Masters in Germany for Indian Students
Tuition-free master's at public universities
Take the first step towards your masters in Germany
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A masters in Germany offers something few countries can match: a respected, research-led degree at a public university with little or no tuition fee. Germany also has more than a thousand English-taught master’s programmes and an 18-month job-seeker permit after graduation. The catch is that admissions are strict about academic fit and paperwork. This page explains everything Indian students need for a masters in Germany in 2027: universities, courses, costs, eligibility, APS, intakes and visa.
Quick answer: Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition for a master’s, only a semester contribution of €100 to €400. You need a related bachelor’s degree with good grades, IELTS 6.5 for English-taught programmes, an APS certificate, and a blocked account of €11,904 for one year of living costs. A two-year masters in Germany costs about ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh in total for most students.
Why do a masters in Germany?
- Low or no tuition: public universities in most states do not charge tuition fees for master’s programmes.
- Strong in engineering and technology: Germany’s technical universities are closely linked to industry.
- English-taught programmes: you can study many subjects without German, though basic German helps with jobs.
- Work while you study: students can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year.
- 18-month job-seeker permit: after graduation, you can stay to look for work, then move to an EU Blue Card or work permit.
Our study in Germany page covers the education system and student life, and our guide to free education in Germany explains exactly what “free” covers.
Top universities for a masters in Germany
| University | Known for | Tuition for non-EU students |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Engineering, computer science, management | Charges tuition to non-EU students (amount varies by programme) |
| RWTH Aachen University | Mechanical, automotive, electrical engineering | No tuition; semester contribution only |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | Engineering, physics, informatics | €1,500 per semester (Baden-Württemberg) |
| TU Berlin and Humboldt University | Engineering, computer science, humanities | No tuition; semester contribution only |
| TU Dresden | Engineering, materials, life sciences | No tuition; semester contribution only |
| LMU Munich | Sciences, economics, medicine-related fields | No tuition for most programmes; semester contribution only |
| University of Stuttgart, Heidelberg University | Engineering (Stuttgart), sciences (Heidelberg) | €1,500 per semester (Baden-Württemberg) |
Universities of applied sciences (Hochschulen) are another strong option, with practical courses and often more flexible entry for 3-year degrees. See our list of public universities in Germany with no tuition fees.
Popular master's courses in Germany
- MSc Mechanical, Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering
- MSc Computer Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy
- MSc Industrial Engineering and Management
- MBA and Master in Management (MIM)
- MSc Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Our guide to high-demand masters programs in Germany covers job prospects by field, and our MBA in Germany page covers management options.
Masters in Germany tuition and living costs
| Expense | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition at most public universities | €0 |
| Semester contribution | €100 to €400 per semester, often including a public transport ticket |
| Tuition in Baden-Württemberg | €1,500 per semester for non-EU students |
| Private universities | €10,000 to €30,000 per year |
| Living costs | €950 to €1,200 per month; more in Munich |
| Health insurance | About €140 per month for students under 30 |
| Blocked account for the visa | €11,904 for one year (€992 per month) |
For a city-wise breakdown, see living cost in Germany for Indian students.
Eligibility, APS and documents
Academic fit
German universities compare the subjects you studied with what the master’s programme needs. You need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a closely related field. Many programmes ask for 210 or 240 ECTS, which matches a 4-year B.Tech or B.E.; 3-year degrees (about 180 ECTS) are accepted by many, but not all, programmes. Competitive universities usually expect a German grade of 2.5 or better.
Language
- English-taught programmes: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 to 95
- German-taught programmes: TestDaF level 4, DSH-2 or Goethe C1
APS certificate and dMAT
Indian applicants need an APS certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre in New Delhi before applying for a German student visa, and many universities ask for it with the application. From the Summer 2027 intake, APS India has added a digital Master’s Admission Test (dMAT) for applicants in engineering, commerce and management. Read our APS certificate guide for the current process.
Documents
- Degree certificate, transcripts and module descriptions
- APS certificate
- IELTS or TOEFL score
- Europass-style CV and a programme-specific motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT where the programme asks for it
Our detailed guide to masters in Germany requirements goes through each item.
Intakes and deadlines
| Intake | Classes begin | Typical application window |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2027 | March to April 2027 | October 2026 to 15 January 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 (main) | October 2027 | December 2026 to 31 May 2027; some close in January for non-EU applicants |
Complete APS and IELTS three to four months before your first deadline. Many universities process applications through uni-assist, and the DAAD programme database lists English-taught courses with their exact requirements.
Scholarships for a masters in Germany
- DAAD scholarships: including programmes for development-related postgraduate courses, which usually need work experience.
- Deutschlandstipendium: €300 a month, awarded by universities based on merit.
- Foundation scholarships: such as Heinrich Böll and Konrad Adenauer foundations.
- Erasmus Mundus: fully funded joint master’s degrees that include a German university.
Student visa, part-time work and stay-back
Apply for a national (D) student visa through VFS with your admission letter, APS certificate, blocked account confirmation, health insurance and the €75 fee. Book your appointment as soon as you have an admission letter, as slots fill quickly before each intake.
- Work while studying: 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
- After graduation: an 18-month residence permit to look for a job.
- Long-term: move to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit once you have a qualifying job offer.
Our visa support team helps with blocked accounts, insurance and VFS appointments.
How EDBGO helps with your masters in Germany
- Checking your degree and credits against each programme before you apply
- Shortlisting public universities and universities of applied sciences
- APS, uni-assist and direct university applications
- Motivation letter and CV guidance
- Blocked account, insurance and visa documents
Frequently asked questions
Is a masters in Germany free for Indian students?
At most public universities, yes. You pay only a semester contribution of €100 to €400. Universities in Baden-Württemberg charge non-EU students €1,500 per semester, TU Munich charges tuition to non-EU students, and private universities charge full fees.
How much does a masters in Germany cost in total?
About ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh for a two-year programme at a public university, mostly for living costs. Private universities cost more.
Can I do a masters in Germany after a 3-year degree?
Yes, at many universities, especially universities of applied sciences. Programmes that require 210 or 240 ECTS will not accept a 3-year degree on its own.
Is IELTS required for a masters in Germany?
For English-taught programmes, most universities ask for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL around 90. A few accept a medium of instruction certificate.
Do I need to know German?
Not for English-taught programmes. Basic German (A2 to B1) is still strongly recommended for part-time jobs, daily life and full-time work after graduation.
How long can I stay in Germany after my masters?
You can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work. Once you have a qualifying job, you can switch to an EU Blue Card or a work permit.
Want to know which German universities you are eligible for? Share your degree and marks with EDBGO for a free assessment.
