Germany Master's Guide for Indian Students

Index

Index.............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Before You Read............................................................................................................................................ 3
The Mindset .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Complete Application Roadmap ................................................................................................................... 3
Step 1 – Understand Germany.................................................................................................................. 3
Step 2 – Prepare for GMAT (if required) ................................................................................................... 4
Step 3 – Prepare Your Documents ............................................................................................................ 4
Step 4 – Apply for APS and dMAT Exam ................................................................................................... 4
Step 5 – IELTS ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Step 6 – Learn German ............................................................................................................................. 5
Step 7 – Shortlist Universities ................................................................................................................... 5
Step 8 – Read Every Requirement Carefully ............................................................................................. 5
Step 9 – Write SOP .................................................................................................................................... 5
Step 10 – Submit Applications .................................................................................................................. 6
Step 11 – Wait for Results......................................................................................................................... 6
Official Websites You Should Bookmark ....................................................................................................... 6
DAAD ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
APS India ............................................................................................................................................... 6
GMAT .................................................................................................................................................... 6
IELTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Uni-Assist .............................................................................................................................................. 6
German Embassy India.......................................................................................................................... 6
Anabin ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................................................................................... 7
1. My CGPA is low. Can I still get admission?............................................................................................ 7
 2. My CGPA is 7.5/10. What is my German GPA? ..................................................................................... 7
3. What if a university has a cutoff of 2.5 German GPA? ......................................................................... 7
4. How do I shortlist universities? ............................................................................................................. 8
5. I am confused about a document. What should I do? .......................................................................... 8
6. Should I learn German even if my course is in English? ....................................................................... 8
7. Should I come to Germany directly after my Bachelor's or gain work experience first? ..................... 8
If you come directly after your Bachelor's ............................................................................................ 9
If you come after gaining work experience .......................................................................................... 9
Does not having work experience put you at a disadvantage? ............................................................ 9
8. Should I use a consultant or apply on my own? ................................................................................... 9
Is there any situation where a consultant makes sense? ................................................................... 10
9. How can I learn more about a particular university or course? ......................................................... 10
What most students do wrong ........................................................................................................... 10
What you should do instead ............................................................................................................... 10
10. Should I choose a Public University or a Private University in Germany? ........................................ 11
11. I'm worried about choosing the "right" university. Which university should I choose? .................. 11
12. Yash, what if I don't get an admit in this intake? .............................................................................. 12
My Personal Story ............................................................................................................................... 13
13. Should I ask students in Germany if I'll get a job after my Master's?............................................... 13
One Final Piece of Advice ........................................................................................................................ 14
Recommended Indian YouTube Channels .................................................................................................. 14
This is a living document. Admission requirements, university policies, APS timelines,
visa rules, and language requirements may change over time. Always verify information
from the official university or government websites before making any decision.

Before You Read

This document does not answer every question related to studying in Germany.
It is specifically written for Indian students planning to pursue a Master's degree in Germany.
If you are applying for Bachelor's programs, some parts of this document may still help you, but many
admission requirements and processes are different.
The goal of this guide is to reduce confusion, help you understand the application process, and
encourage you to complete your applications yourself.
I am not an admission consultant.
I do not:
● do any application process
● prepare applications for students.
Instead, I want to help you understand the process so that you can confidently submit your own
applications. I am here to guide, motivate and help in making better decisions for yourself. I
am trying to share my journey, my experiences and I am trying to document my life,
where life in Germany is one of the part in this documenting journey. This guide is to
help you take wise decision and I like to share about my journey as I am grateful to
everyone. And please after you read this document do write your review on my Instagram
DM, I would love to see your feedback and read the reviews. So lets start…

The Mindset
Don’t ask: "Who can apply for me?"
Instead ask: "How can I learn to apply myself?"
Germany values independent students.
Start developing that independence from Day 1.

Complete Application Roadmap

Step 1 – Understand Germany

Research:
● Public Universities
● Private Universities
 ● Cost of Living
● Student Jobs
● Health Insurance
● Accommodation
● Tuition Fees
● Semester Contribution
● Career Opportunities

Step 2 – Prepare for GMAT (if required)

Many Management, Finance, Economics and Business Analytics programs require a GMAT or GMAT
Focus score.
Always check the university website before preparing.

Step 3 – Prepare Your Documents

Keep scanned copies of:
● Passport
● Degree Certificate
● All Semester Mark Sheets
● Transcript
● Resume
● SOP
● Recommendation Letters
● Internship Certificates
● Work Experience Certificates
● Project Certificates
Organize everything inside one Google Drive folder.

