What Does It Cost to Study in Germany - Study in Germany for Free (2024)

When many students dream of studying abroad, the high costs often make them reconsider. Germany, however, bucks the trend. It’s a top student destination for plenty of reasons, but affordable education is one of the biggest factors.

Ever since tuition fees in Germany were abolished in 2014, there’s been a common misconception among international students that education here is entirely free. It’s affordable, yes, but there are still some expenses to plan for.

So, let’s break down all of the costs of studying in Germany as an international student.

First Things First: Proving Financial Resources to Study in Germany

Before we get into explaining the costs involved with studying in Germany, there’s a number you’ll see most often: €11,208. This is how much money you need to have per year to get a student visa or residence permit for Germany. In German bureaucratic lingo, this is called the Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis).

This amount should cover your living expenses, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs. There are many ways to prove you have these funds, but the majority of international students do it by depositing money in a blocked account (Sperrkonto). With this type of account, you can withdraw up to the estimated €934 per month to cover living costs.

> For detailed information on ways to prove your financial resources, read our guide here.

How Much Are Tuition Fees in Germany?

Public universities differentiate between tuition fees and semester fees. When it comes to the former, they don’t have any. But you’ll have to pay the semester fees (very affordable!). Private universities, on the other hand, charge higher fees, making them a less popular choice for students.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities in Germany

Public universities in Germany are very affordable. Semester (bi-annual) fees at such universities range from €100 to €350.

The higher education system in Germany is funded by the federal government and states. Because of this, both local and international won’t have to worry about emptying their savings to afford an education.

The small semester fee covers administrative services such as student administration, student union contributions, and a public transportation pass covering public transportation within the region.

Here are some of the semester or tuition fees at Germany’s best universities as an example:

> Don’t know which university to pick yet? Explore our full list of universities in Germany.

Are All Public Universities in Germany Free?

There are some exceptions to there being no tuition fees in public universities:

• Specialized Programs. Some specialized programs, usually graduate degrees, may have tuition fees. These programs provide unique advantages like specialized training, language courses, or international experiences, hence the extra costs.
• Professional Study Programs. Executive MBAs, other executive-level courses, postgraduate certificates, etc. often involve tuition fees. Depending on the program level and content, these vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros.
• The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg introduced tuition fees for non-EU international students in 2017. Non-EU citizens studying in Baden-Württemberg are required to pay €1,500 per semester.
• The Federal State of Bavaria. The Federal State of Bavaria has recently revisited the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act (BayHIG) to allow universities to charge tuition fees for international students from third countries starting in 2023. But, not all universities have adopted this.

Tuition Fees at Private Universities in Germany

Tuition fees at private universities in Germany usually range between €5,000 to €20,000 per year or more. Each university is free to set its fees and regularly reviews them for potential changes.

Although smaller in number in comparison to public universities in Germany, private universities offer a great variety of specialized programs. Most of them have different fees for each program, so your choice of program can affect your expenses.

In particular, programs in fields like business or technology tend to be more expensive. For example, the cost of Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in Germany can range from a few thousand euros to up to €65,000 per program.

Here is what some of the best private universities and business schools in Germany charge for their programs:

> Discover all your options with our comprehensive list of private universities in Germany.

What Is the Cost of Living Like for International Students in Germany?

The most current estimates for international students in Germany indicates that you should have around €934 per month to cover your living expenses. But, this doesn’t mean that should spend that exact amount.

Students in Germany spend around €842 per month on average according to data from DAAD. This average includes expenses related to rent, travel, food, clothing, health insurance, transportation, tuition fees, and leisure activities.

What Are Accommodation Costs for International Students in Germany?

Students in Germany spend an average €410 per month accommodation. This is the biggest expense for students and other people living here, so we recommend researching this topic thoroughly before deciding on a place to live.

Cost of Student Dormitories

Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) are the most popular accommodation choice for international students. Over 40% here live in this type of accommodation thanks to the affordable rent. On average, students spend around €266.83 per month for a spot in one of the 196,000 places available nationwide.

