Last Updated on August 29, 2024
If you want to study in Germany after 12th grade, you have come to the right place. This guide is a treasure trove of answers about everything from the best courses in Germany after 12th grade, top universities there and their tuition fees, and eligibility criteria for admission at these institutions – all this information can be found here!Â
Germany is well-known for its top-notch education system. It has many courses that can match your interests and what you dream to be in life. Whether you love engineering, business, medicine, or the arts, there’s a little something for everyone in Germany. When it comes to studying in Germany, it’s more than just books and classes. You can enjoy an immersive cultural experience that includes learning new languages and developing global viewpoints on various subjects from different perspectives.
At Admissify, we know the importance of knowing and exploring every aspect. Therefore, this guide will examine all the concerning factors. Let’s get started.
Why to Choose Germany
In the QS World Ranking 2025, Germany has 28 universities in the Top 500. This shows that you can get a great education there because they have excellent research facilities and are known for their high level of teaching. These are some reasons why you should not hesitate to study in Germany after your 12th class from India. Have a look:
- Experience Counts: Many companies in Germany offer internships and training programs. These opportunities allow you to gather useful practical experience while studying, which will greatly benefit your future career path.
- Global Network: More than 3,60,000 international students decide to study in Germany after 12th grade every year because studying here allows them to make connections with people from all around the world. This gives them a chance to create an important network of friends and future colleagues.
- Explore Europe: German universities enjoy a long summer break from mid-February until mid-April. This free time can be used to travel across Europe, immerse yourself in different cultures, or even undertake a full-time internship to enhance learning opportunities.
- Peaceful Country: Germany is one of the most peaceful countries, too. According to the Global Peace Index, it stands as the 15th most peaceful country worldwide. What does this imply for you? The country where you will study is safe. Additionally, even in Germany, the balance between work and life is not forgotten. Whether studying here or working while or after learning, a work-life balance is possible for you, too.
Public and Private Universities
In Germany, there are two kinds of universities: public and private. Each has its own advantages! Public universities that the government finances are less costly.
For instance, public universities may not charge tuition. However, they sometimes have large class sizes and limited resources.
Even though private universities tend to be more expensive, they usually have smaller classes and offer a more individualised learning experience. Additionally, private universities often have better facilities and are more selective in their admissions process. Which kind of university is best depends on your priorities and financial situation!
Here’s an overview of the difference between private and public universities.
Feature | Public Universities | Private Universities |
Cost | Lower tuition fees (mostly free) | Higher tuition fees |
Admission | More competitive and complex | The more accessible selection process |
Programs | A more comprehensive range of programs | More specialised programs |
Ranking | Generally, higher world rankings | Lower world rankings on average |
Top Universities to Study in Germany for Indian Students
Germany is well-known for its academic excellence. In the latest QS World University Rankings (2025), five German universities were placed within the top 100.
Germany has a steady record of keeping its universities at the highest global education level. This implies that you will receive an excellent education that is accepted by employers and other universities worldwide.
Germany has two main intakes, winter and summer:
Intake | Start | End |
Summer | April | September |
Winter | October | March |
The following are the top universities to study in for Indian Students :
- Technical University of Munich (Public University)
Founded in 1868, the Technical University of Munich (Technische Universität München), often called TUM, is among Germany’s finest tech universities. It is a member of TU9, an association comprising nine outstanding technical universities.
TUM has 15 departments and nearly 40,000 students, over 30% of whom are from other countries. This university is known as “The Entrepreneurial University” because it helps its students begin their businesses. There are about 200 degree programs at TUM, and many of them can be studied in English.
