At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Most Bachelor’s and many Master’s programmes at state universities have no general tuition, but some states and private universities charge fees. Many master's are English-taught.
The true cost
Indicative living costs are approximately €900–€1,200 per month, depending on city, accommodation and lifestyle. This is separate from the blocked-account requirement for the visa.
Safety & visa
MEA status 'Normal'. An 18-month post-study job-seeker visa gives ample time to find work.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
After you graduate from a German university, you can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified work. During this time you can take any kind of job while you search. This is a job-search period, not guaranteed employment. After more than two years of qualified employment in Germany, you may be able to apply for a settlement permit if the separate legal conditions are met. Permanent residence is not automatic.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Up to 18 months to find qualified work
- Any job allowed while you search
- EU Blue Card for qualified jobs
- Settlement permit possible after 2+ years of qualified work — not automatic
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
Studies lasting more than 90 days normally require a German National Visa. The adult visa fee is €75. Many student-visa applications from India can now be started online through Germany’s Consular Services Portal (CSP). Depending on the category and the mission, appointments and document submission may also involve VFS.
Work while studying
As a non-EU student you can generally work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Alternatively, you can work up to 20 hours a week during lecture periods; under this option, work during semester breaks is generally unrestricted. Student assistant (auxiliary or academic) jobs at universities are generally not counted against the annual quota. Self-employment requires approval.
Family & dependants
Your spouse or children may qualify for family reunion under §16b, subject to conditions. If you marry after your student visa or residence permit was issued, the case may be assessed separately.
Proof of funds
For 2026 you must show at least €11,904 (equivalent to €992 per month) as proof of financial resources for the student visa or residence permit. You can do this with a blocked account (Sperrkonto); a scholarship or a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) are accepted alternatives. This is the visa proof-of-funds requirement, separate from indicative living costs.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for study in Germany. You normally need to prove it for enrolment and, depending on your case, during the visa process. Students under 30 who qualify for statutory student health insurance typically pay around €120–€130 per month. Costs and eligibility differ for older students and for private insurance.
Tuition
Most Bachelor’s and many Master’s programmes at state institutions have no general tuition. Baden-Württemberg generally charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, subject to exemptions. Public universities in Bavaria may also charge non-EU students tuition, set individually (TUM is one example). Private universities and some continuing-education Master’s programmes charge tuition. You also pay a semester contribution of approximately €70–€430 per semester.
Admission requirements
If your relevant qualifications were issued in India, you will almost always need an APS certificate, although official exemptions exist. Check APS India and the German Missions in India for the current position. From Winter Semester 2026/27, the updated 70% Class XII threshold applies to the relevant admission pathways. From Summer Semester 2027, dMAT applies to selected Master’s applicants in Engineering; Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics; and Business/Management, subject to APS transitional exemptions.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹1L tuition and ₹10L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹36L starting salary), total investment is ₹22L and the indicative payback period is 0.8 years.
Germany — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
MEA status: Normal
Exercise normal precautions. For the visa you must prove funds of at least €11,904 for 2026 — through a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a scholarship or a formal declaration of commitment.
Emergency contacts
Dial 112. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries are easy in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Learning basic German helps daily life and work.
The Maharashtra community
Active Indian student networks and Maharashtra Mandals in major cities; Ganeshotsav is widely celebrated.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Germany with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.