Step 4 – Apply for APS and dMAT Exam

Indian students must obtain the APS Certificate before most university applications.
Official Website: APS India
[Link]
[Link]

Step 5 – IELTS
Prepare for IELTS Academic.
Official Website: IELTS
[Link]
Target Score:
 ● Minimum 6.5
● Preferably 7+
Always verify university requirements.

Step 6 – Learn German

Even if your course is completely in English… start learning German from India.
My recommendation:
Try to complete at least B1 level before coming to Germany, even if your university does not ask for
German language proficiency.
Why? Because B1 German can significantly improve your chances of:
● Getting part-time jobs
● Communicating in daily life
● Networking
● Internships
● Full-time employment after graduation
Don't wait until you arrive in Germany. Start early.

Step 7 – Shortlist Universities

The process should always be:
DAAD → University Website → Course Website → Admission Requirements → Application
Never apply solely based on YouTube videos. Always verify from official university websites.
Official DAAD Website:
[Link]

Step 8 – Read Every Requirement Carefully

Every university is different. Check:
● Eligibility
● CGPA Requirement
● GMAT Requirement
● IELTS Requirement
● APS Requirement
● SOP
● Recommendation Letters
● Deadlines
● Portfolio (if required)

Step 9 – Write SOP

Make it personal. Never copy SOPs from the internet.
Step 10 – Submit Applications
Double check everything before submission.

Step 11 – Wait for Results

Admissions take time. Use this period to:
● Learn German
● Research Accommodation
● Prepare Finances
● Understand Visa Process

Official Websites You Should Bookmark

DAAD
[Link]
Search Master's Programs

APS India
[Link]
Academic Verification

GMAT
[Link]
GMAT Registration and Information

IELTS
[Link]
IELTS Information

Uni-Assist
[Link]
Application Portal for many German Universities

German Embassy India

[Link]
Visa Information

Anabin
[Link]
Check Recognition of Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions which I received in my insta page @inspiredyash when interacting with
students, So I have compiled it here. I will try to add more questions if I receive anything. And
please after you read this document do write your review on my Instagram DM, I would
love to see your feedback and read the reviews.

1. My CGPA is low. Can I still get admission?

Yes. A low CGPA does not automatically mean rejection.
You can strengthen your profile through:
● Internships
● Work Experience
● Research Projects
● Certifications
● Strong SOP
● Relevant Courses
● Good IELTS Score
● German Language Skills
The most important strategy is: apply to more universities.
Normal profile: 10–12 Universities
Lower CGPA: At least 15 Universities
Remember, every university evaluates applications differently.

2. My CGPA is 7.5/10. What is my German GPA?

Many German universities convert Indian CGPA to the German grading system using the modified
Bavarian formula.
Indian CGPA: 7.5 / 10
German GPA (approx.): 2.5
This is only an estimate. You can get German CGPA checker online

3. What if a university has a cutoff of 2.5 German GPA?

If your converted German GPA is worse than the published cutoff (for example, higher than 2.5 on the
German scale), you generally should not apply because you are unlikely to meet the minimum eligibility
requirement.
However… if no GPA cutoff is mentioned on the university's website, you can still apply. Your application
may be evaluated holistically based on your overall profile.
Always check the official admission requirements for each university.
4. How do I shortlist universities?
Always follow this order:
1. Search on DAAD.
2. Shortlist interesting programs.
3. Visit the official university website.
4. Visit the specific course page.
5. Read all admission requirements.
6. Prepare documents.
7. Apply.
Never rely solely on third-party websites.

5. I am confused about a document. What should I do?

The best source is always the University Admission Office. Send them an email explaining your situation.
For example:
● Is GMAT compulsory?
● Is APS mandatory before applying?
● Is an internship certificate accepted?
● Is dMAT exam compulsory?
Most universities reply within 1–2 weeks, although it can sometimes take longer during peak admission
periods.
This is one of the biggest reasons why you should start your application process early.

6. Should I learn German even if my course is in English?

Yes.
My personal recommendation is: complete B1 German level before arriving in Germany — even if your
university never asks for German.
It gives you a huge advantage for:
● Part-time jobs
● Daily communication
● Networking
● Internships
● Full-time employment
Learning German is one of the best investments you can make before moving.

7. Should I come to Germany directly after my Bachelor's or gain work experience

first?
There is no single correct answer to this question. Both paths are valid, and the right choice depends on
your personal goals, financial situation, career plans, and opportunities available to you.
If you come directly after your Bachelor's
When applying for internships or your first technical role in Germany, employers will primarily evaluate
you based on:
● Your academic performance
● Relevant projects
● Internship experience
● Technical skills
● Certifications
● Motivation
Since you won't have full-time work experience, your projects and internships become your strongest
selling points.

