Study Spectra

Study in Germany: admission, blocked account and visa

Public and private universities, tuition rules, APS and uni-assist, the blocked account and the national study visa, with DAAD and official sources linked. The page explains the student visa steps, requirements, intakes and post-study options, and links to the official sources.

Germany has a large number of English-taught and German-taught programmes, and many public universities charge little or no tuition. The practical hurdles are admission requirements for Indian degrees, a blocked-account proof of funds, and visa appointment availability.

Student visa: National visa for study. Who decides: German embassies and consulates, and the university's admissions office.

Often a good fit for: Students who plan early, have a strong academic record in the target subject and are prepared to meet language and document-certification requirements.

Why students consider Germany

• Public universities generally charge low or no tuition for most programmes, though semester contributions apply and some states charge non-EU students.
• Many English-taught master's programmes.
• A residence permit that lets graduates stay to look for work after the degree.

Student visa steps

1. Check the programme's admission rules and language requirements on the university site and on DAAD. Applications go to the university or to uni-assist.
2. If required for your country, obtain the academic evaluation certificate the university asks for (APS India for Indian applicants).
3. Receive the admission letter, open the blocked account and arrange health insurance.
4. Book the visa appointment, prepare the national visa application and attend the appointment.
5. After arriving, register your address, enrol at the university and apply for the residence permit.

What you will usually need

• Admission letter from a German higher-education institution.
• Proof of funds, commonly through a blocked account.
• Health insurance valid in Germany.
• Language evidence: German for German-taught programmes, English for English-taught ones.
• Certified copies and translations of academic documents where required.
• Academic evaluation certificate for applicants from India, where the university requires it.

Funds and costs

The blocked-account amount is set annually by the German authorities. It was around €11,900 per year at the last check, and it may have been revised. Public universities charge a semester contribution, and some states such as Baden-Württemberg charge tuition to non-EU students. Private universities charge fees.

Language and tests

English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL. German-taught programmes ask for a German test such as TestDaF or DSH. Each university sets its own minimum levels.

Intakes and timing

Winter semester (starting in October) is the main intake, with a summer semester (starting in April) for some programmes. Deadlines are often between January and July, and some are earlier.

After your studies

Graduates can apply for a residence permit to look for work related to their degree for a limited period. Check the current rules on the official sources.

Common things that go wrong

• Visa appointment waits can be long. Start early and check availability.
• Do not rely on third-party sites for blocked-account amounts. Use the official amount.
• Some programmes have fixed application windows. Missing one can mean waiting a whole year.

Official sources

• DAAD: study in Germany
• Make it in Germany: study
• Federal Foreign Office: visa service
• uni-assist
• APS India

Information only. It is not legal or immigration advice and it does not guarantee admission or a visa. Confirm every requirement on the official source.