Ask a Class 12 student or a final-year engineering student where they would like to study abroad, and one name keeps coming up: Germany. Germany now hosts nearly 60,000 Indian students, and India has become the largest group of international students there. There are good reasons for it.
Why Students Love Germany
- Tuition is minimal. Most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for international students. You typically pay a semester contribution of roughly ₹16,000–38,000, which often includes a local transport pass. One exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges tuition fees for non-EU students. There are several other exceptions, too, so check the facts carefully before applying.
- You can study in English. Around 2,400 degree programmes are taught entirely in English, including at the master’s level.
- World-class programmes. Engineering, AI and renewable energy programmes at universities such as TU Munich and RWTH Aachen are among the strongest anywhere.
- Work after graduation. Germany offers an 18-month window after your degree to find a job.
What’s New, and Why It’s Manageable
Germany has updated its entry checks for Indian applicants. The rules are clear and published, so all you have to do is plan for them.
1. Bachelor’s Applicants: 70% in Class XII
From the Winter Semester 2026/27, APS India requires a minimum of 70% overall in Class XII for undergraduate admission across all boards, including CBSE, ICSE and state boards. Two pathways remain open: a Studienkolleg foundation year or direct admission after one successful year of a bachelor’s programme in India. If you’re in Class 11 or 12 now, this gives you a clear target to aim for.
2. Master’s Applicants in Select Fields: The dMAT
From the Summer Semester 2027 intake, the Digital Master Test (dMAT) becomes part of the APS process for master’s applicants whose bachelor’s degree is in engineering, commerce, accounting, finance, economics, business or management. It costs €150, tests analytical reasoning rather than memorised facts, and does not replace APS document verification. Applicants who registered with APS before June 29, 2026, are exempt. Applicants from other fields are not affected. The first certificates become available from October 12, 2026.
3. The Blocked Account
Indian students need to show sufficient financial resources. One commonly used method is a blocked account, currently requiring about €11,904, before the visa appointment. Opening one can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to longer, so starting early can make the process considerably less stressful.
Where Do You Stand?
- Class 12 student scoring 70% or above: You’re on track for a bachelor’s pathway. Start preparing your APS documents early.
- Class 12 student scoring below 70%: Talk to one of our experts about alternatives, including other countries and foundation routes.
- Engineering, commerce or business graduate eyeing a master’s: Plan for the dMAT and target the Summer 2027 or Winter 2027 intake.
- Graduate in another field: You may not need the dMAT at all.
The Best Time to Prepare Is Now
Germany continues to offer Indian students significant opportunities. The new requirements do not change that. What they do change is how students need to approach their applications. Understanding your eligibility, preparing your documents, identifying the right programmes and planning your finances can make the journey considerably more organised.
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About the author
Papiya Majumdar is an international education strategist specialising in global admissions, Ivy League mentoring and higher education partnerships. With over 15 years of experience across international education, she writes on emerging trends, policy changes and the decisions shaping the future of global student mobility.
Study abroad regulations and university admission requirements may change. Applicants should verify the latest information through APS India (aps-india.de), the official dMAT website (d-mat.de), DAAD and the German Missions in India before applying.
Last updated on 29 Sep 2026
