eligibility for Bachelor's Programmes After the 12th Grade

Unfortunately, most Indian students cannot directly enrol in a German bachelor’s degree programme after completing Grade 12, even with excellent academic scores.

To become eligible for admission, you have two main options:

• Complete one year of undergraduate study at a recognised Indian university, or
• Enroll in a foundation year or preparatory college (Studienkolleg) in Germany.

Foundation Courses and Studienkolleg Requirements

Studienkolleg is a one-year foundation or preparatory course designed to help international students bridge the gap between their current education system and Germany’s university entrance standards.

These courses are specialized based on your intended field of study. Common types of foundation courses include:

• T-Kurs: Engineering, Math, and Natural Sciences
• M-Kurs: Medicine and Biology
• W-Kurs: Business and Economics
• G-Kurs: Humanities
• S-Kurs: Languages

At the end of the Studienkolleg, you must pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), a university entrance qualification exam. Passing this exam makes you eligible to apply for bachelor’s programmes across Germany.