Some of the top courses offered by the University are:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Informatics
The English requirements are :
Certificate | Score |
TOEFL | 88+ |
PTE | 65+ |
IELTS | 6.5+ |
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Public University)
LMU, established in 1472, is among Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Situated at Munich’s centre – a city known for its worldwide culture – LMU attracts students from various corners of the Earth and teachers who come here to teach or conduct research. In this university that has been active for over 500 years now, many subjects are available for study: history and law, medicine and science, among others make up just some examples (LMU Official Website). Their method inspires learners to think in an innovative and solution-oriented manner to prepare for what lies ahead. The University Hospital at LMU is also among Germany’s largest and most renowned.
Some of the top courses offered by the University are:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Law
- Geosciences
The English requirements are as follows:
Certificate | Score |
TOEFL | 79+ |
Cambridge | B2+ |
IELTS | 5+ |
- Universität Heidelberg (Public University)
The University of Heidelberg, founded in 1386, is the oldest university in Germany and an important center for research. It offers a wide variety of subjects, including medicine, science, and humanities, with more than 180 programs available. The institution has strong global connections; over 30% of its student body comes from other countries.
Some of the top courses offered by the University are :
- Law
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Natural sciencesÂ
Certificate | Score |
TOEFL | 79+ |
PTE | 53+ |
IELTS | 6.5+ |
The English requirements are :
- Freie Universitaet Berlin (Public University)
The Free University of Berlin, a top university in Germany, is famous for accepting students from around the world. It provides programs in every field of study—from history and literature to science, computers, and maths courses. The university was established in 1948 and promotes free thinking as well as social duty. The major campus is situated in a calm locality of Berlin, which creates an ideal atmosphere for concentration on education.
Some of the top courses offered by the University are
- Political Science
- Economics
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
The English requirements are :
Certificate | Score |
TOEFL | 72+ |
Cambridge | B2+ |
IELTS | 6.5+ |
- RWTH Aachen University (Public University)
RWTH Aachen University, established in 1870, is the largest technical university in Germany and among Europe’s leading institutions. Every year, students and researchers from all over the globe choose to study or work at this university because of its outstanding teaching methods and equipment facilities. RWTH Aachen is renowned for its emphasis on engineering; however, it also provides courses in science, medicine, social sciences, and business management.
Some of the top courses offered by the University are
- Business
- Humanities
- Science
- Computer Science
- Engineering
The English requirements are :
Certificate | Score |
TOEFL | 90+ |
Cambridge | B2+ |
IELTS | 5.5+ |
Top Courses to Study in Germany After 12th From Private Universities
The country is known for its plenty of study choices. After completing 12th grade, you can select from various exciting fields. If your interest lies in IT, medicine or business management, a program awaits everyone! Usually, the duration of undergraduate programs in Germany is around 3 to 4 years, depending on what you opt for.
Any UG course from Germany also gives you knowledge on how to apply what you learn in theory into practice. In simple terms, the classes are designed to use your theoretical knowledge for solving real-life issues and not just memorising facts.
Here, you have a list of the best courses in Germany after the 12th that can be looked into without any doubt.Â
- Medical Courses to Study in Germany After 12th
Courses | Universities Offering the Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
Dentistry | Ludwig-Maximilians -Universität München Universität Heidelberg Freie Universitaet Berlin | INR 4.5L and INR 8L (EURO 5K to EURO 9K) |
Nursing | Universität Heidelberg Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg Dresden University of Technology | INR 4.5L and INR 14L (EURO 5K to EURO 15K) |
Neuroscience | Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg University of Munich Humboldt University of Berlin | INR 2.7L and INR 10L (EURO 3K to EURO 12K) |
Medicine | Universität Heidelberg Ludwig-Maximilians -Universität MünchenTechnical University of Munich | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
Biochemistry | Technical University of Munich Ludwig Maximilians University University of Bonn | INR 4.5L and INR 18L (EURO 5K to EURO 20K) |
- Engineering Courses to Study in Germany After 12th
Courses | Universities Offering the Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
