Cost of Studying in Germany

Germany is one of the most attractive study destinations for international students, thanks to its top-ranked universities, generous scholarships, and vibrant student life. Interestingly, Germany, Norway, and Iceland are the only European countries that do not charge tuition fees for non-EU students at public universities.

At public institutions in Germany, students usually pay only a semester contribution of €70–€430, making a four-year degree cost less than €3,500 in total. In contrast, private universities can be more expensive, with fees ranging from €10,000 to €24,000 per year, depending on the course and institution.

Beyond affordability, Germany’s post-study work permits and strong career opportunities make it a top choice for international students. However, it’s important to understand the entire cost of study in Germany, from living costs and blocked accounts to mandatory semester fees .

So, let’s get to it right away!

Cost of Study in Germany for International Student

One thing that makes Germany stand out among western study destinations due to its excellent academic infrastructure and relatively affordable education. The cost of studying in Germany can be divided into public and private universities, with the key difference being that public universities do not charge tuition fees, but only require semester contribution fees from all domestic and international students. 

In contrast, private universities do charge substantial tuition fees, along with additional semester contribution fees and admission charges. Furthermore, Germany has a ‘Blocked Account’ requirement that mandates all international students to maintain a minimum balance of €11,904 in their German bank account to cover living expenses. Although most public universities do not charge tuition fees for bachelor's and many master's degrees, it is important to note that education may still incur some costs.

Here is an overview of the cost of study in Germany: 
 

Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students by Degree

The most remarkable advantage of studying in Germany is that public universities charge no tuition fees for the vast majority of Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes. This is the case for both domestic and international students.

Based on the value of top universities semester contribution the undergraduate programmes in Germany can cost from €2700- 24,000 for a 4-year programme and postgraduate programmes from €644- 24,000 for a 2-year programme. For specialised programmes like MBA and doctoral programmes this can go higher.

Cost of Studying in Germany at Private Universities

While the tuition-free public universities are the major attraction, Germany’s fantastic education infrastructure, career opportunities, and tailored student experience make private universities a highly desirable option too.

If you have decided to study in Germany and are considering the private route for your undergraduate or graduate programme, here is a transparent overview of the cost of studying at private universities:
 

Mandatory Cost of Studying in Germany

The cost of studying in Germany starts with applying to universities, the application costs, the visa costs, health insurance, financial stability costs and many more. These costs are pretty heavy for international students and they need to have a budget kept aside when starting to apply for German universities.

Here is a table of all the pre-enrollement costs associated with studying in Germany: 

Healthcare Costs in Germany

Healthcare in Germany is reliable and accessible for international students, and it’s compulsory to have health insurance. Students under 30 usually pay around €120–130 per month for statutory health insurance, which covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications. To register, you can contact a statutory health insurance provider (like TK or AOK) once your admission is confirmed. If you feel unwell, visit a local Hausarzt (GP) first or call 116 117 for out-of-hours care. International students are advised to always carry your health insurance card for every medical visit.

Cost of Living in Germany

The cost of living in Germany for international students is transparently calculated by the government, which mandates a Blocked Account deposit of €11,904. Students can withdraw a maximum of €992 on a monthly basis towards their living expenses. This requirement effectively gives students a clear and accurate budget for their time in Germany. You can read a detailed, comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Germany for international students from our blog.

Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students

Several scholarships in Germany for Indian students include partially funded ones that cover only tuition expenses wholly or partly, and fully funded ones that include tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. There are several popular scholarships, such as: DAAD scholarships, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, provide multiple funding opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. Erasmus+ program offers grants for studies, training, and internships in Europe. Other popular scholarships for masters and PhD programmes include the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation scholarships.

The cost of studying in Germany for international students includes tuition fees, living expenses, expenditures like health insurance and transport, and so on. Most of the public universities charge very nominal tuition fees, so Germany is an excellent destination for affordable high-quality education. Additionally, several scholarships help finance Indian students. 
Understanding all the costs helps students plan their budget accordingly, making the needful financial arrangements and applying for scholarships and loans. To get to know more about the cost of studying in Germany, speak to an AECC expert today.