Hey, I’m Shivansh — and if you’ve ever dreamt of studying abroad without paying huge tuition fees, Germany is honestly one of the best countries for you. I’m sharing my real experience of applying to tuition-free German universities and DAAD scholarships, plus how I managed the visa, language barrier, and life in Germany as an international student in 2025.
This isn’t a generic list — it’s everything I learned firsthand while applying and living as a student in Germany. So if you want to study in Germany for free (yes, really free), this post is your ultimate guide.
🎯 Why Study in Germany?
Germany is a dream study destination for students from India and across the world because of its tuition-free public universities and high-quality education. Almost all public universities charge zero tuition fees — you only pay a small semester contribution (around €200–€350 per semester).
- ✅ No tuition fees at public universities
- ✅ Globally recognized degrees
- ✅ DAAD scholarships for international students
- ✅ Opportunity to work part-time while studying
- ✅ Post-study work visa up to 18 months
Official resources you should definitely check out:
🎓 Step 1: How I Chose My University
I started by browsing DAAD’s University Finder. It’s the easiest way to find programs in English, tuition-free universities, and available scholarships. My main goal was to study Computer Science, but I also checked Management and Data Science programs because many are offered in English.
Some of the top tuition-free public universities in Germany (2025):
| University Name | City | Language | Semester Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Munich | English / German | ~€145 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | English / German | ~€315 |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | English / German | ~€310 |
| University of Stuttgart | Stuttgart | English / German | ~€200 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) | Munich | Mostly German | ~€300 |
💡 Tip: Many Master’s programs in Germany are completely taught in English, so don’t worry if you don’t speak German (yet).
💸 Step 2: Understanding the “Free” Education System
“Free” doesn’t mean absolutely no cost — you’ll still need to pay a semester contribution and cover living expenses. But compared to the U.S. or U.K., the difference is massive.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 400–700 |
| Food | 200–300 |
| Transport | 60–100 |
| Health Insurance | 90–120 |
| Total | €900–1,200 per month |
📍 Many students save money by living in shared apartments (WG – “Wohngemeinschaft”) or student dorms. I stayed in a WG near Stuttgart and it was both fun and affordable.
🎓 Step 3: Applying for DAAD Scholarships (My Experience)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the most famous scholarship provider in Germany. I applied for it while still in my final year of college in India, and it was honestly one of the most competitive yet rewarding experiences ever.
Types of DAAD Scholarships (2025):
- DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) – For Master’s students from developing countries.
- DAAD Study Scholarships – For graduates of all disciplines.
- DAAD Research Grants – For doctoral students and researchers.
You can explore the full list on the official portal: DAAD Scholarships.
Documents I Submitted:
- Motivation letter (very important!)
- Academic transcripts
- Language proof (IELTS 6.5 or German B1)
- Recommendation letters
- CV in Europass format
⏰ Deadline: Most DAAD scholarships close around October–November each year, so plan early.
🧾 Step 4: Applying for the German Student Visa
Once I received my admission letter, I applied for the German Student Visa through the German Embassy in India. The main challenge was the blocked account requirement.
Visa Requirements (2025):
- Admission letter from a recognized university
- Proof of funds (€11,208 per year in a blocked account)
- Health insurance
- Academic transcripts
- Language proof (English/German)
- Passport & photos
💡 Pro tip: I used Expatrio for my blocked account — they’re reliable and fast.
🏡 Step 5: Living in Germany as a Student
Germany surprised me in so many ways — from its efficiency to its love for punctuality. But it also took me a few months to adjust to the cold weather and bureaucratic paperwork 😅.
What I Learned About German Life
- Everything runs on time — even trains (most of the time!).
- Most stores close by 8 PM and are shut on Sundays.
- Public transport is amazing — you don’t need a car.
- People respect privacy, but they’re kind when you ask for help.
- Learning basic German helps A LOT (even if your course is in English).
My monthly budget: around €950 (including rent, insurance, food, and public transport)
💼 Step 6: Part-Time Jobs in Germany
International students can work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year without needing a separate work permit. I worked at a small café and later as a research assistant — which not only helped me earn but also improved my German.
Popular Student Jobs:
- Working student (Werkstudent) in tech or research
- Waiter/barista
- English tutor
- Delivery rider
Average pay: €12–€16/hour
📊 Step 7: Post-Study Opportunities (Work & PR)
After graduation, students can apply for a Job Seeker Visa (18 months) to find employment in Germany. Once you secure a job, you can move to a Blue Card and eventually apply for Permanent Residency.
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | Program duration | Study in Germany |
| Job Seeker Visa | 18 months | Find a job after graduation |
| EU Blue Card | Up to 4 years | Work full-time in Germany |
🧠 FAQs About Studying in Germany for Free (2025)
1. Is studying in Germany really free?
Yes, public universities charge no tuition fees. You just pay a semester fee of about €300.
2. Do I need to learn German?
Many Master’s programs are in English, but basic German (A2 or B1) helps you in daily life and job hunting.
3. What is a blocked account?
It’s a special account where you deposit around €11,208 to prove you can fund yourself in Germany for a year.
4. Can I stay in Germany after studying?
Yes, you can apply for a post-study work visa for up to 18 months.
5. How competitive is DAAD?
Very! Around 10–15% of applicants get selected, so a strong motivation letter is key.
🌍 My Honest Opinion
Studying in Germany has been one of the best decisions of my life. It’s not just the “free education” — it’s the exposure, discipline, and culture that shape you as a global professional. But yes, the paperwork can be heavy, and winters can be harsh — so go in prepared.
My suggestion? Start learning a bit of German early, apply at least 8–10 months before intake, and always verify details from official sources like DAAD and Study in Germany.
🎥 Watch This Video: “How I Got a Full Scholarship to Study in Germany”
Author: Shivansh (International Student Blogger)
Contact: iflylink@gmail.com | Telegram: @iFlyLink_Support
Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience and verified public resources. Always cross-check the latest requirements on official websites before applying.
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