Key takeaways
- Germany is a popular choice among Indian students seeking to pursue LLM due to its world-class legal education, with highly ranked universities offering diverse specialisations like International Law, Corporate Law, and European Law.
- The strong German economy and its well-developed legal market provide excellent career prospects and global networking opportunities.
- Indian students benefit from affordable tuition fees, numerous scholarships, and relatively low living costs compared to other Western countries.
- Studying in Germany also provides in-depth knowledge of the European legal system, which significantly enhances your competitiveness in the global job market.
- Germany’s multicultural environment provides you with the opportunity to interact with a diverse student body and legal professionals from around the world, enhancing your international career prospects.
Germany is renowned for its reputed universities and strong legal education. The country offers you numerous opportunities to gain a solid academic foundation and practical legal exposure, and also to develop a global professional network. Keep reading to learn more about LLM in Germany for Indian students.
Know more about LLM courses in Germany by talking to our experts!
Table of Contents
- Why choose Germany for an LLM
- Popular universities in Germany for LLM programmes
- Popular LLM specialisations in Germany
- LLM eligibility criteria for Indian students
- How to apply for an LLM in Germany from India
- Cost of studying LLM in Germany
- Scholarships for Indian LLM students in Germany
- Job opportunities for Indian students after LLM in Germany
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Why choose Germany for an LLM
Germany is among the most sought-after study destinations for legal education. Indian students choose Germany’s LLM programmes for a variety of reasons, including its strong legal framework and wide selection of courses. Take a look at the top reasons:
- World-class legal education
- Promising career opportunities
- Knowledge of the European legal system
- International exposure
World-class legal education
German universities maintain high academic standards and deliver world-class legal education through highly ranked LLM programmes. The universities are renowned for their well-structured course curriculum, excellent research facilities and globally recognised law faculty.
Promising career opportunities
Germany has a strong economy and provides excellent post-study work opportunities. German universities offer numerous opportunities to participate in relevant events and also secure suitable internships. Germany’s legal market is well-developed with abundant job opportunities for its law graduates.
Knowledge of the European legal system
An LLM from Germany provides the ideal platform to understand the European legal system, a crucial factor in learning international law. The European Union law is a highly valued legal framework globally.
International exposure
Studying in Germany is an opportunity to connect with a multicultural student crowd and build a global network. Since Germany is a hub for law professionals, you can also connect with global law firms and widen your international exposure.
Popular universities in Germany for LLM programmes
German universities offer globally recognised law degrees and a wide choice of specialisations, including International Law, Corporate Law, European Law, and Human Rights Law. Here are the popular universities in Germany for LLM programmes:
| University name | City | Notable LLM programmes | Highlights |
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg | International Law, Comparative Law | Offers multiple LLM specialisations, rich academic heritage |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Berlin | European Governance and Administration | Known for academic excellence and research contributions |
| Ludwig Maximilian University | Munich | LLM in International Business Law, European and German Law | Strong research orientation, focus on international and German law |
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg | International Law, European Law, Human Rights Law | Emphasises interdisciplinary research and international collaboration |
| Free University of Berlin | Berlin | LLM in European and International Law | Offers diverse programmes focusing on European and international legal frameworks |
| Bucerius Law School | Hamburg | LLM in Law and Business | Renowned for an interdisciplinary approach combining business and law |
| University of Gottingen | Gottingen | Various law specialisations | Offers a wide range of law programmes |
Popular LLM specialisations in Germany
German universities offer a wide range of LLM courses that combine rigorous academics with practical exposure. With specialisations ranging from International Business to Human Rights and Corporate Law, German universities provide courses that cover diverse areas of law. Take a look at the popular LLM specialisations in Germany.
| Specialisation | Highlights |
| International Business Law | Focuses on international trade, corporate governance, and commercial law. |
| European Law | Coverage of the legal framework of the European Union and its institutions. |
| Intellectual Property Law | Deals with patents, copyrights, and trademarks. |
| Human Rights Law | Addresses the protection and promotion of human rights. |
| International Arbitration | Teaches about arbitrating international disputes and litigation. |
| Corporate Law | Covers corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate finance. |
| Finance and Banking Law | Focuses on legal regulations affecting financial institutions and banking sectors. |
| Legal Digitalisation and IT Law | Covers laws related to information technology and cybersecurity. |
Let’s explore LLM courses in Germany. Talk to our experts!
