Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Indian Students Find Affordable Study and Work Opportunities in Germany
More Indian students are choosing to study at universities in Germany.
Many public universities charge very little or no tuition.
Some master’s courses are taught in English, but students often need German for everyday life and work.
The students in the story studied subjects such as computing, business and science.
Some found jobs while studying, where they could use what they learned in class.
These jobs also helped them understand how German companies work.
After graduating, international students can apply to stay for up to 18 months while looking for a job.
Students must search for work themselves, so internships can help them make contacts.
DAAD figures cited in the article show 69,816 Indian students enrolled at German universities at the beginning of 2026, making Indians the largest international student group.
Many German public universities charge little or no tuition, and some master’s programmes are taught in English; undergraduate courses are often taught in German.
Students describe practical coursework and working-student jobs as ways to apply classroom learning and gain experience with German employers.
The students profiled pursued fields including computer science, international management, computational modelling, physics and space technology.
DAAD’s Aditi Gosavi says basic German helps with daily life and is essential for those who plan to work in Germany; graduates can seek a residence permit of up to 18 months to find work.
- Who
- Indian students, including Rijak Singh Malhotra, Sakshi Kaul, Darshan Barkur and Anand Waghmare; DAAD representative Aditi Gosavi.
- What
- The article describes Indian students’ studies and work experiences in Germany, and practical advice for prospective applicants.
- When
- DAAD figures cited are from the beginning of 2026; the students’ study and work periods are described in the article without a single overall date.
- Where
- Universities and workplaces in Germany, including institutions in Bavaria and the University of Tübingen.
- Why
- Students cited affordability, research opportunities, practical learning and the chance to gain work experience as reasons for choosing Germany.
Advantages of studying in Germany
Challenges and considerations
Affordability and access
Advantages of studying in Germany
Many public universities charge little or no tuition, and some master’s programmes are taught in English.
Challenges and considerations
Course requirements can be specific, and many undergraduate courses at public universities are usually taught in German.
Work and career preparation
Advantages of studying in Germany
Working-student roles and internships can provide practical experience, connections and exposure to German work culture.
Challenges and considerations
There is no campus placement system like the one described in India, so graduates have to find jobs on their own; German is essential for those planning to work in the country.
- Indian students enrolled
- 69,816 at German universities at the beginning of 2026, according to figures attributed to DAAD.
- International student ranking
- Indians are described as the largest group of international students in Germany.
- Tuition
- Many public universities charge little or no tuition; Rijak reports a semester fee of 220 euros.
- Language
- Many master’s courses are taught in English, while many undergraduate courses at public universities are usually taught in German.
- Working-student experience
- Rijak worked 15 hours a week at a cybersecurity firm for 15 months.
- Post-study job search
- International graduates can apply for a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work.