If you come after gaining work experience

Your previous professional experience becomes a significant advantage. Recruiters can evaluate your
real-world responsibilities, technical expertise, and achievements, making it easier to demonstrate your
practical skills.

Does not having work experience put you at a disadvantage?

Not at all. It simply means you'll need to work harder to earn your first opportunity by building a strong
profile through projects, internships, technical skills, and networking.
Also remember something important: when you move to Germany, everyone starts from zero in many
ways. Whether someone has two years of experience or none, everyone has to adapt to:
● A new country
● A different work culture
● A new education system
● A new language
● A completely different environment
Don't compare your journey with someone else's. Focus on building the strongest version of your own
profile.

8. Should I use a consultant or apply on my own?

This is probably one of the most common questions I receive. My recommendation is simple: if possible,
complete your applications yourself.
Think about it. You're planning to move to Germany to pursue a Master's degree, complete challenging
technical projects, solve complex problems, and eventually work as an engineer, developer, analyst,
researcher, or consultant. If you're capable of doing all of that, then you're certainly capable of learning
how to complete a university application.
Yes, it takes time. Yes, you'll have to research. Yes, you'll make mistakes. But you'll gain confidence,
understand the process, and know exactly what you've submitted.
Is there any situation where a consultant makes sense?
Yes. If you're already working full-time, earning well, and genuinely don't have the time to research
universities, prepare documents, and manage applications yourself, then hiring a consultant can be a
reasonable decision.
However, even in that case, I strongly recommend understanding every step of the process rather than
leaving everything to someone else.
For most students, applying independently is absolutely achievable — you just need to start early and
stay organized.

9. How can I learn more about a particular university or course?

The best people to answer your questions are the students who are already studying that course. One of
the easiest ways to connect with them is through LinkedIn.
Search for:
● The university name
● The course name
● Current Master's students
● Alumni
Most students are happy to help if you ask thoughtful and specific questions.

What most students do wrong

Many messages look like this:
"Hello Yash, I’m planning for Germany in 2027. Can you tell me the complete process?"
"Hi Yash, I have a 7.8 CGPA. Am I eligible for Germany?"
"Can you explain everything about studying in Germany?"
These are very broad questions, and most people are unlikely to respond because they require too much
time and effort.

What you should do instead

First, do your own research. Read the university website, review the course curriculum, understand the
admission requirements, and identify the areas you're genuinely confused about. Obviously after you
make connecting introduce yourself and also mention how you have applied to particular course.
Then ask specific questions such as:
● How project-oriented is the curriculum in the second semester?
● Were internships easy to find in your city?
● How much programming knowledge did you need before starting the course?
● Did your class have many students from non-CS backgrounds?
● How practical are the laboratory sessions?
● Would you choose this course again if you had the chance?
Specific questions are much easier to answer, and you'll receive far more helpful responses.
Remember: people are more willing to help when they can answer a focused question rather than
explain an entire process from scratch.

10. Should I choose a Public University or a Private University in Germany?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. My personal recommendation is to prioritize Public
Universities whenever possible.
The biggest reason is that most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees. Students
usually only pay a semester contribution, which is much lower than the tuition fees charged by many
private universities.
Apart from the financial benefit, public universities are also well-known for:
● Strong academic quality
● Research opportunities
● Industry collaborations
● Excellent reputation in Germany and internationally
For most students, especially those funding their own education, public universities provide outstanding
value.
That said, private universities are not necessarily “bad.” They may be a suitable option in certain
situations, such as when they offer a specialized program that closely matches your career goals.
However, before choosing a private university, carefully evaluate whether the additional tuition fees are
justified by the opportunities the program provides.
My advice: If you have the opportunity to study at a public university that aligns with your goals, I
would generally recommend choosing it.

11. I'm worried about choosing the "right" university. Which university should I
choose?
This is something many students overthink. My perspective is simple: choose your university based on
your career goals — not just its name or ranking.
The first thing I look at is the course curriculum. Ask yourself:
● Does this course teach the skills I want to build?
● Does it align with the career I want after graduation?
● Are there electives or research areas that interest me?
● Does the curriculum include practical projects, internships, or industry collaboration?
If the answers are yes, then the university is worth considering.
If you still have questions after reading the curriculum, reach out to current students or alumni on
LinkedIn. Ask them about:
● The quality of the courses
● Teaching style
 ● Internship opportunities
● Industry exposure
● Overall student experience
These conversations can give you insights that you won't find on the university website.
In my opinion, the priority should be:
1. Course curriculum
2. Alignment with your career goals
3. Feedback from current students and alumni
4. Research opportunities (if relevant)
Only after these should you consider factors such as:
● City
● Cost of living
● Availability of part-time jobs
● University ranking
● Weather
● Student population
These factors are important, but they should not outweigh the quality of the course if your main
objective is to build a successful career.
This is my personal point of view. When I decided to pursue my Master's in Germany, my priority was to
build a strong career. Because of that, I gave the highest importance to the course curriculum and
whether it would help me develop the skills I wanted — not just the university's ranking or the city it
was located in.
Ultimately, every student's priorities are different. Think about your own long-term goals and choose
the university that best supports them.

