Cost of Studying in Germany
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
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Why Germany is affordable?
Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition — you usually pay a semester contribution (administration + student services + local transport) of roughly €200–€600 per semester, then cover living costs and a few mandatory documents.
Quick facts students ask first
- Tuition: Most public universities = no tuition; only a semester contribution (~€200–€600). Private universities charge tuition (varies widely).
- Blocked account (visa proof): The German government’s recommended minimum in 2025 is €992/month (≈ €11,904/year) to show you can support yourself. Different providers round this to similar amounts — use the official figure when applying.
- Typical monthly living cost (students): €850–€1,200/month is a realistic range (includes rent, food, transport, utilities, insurance). Your city choice changes this number.
- Health insurance: Expect ~€108–€145/month for statutory student insurance (rates vary by insurer and age). Plan this into your monthly budget.
- Work while studying: International (non-EU) students can generally work up to 20 hours/week during the term (or 140 full days / 280 half days per year), and full-time during semester breaks. This is a key way to supplement living costs.
Cost breakdown — monthly & yearly estimates (by major student city)
| Item / City | Berlin (€/mo.) | Munich (€/mo.) | Frankfurt (€/mo.) | Hamburg (€/mo.) | Aachen (€/mo.) | Heidelberg (€/mo.) | Stuttgart (€/mo.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared / student room) | 450–700 | 600–900 | 550–850 | 500–800 | 350–600 | 400–650 | 450–700 |
| Food & groceries | 150–250 | 180–260 | 160–260 | 160–260 | 130–220 | 140–230 | 150–250 |
| Transport (semester ticket/Deutschlandticket) | 30–60* | 50–80* | 50–80* | 40–70* | 20–50* | 25–55* | 40–70* |
| Health insurance | 110–145 | 110–145 | 110–145 | 110–145 | 110–145 | 110–145 | 110–145 |
| Utilities / Internet / Misc. | 70–120 | 80–140 | 80–140 | 80–140 | 60–110 | 70–130 | 70–130 |
| Estimated monthly total | €850–€1,400 | €1,100–€1,600+ | €1,000–€1,600 | €950–€1,550 | €700–€1,100 | €800–€1,200 | €850–€1,300 |
*Many public universities include a semester ticket (local public transport) in the semester contribution — this can reduce monthly travel costs significantly.
One-year example budget
- Lower range (affordable towns / dorms): ≈ €8,400–€11,000/year
- Average (mid-range cities): ≈ €10,200–€14,400/year
- Higher range (Munich / central Frankfurt / private studio): €14,000+ / year
Remember: you’ll also need to show blocked account funds (~€11,904) or equivalent proof when applying for a student visa.
Smart budgeting tips
Choose student housing early — university dorms and WG (shared flat) options are cheaper. Start searching 6–8 months before arrival.
- Use the semester ticket — many universities include it; it covers local transport and reduces monthly costs.
- Cook, don’t dine out — groceries + cooking cuts food costs by up to 50%.
- Track expenses for 3 months — you’ll find 1–2 “leaks” (subscriptions, food delivery) to cut.
- Open a German bank account — free options exist; easier for rent, part-time pay and scholarship transfers.
- Apply early for scholarships & DAAD funding — they can cover living costs or tuition at private schools.
- Plan healthcare — statutory student insurance is affordable and often mandatory; budget for it before arrival.
Part-time work & income expectations
- Allowed hours: Up to 20 hours/week during lecture periods (full-time during breaks) for non-EU students; or 140 full days / 280 half days per year. Check visa rules before taking extra hours.
- Typical student jobs: Campus assistant, library, café/bar, tutoring, internships (paid). Pay varies by city and job, often €10–€15/hour (gross) — useful to offset monthly expenses.
Scholarships & cost-relief options
- DAAD scholarships — for masters and research students (prestigious, competitive).
- Deutschlandstipendium — university-based grants that combine public & private funding.
- University & foundation scholarships — many private universities offer merit-based awards or installment plans.
- Work-study internships — well-aligned with technical and business programs to reduce net costs. (We can run a scholarship eligibility check for your profile.)
Planning your Germany study budget can feel overwhelming — tuition, rent, food, transport, insurance, it all adds up! At Eleevate Overseas, we guide you step by step to estimate your costs and find smart ways to save through scholarships, student discounts, and part-time jobs. Let us help you create a clear financial roadmap so money never holds you back from your dream university in Germany.”
Book your free counselling session with Eleevate Overseas today.
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