Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students: Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Germany is a well-established country. It is one of the most popular destinations for international students. The country has many universities, many of which are ranked among the best in Europe.

Its higher education system is first-rate, the study curricula and degrees are thorough and effective, and the learning environment and university facilities are quite comfortable.

Considering that Germany largely provides tuition-free education, the cost of studying in Germany and the living cost are often relatively affordable.

We will provide you with a thorough overview of the cost of studying in Germany for international students in this post to help you budget and manage your finances. You can additionally check out the Master’s Degree in Germany: Requirements and Application.

Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students

One of the primary factors international students take into account when deciding on a study abroad location is the cost of the tuition.

In Germany, tuition is often not a concern for students because the country has been tuition-free since 2014 when fees at public universities were eliminated as part of a government initiative.

The elimination of tuition costs has improved international enrollment at German universities, particularly that of students from abroad. High-quality education is affordable or free in Germany. German public universities do not charge tuition, however, there is an administrative fee that must be paid each semester, usually not exceeding 250 EUR.

But in 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg decided to reinstate tuition fees for students from non-EU nations, charging them about 1,500 EUR every semester. Even so, this sum is still less than in many other nations.

Private higher education institutions charge tuition, in contrast to public universities. Depending on the degree level and study program, the costs range from 25,000 EUR per year to 40,000 EUR per year. Tuition costs for bachelor’s degrees are often less than those for master’s degree programs.

Below are some of the public universities in Germany with their average tuition fees:

Universities in Germany That Offers Free Education

Students don’t have to worry much about the cost of studying in Germany because it provides the ideal balance of quality education and free education. The following universities in the country provide courses without charging tuition:

• Ludwig Maximilians University
• Technical University of Munich
• Karlsruher
• Institute of Technology
• Heidelberg University
• Free University of Berlin
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Tubingen
• RWTH University
• Humbolt University of Berlin
• Albert Ludwig University
• Georg-Augusta University of Gottingen
• Goethe University
• University of Hamburg
• University of Stuttgart

Cost of living in Germany as a Student

Living costs make up a significant portion of the overall cost of studying in Germany from abroad. International students must provide evidence of sufficient funds, particularly if they want a visa to visit the nation. International students are expected to need about 8,611 euros per month or 10,332 euros per year to pay for living expenses in Germany as of 2022, according to government estimates. To obtain a visa, students must provide evidence that they can afford to support themselves in Germany. Most people usually do this using a blocked German account.

The majority of international students consider the costs and expenses in Germany to be reasonable. Food, drink, clothing, entertainment, and study materials are all normal expenses. However, for the average international student, the cost of private housing rent is often exorbitant, which is one of the obstacles they face. However, the majority of students can find affordable living options like flatshares or student residences.

Cost of Daily Expenses in Germany 

In general, Germany’s costs for things like food, drink, bills, clothing, and entertainment are comparable to those across the EU. Below are some examples of common items in Germany and their average pricing.

The price is not exact, but it is useful if you want to get a broad sense of how much it will cost to live in Germany when you move there.

Accommodation Costs in Germany for Students

Accommodation costs make up a significant portion of the overall cost of studying in Germany from abroad. The following list of accommodation choices for international students in Germany, in order of cost:

• Student halls of residence (dorm rooms): Due to its practicality, affordability, and proximity to the university campus, this sort of lodging is highly popular among students. Due to the high demand for student housing, it is important to apply as early as possible and adhere to the registration dates and procedures, which are often advertised on student union websites.
• Shared Apartments (Flatshares): This is an option for international students who were unable to find housing in a dorm. When three to four people share an apartment, it normally has separate bedrooms and a bathroom.
• Private Housing: Since you are responsible for all expenses, this is the most expensive type of accommodation. Even if the apartment is smaller, you will still have to pay more than someone who shares a flat or lives in student housing. It might be expensive to pay rent and utilities on your own.

For accommodation in Germany, ensure you budget between €200 and €860 per month depending on the location and accommodation type. The average monthly expense of living alone is €390, that of living with a spouse is €365 (£309), and that of living on campus is roughly €250.

Larger cities, such as Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, are going to have significantly higher rents than smaller cities, such as Leipzig or Hannover, therefore it makes sense that they have the highest rental expenses.