Cost of Studying in Germany

Tuition Fees in Germany for International Students

Public universities in Germany offer great value for international students: good education and, for most regions, no tuition costs.

Cost of Studying at public universities

The good news is that most public universities are tuition-free for all students, including international students, regardless of nationality. An exception to this would be the universities in Badden-Württemberg, which do charge a tuition fee of €1,500 for international students.

However, if you decide you want to study in Germany, you should know that twice a year you have to pay semester fees, which are significantly lower than tuition fees in other countries.

These semester fees range from €100 to €350 per semester, depending on the university, and there is no difference between what an EU and a non-EU student has to pay.

Tuition Fees at Private Universities

Private universities in Germany charge tuition fees, but still remain more affordable than many other countries. These institutions often offer smaller class sizes, specialized programmes, and different career-orientation services.

Approximate Costs for Private Universities in Germany

Most private universities in Germany charge around €10,000 to €15,000 per year, but you get some flexibility with payment (as well as discounts: paying upfront might save you some money).

Semester Contribution and Enrolment Fees

All students in Germany (German nationals, EU students and non-EU students) must pay semester contributions if they study at a public university.

These fees are put in place to support different student services and typically include:

• Student union fees
• Public transportation pass
• Administrative costs
• Student services and facilities access
• Sports and recreational facilities

Cost of Studying by Programme Type

There are no great differences in terms of cost depending on your programme type when it comes to public universities. The biggest differences in terms of cost may come at the private level.

Bachelor’s Degree Costs in Germany

Bachelor's programmes in Germany are typically 3-4 years long depending on the programme, and offer excellent value for international students. At public universities, there are no fees besides the semester fee.

However, private universities charge around €10,000 to €15,000 per year for a Bachelor's degree, with some options exceeding the €20,000 mark.

Master’s Degree Costs in Germany

Master's programmes typically span 1.5 to 2 years, and at public universities, they uphold Germany's reputation for affordable education, being tuition-free apart from the mandatory semester fee.

However, private universities can charge anywhere from €10,000 to €25,000 (or more, in some cases) per year for a Master's.

Other Expenses Related to Studying

While tuition fees often "grab the headlines" when discussing study costs in Germany, you will discover that you still need to cover some costs, besides the semester fee, such as visa fees, language courses (if you want to take one) and other costs associated with studying.

Student Visa Fees and Blocked Account Costs

Before your visa is approved, you’ll need to prove you can cover living expenses:

• Visa fee: €75
• Blocked Account requirement (as of 2025): €11,904/year (€992/month)
• Residence permit on arrival: up to €110

Cost of German Language Preparation Courses

Even if you’re studying in English, learning German helps you integrate and find part-time jobs.

• Goethe-Institut: €700 (A1) to €1,600 (C2) per course level
• University language centers: €300–€800 per level (free if you are enroled at the university)
• Private schools: €200–€500/month

University Registration, Exams, and Material Fees

When you are applying to German universities, there are some additional fees you need to be aware of.

• Application: €75 for the first application, €30 for any additional applications via uni-assist,
• Textbooks: up to €200, but buying textbooks is not always required - sometimes the textbooks can be found at the university library,
• Technology/software: in most cases provided by the university, but €100–€300 per year if not.

Country-Specific Cost Insights

While the basic structure of costs is similar, there are some differences when applying for a student visa. For instance, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese students must also pay a €225 to €270 fee for the APS Certificate (also called Akademische Prüfstelle).

That being said, university tuition, semester contributions, residence permit fees, and general living costs are the same for everyone, regardless of nationality. The only variations students might feel are due to:

• Exchange rates (how your home currency compares to the Euro)
• Travel costs to Germany
• And most important, personal lifestyle choices

Cost of Studying in Germany for Indian Students

For Indian students, the biggest upfront costs are usually:

• APS Certificate: €225
• Blocked account deposit: €11,904 (refundable in monthly instalments)
• Visa fee: €75
• Flight ticket: €500–€900

Once in Germany, the cost of living for Indian students is similar to other internationals: €850–€1,100 per month, depending on city and lifestyle.

How Much do Pakistani Students Spend in Germany?

Pakistani students face a similar budget to Indian students, with a few small differences in flight and visa-related costs:

• Blocked account deposit: €11,904
• Visa fee: around €75
• Flight ticket: €600–€1,000

Student Living Costs in Germany

Germany’s living costs are reasonable compared to other Western European countries, but you should still plan your budget carefully before arriving.

The city you choose will make the biggest difference. Munich and Berlin are on the higher end, while cities like Fulda or Jena are much more affordable.

Typical Monthly Expenses for International Students

Here’s what most students spend per month in Germany:

• Rent: €300–€600 (shared flat), €500–€900 (studio apartment)
• Food: €150–€250
• Health insurance: €120–€150
• Transport: typically included in semester fee
• Personal expenses: depends on your lifestyle

Key Cost Categories Students Should Budget For

When planning your finances, make sure you cover these main categories:

1. Housing: This is the biggest monthly expense, and you can save money by sharing flats (WG) or living in student dorms.
2. Food: If you want to cut costs you can shop at discount supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Penny).
3. Health Insurance: Mandatory for all students; public insurance covers most needs.
4. Transportation: Semester ticket covers transportation usually.
5. Study Materials & Fees: Books and printing.
6. Leisure & Personal Spending: Don't forget to budget for social activities, going out, trips, or hobbies, as they’re an important part of your student life in Germany.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students

If you want to relieve some of the financial burden of living in a different country, you can apply to several scholarships, even as an international student.

DAAD and Other Public Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest scholarship provider for international students in Germany. It offers funding for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD programmes, and even short-term research stays.

Monthly stipend: €992 (Master’s), €1,300 (PhD)

University-Specific Funding Opportunities

Many universities have their own scholarships for talented international students. These may be based on:

• High academic performance
• Leadership qualities or community involvement
• Financial need

To see if you are eligible, you should check out your university's website.

Working Part-Time to Support Your Studies

International students in Germany are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without a special permit. This includes jobs in cafes, supermarkets, offices, or even at the university itself. They usually pay the minimum hourly wage.

However, keep in mind that your studies should remain your first priority, as some programmes are demanding.