What steps do I follow to apply to German universities for free education as an Indian student?
30 Sept 2026 · Answered by Sumit Singh Chauhan · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
To apply to German universities, shortlist programmes, get your APS certificate (some are exempt), take the required language tests and gather your documents. Apply directly or through a shared application service, wait for your offer letter, open a blocked account, then apply for your student visa.
Germany has no single central application portal like the US or UK, so you apply to universities directly or through a shared application service, depending on the institution. Here is the usual flow from shortlisting to arrival.
Nine Steps to Apply
| Step | What you do |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortlist programmes | Use the DAAD portal or university websites and check the teaching language, intake dates and whether the course fits your background. |
| 2. Get your APS certificate | Mandatory for most Indian applicants, with some exemptions. It verifies your academic records and usually takes two to six weeks, so begin early. |
| 3. Take required tests | IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses, TestAS if your programme asks for it, or Goethe or TestDaF for German-taught courses. |
| 4. Gather documents | Transcripts, passport, SOP, LORs and test scores, in the exact format each university wants. |
| 5. Submit your application | Confirm whether your target university uses Uni-Assist or its own portal. |
| 6. Receive your offer letter | The Zulassungsbescheid is needed for the visa, though not every blocked account provider requires it. |
| 7. Open a blocked account | Deposit EUR 11,904 (approx INR 13.01 L) as proof of funds for the year, before applying for the visa. |
| 8. Apply for your student visa | Processing usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer in peak intake season. |
| 9. Arrange travel and housing | Book flights, sort accommodation and be ready to register with the local city office after landing. |
Points to Watch
- Every university sets its own document format, so double-check before submitting.
- Confirm the application route for each university, since it is not the same everywhere.
- Start the APS certificate and language tests early because they take time.
My Advice
Build a checklist with dates for each step, starting with the APS certificate and language tests, since they set the pace for everything else. Check every university's exact requirements yourself rather than assuming they match, and leave buffer time for the visa.
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