Cost of Shared Apartments – WGs

Rooms in shared apartments (WGs) in Germany usually cost between €300 to €650 per month. Called WGs (Wohngemeinschaft), this particular accommodation in very popular with local and international students in Germany. Most choose it as a way to socialize with their flatmates, and of course, to split rent and utility costs.

Most WGs fall within the range we provided, but rents can climb up in bigger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Franfkurt. They can also be even cheaper in smaller university towns. For example, a room in a 3-person WG averages €380 in Darmstadt, whereas in Munich, it can cost around €675.

Cost of Private Accommodation

On the rare occasion that students rent an entire place, they pay €828 per month on average for a one-bedroom apartment in Germany.

This is a good option for students who expect to host a family member or who are working while studying. The exact rent of the apartment depends on the city you plan to live in, the size of the apartment, location, amenities, and more.

• In city centers, rent for a one-bedroom apartments ranges from €600 to €1,500 per month, averaging €952.87 per month.
• Outside city centers, expect to pay between €450 and €1,200 per month, averaging €704.70 per month.

> We discuss rental prices in more detail in our 2024 guide on the Cost of Living in Germany.

How Much Do Food and Groceries Cost in Germany?

DAAD estimates that students in Germany usually set aside about €198 each month for their food and groceries. If you’re a foodie and like to cook at home, you’ll be glad to know that grocery store food prices in Germany are quite reasonable.

Here are some of the average costs for everyday food items you can find in German grocery stores:

Cost of Eating at Restaurants

Eating at a restaurant in Germany will cost you more than if you were to cook at home. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs €12 on average. Mid-range restaurants cost more. A three-course meal for two will cost you an average of €60. If you’re craving fast food instead, a McDonald’s meal will costs you around €9.

To drink, a domestic beer is about €4 whereas an imported one will be around €3.80. Cappucinos and similar drinks costs roughly €3.25. A 0.33-liter bottle of soft drinks such as a co*ke or Pepsi cost about €2.66, and a bottled water of the same size is about €2.37 in restaurants.

Cost of Eating at Student Cafeterias

German universities usually have their own cafeterias (Mensas), which offer plenty of affordable meals for students.

A well-rounded meal at a student cafeteria in Germany will cost you a mere €3 to €4 on average. From local cuisine to global dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, there will be something for everyone.

You can pay with your student ID card after you top it up with cash. Mensas usually have three price categories, student rates being the most budget-friendly, followed by staff and guest rates.

How Much Does Transportation Cost for Students in Germany?

Germany is known for its efficient public transportation and its many lines of trains, trams, buses. A one way tickets in one of these routes will cost you about €3, or you can pay a monthly pass for €49. If you’re on a rush, the average taxi ride will start at €4.25 or €2 per kilometer.

However, as student the semesterticket you pay through semester fees will ease transportation burdens. This ticket will cover local and select regional routes for the entire semester.

If you plan to travel alot within Germany, the Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket) monthly pass is your best bet. At €49 per month, it grants you unlimited access to all local public transport routes in the country.

How Much Does Student Health Insurance Cost in Germany?

Health insurance is mandatory for all people residing in Germany. As an international student, you can expect to pay around €120 for health insurance through public providers. This amount can be more or less depending on the provider, your age, and whether you have children you want to include in your insurance.

You can either choose to enroll in the public German health insurance system (statutory health insurance) or a private health insurance.

Take a look at these popular health insurance providers in Germany and their students fees:

> Check out our complete guide for more information on German health insurance for international students.

How Much Should I Budget for Study Materials?

DAAD estimates that students in Germany spend about €31 per month on study materials such as textbooks. Since you’ll need these from the start of the semester, expect to spend more during that time and less throughout the end of it.

Brand-new textbooks can cost anywhere from €20 to €100 or even more. Specialized or advanced textbooks are usually on the pricier side. But, many of these books are available in digital formats for a much lower price, usually from €10 to €60.

German universities have great libraries where you can borrow textbooks and other study materials for free or a modest fee. Plus, it is likely your university has a platform where you can chat with other students and find used textbooks from them at lower prices/free.

