Masters Fees in Germany vs India: A Detailed Comparison

Masters Fees in Germany vs India: A Detailed Comparison

Edited By Piyush Kohli | Updated on Jan 04, 2025 03:31 PM IST

Deciding to invest in masters is a significant decision for every student. India and Germany, two of the most prominent study abroad destinations for higher education, offer ample opportunities to students. However, the masters fee in Germany vs India varies significantly, depending on a lot of factors. A lot of students get stuck between pursuing masters from India and Germany. Are you one of those? This article explores the cost difference between the two countries that will help you decide which country is best suited for you.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why Study in Germany?
  2. Pre-Arrival Cost for Masters in Germany
  3. To Consider While Deciding Between Germany And India
  4. Ways To Minimize Germany Masters Fees For International Students In 2025
  5. Is It Worth Studying Masters in Germany?
Masters Fees in Germany vs India: A Detailed Comparison
Masters Fees in Germany vs India: A Detailed Comparison

Why Study in Germany?

There can be several reasons why students prefer to study abroad. Some students see it as an opportunity to learn a foreign language, while others want to explore a new culture or job opportunities. For some, it is just about experiencing an unfamiliar place and enjoying the living conditions there.

Here are some of the benefits of studying in Germany:

  • Low or no tuition fee at public universities: There are several public universities in Germany that do not charge tuition fees, which attracts international students.

  • Top-ranked universities: Germany has a number of universities that rank in the QS world rankings 2025.

  • Wide range of courses to choose from: In Germany, there is a variety of courses in different disciplines to choose from.

  • Travel to Europe visa-free: When you study in Germany on a student visa, you get to travel all across Europe and Schengen nations free of charge.

Read more:

Pre-Arrival Cost for Masters in Germany

Expense

Average cost

IELTS registration fee

EUR 154 (INR 14,000)

TOEFL registration fee

EUR 162 (INR 14,700)

GRE

EUR 180 (INR 16,400)

Student visa application

EUR 71 - EUR 82 (INR 6,500 - INR 7,500)

To Consider While Deciding Between Germany And India

If you’re thinking whether it is good to do masters in Germany or doing it from India itself, then make sure you consider these factors before making your decision.

Tuition Fee

Is MSc free in Germany? One of the prime reasons why students choose to study in Germany is the reputation that German universities hold worldwide. These universities are much more affordable than universities in other countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, which is why there is a tough competition for admission. There are several public universities that waive off the tuition fees in Germany for international students.

Here are the top public universities in Germany, where you don’t need to pay even a single penny in tuition fees.

Top Public Universities

Annual Fees

Technical University of Munich

No tuition fees

Freie University of Berlin

No tuition fees

RWTH Aachen University

No tuition fees

Humboldt University of Berlin

No tuition fees

Technical University of Berlin

No tuition fees

University of Hamburg

No tuition fees

Technische Universität Dresden

No tuition fees

University of Leipzig

No tuition fees

LMU Munich

No tuition fees

University of Bonn

No tuition fees


So, masters fees for Indian students are low or free. They just need to pay the administrative fees at the beginning of each semester.

On the other hand, the tuition fee for masters in Indian universities varies depending upon the university and program.

Here is the complete breakdown of masters fees in Germany vs India:

Criteria

Germany

India

Public Universities

No tuition (fees: €150–€300/sem)

₹20,000–₹1,00,000/year

Private Universities

€5,000–€30,000/year

₹1,00,000–₹10,00,000/year

The cost of study in Germany for Indian students is rupees 2,50,000 to 15,00,000 per annum.

Living costs

Whenever you choose a country to study abroad, don’t forget to check the living costs for the countries. The cost of living in India is much cheaper than any other country in the world. However, it also depends on the wage, which is higher in Germany as compared to India. There are places in Germany too that are affordable.

Here is the complete breakdown of the living costs in both countries:

Expense Type

Germany (€/month)

India (₹/month)

Accommodation

€300–€600

₹5,000–₹15,000

Food

€150–€300

₹3,000–₹8,000

Transportation

€50–€100 (often covered by semester fee)

₹1,000–₹3,000

Utilities

€100–€200

₹1,500–₹3,000

Miscellaneous

€150–€300

₹2,000–₹5,000

Total

€850–€1,200

₹10,000–₹30,000

University admission rates

If you want to see yourself in a reputed university in a country with high university admission rates, then Germany is the place to be. In India, there is a high competition for every reputed university, which makes it more difficult to get admission in these colleges.

Option to work while studying

Unfortunately, there is no provision for international students to work in India while studying, except for unpaid internships and trainings. On the other hand, international students can work both full-time and part-time in Germany while studying. Students can work up to 20 hours per week for 240 days if they are working part-time, and for full-time, they can work up to 40 hours per week for 120 days.

Visa Requirements

For studying in both countries, international students need to apply for study visas. The application process for an Indian study visa is much more relaxed as compared to a German study permit. Students just need to submit a few standard documents, like proof of sufficient funds. However, in Germany, students also need to submit health insurance coverage documents.

Ways To Minimize Germany Masters Fees For International Students In 2025

Here are a few ways to reduce the average cost of masters in Germany:

  1. Choosing a public university over a private university in Germany

  2. Selecting a student accommodation to cut down on the living expenses

  3. Working part time to earn while studying

  4. Taking student loans to manage the education costs in Germany

  5. Applying from a wide range of scholarships, such as DAAD scholarships, Bayer Foundation, Erasmus, etc. offered by the German universities.

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Is It Worth Studying Masters in Germany?

A lot of students think whether it is good to do masters in Germany or not. The country stands out as a compelling choice, recognised for excellent educational systems that are budget-friendly as well. However, if you do masters from Germany, you get greater job opportunities as compared to India. Considering all the factors discussed above, you can choose in which country you would like to do masters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a Masters cost in Germany for Indian students?

The average cost of pursuing a masters degree in Germany for Indian students is around 29,000 EUR, which is approximately INR 25.6 lakh. Everything from pre-arrival application fees to university, accommodation, and post-arrival expenses is included in this amount.

2. Is Germany more costly than India?

Due to the Euro exchange rate to INR, Germany is 226% costlier than India. However, there are public universities in Germany that offer free tuition fees to students.

3. Is it better to study in Germany or India?

After graduation, the unemployment rate in Germany is just 5%, whereas in India, it is over 19%. Therefore, students have higher chances to get employed in Germany after graduating. Hence, it is better to study in Germany.

4. Is a 7.5 CGPA good for MS in Germany?

A CGPA score of 8 and above is ideal for top universities in Germany, including TU9. A minimum CGPA between 6 and 7 is ideal for good universities in Germany.

5. Can I study in Germany with 10 lakhs?

Yes, it is possible to study in Germany with 10 Lakhs (approximately €11,200), especially if students get enrolled in public universities, as there is no tuition fee in these universities. 

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello,

yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.

Hello,

It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.

You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.

It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.

Hope it helps !

Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.


Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:


1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.

2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.

3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.


To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:


1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.

2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.

3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.


It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.

Hello!

You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.


Key Points to Consider:

1. German University Admission Requirements:

German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.

All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.


2. APS Certification:

As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.


3. Recognition of Online Degrees:

Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.


Recommendations:

You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.

Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.


Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.

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