LLM eligibility criteria for Indian students
German universities require a bachelor’s degree in law with a good academic record. Many universities ask for an academic score of 60 to 70% or an equivalent GPA score. You must also have 1 to 2 years of work experience in the legal field.
If the medium of instruction of the course is German, it’s important to have German language proficiency. For this, you must pass tests like DSH-2 or TestDaf (minimum 4 points). English language proficiency must be proven through IELTS/TOEFL scores.
Note: The minimum score required for IELTS is 6.5, and for TOEFL, it is 95+.
In addition, you have to provide a strong statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and a CV.
Related articles
How to apply for an LLM in Germany from India
Here are the steps you should follow to apply for an LLM in Germany:
- Research the universities and LLM programmes and shortlist those you would like to apply for.
- Review the eligibility criteria and collect the required documents.
- Visit the online portal of the institution.
- Fill out the application form and upload the documents.
- If selected, you’ll receive the offer from the university, after which you can apply for the student visa.
For end-to-end support from selecting the right course with high academic chances,
to applying and finding student accommodation, we can help you!
Visa requirements for Indian students
On receiving the admission letter from the institution, you can apply for a German student visa. It’s valid for 3 months, after which you can convert the student visa into a residence permit.
To apply for your German student visa, you must produce a valid passport, financial statements or proof of funds, a passport-size photo, an admission letter from a German institution, and academic records. You must also provide a letter explaining the reasons why you are applying for the visa.
Note: The student visa may require a 6 to 8 week processing time. So apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
Cost of studying LLM in Germany
Germany offers affordable education when compared to Western countries. The average cost of studying an LLM programme in Germany ranges between EUR 12,000 and EUR 18,000. In addition, certain universities might also charge a semester fee, which might come up to EUR 1,500.
Take a look at the tuition fee for LLM in popular German universities:
| University | Average tuition fees (EUR) |
| University of Hamburg | 7,500 |
| University of Frankfurt | 8,200 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | 7,000 |
| University of Bonn | 5,000 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 7,000 |
| University of Heidelberg | 8,500 |
| University of Freiburg | 5,000 |
| University of Cologne | 8,200 |
| University of Göttingen | 5,000 |
| University of Tübingen | 5,000 |
The cost of living in Germany ranges between EUR 800 and EUR 1,000 per month. This includes accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses. Many German cities are affordable, with plenty of student-friendly options to reduce your expenses.
Here’s a look at the monthly living costs for German cities for international students, including LLM students, supplemented from official and reliable sources:
| City | Total monthly cost (EUR) |
| Berlin | 840 - 1,200 |
| Munich | 600 - 840 |
| Frankfurt | 900 - 1,320 |
| Hamburg | 758 - 1,000 |
| Aachen | 518 - 650 |
Source: DAAD | Numbeo
Scholarships for Indian LLM students in Germany
There are several scholarship opportunities to support Indian students who wish to pursue an LLM in Germany. Many scholarships are based on merit, while there are scholarships based on your financial condition.
Take a look at the popular scholarship options for Indian LLM students in Germany.
