Studying in Germany for the 2026 intake remains one of the most affordable paths for Indian students. Most public universities charge zero tuition, but you do need to budget for your own rent and food. To get your visa, you’ll need to put €11,904 (~₹10.7 Lakhs) into a Blocked Account, which is essentially your own “survival fund” that you pay back to yourself every month.
Think of it this way: the education is free, but you must prove you can afford your own rent and food through a Blocked Account. Together with a few administrative fees, you should plan for an upfront budget that covers your first year of survival and legal paperwork.
What Exactly is “Free” for Indian Students?
The term “free education” can be confusing. In Germany, it means you don’t pay for the actual classes, but you still have other minor costs. Here is the simple breakdown: Here is what you need to know:
- Zero Tuition: Most public universities do not charge any tuition fees from you. This makes them highly competitive for both international and domestic students.
- Semester Fees: It’s a small administrative fee (usually ₹13,500 – ₹36,000) paid every six months. It covers your student ID, library access, and, the best part, a free travel pass for all local buses and trains.
- Living Costs: You still need to pay for your own rent and food. This is why the German government requires the Blocked Account, to make sure you can support yourself comfortably while studying.
- New Changes: Some specific areas, like the state of Baden-Württemberg and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), have recently started charging fees for students from outside Europe.
Choose your dream country
UK
USA
Germany
Australia
Ireland
Canada
UAE
France
Sweden
Italy
Other
When do you want to study abroad?
What's your highest level of education?
Select you current city
How Leap will help you
Personalised University Shortlist
Express Applications with Quicker Admits
End-to-End Application Support
Top 10 Cheapest Universities in Germany for Indian Students (2026 Rankings)
Choosing the right university is about finding the perfect match between your career goals and your budget. While most of Germany is tuition-free, the cost of living and specific state fees can vary based on the location.
Here is a list of the top 10 most affordable public universities in Germany for Indian students in the 2026 intake cycle.
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- QS Ranking: 22
- Best Courses Offered: Informatics, Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, and Management & Technology.
- Tuition fees: €82-€97 per semester (EU/EEA students); €2,000 to €6,000 per semester (non-EU/EEA students).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (May 31 deadline) / Summer (Nov 30 deadline).
TUM is a leading entrepreneurial university and a site of global knowledge exchange, shaping the future with talent, excellence, and responsibility. The university inspires talents in all their diversity to become responsible and empowers them to shape the progress of innovation for society with the highest scientific standards and technological expertise.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- QS Ranking: 58
- Best Courses Offered: Physics, Economics, Data Science, and Molecular Biology.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. You only pay a semester contribution of approximately €85 (~₹7,700).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
Right in the heart of Munich, LMU is consistently ranked as one of the best research institutions in Europe. If you're looking for a university that feels historic but works at the cutting edge of science, this is it. It’s the second-largest university in Germany and has a massive community of international students, making it a favorite for those seeking a high-value degree in a high-tech city.
3. Heidelberg University
- QS Ranking: 80
- Best Courses Offered: Medicine, Biosciences, Physics, and International Law.
- Tuition fees: €1,500 per semester (~₹1.35 Lakhs) for non-EU students, plus a semester fee of roughly €171.
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany and looks like something straight out of a movie, but its research is strictly future-focused. It’s world-famous for its life sciences and medical research. While the state of Baden-Württemberg charges a fixed fee for international students, the sheer prestige and global research networking you get here make it a top-tier investment for your career.
4. Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)
- QS Ranking: 88
- Best Courses Offered: Political Science, International Relations, Chemistry, and Sociology.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. The semester contribution is about €358 (~₹32,200).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
FU Berlin is known for its relaxed, liberal atmosphere and its green campus in the Dahlem district. It’s a "University of Excellence" and is especially strong if you’re looking into social sciences or research-heavy natural sciences. Because it’s in Berlin, you’re also in the startup capital of Europe, which is incredible for landing high-tech internships.
5. KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- QS Ranking: 98
- Best Courses Offered: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, and Energy Engineering.
- Tuition fees: €1,500 per semester (~₹1.35 Lakhs) for non-EU students, plus a semester fee of roughly €191.
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
If you’re a mechanical engineer, KIT is a dream come true. It’s unique because it functions as both a university and a national research center. They have incredibly close ties with engineering giants like Bosch, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, which are based right in their backyard and often scout for talent directly from campus.
