Study in Germany for Free as an Indian Students: Steps & Colleges

Why Study in Germany?

In addition to the obvious fact that applicants get a tuition cost waiver, pupils can attend school in Germany for free; students studying in Germany would also benefit from the nation’s strong economic growth and access to reasonably priced and high-quality education.

The advantage of seeking higher education in Germany is the availability of various programs and universities from which to select. Numerous private and state-funded postsecondary educational institutions nationwide, including business schools, art schools, colleges, technical colleges, universities, and technological universities, provide hundreds of UG courses to students.

German Education System

Indian students can access education at public universities since, except for a handful, most of them do not charge tuition. Nonetheless, tuition fees for private colleges are shown below:

The senior secondary education systems in India and Germany are different. In India, 12 years of education makes a student eligible for bachelor’s studies, while in germany student needs 13 years of eligibility for bachelor’s. Bachelor’s degree programs in Germany are six semesters to eight semesters long.

Postgraduate studies in Germany typically span four to six semesters or one to two years.

Availability of Free Education in Germany

While many colleges worldwide charge tuition, including for Indian students, free “universities in Germany” take a different approach by offering tuition-free education everywhere.

In Germany, everyone is entitled to free education; it is not considered a commodity. This attitude stems from the notion that free higher education advances general societal well-being and economic progress.

Germany aggressively seeks out bright people to study and work there. For Indian students looking to study in Germany and receive a top-notch education, there are German universities that do not charge tuition fees. For students studying in Germany, the absence of tuition fees considerably reduces the financial burden, even though there are still additional costs such as accommodation and transport.

Who is Eligible to Study in Germany for Free?

You can pursue your free education in Germany without paying tuition fees, regardless of your nationality- German, European, or Indian. Yes, no costs exist, no matter what country you are from. Indian students in Germany can receive a free education from almost all public university programs.

Free Education in Germany: Eligibility Criteria

This section portrays the eligibility criteria for the students to get a clear understanding of the requirements that need to be fulfilled to get free education in Germany–

• There is more to obtaining tuition-free education in Germany than merely picking a school and course of study. It starts with confirming that the school of your choice meets the admission requirements. 

• A crucial prerequisite is providing the results of a legitimate English proficiency exam, such as the PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS. It’s interesting to note that if you can provide proof of previous high school English language studies, several German colleges may skip this language evaluation.

• Additionally, specific colleges may require a verified GRE or GMAT score throughout the admissions process.

• In addition, you will need to submit other essential documents, including a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, an admission letter from the institution, and a study visa for Germany. 

• A solid academic record increases your likelihood of receiving a tuition-free education in Germany.

Steps to Free Education in Germany for Indian Students

There are specific steps to obtain free education in Germany for Indian students; those are as follows-

Students need to look into institutions or programs that interest them first. There are plenty of opportunities available in Germany for undergraduate and graduate study in subjects as diverse as business, engineering, and the arts.

Once you’ve found a curriculum that interests you, applying to universities is next. Indian students in Germany usually submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement, which are included as part of the application process and comparable to processes in other nations. Understand the application criteria carefully and ensure all documents are delivered on time to guarantee your place in the program of your choice.

After being accepted into a German program, the immediate step is to apply for a student visa. Knowing the application procedure for a student visa is important for Indian students planning to study in Germany. This procedure changes depending on the program type and duration of stay. The German embassy’s official website provides comprehensive details regarding the application process for student visas in India.

When you arrive in Germany, the first thing you should do is get a work permit. Students need to apply for a residency permit only after their arrival in Germany. Students planning to work for more than 20 hours/week need to apply for a work permit. This entails registering with local authorities and providing the necessary paperwork to apply for a residence permit, including your passport, proof of enrollment, and health insurance. Completing this process as soon as you arrive is essential if you want to study in Germany.

Even though education is free in Germany, there may be additional costs. These can include tiny but often applicable student union or semester contribution charges. These charges are set aside to pay for services provided to students, such as counselling or sports facilities.

Universities in Germany Providing Free Education

Below is a table highlighting the universities in Germany that provide free education along with their most famous courses-

Is There Any Tuition Fee in Germany?

As mentioned above, German Universities have free education for every student, but there are certain exceptions to the general rule that studying there is free; those are as follows:

• Tuition-free public universities are the norm. There are around 100 private universities whose tuition costs might be comparable to those in the UK or Ireland. These private schools frequently provide extra privileges and specialised courses to offset expenses. In addition, you may qualify for a scholarship.

• German institutions distinguish between “consecutive” and “non-consecutive” Master’s programs. While non-consecutive programs, especially at public colleges, may have tuition costs and often require job experience, consecutive programs start immediately following a bachelor’s degree. Examples of specialised Master’s degrees, Executive MBAs, and MTech programs in Germany are rare but exist.

• The tuition price for non-EU/EEA students at Baden-Württemberg’s public institutions is 1,500 euros each semester, and it has been authorised to be charged since 2017. However, it’s still far less expensive than many other European nations.

• Regarding “secondary degrees,” such as studying a Master’s with a prior Master’s degree or non-consecutive Master’s programs, several federal states in Germany may impose tuition fees ranging from 500 to 650 euros per semester. However, public universities in Germany also offer free master’s programs.