You will also need a good laptop or desktop. If you need to buy one, you can find a great one for around €350 or an older basic model for even cheaper. You can also buy a used laptop or desktop to spare your wallet.

How Much Do International Students Spend for Recreation and Entertainment in Germany?

Sports and other recreational activities are a large part of German culture. A gym membership in Germany will cost you around €33.75 per month. Renting a tennis court for an hour during the weekend will cost you about €20.83. If you’re a movie buff, a cinema ticket to see the next international release will be about €12.

How much you spend on sports, leisure, and entertainment depends on your lifestyle preferences. If these are hobbies, there are ways to do them at a lower cost and even for free. Most universities have sports clubs, events, and recreational activities offered at no charge.

For example, here are some of the sports activities offered for free at TUM:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Floorball/Unihockey
• Running
• Fit at KoNaRo
• Climbing
• Cycling
• Dancing (Standard + Latin)
• Yoga
• External sports facilities

Phone and Internet Bills

Mobile plans with data, calls, and text range from €10 to €30 or more per month in Germany. Some providers also prepaid options, which can be more cost-effective.

If you’re living in shared accommodation, you can split the cost of internet with your roommates. Internet plans with speeds of 60 Mbps or more and unlimited data can range from €20 to €50 per month.

If you’re staying in student dormitories, internet access is usually included in the rental package, without any additional charges.

What Other Expenses Should I Budget for as a Student in Germany?

Day to day expenses can add up, so it’s good to have a budget for additional expenses. Students in Germany spend around €144 per month on miscellaneous expenses.

Some services and things to plan for financially include:

Cost of German Student Visa and Residence Permit

International students who need a visa for Germany should budget €75 for a student visa fee paid by bank transfer.

Here is how much it can cost you for a residence permit:

• €110 for initial issuance,
• €100 for extensions,
• Free for scholarship recipients, and
• €22.80 for Turkish nationals under 24, or €37 for those over 24.

Cost of Clothing Items in Germany

As with other countries, clothing stores prices in Germany range from the budget-friendly to the luxurious. Economical stores like H&M, Primark, and C&A offer basic T-shirts for €5 to €20, jeans starting at €20, and casual dresses for an average of €20.

For shoes, consider brands like Deichmann for economical options ranging from €25 to €60. Another way to save money is by visiting secondhand stores or outlets such as Zalando outlet.

If you want to invest in long lasting pieces, premium brands have high-quality and pricier options.

Cost of Postage and Shipping in Germany

If you need to send something via postal services, the cost will depend on the package size, weight, shipping method, and destination.

Here are some general guidelines around postage and shipping:

• Domestic mail. Sending a standard letter or small package within the country will cost you around €0.70 and €10 with Deutsche Post.
• International mail. Sending an international letter costs around €1 to €5 or more. Larger packages range from €10 to €50, depending on the destination, size, and weight.
• Insurance and tracking. Adding insurance or tracking services to your shipments will cost you extra. But, it will provide extra security in case your package is lost or damaged.
• Courier services. Courier services like DHL, UPS, or FedEx are more expensive than standard postal services.
• Online retailers. Online stores in Germany usually have free or reduced-cost shipping for orders above a specific value, usually around €20 to €50.

Cost of Personal Care and Hygiene Items in Germany

Personal care and hygiene products are essential items that should not make a big dent on your wallet. Their prices can range depending on the brand and quality, but we recommend Rossman & DM chain stores for affordable yet high-quality products.

Here are are some of the price ranges of personal care items in Germany:

• Shampoo (400ml). €1 to €5
• Body wash (500ml). €0.95 to €6
• Toilet paper (8 rolls). €2.50 to €5
• Toothpaste (75ml). €1 to €3
• Deodorant (50ml). €1.50 to €4
• Feminine hygiene products (pack of 20). €0.90 to €5
• Hand soap (500ml). €0.50 to €3
• Razors (pack of 4). €2 to €8

Cost of Haircuts and Personal Grooming in Germany

From time to time, you’ll need to visit a hairdresser so you don’t become unrecognizable while you’re in Germany. The type of salon, its location, the services you pick, and the stylists experience can all affect the cost of a haircut or personal grooming services in the country.

