Which questions are asked most often?
Below are common questions with example answers. The examples use placeholders on purpose. Replace every detail with your own facts. An answer that sounds memorised falls apart at the first follow-up question.
Background
Q1: Tell me about yourself.
Tip
"I am [Name], from Bangalore. I finished my B.E. in Mechanical Engineering at [College] in [Year] with a CGPA of [X]. For the last [N] months I have worked at [Company] on [specific work]. I am going to study [Programme] at [University] to go deeper into [area]."
Keep it under a minute and end with a bridge to your study plan.
Q2: Why Germany and not the USA, UK or Canada?
Tip
"Germany is strong in [your field], and [University]'s programme has modules in [A] and [B] that match my work. Public universities charge little or no tuition, so my family can fund it without a large loan. After the degree, Germany also lets graduates look for a job for up to 18 months."
Do not criticise other countries. If your university charges tuition (TUM, or Baden-Württemberg universities for non-EU students), say so and know the amount.
Study plan and university
Q3: Why this university?
Tip
"I compared [Programme] at [University] with [two others]. [University] has the modules [A] and [B], and the [research group or lab] works on [topic], which is what I did in my final-year project. The programme also has [a thesis with industry / an internship semester / a specialisation], which fits my plan."
Name modules from the module handbook and, if you can, a research group. "Good ranking" is not an answer.
Q4: How does this course relate to your Bachelor's?
Tip
"My degree covered [subjects], which the programme lists as entry requirements. My project on [topic] used [method]. The Master's adds [new areas] that I did not study before."
Draw a clear line from what you studied to what you will study. If you are switching field, explain the bridge: work, courses or projects.
Q5: What are the course details?
Know these without looking: programme name, duration, start date, language, tuition or semester fee, city, and two or three modules in the first semester.
Money
Q6: Who is funding your studies?
Tip
"My father is my sponsor. He works as [role] at [Company] and his yearly income is [amount], shown in his ITR. I have deposited €11,904 in a blocked account with [provider]. I also have [savings or loan] for the first months' costs."
Use the exact figures that are in your documents.
Q7: What is a blocked account?
Tip
"It is an account that proves I can cover my living costs. I deposited €11,904 for the first year, and from Germany I can withdraw €992 a month. The confirmation from [provider] is in my file."
Q8: What if your sponsor cannot support you any more?
Tip
"The first year is already in the blocked account. My family also has [other income or savings]. I can work part-time within the legal limit of 140 full days or 280 half days a year, but I am not planning my budget around it."
Do not say you will pay for your studies by working. The visa is for study.
After the degree
Q9: What will you do after graduating?
Tip
"I want to work in [field], ideally in Germany first to gain experience, using the 18-month job search period. Longer term I want to [specific plan], which my degree in [Programme] prepares me for."
Note
Germany is not the USA. German law allows graduates to stay and look for work, and many do. You do not need to promise to return to India. You need a plan that makes sense and matches your SOP.
Q10: What if you do not find a job?
Tip
"I would look for roles in [field] in India, where my German degree and [skills] are useful, for example at [type of company]."
Other questions
Q11: Do you have relatives in Germany? Answer honestly, and say where you will live.
Q12: Did you apply to other countries? Answer honestly. If you did, explain why Germany came first.
Q13: Where will you live? Say what you have arranged: a student residence application, a room, or temporary housing. See our accommodation guide.
Q14: Do you speak German? Say your level honestly. If you are learning, say which level and when. It helps for daily life and later jobs.
