Updated October 2026
Germany is one of the few countries where you can do a master’s at a public university with little or no tuition. That is why MS in Germany is now a top choice for Indian engineering and science graduates. The catch is that the process has more steps than most countries: an APS certificate, a blocked account, strict deadlines and rules about your degree length. This guide explains each requirement, the real cost in rupees, and a timeline you can follow.
Short answer: To do an MS in Germany from India you need a bachelor’s degree that Germany recognises (4 years is safest), an APS certificate, English or German proof, admission from a university, and a blocked account of EUR 11,904 for the visa. Most public universities charge no tuition. GRE is not needed for most programs.
Why Indian Students Choose MS in Germany
- Public universities charge only a small semester contribution, with a few exceptions
- Many master’s programs are taught fully in English
- Strong engineering, computer science and applied science programs
- Graduates can stay up to 18 months to look for work after the degree
For a wider view of the country, see our guides to studying in Germany from India and what is required to study in Germany.
MS in Germany Eligibility for Indian Students
- Degree length: A 4-year bachelor’s (BTech, BE, 4-year BSc) is the safest. Many public universities do not accept a 3-year BSc, BCom or BA directly. You may need a bridge course, a master’s in India first, or a program that accepts 3-year degrees. Check each university’s rules before you apply.
- Subject match: Your bachelor’s should be in or close to your chosen master’s field.
- Marks: Around 70% or a 7.5 CGPA is commonly expected for competitive programs, though cut-offs vary by university.
- Language: English-taught programs usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL, with IELTS 6.5 being common. German-taught programs need German, often B2 or C1. See our IELTS preparation course and German language course pages.
- APS certificate: Mandatory for every Indian applicant.
Is GRE Required for MS in Germany?
For most public university programs, no. A few programs, especially in management or economics, ask for GRE or GMAT, and some highly competitive courses use it as a plus point. Always read the admission page of the exact program. If you do need a score, our GRE classes page explains how we prepare students.
APS Certificate and dMAT
The APS certificate verifies your academic documents and has been mandatory for Indian students since November 2022. The fee is about Rs 18,000 and processing takes several weeks, so it is the first thing to start.
From the Summer 2027 intake, APS India has added the Digital Master Test (dMAT) for applicants to some master’s fields such as engineering, business and economics. The fee is EUR 150, and some applicants who submitted APS early are exempt. Dates and rules can change, so check aps-india.de and read our dMAT and APS guide before you plan.
Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students (in INR)
These are planning figures and exchange rates move, so confirm the numbers before you pay.
| Cost | Approx. amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition at most public universities | Nil, only a semester contribution of a few hundred euros |
| Tuition at Baden-Wurttemberg public universities | EUR 1,500 per semester for non-EU students |
| Tuition at TUM and some others | Charged for non-EU master’s students, so check the program page |
| Blocked account (visa proof) | EUR 11,904, about Rs 11 to 13 lakh depending on the exchange rate |
| Monthly living cost used by the visa | EUR 992 |
| APS certificate | About Rs 18,000 |
| dMAT, where required | EUR 150 |
For a tuition-free public university, plan roughly Rs 13 to 17 lakh for the first year including the blocked account, insurance, flights and fees. Add tuition if your university charges it. To fund this, read our guide to education loans for study abroad and our forex service page for transfers.
Blocked Account for Germany
The blocked account holds EUR 11,904 for your first year, and EUR 992 is released to you each month after you arrive. The 2026 amount is unchanged since a revision in 2024, but check the German authorities before you deposit. For how it works and which providers are approved, see our blocked account page.
Top Universities for MS in Germany
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- University of Stuttgart
- Heidelberg University
- University of Freiburg
Universities of applied sciences are another strong option for practical programs. Our course shortlisting and course and university selection pages explain how we match a profile to programs.
Intakes and Application Deadlines
Germany has two intakes: Winter (October) and Summer (April). Winter is the main one with the most programs.
- Winter: The usual deadline is 15 July through uni-assist or the university portal. Competitive programs often close earlier, between March and May.
- Summer 2027: The usual deadline is 15 January 2027, which is tight if you have not started APS.
- Winter 2027/28: This is the realistic target for most students starting now. Submit uni-assist files by about 31 May 2027 to leave time for evaluation.
A simple plan for Winter 2027/28:
- December 2026 to February 2027: Start APS and prepare your English test.
- March to May 2027: Apply to competitive programs, finish your SOP and LORs.
- By 31 May 2027: Submit uni-assist applications.
- 15 July 2027: Final deadline for most public universities.
- August to September 2027: Open your blocked account and attend your visa appointment.
- October 2027: Classes begin.
For your documents, our SOP and LOR assistance page explains how we help.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Shortlist programs that accept your degree length and marks.
- Start your APS certificate and book your English test.
- Prepare documents: transcripts, CV, SOP, LORs and language score.
- Apply through uni-assist or the university portal before the deadline.
- Accept your offer and open your blocked account.
- Apply for the student visa. Our visa process and Germany student visa consultants pages explain the steps.
- Arrange accommodation early, because student housing is limited. See our student accommodation page.
Scholarships and Funding
Most scholarships in Germany go to students in later semesters or PhD candidates, so do not rely on one for your first year. The DAAD and Erasmus Mundus are worth checking, and our guide to scholarships for Indian students abroad lists more options. Part-time work can help, since international students can usually work 140 full days or 280 half days a year, but it should not be your only source of funds.
Jobs After MS in Germany
After your degree you can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work. Our career in Germany page explains the job market and routes after study. Learning German to B1 or higher improves your chances in most fields, so see our German language classes in Delhi if you want to start early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a 3-year degree without checking the university’s rule
- Starting APS too late and missing the uni-assist deadline
- Assuming every university is free, when Baden-Wurttemberg and some others charge fees
- Writing a generic SOP for every program
- Opening the blocked account before you have an admission letter
- Ignoring the German language, even for English-taught programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GRE required for MS in Germany?
Not for most public university programs. A few programs, mainly in management and economics, ask for GRE or GMAT, so check the exact program page.
Can I do MS in Germany with a 3-year bachelor’s degree?
Many universities do not accept a 3-year degree directly. You may need a bridge course, a master’s in India first, or a program that accepts 3-year degrees.
How much is the blocked account for Germany in 2026?
EUR 11,904 for one year, which is EUR 992 per month. In rupees this is roughly Rs 11 to 13 lakh depending on the exchange rate.
Is APS certificate mandatory for MS in Germany?
Yes. Every Indian applicant needs an APS certificate, and some master’s fields also need the dMAT from the Summer 2027 intake.
Is MS in Germany free for Indian students?
Most public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution. Baden-Wurttemberg charges EUR 1,500 per semester for non-EU students and some others, like TUM, also charge tuition.
What is the best intake for MS in Germany?
Winter (October) is the main intake with the most programs. If you start now, plan for Winter 2027/28.
Plan Your MS in Germany With AbroadUp
With APS, deadlines and degree rules to check, early planning saves months. Read about our MS in Germany service, speak to a Germany education consultant in Delhi, or book study abroad counselling to check your profile and timeline.