In big cities, fancy salons may charge more, but you can still find budget-friendly services in less central locations.

Here are some price ranges for haircuts and grooming services in Germany:

• Basic haircut (men). €15 to €40
• Basic haircut (women). €30 to €70
• Hair coloring (full head). €40 to €100 or more
• Men’s beard trim. €5 to €20
• Manicure. €30 to €50
• Waxing (full legs). €25 to €50
• Eyebrow shaping. €5 to €15

Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Germany is quite budget-friendly for international students, but study costs can quickly add up. This can be especially difficult for students coming from regions with lower living costs and incomes.

Luckily, there are many scholarships available to help. Be it partial, full funding, merit-based, and region-specific awards, there is something for everyone.

Here are some of the most popular scholarships for international students in Germany:

• Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship). Financial assistance of €300 per month for both German and international students in Germany.
• DAAD Scholarships. Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level scholarships covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
• Erasmus+ Scholarships. Covers tuition fees and a monthly stipend covering living expenses for exchange students in Germany and other European countries.
• Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships. Undergraduates and master’s students can get €812 per month up to €934 with extra allowances. Ph.D. students receive up to €1,350 per month, plus a €100 research allowance.
• Humboldt Research Fellowship. Covers research expenses and fellowship stipends of €2,670 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,170 for experienced researchers.
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships. Supports outstanding students from regions including the Global South and post-Soviet states. The scholarship covers health insurance, monthly stipends of €830 for bachelor and €850 for master’s programs, and a family allowance of €276 for students with children.

> Discover the best scholarship for you on our guide to Scholarships in Germany.

What’s the Cost of Studying in Germany for Indian Students?

Indian students make up the largest group of international students in Germany, totaling 42,578 in 2023. Considering the vast differences in living costs between these countries, many Indian students have questions about to the cost of studying in Germany.

Consumer prices in India are approximately 64.9% lower than in Germany (excluding rent), and rent prices are 76.6% lower. But, you’ll should account for the fact that the average monthly net salary in Germany is €2,780, much higher than the €536.49 in India (after tax). If you work in Germany or receive a scholarship, you’ll comfortably afford your studies here.

Here is a summary of the total cost of study in Germany for Indian students:

*Currency exchange rates mentioned above are as of December 2023 and might fluctuate. These insights are only meant to give you a rough idea of the cost of studying in Germany for Indian students.

Cost of Masters in Germany for Indian Students

Fees at German universities are usually the same for all students. However, in some cases, there can be different categories. Indian students are categorized as international students and non-EU students. Some specialized master’s or MSc programs in Germany can have higher fees for Indian students (and other students from third countries).

Let’s consider fees at the Technical University of Munich as an example. You won’t need to pay any fees for their Master of Bioinformatics program, but the Master of Aerospace program costs €6,000 (INR 54.58 lakhs) per semester. The Master of Aerospace Engineering program at the same university doesn’t have any fees, but the Master of Chemical Biotechnology program costs €4,000 (INR 36.41 lakhs) per semester.

This is just one scenario. Many German universities offer Master of Science programs free of tuition fees, but you can occasionally encounter programs with extra fees in addition to the standard semester one.

Final Note

If you’re overwhelmed by all these costs, we totally understand that it’s a lot of information to process. But there’s no need to stress about it. There are countless ways you can fund your studies in Germany. Many international students are thriving here doing so.

We have a great guide with resources on ways to finance your studies if you want to learn more.

Sanjay: I find the tuition fees quite affordable compared to other countries. The cost of living varies depending on the city, but overall, it’s manageable with careful budgeting. I really appreciate the high quality of education and the diverse cultural experience here. It’s been a great opportunity for both personal and academic growth.

Emily: The fact that public universities here have little to no tuition fees is amazing, especially when I think about the high costs back home. The education system here is not just affordable; it’s also innovative and hands-on, which I absolutely love.