6. RWTH Aachen University
- QS Ranking: 105
- Best Courses Offered: Automotive Engineering, Robotic Systems, and Production Technology.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. You only pay a semester fee of approximately €330 (~₹29,700).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
RWTH Aachen is widely considered the best-value technical university in the world. It is 100% tuition-free and located right on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium. The Indian student community here is one of the largest in Germany, providing a massive support network for newcomers in this famous "engineer’s city."
7. Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)
- QS Ranking: 130
- Best Courses Offered: Philosophy, Economics, Neuroscience, and Sustainability Studies.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. The semester fee is roughly €315 (~₹28,350).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
Humboldt is right in the center of Berlin and carries an incredible academic legacy—it's actually where the modern research university model was born. It’s a great fit if you want a research-heavy degree while living in a city that’s constantly buzzing with history, politics, and culture.
8. Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
- QS Ranking: 145
- Best Courses Offered: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, and Computer Science.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. You pay a semester fee of about €360 (~₹32,400).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
TU Berlin is where historic prestige meets the modern startup world. It’s a magnet for students interested in how cities work and how to build sustainable energy systems. Being in Berlin, the networking opportunities with international tech firms and creative studios are literally just a few train stops away from your lectures.
9. University of Hamburg
- QS Ranking: 193
- Best Courses Offered: Atmospheric Science, Marine Biology, Business Administration, and Data Science.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. The semester fee is roughly €339 (~₹30,500).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
The University of Hamburg is the largest research institution in Northern Germany. If you’re interested in climate research or international trade, this is the place. Hamburg is a major global port city with a very high quality of life and a strong job market in media, logistics, and renewable energy.
10. University of Bonn
- QS Ranking: 207
- Best Courses Offered: Mathematics, Economics, Life Sciences, and Philosophy.
- Tuition fees: €0 Tuition. You only pay a semester fee of about €320 (~₹28,800).
- Intake Timeline: Winter (July 15) / Summer (Jan 15).
Bonn is a world-class research institution located in a city that hosts several UN organizations and global giants like DHL and Deutsche Telekom. It is particularly famous for its Mathematics and Economics departments, which are consistently ranked among the top 10% globally.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany (2026)
| Scholarship Name | Funding Amount | Key Eligibility | Why You Will Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Study Scholarship | ~€934 (₹84,000) / month | Outstanding academic record; usually for Master’s students. | This is the "Gold Standard." It covers your travel, insurance, and monthly living costs. |
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300 (₹27,000) / month | High academic merit + social commitment (volunteering). | Half comes from the government and half from private sponsors. It’s open to students of all nationalities. |
| Heinrich Böll Scholarship | ~€934 (₹84,000) / month | Strong focus on green issues, democracy, and human rights. | Perfect for activists or those with a B2 level of German who want to make a social impact. |
| Konrad-Adenauer (KAS) | ~€992 (₹89,300) / month | Leadership potential + commitment to democratic values. | Aimed at Master's and PhD students. It often includes a network of mentors and seminars. |
| Erasmus Mundus | Full Coverage (Varies) | Enrolled in a joint international Master’s program. | This covers everything—tuition (if any), travel, and living costs across multiple EU countries. |
Affordable German Universities by Course & Level (2026)
| Specialization | Program Level | Top Affordable Universities | Semester/Program Fee (EUR) | Approx. Fee (INR) | Why You Will Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Master’s | RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, TU Dresden | €0 Tuition (Avg. €300/sem) | ₹27,000 / sem | You’ll be a top pick for giants like Volkswagen and Bosch in these engineering powerhouses. |
| Data Science & AI | Master’s | TU Darmstadt, Saarland University | €0 Tuition (Avg. €280/sem) | ₹25,200 / sem | Germany is a global leader in AI research; you get a high-tech education for just admin costs. |
| Business/Finance | Master’s | LMU Munich, University of Cologne | €0 Tuition (Avg. €150/sem) | ₹13,500 / sem | World-class business education in major economic hubs for only the price of a transit pass. |
| Management | MBA | Leipzig University, Univ. of Stuttgart* | €1,500 – €3,000 (per sem) | ₹1.35L – ₹2.7L / sem | Public MBAs are far cheaper than private schools, offering elite networking with local HQ like Porsche. |
| Leadership | Specialized MBA | Univ. of Mannheim*, TU Munich (TUM)* | €4,000 – €6,000 (per sem) | ₹3.6L – ₹5.4L / sem | Mannheim is the "Harvard of Germany." The high prestige ensures a massive ROI in the global market. |
| Life Sciences | Master’s | University of Bonn, FU Berlin | €0 Tuition (Avg. €320/sem) | ₹28,800 / sem | Located near major pharma clusters, these programs offer direct pathways into R&D and biotech. |
*Note: Universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg (like Stuttgart and Mannheim) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) charge specific tuition fees for non-EU students ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 per semester.