Computer Engineering | Technical University of Munich Technical University of Berlin Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | INR 8L and INR 18L (EURO 8K to EURO 20K) |
Electrical Engineering | Technical University of Munich Technical University of Berlin University of Erlangen Nuremberg | INR 8L and INR 18L (EURO 8K to EURO 20K) |
Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical EngineeringTechnical University of Darmstadt University of Stuttgart | INR 8L and INR 18L (EURO 8K to EURO 20K) |
Civil Engineering | Technical University of Munich RWTH Aachen University Technische Universität Dresden | INR 8L and INR 18L (EURO 8K to EURO 20K) |
Chemical Engineering | RWTH Aachen University Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Technical University of Berlin | INR 8L and INR 18L (EURO 8K to EURO 20K) |
- Arts & Humanities Courses to Study in Germany After 12th
Courses | Universities Offering the Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
History | Heidelberg UniversityUniversity of HamburgTechnical University of Munich | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
Philosophy | University of Munich Technical University of Munich Heidelberg University | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
Art History | University of Munich Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinEberhard Karls University of Tubingen | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
Communication | Ludwig-Maximilians -Universität MünchenFreie Universitaet BerlinHumboldt -Universität zu Berlin | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
English Studies | Freie Universitaet Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Ludwig-Maximilians -Universität München | INR 9L and INR 18L (EURO 10K to EURO 20K) |
Costs of Studying In Germany After 12th from Public Universities
As of late, Germany has gained a reputation for having an outstanding education system. It is also among the least expensive destinations in Europe where you can pursue your studies after completing 12th grade.
In Germany, the situation is even more surprising. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees; they only have semester fees that vary for each public university but usually fall between INR 14K(EURO 156) to INR 32K(EURO 356).
The living cost for a student falls between INR 76K (EURO 850) and INR 1.3L (EURO 1,500). As an Indian student, you may find this cost relatively high. Yet, when we compare it to other Western European nations such as the USA (13.5% expensive), the UK(6.8% expensive), and Ireland(17.9% expensive), Germany becomes significantly less costly. The range of living costs for a student is from INR76K (EURO850) to INR1.3L(EURO1500). For an Indian student, this might appear high in expense, but when compared with other Western European countries such as the USA, where it’s more than double at around $30k per annum or the UK which stands at about £13k yearly, Germany seems relatively inexpensive indeed!
Average Semester Fees For Public Universities
Courses | Average Semester fees per semester (in INR) |
Dentistry | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
Nursing | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
Computer Engineering | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
Civil Engineering | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
History | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
Communication | INR 14K to INR 32K (EURO 156 to EURO 356) |
Average Cost of Living in Germany as a Student
Particulars | Cost (per month) in INR |
Accommodation | INR 22K to 71K (EURO 250 to EURO 800) |
Food | INR 17K to 35K (EURO 190 to EURO 390) |
Health Insurance | INR 7K to 8K (EURO 80 to EURO 90) |
Transportation | INR 4K to 7Kb (EURO 45 to EURO 80) |
Utilities | INR 8K to 13K (EURO 90 to EURO 150) |
Eligibility Criteria To Study In Germany After 12th
Feature | Description |
Academic Requirements | Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher |
Standardised Testing | Aptitude Test for Foreign Students (TestAS)GMAT(550+) for MBA only |
Language Scores | IELTS(5.5+) TOEFL(75+) PTE(51+) Cambridge CAE(B1 or higher) |
National Identification | PassportStudent Visa |
Financial Requirements | Proof of funds to afford education and stay[minimum INR 10L (EURO 11K)] |
Other Requirements | Letter of Recommendation (LOR)Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Admission Process
To study in Germany after the 12th, you must start an admission process that is unique for each university. Usually, it begins when you choose your course and school.
It is advisable to visit the university’s official website in order to find out about the admission process.
Studying in Germany after finishing high school (Class 12th) typically involves a few steps:
- Choose your area of study: Discover universities that have programs aligned with your intended field of study. Find your future profession: Locate universities that provide the necessary education for your desired career path.
- Check requirements: Ensure your grades and any required test results are sufficient for your desired program.
