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.
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
Call +91 94444 51810 or book a free counselling session .