Monthly Cost of Living for Indian Students in Germany (2026)
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) | Essential Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Shared Room/WG) | €350 – €600 | ₹31,500 – ₹54,000 | Includes "warm rent" (heating/water). Rates are higher in big cities like Munich. |
| Food & Groceries | €180 – €250 | ₹16,200 – ₹22,500 | Budgeting for home-cooked meals and shopping at stores like Lidl/Aldi. |
| Health Insurance | ~€125 | ₹11,250 | Mandatory public insurance (like TK or AOK) for students under 30. |
| Semester Fee (Monthly Avg.) | €25 – €65 | ₹2,250 – ₹5,850 | This is the monthly breakdown of your 6-month administrative/travel fee. |
| Internet & Phone | €30 – €50 | ₹2,700 – ₹4,500 | High-speed home fiber and a mobile plan with 20GB+ data. |
| Learning Materials & Misc. | €30 – €60 | ₹2,700 – ₹5,400 | Books, stationery, and small household essentials. |
| Leisure & Socializing | €50 – €120 | ₹4,500 – ₹10,800 | Occasional dining out, gym membership, or cinema trips. |
| Total Monthly Budget | €790 – €1,270 | ₹71,100 – ₹1,14,300 | The Blocked Account payout for 2026 is €992 (~₹89,280). |
Pro-Tips: How to Save More in Germany (2026)
| Category | Saving Strategy | Approx. Monthly Saving (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Apply for Studentenwerk dorms early or join a WG (Shared Flat) in cheaper districts like East Berlin or Leipzig. | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Groceries | Shop exclusively at Discounters (Lidl, Aldi, Penny) and use the TooGoodToGo app for surplus meals at 70% off. | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Transport | Use your Semester-Ticket for local travel. For long-distance travel, use the Deutschland-Semesterticket (~€34.80/month) for nationwide trains. | ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Household | Buy furniture, bikes, and books second-hand on eBay Kleinanzeigen, Vinted, or university "Free Your Stuff" Facebook groups. | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Rewards | Join the PAYBACK program at stores like REWE and DM to collect points for cash-back and vouchers. | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 |
Conclusion
Studying in Germany is more than just a way to save on tuition; it is a strategic move for your global career. With world-class public universities, a high standard of living, and an increasing minimum wage of €13.90/hour, the return on your investment is incredibly fast. Whether you are aiming for a technical Master’s or a prestigious MBA, the 2026 intake offers a unique window to build a high-paying career in the heart of Europe.
Navigating APS certificates, blocked accounts, and university shortlists can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Leap Scholar is India’s leading study-abroad platform, helping thousands of students land admissions to top German universities. From personalized counseling and IELTS prep to end-to-end visa and financial assistance, we make your German dream a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much bank balance is required to study in Germany?
In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have 11.904 euros at their disposal for one year. This amount of money is called "Regelbedarf", which means it is the amount of money that is estimated to be needed by a student to live in Germany for one year.
-
Is it difficult to get accepted into a German university?
It's no secret that the competition to get into a German university is stiff. With so many talented students vying for a limited number of spots, securing admission with a low score can be difficult.
-
Is Germany free for Indian students?
Yes,
most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for Indian students, requiring only a small semester fee (€150-€350) for administration and public transport, plus living expenses (around €900-€1200/month); however, the state of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities have tuition fees. -
Which university in Germany has no tuition fee?
Some of the top tuition-free universities in Germany include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Humboldt University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, University of Stuttgart, and University of Cologne.
-
How to get 100% scholarship in Germany?
The majority of the full scholarships in Germany are merit-based and competitive. It is important to maintain a good academic record for this reason. Scholarship committees and universities look for a high GPA when pursuing an undergraduate course.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance