Germany is a top choice for undergraduate studies because of its quality education, diverse culture, and practical learning. Indians now are the largest group of international students enrolled in German universities. As per the latest figures by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the number of Indian students in Germany has grown from last year. Currently, in the winter semester of 2023-2024, 49,483 students are enrolled in German universities.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
| Minimum duration | 3 years |
| Course Curriculum | Varies depending on the course |
| Credit system | Typically, 30 ECTS credits per semester and 180-240 total credits |
| Grading system | 1.0-1.5: very good, 1.6-2.5: good, 2.6-3.5: satisfactory, 3.6-4.0: sufficient, 4.1-5.0: insufficient or fail |
| Eligibility criteria | Secondary school certificate, German language proficiency (TestDaF or DSH), some programs may require entrance exams |
| Key benefits | Low to no tuition fee, reasonable cost of living, high employability due to focus on practical training |
| Academic year | 2025-26 |
| Top colleges | Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Heidelberg University |
| Popular courses | Engineering, computer science, natural sciences |
Top Colleges for UG in Germany
Germany is home to several prestigious universities renowned for their undergraduate programs.
| Best Universities in Germany | QS Ranking | Details |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 37 | TUM is ranked among top universities across the world and has strong connections and research opportunities. Known for its engineering, computer science, and natural science programs. |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | 54 | One of Germany’s oldest universities, LMU offers various programs like social sciences, humanities, and medicine. |
| Heidelberg University | 87 | It is the oldest university, respected for its law, medical, and natural sciences programs focussing on academic excellence and research. |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 120 | Known for its contributions to innovation and research. Humboldt is popular for arts, humanities, and social sciences programs located in Berlin. |
| University of Freiburg | 172 | It offers life sciences and environmental studies programs with an excellent academic environment. It is appealing to students interested in sustainability and social sciences. |
Why Study UG In Germany?
- Low to no tuition fees: Many public universities in Germany offer tuition free education, making Germany an affordable choice compared to other countries.
- Cost of living: Students in Germany benefit from lower and reasonable living costs while other countries have high costs and living expenses.
- Top-ranked globally reputed universities: Germany offers high-quality education with many universities ranked in the global top 100 like Technical University of Munich and Heidelberg University.
- International student friendly: Germany is ranked as the third most popular destination for international students. It has a diverse, multicultural environment with over 12% international students.
- Travel Europe on a Student Visa: With a German students visa, you have the opportunity to travel freely within the Schengen Area and explore Europe.
- High Employability: German universities focus on practical training which leads to high employment rates for graduates in IT, business, and engineering industries.
- Learning a New Languagel: Studying in Germany offers you an opportunity to learn German, an important language in global business and technology.
Admission Checklist for UG in Germany
Here is a simple checklist to make your admission process easier:
| Step | Details |
| Research Universities | Identify and shortlist universities and programs aligned with your interests and future plans. |
| Check Deadlines and Eligibility Criteria | Make a note of application deadlines and the eligibility criteria for each university and course. |
| Prepare Documents | Gather relevant documents like your secondary school certificate, SOP, LOR and any other required documents. |
| Take Required Tests | Schedule and take German language proficiency tests (TestDaF or DSH) and any other necessary tests. Some universities may require you to give entrance exams. |
| Submit Applications | Fill out online application forms and upload all relevant documents to respective university portals. You can also apply on the centralised admission portal (www.uni-assist.de) run by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), although not all universities use this. |
| Check Foundation Year Requirements | Depending on your program, some universities may require you to enroll in a foundation program before starting a Bachelor’s. |
| Pay Application Fees | Pay the required application fees for each university. |
| Track Application Status | Regularly monitor your application status through university portals or emails. |
| Prepare for Interviews | Some universities may require you to give an interview. Practice answering questions related to your future plans and the program. |
| Review Offer Letters | Evaluate admission offers, fee details, and conditions of acceptance. |
| Accept Offer and Pay Deposit | Confirm your acceptance and pay any necessary deposit fees. |
| Arrange Finances | German universities generally have low to no tuition fees. Organize funding for living expenses, and other costs; gather proof of funds. |
| Apply for Student Visa | Complete the visa application process and attend the visa interview. |
| Book Accommodation | Arrange on-campus or off-campus housing before arrival. |
| Plan Travel | Book flights and plan your travel itinerary. |
| Arrange Health Insurance | Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany so purchase health insurance as required |
| Check Vaccination Requirements | Ensure compliance with vaccination or health prerequisites as mandated by the Government of Germany.. |
| Arrive Early | Reach the campus in time for orientation and settling in. |
Fees for UG in Germany
Education in Germany is tuition-free in most universities. Public universities might charge a minimal fee per semester for the university’s development, lab, and other facilities. The cost of living, like rent, food, etc., is also cheaper in Germany. The cost of studying UG in Germany in public universities can range from INR 13,000 to 1 lakh. Whereas, studying in Germany in private universities can range from INR 8 lakhs to 17 lakhs.
| Universities | QS World Ranking | Course | Fees for International Students |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 37 | Engineering Science | EUR 3000 (INR 2,67,517) per semester |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | 54 | Any Course | No tuition fee, semester fee to be paid to the Munich Student Union |
| Heidelberg University | 87 | Computer Science | EUR 151.05 (INR 13,469) per semester |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 120 | Any Bachelor’s Degree | No tuition fees, administrative fee of EUR 290 (INR 25,886) to be paid each semester |
Eligibility Criteria for UG in Germany
| Admission Requirements | Details |
| Academic Qualifications | Secondary school diploma/certificate.
– Some universities may require a foundation year or entrance exam if the diploma is insufficient. |
| Language Proficiency | – German language proficiency required (TestDaF or DSH). |
| Entrance Exams | – Certain programs (e.g., medicine, arts, engineering) may require entrance exams or specific assessments. |
| Application Documents | – Complete application form
– Copies of academic transcripts and certificates – Language test scores (German and/or English) – CV – Letter of motivation or statement of purpose – Letters of recommendation
|
| Student Visa | – Non-EU students need a student visa, which requires proof of acceptance into a German university and evidence of financial support for studies. |
UG Intake and Application Deadlines
Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. The application process includes:
| University | Courses | Estimated Application Deadlines | Intake Periods | Additional Information |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Engineering and Computer science | 15 July | Winter semester (October) | Recommended to apply through UniAssist for specific programs. |
| Heidelberg University | Natural sciences and Law | 15 July | Winter semester (October) | Some other courses may have specific deadlines. |
| University of Mannheim | Economics and Business Administration | 15 July | Winter semester (October) | For detailed deadlines check specific course pages. |
| University of Freiburg | Social sciences, Humanities, and Arts | 15 July | Winter semester (October) | Recommend to non-EU students to submit an early application. |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | Medicine, Engineering, and Science | 15 January | Summer semester (March/ April) | Includes additional entry requirements for some programs. |
Scholarships for UG in Germany
There are different types of scholarships available in Germany like government funded, university specific, and non-government.
| Scholarship | Description | Eligibility | Funding amount |
| DAAD Scholarships | It is provided by the German academic exchange service mostly for PG but some UG programs also qualify. | · Varies as per the program.
· Specifically for international students. |
As per the program |
| Deutschlandstipendium | It is jointly funded by government and private entities to talented candidates. | Open to international and domestic UG students at participating universities. | €300 (INR 26,717) per month |
| Erasmus + Program | EU funded program to support student exchanges. | EU and other partner country students are eligible. | Varies as per the exchange duration. |
| Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) | It is for students who have strong academics and interest in politics and social work. | International students from relevant fields are eligible. | Covers tuition fee and some living expenses. |
| University Specific Scholarships | It is offered by individual universities including merit based and need based options. | Varies as per university. | Varies as per different university policies. |
| Corporate and Foundation Scholarships | It is sponsored by private foundations or companies (generally includes business, engineering, or tech) | It depends on the field of the study and academic merit. | Varies as perf the field. |
Job Opportunities in Germany During and After UG
Germany offers multiple job opportunities for you both during and after UG, which makes it a favorable destination. Some of the opportunities include:
- Part-time work during studies: Volkswagen and Deutsche Bank provide part-time internships and working student positions to engineering, IT, business, and finance sector students.
- Internships: BMW group and SAP offer internships in software development, business administration, engineering, etc., to students to have practical experience with their studies.
- Post-work opportunities: Bosch and Siemens are known to hire international and graduate students to full-time or part-time positions.
Top Recruiters for UG in Germany
After completing your Bachelor’s, you can research the firms that are hiring and the job roles that you are eligible for. Some top recruiters for UG in Germany are:
| Industries | Top Recruiters |
| Automotive | Germany is one of the biggest car exporters in the world. Top recruiters in the automotive industry are Porsche, BMW and Audi. |
| Software | The top employers in the software industry in Germany are Salesforce, SAP and North Security. |
| Biotech | Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes engineering science and biology to develop new products. The top biotech employers in this industry in Germany are Siemens Healthineers, Roche and Bayer. |
| Aerospace | The top employers in the aerospace industry in Germany are DLR and Airbus. |
Conclusion
Choosing Germany for UG studies opens doors to high-quality education, low-cost living, and exceptional career opportunities. With world-class universities, diverse courses, and a strong emphasis on practical learning, you can help you gain skills that are valued globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the language requirements for UG in Germany?
German proficiency C1 or C2 is required for admission to most UG programs. At some private universities, English proficiency may also be needed. But German is a must for daily interactions and jobs as well.
What are the financial requirements for UG in Germany?
Students have to show their financial resources. They also have to open a ‘blocked account’ with approx. €11,904 (INR 10 lakhs) available annually, from which students can withdraw money every month for living expenses.
What types of accommodations are available?
Student dorms, private apartments, and shared flats are commonly available for students at an affordable price.
Do I need a student visa after getting my college application accepted?
Students from non-EU countries generally need a student visa, which requires proof of financial resources and health insurance.
Can international candidates work in Germany while studying?
Yes, you can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year as an international student.
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