12. Yash, what if I don't get an admit in this intake?

First of all, always have a Plan B. While your goal may be to pursue a Master's in Germany, you should
never put your life on hold while waiting for admission results.
If you don't receive an admit in a particular intake:
● Continue working in a full-time job, if possible.
● Take up internships relevant to your field.
● Build new technical skills.
● Work on personal or industry projects.
● Earn relevant certifications.
● Improve your German language skills.
● Strengthen your overall profile.
Every additional skill or experience you gain can make your next application stronger.
Most importantly, don't think that not getting an admit means the end of your career or your dream.
Admissions are competitive, and many factors influence the outcome. Sometimes it's simply a matter of
timing, the number of applicants, or the specific intake you're applying to.
If studying in Germany is truly your goal, be prepared to apply again with a stronger profile. Persistence
is often the difference between giving up and eventually receiving an admit.

My Personal Story
I want to share my own experience because I know how discouraging rejections can feel.
I applied for three different intakes, and each time I was rejected. It was disappointing, and there were
moments when I questioned whether I would ever receive an admission offer.
But instead of giving up, I kept improving my profile, continued applying, and stayed focused on my goal.
Finally, on my fourth attempt, I received my admission offer.
Looking back today, I'm grateful that I didn't stop after my first, second, or even third rejection.
That's why I always tell students:
One rejection does not define your future. Sometimes your dream is delayed, not denied.
Stay patient, keep improving yourself, and continue moving forward. Your persistence today may
become the success story you share with someone else tomorrow.

13. Should I ask students in Germany if I'll get a job after my Master's?
This is one of the most common mistakes I see students make while networking. Many students send
messages like:
"Will I get a full-time job after this course?"
"Can you tell me if I’ll get a job in Germany after graduation?"
These are very difficult questions to answer.
The truth is: no one knows your future — not even the students who are already studying in Germany.
Think about it from their perspective. They're busy attending lectures, completing assignments,
managing part-time jobs, preparing for exams, and planning their own careers. They can't predict what
the job market will look like by the time you graduate, nor can they guarantee your future based on your
profile.
Your success will depend on many factors, including:
● Your technical skills
● Your projects
● Your internship experience
● Your German language proficiency
● Your networking efforts
● The job market at the time you graduate
● The effort you put into your Master's journey
Instead of asking questions about your future, ask questions that the other person can realistically
answer. For example:
 ● How is the current job market in Germany for your field?
● What skills are currently in demand?
● What advice would you give to someone planning to pursue this Master's program?
● What technical skills should I start learning before coming to Germany?
● Did the curriculum prepare you well for internships and jobs?
● If you could start again, what would you do differently?
● Are there any subjects or technologies I should focus on before arriving?
These are specific, experience-based questions that current students can answer much more effectively.
Remember, networking is about learning from someone else's experience — not asking them to predict
your future.

One Final Piece of Advice

When choosing a Master's program, don't focus only on what's trending today.
Instead, choose a course that you believe will remain relevant to the industry for the next 5–10 years.
Technology evolves quickly, but strong fundamentals and in-demand skills continue to create
opportunities over the long term. Build your Master's around your long-term career goals, not just
short-term trends.
And if you have made it till here then write your review on my Instagram DM, I would love
to see your feedback and read the review. Start the review with the word “Germany-
Unlocked”. So, I would know you read this document till the end.

Recommended YouTube Channels

There are so many people documenting their journey in Germany, like so many, creating daily vlogs,
documenting their daily life, how to apply to applications. The below two links are the ones I picked
from youtube, it’s not promotion or any kind of sponsor video. You can always check in youtube
and learn about the process and life in Germany

Germanywalla - Kartik Parashar [Link]

Shakshi Badesra [Link]

Lastly, I would like to say I thank you for supporting me and liking my page. I am documenting my
experiences, thoughts, perspectives, and in that life in Germany is just a small part. So I might not
create many videos on Germany, but I will always try to guide and help students who are planning
to study in Germany. My goal with this page is to become the best version of myself, and while
documenting my journey, I am trying to help people who can connect with my journey and content.
If you feel I can add some value in your life then follow along -@inspiredyash
Thank you