5 Roadmaps to Study in Germany

Choose your pathway based on your current education level. Every roadmap is tailored for Indian students with detailed steps.

🏫 Roadmap 1: After 12th – Studienkolleg Pathway
1
Eligibility Check
Complete 12th standard from a recognized Indian board (CBSE, ISC, or State Board). Most Studienkollegs require around 60–70% marks depending on the program. Choose the correct Studienkolleg course type: T-Kurs (Engineering), M-Kurs (Medicine), W-Kurs (Business & Economics), or G-Kurs (Humanities).
2
German Language – B1/B2 Level
Most public Studienkollegs require B1 or B2 level German. Accepted certificates include Goethe, telc, TestDaF, or DSH. Students usually need about 10–14 months of language preparation to reach B2 level.
3
APS Certificate
Indian students must obtain an APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate before applying. Submit academic documents such as 10th and 12th mark sheets, school certificates, and passport copy. Fee: β‚Ή18,000. Processing time: usually 3–5 weeks.
4
Apply to Studienkolleg
Apply either directly to public Studienkollegs or through Uni-Assist. Typical deadlines: January 15 (Summer semester) and July 15 (Winter semester). Required documents include APS certificate, language certificate, transcripts, and passport.
5
Admission Letter
After evaluation, you will receive either conditional or direct admission to Studienkolleg. This admission letter is required for your German student visa application.
6
Blocked Account (€11,904)
Open a blocked account with the required amount of €11,904 per year (monthly withdrawal limit: €992). Popular providers include Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle.
7
Health Insurance
Purchase travel health insurance for your visa application. After arriving in Germany, enroll in public student health insurance such as TK, AOK, Barmer, or DAK. Average cost: €120–€140 per month.
8
Student Visa Application
Book a visa appointment at the German Embassy or Consulate in India. Submit documents including admission letter, APS certificate, blocked account confirmation, health insurance, academic documents, and passport. Visa fee: €75.
9
Visa Interview
Attend the visa interview and answer questions about your study plans, finances, and German language preparation.
10
Arrive in Germany & FSP Exam
Study for 1 year (two semesters) at Studienkolleg and pass the FeststellungsprΓΌfung (FSP). After passing the exam, you can apply to Bachelor programs at German universities.
πŸŽ“ Roadmap 2: After 12th – Direct Bachelor Pathway (12th + 1 Year in India)
1
Complete 12th Standard
Finish 12th with good grades. Then enroll in a recognized Indian university for a Bachelor program related to your desired German degree.
2
Complete 2 Semesters in India
Complete the first two semesters of your Bachelor degree in India. Maintain good SGPA/CGPA as these marksheets are required for German university applications.
3
IELTS – Minimum 6.0 Band
Appear for the IELTS Academic exam and achieve at least 6.0 overall band. Some universities may require 6.5 depending on the program.
4
APS Certificate
Apply for the APS certificate by submitting 12th certificates and two semester marksheets from your Indian university. This certificate is mandatory for Indian students applying to German universities.
5
University Application
Apply to English-taught Bachelor programs via Uni-Assist or directly through university portals. Select programs based on your IELTS score and academic background.
6
Admission & Blocked Account
After receiving the admission letter, open a blocked account with €11,904 (required financial proof for student visa). Arrange health insurance and accommodation.
7
Student Visa & Departure
Apply for the German student visa, attend the interview, receive your visa, and prepare for Germany. Learning basic German (A1–B1) is recommended for daily life.
πŸ“š Roadmap 3: Bachelor in India β†’ Master in Germany
1
Complete Bachelor Degree in India
Complete your 3- or 4-year Bachelor degree in India. Maintain a strong academic record (65%+ or CGPA 7+ recommended).
2
Language Requirement
For English-taught Master programs: IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL 80+. For German-taught programs: TestDaF 4 or DSH-2 certificate.
3
APS Certificate
Apply for the APS certificate using your Bachelor transcripts and academic documents. Processing typically takes about 3–5 weeks.
4
Prepare Application Documents
Prepare a strong motivation letter, CV in Europass format, letters of recommendation, and all academic transcripts.
5
Apply via Uni-Assist or Direct
Apply to 5–8 universities. Uni-Assist charges €75 for the first application and €30 for each additional application.
6
Admission, Blocked Account & Visa
After receiving admission, open a blocked account with €11,904, arrange health insurance, apply for the visa, and prepare for departure.
πŸ”§ Roadmap 4: Ausbildung (Vocational Training) Pathway
1
Decide Your Trade / Field
Choose from 300+ Ausbildung professions such as Nursing, IT, Hotel Management, Automotive, Banking, and Logistics.
2
German Language B1/B2
Ausbildung usually requires B1 German (many companies prefer B2). Language learning typically takes 10–12 months.
3
Find Ausbildung Company
Search on make-it-in-germany.com, ausbildung.de, and Indeed Germany. Apply with a German CV and motivation letter.
4
Ausbildung Contract
Receive a training contract from the employer. Ausbildung programs typically last 2–3 years with a monthly training salary of €900–€1,300.
5
Visa & Arrival
Apply for an Ausbildung visa and move to Germany to begin your dual training program.
🌍 Roadmap 5: English-Taught Bachelor Programs
1
13 Years of Education
German universities require 13 years of education. Indian students meet this requirement with 12th grade plus one year of university study (two semesters).
2
IELTS 6.0–6.5
Most English Bachelor programs require IELTS between 6.0 and 6.5 depending on the university.
3
APS Certificate + Application
Obtain APS certificate and apply through Uni-Assist. German language is not mandatory but A2/B1 level is helpful for daily life.
4
Admission, Blocked Account, Visa
Complete the standard visa process: admission letter, blocked account (€11,904), health insurance, visa application (€75), and travel to Germany.

Study in Germany Roadmap for Surat Students

Students from Varachha & Amroli

Students from Varachha, Mota Varachha, Amroli, Kosad, Kapodra and Nana Varachha often explore different study pathways to Germany including Studienkolleg, Bachelor and Ausbildung programs.

Central Surat Students Planning Germany Studies

Students living in Adajan, Vesu, Piplod, Citylight, Athwa and Pal regularly contact Berlin German Academy to understand the complete roadmap for studying in Germany.