| Scholarship name | Description | Eligibility criteria | Benefits |
| DAAD Scholarships | Prestigious scholarships for international students across all levels, including LLM. | High academic merit, admission to a German university, and language proficiency | Monthly stipend up to EUR 1,200, tuition fee waiver, travel allowance, health insurance |
| Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) | Awarded on a merit basis to students in any discipline, including law. | Outstanding academic records, admitted to a state-recognised or public university in Germany | Financial aid of EUR 300 per month |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship | Supports students committed to social justice and environmental sustainability, interest in Heinrich Böll Foundation values. | Interest in social and political issues, academic excellence | Tuition coverage, monthly allowance, programme support |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | For Indian students pursuing a master’s, MPhil, or PhD abroad, including in Germany. | Indian citizenship, good academic record | Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance (up to USD 100,000) |
| University-specific Scholarships | Individual universities offer scholarships based on academic excellence and field of study. | Admission to the respective university, merit-based | Tuition fee waivers, partial funding, and research grants |
| ERASMUS+ Scholarship | European scholarship for eligible programmes, including LLM. | Enrolment in the Erasmus partner programme/university | Monthly allowance, travel subsidy |
Job opportunities for Indian students after LLM in Germany
After completing an LLM in Germany, you can pursue several rewarding jobs in the legal sector. Germany has a strong legal system with excellent exposure to international and European law, which brings several career advancement opportunities. Here are the popular career opportunities you can pursue upon completing an LLM in Germany:
- Company attorney: You can work in firms or multinationals as a corporate attorney. Organisations need expert legal services in corporate, commercial, or tax laws.
- Compliance officers: Companies need the service of compliance officers to ensure that their activities adhere to the legal requirements.
- Legal consultant: LLM graduates can pursue consultant or advisor roles in international trade law, intellectual property law, and more.
- International organisations: International organisations like the European Union or the World Bank hire LLM graduates, offering excellent career prospects.
- Academic roles: You can pursue academic roles such as teaching or research in institutions or universities.
You can find employment in various law firms, international organisations, corporate legal departments, academic institutions, and government agencies.
Post-study visa options in Germany
German rules allow you to work in Germany for 18 months after completing your course.
Once you complete your course, you can apply for a post-study work permit. Initially, you must apply for a temporary/limited residence permit, which allows you to stay for another 18 months after you complete your course. After securing a permanent job, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for qualified employment.
Living in Germany as an Indian law student
Living in Germany as an Indian student is an enriching experience where rigorous academics combine with diverse personal development opportunities. German universities offer a comprehensive course curriculum with in-depth coverage of legal concepts and practical application. Most LLM programmes provide internships at reputed law firms and prepare you for the competitive global legal market.
Beyond academics, campus life has plenty of extracurricular activities that offer you a well-rounded university experience. You’ll gain the opportunity to connect with a multicultural crowd and develop an extensive network. In addition, Germany has a welcoming environment with plenty of opportunities to explore culture, food, music, theatres, and more. It offers plenty of socialisation opportunities and the right platform for your personal development.
Final thoughts
Pursuing an LLM in Germany brings numerous advantages to Indian students. German legal education is a blend of rigorous academics and practical exposure, which enhances your career prospects. There are diverse specialisations such as international law, intellectual property law, and corporate law, with high demand in the modern world.
German universities are renowned for their academic excellence, experienced law faculty, and rich academic resources. You can take advantage of the strong industry connections to build an extensive professional network. In addition, the affordable tuition fee and cost of living in Germany make it an attractive choice for Indian LLM students.
Let us help you enrol in LLM programmes in Germany right away!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know German to pursue an LLM in Germany?
No, knowledge of the German language is not necessary to pursue an LLM in Germany. Many courses are taught in English and require English language proficiency for admission. However, this might vary based on specific programme requirements, as courses that are taught in German will require German proficiency.
Is an LLM from Germany valid in India?
Yes, an LLM from Germany is valid in India. The Bar Council of India recognises degrees from foreign universities. However, these degrees may not allow you to qualify for the Indian bar exams.
Is IELTS required for Germany?
IELTS is required to apply for programmes that are taught in English. The scores needed may vary based on the university. But, generally, it ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. However, you can study in Germany without IELTS by providing alternative proof of language proficiency.
How long does an LLM programme typically last in Germany?
The duration of an LLM programme in Germany is usually one to two years. This may vary based on the specific course requirements. Many specialised programmes offer one-year options for completing the course.
How competitive is the admission process for LLM programmes in Germany?
The German LLM programmes require strong academic performance and an excellent GPA. The competitiveness of the admission process depends on the university and the specific programme.
