Check your budget! - Studying in Germany is less expensive than most people tend to believe - especially because usually there are nearly no tuition fees.

Tuition fees - Since most of the institutions of higher education in Germany are funded by the state, normally they do not charge any tuition fees. Some universitites are likely to introduce tuition fees in the coming years, which as and when introduced will be to the tune of 500 Euros per semester.

Monthly cost of living - In Germany you will require around EUR 650 (approximately INR 35,000 - 40,000) per month. This amount covers housing, food, clothing, study material and other expenses such as health insurance and leisure activities.

Financial Proof for Visa - For a student's visa a proof of funding is required (approx. INR 350,000 - 400,000).

Jobs - Although a student visa does not allow you to take a full-time job, surely you could do with a bit of extra income. As an international student you are permitted to work upto four hours per day, but not more than 180 days per year. You may ask in your department, library and student services for employment. In any case, German language is a strong plus point for a job.

Scholarships - You can find out all about scholarship-awarding organisations, including DAAD, on the following websites:

• http://www.daad.de/deutschland/foerderung/hinweise/00461.en.html
• http://www.campus-germany.de/english/1.120.33.html

Funding - Section Funding
http://www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/Gebuehren/tuition_fees.php - Tuition Fees, Scholarships & Grants
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/kosten/06199.en.html - Cost of Living, Fees
http://www.stiftungen.org/index.php?lang=2& - Index of German foundations