Scholarships for Indian Students for Free Education in Germany

Many more financial aid possibilities are available to you as an Indian student in Germany, where you only need to pay for your living expenses. Several measures are there to lessen your financial load, from helping with housing to guaranteeing health insurance coverage. Explore the range of services designed with foreign students in mind, including everything from housing to everyday expenses to medical care.

Indian students can apply for scholarships from the German government or one of its agencies. The primary source of financing for this financial support is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Below is a list of scholarships available for the Indian students by the government bodies-

DAAD Scholarship

Indian students who wish to study in Germany can apply for the DAAD Scholarship through the German Academic Exchange Service. In total, 215 DAAD scholarships and financial options are offered to support Indian students pursuing academic objectives in Germany.

Erasmus + Scholarship Programs in Germany

The whole Erasmus+ scholarship program, which encompasses more than 4,000 educational institutions and about 37 countries as Erasmus + Partner countries, is overseen by the European Commission.

Deutschland Stipendium Grant in Germany

The Deutschland Stipendium’s funding is equally divided between the German government and private organisations, making it a unique fellowship.

Non-Governmental German Scholarships for Students

Students from India who want to study in Germany can apply for scholarships not funded by the government. Some scholarship providers include schools and institutions, charities, and individual businesses.

Bayer Foundations

The Bayer Foundation helps students all around Germany with their academic endeavours, developing their potential, advancing professions, and widening their perspectives. They enable bright minds to push boundaries and realise their aspirations by providing extensive support and various chances.

Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students

Every year, the Heinrich Boll Foundation awards over 1,200 scholarships to students worldwide, covering all academic levels. The foundation provides opportunities for aspirational people committed to furthering their education, regardless of their subject of study.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

With its substantial assistance, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship opens doors for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students and promotes international cooperation and cross-cultural exchanges while advocating for globalisation to expand the reach of academic institutions and research centres.

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung was founded in 1925 and is named after Germany’s first democratically elected President. It prioritises academic excellence and advances socio-political objectives. Supporting academic pursuits and personal growth shapes future leaders committed to positive social change.

Mawista Scholarship

In addition to providing basic health insurance, MAWISTA’s scholarship program helps students with sustainability initiatives. By supporting sustainability projects in addition to academic pursuits, MAWISTA addresses the demands of expatriates and academic stays, ultimately contributing to students’ achievement.

Conclusion

Germany’s top-notch educational system and exciting urban culture make it a great place to study abroad. Its welcoming culture extends an invitation to people from all around the world. Over the years, Germany has seen a massive transition, and its institutions are now well-known worldwide. Amazingly, the country’s outstanding standards and high calibre of education are universally recognised. You might get a top-notch education with a free education.

We hope you enjoyed reading the blog and gained insights into free education in Germany for Indian students. However, if you have doubts concerning studying in Germany, contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact [email protected] or 1800-1230-00011.

FAQs

Question- What’s the reason behind Germany’s free education?

Answer- Germany has long maintained the view that education should not be a commodity, which explains the large number of public institutions that provide academic programs at no cost to students, except for a small amount for semester or administrative fees.

Question- Can Indian students work while studying in Germany?

Answer- Of course! Indian students studying in Germany have the same opportunities to work part-time jobs as their foreign classmates. Nonetheless, the number of hours per week they can work is limited to maintain a balance between job and education.

Question- What conditions must Indian students meet before enrolling in German universities?

Answer- Indian students must fulfil several requirements to enrol in German institutions. These consist of getting a student visa, proving you have enough money, getting health insurance, filing the required paperwork, and showing an acceptance letter from a German university.

Question- How can I find the right university and programme in Germany?

Answer- Look at faculty specialities, programs, and institutions’ reputations to determine which in Germany offers the finest education. Use resources like ratings, university websites, and the DAAD database to find out what is available. Consider the elements below, including the curriculum, the setting, the teaching language, and any available internship or research possibilities.

Question- What is the grading system in German Universities?

Answer- The standard grading scheme used by German institutions runs from 1.0 (good) to 5.0 (bad), with 1.0 representing the greatest possible score. Grades are given at the end of the semester based on various assessments, including exams, coursework, presentations, and other evaluations. While universities and colleges may have slightly different grading schemes, the whole system focuses on how transparent and accurate the process is for evaluating students’ academic performance.

Question- Can I study in Germany without a scholarship?

Answer- It’s possible to study in Germany without receiving funding. Scholarships are not necessary; however, they might lessen the financial load. In Germany, public universities provide free education. Students might look into part-time work, student loans, or personal savings to pay for living expenses. 

Question- Is a German degree valid in India?

Answer- Absolutely, a German degree is accepted and respected in India. For recognition and equivalency reasons, it is recommended that holders of German degrees have their degrees assessed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This assessment may aid with career prospects, post-secondary education, or professional licensing in India.

Question- What are the living expenses for Indian students in Germany?

Answer- The cost of living for Indian students varies in Germany based on lifestyle and location. Students should budget between INR 62k and INR 89k monthly for housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses. Even though living prices in big cities like Berlin and Munich may be greater, students may save money by considering reasonably priced housing alternatives and practising budgeting.

Question- Is Germany good for Indian students?

Answer- Germany’s well-known educational system, reasonable cost, and wide range of academic options make it an excellent choice for Indian students. Germany provides an atmosphere favourable for Indian students to attain their academic as well as career goals, with part-time employment alternatives, numerous scholarships, and tuition-free or inexpensive education at public universities.