- Prepare: Gather your test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay describing your study goal (statement of purpose).
- Apply on time: Submit your applications to the universities you picked before the deadline.
- Plan your finances: Determine how you’ll pay for tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
- Wait for decisions: The universities will inform you if you’re accepted.
- Visa time: When you receive a letter of acceptance, start applying for a German student visa to study in Germany.
Scholarships to Study in Germany After 12th for Indian Students
Scholarship Name | Offered By | Benefits (Lump Sum) |
Unimoni Student Stars Scholarship | Unimoni India | INR 3L |
TUM Scholarships for International Students | Technical University of Munich | INR 45K to INR 1.6L (EURO 500 to EURO 1,800) |
Hani Zeini Scholarship | Hani Zeini | INR 84K ($1K) |
QS Undergraduate Scholarship | QS Impact! | INR 4.2L ($5K) |
SC2 Undergraduate Scholarship | Center for Cyber Safety and Education | INR 84K to 4.2L ($1K to $5K) |
Conclusion
Studying in Germany after 12th grade provides an excellent education experience. The country has high-quality universities, a friendly international atmosphere, and many chances for personal and academic development. By getting a degree in Germany, you can prepare for a prosperous professional life and bright future.
Germany has a healthy job market. You are likely to get suitable employment with respected firms such as Adidas, Amazon and Bosch after you complete your studies. The living costs and tuition fees in private universities in Germany might be higher than those in India. Still, it is an investment worth making because the educational environment there is top-class and will give you high-quality knowledge and abilities.
Additionally, after you begin to work, the funds used for your studies will be recouped swiftly. For students from India, studying in Germany can be seen as a successful situation with high-quality education and good job possibilities. Grab this chance and anticipate a promising future!
Always remember that Admissify is by your side at every step of your journey towards a bright career. Feel free to reach out to us in case you need any help. Happy learning!
FAQs
How do you study in Germany after the 12th?
To study in Germany after 12th, you need to follow these steps:
- Select a program and university.
- Check the eligibility and admission requirements.
- Collect all documents, like academic transcripts – the 10th and 12th marksheets, standardised test scores if needed, letters of recommendation and a statement explaining your purpose.
- Apply to your chosen universities before the deadlines.
- Plan your finances and gather proof of funds.
- Wait for acceptance letters and then apply for a German student visa.
- Make travel arrangements and finalise your enrollment once the visa is approved.​
Which is the best course in Germany after the 12th?
Germany is a popular choice for engineering study, especially in computer, mechanical, and civil engineering. Also, you may opt for medicine courses, arts and humanities, and sciences that are highly esteemed. For illustration, technical universities such as Technical University of Munich can hand out first-rate engineering programs to you. In contrast, regular universities like Heidelberg University could let you take up medical and humanities courses​.
What qualifications are needed to study in Germany for Indian students after the 12th?
For Indian students, there are particular academic and language ability demands for studying in Germany. Usually, it is necessary to have at least a 2.5 GPA, take tests like the Aptitude Test for Foreign Students (TestAS), and show your proficiency in English by providing results from IELTS, TOEFL or similar exams. Also, you need to show evidence of having enough money to give recommendation letters and a statement of purpose.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying to study in Germany after the 12th?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Standardised test scores (e.g., TestAS, GMAT for MBA).
- Language proficiency scores (IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 75+, PTE 51+).
- Valid passport and student visa.
- Proof of financial means.
- Additional documents like letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose​.
Avneet Kaur is a dedicated writer with a profound commitment to enhancing education across the globe. Through her insightful blogs and articles, she aims to help students achieve their goals by exploring all aspects of learning and introducing new approaches to education. In addition to her focus on education, Avneet has a keen interest in digital media, continually exploring its potential alongside her writing and academic pursuits. Her diverse experiences and innovative ideas are making a significant impact on the way education is perceived and delivered worldwide.