Cost of Studying in Germany 2026: Tuition Fees, Living Cost

If you are planning to move for your studies, you probably heard that Germany is free. But for the year 2026, you still need to have a clear budget because things are getting more expensive.

While most public universities in Germany don't have tuition, you still have to pay a semester fee every six months. This is usually between €100 and €400, and it covers your transportation and administrative costs. If you go to a private university in Germany, those fees can be much higher, sometimes up to €20,000 a year, so you have to choose carefully.

The biggest thing you need to worry about is the blocked account. For a 2026 student visa, the German government requires you to show you have at least €11,904 for one year. This means you get €992 per month to pay for your rent, food, and health insurance. Rent is the most difficult part, especially in cities like Munich or Berlin where prices are very high. You also have to pay for groceries and small things like a phone plan. Even with these expenses, Germany is still a great opportunity because the quality of education is so high. Just make sure you start saving your money early so you don't have any surprises when you arrive.

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Are Tuition Fees in Germany Really Free?

Yes, the tuition fees in Public universities in Germany are free, but there are some important catches you need to know for 2026. Most public universities in Germany cost ZERO tuition fees. This applies to both local students and international students from outside Europe. The government thinks education should be for everyone, even if you don't have a lot of money. But, "free" doesn't mean you pay zero euros to the school.

Every six months, you have to pay a semester fee. This isn't for the classes, but for things like admin costs, the student union, and a semester ticket so you can use the bus and train for free. Also, keep in mind that the state of Baden-Württemberg (places like Stuttgart) charges non-EU students about €1,500 every semester.

If you pick a private university, it is not free at all. They charge a lot of money, sometimes more than schools in other countries. So, if your goal is to save money, you should always look for a public university first. Just make sure to check the specific state rules because things might change a little by 2026. Its always better to double check the university website before you make your final plan.

Cost of Studying in Top German Universities

In this section, we are going to take a look at the cost of studying in Germany across the top universities in Germany.

Candidates should note that since the top 10 universities in Germany are public universities they do not charge a tuition fee from applicants. Students are required to pay just an administration fee. The semester fee ranges between 300 - 500 euros and it may change every semester. 

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Mandatory Administrative Costs To Study in Germany

Even if you find a free university, there are still some mandatory costs you have to pay. These are mostly for admin stuff that keeps the school running and helps you get around. In 2026, you can't really avoid these if you want to be a legal student in Germany.

The main thing is the semester fee. This is a payment you make twice a year. It usually costs between €200 and €450 per semester. Most of this money goes toward your semester ticket, which lets you use all the public transport like buses, trams, and local trains for free. It’s actually a really good deal because buying those tickets separately would cost way more.

Here is a list of the fees you should expect:

Don't forget the Radio Tax! Even if you don't watch TV, every apartment in Germany has to pay this. If you live with roommates, you can split this cost together to save some money. Also, make sure your health insurance is the right kind for students, or the university won't let you enroll. Its a bit of a headache at first, but once you pay these, you are all set to focus on your studies.

Cost of Studying in Germany - By University Type

Studying across public universities in Germany is pretty big, however, the admission process is complex and only candidates with high grades have a high chance of acceptance. Indian students can also look at studying across private universities in Germany. Private universities in Germany provide quality education at par with public universities. However, they charge a tuition fee for the same. While the courses at Public Universities are free. The cost of studying at private universities can range from 10,000 euros to 20,000 euros depending on the duration of the course and the type of programme. Read: Steps to Study in Germany for Free for International Students

Cost of Living in Germany for Students (Monthly Breakdown)

If you are planning to study in Germany 2026, you need to know how much money you will spend every month. Even though you don't pay much for university, living expenses can add to the cost of studying in Germany. The German government usually asks you to have about €992 per month in a blocked account, but your actual spending depends on your lifestyle and the city where you live.

Rent is always the biggest part of the budget. If you live in a big city like Munich, you might pay €600 or more for a room. But in smaller towns, you can find a shared flat (WG) for around €350. After rent, you have to think about health insurance, which is mandatory for all international students and costs about €125 a month.

Here is a simple monthly cost of living in Germany breakdown of what a student might spend:

To save some cash, many students buy groceries at discount stores like Aldi or Lidl and cook at home. Also, don't forget the Radio Tax (GEZ) which is about €18, but you can share that with your roommates. If you manage your money well and don't eat out too much, you can live quite comfortably on the amount in your blocked account. Its always a good idea to keep some extra money for emergencies, just in case something happens with your health or your apartment. Check details on Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students in 2026.

What is the Monthly Rent in Germany?

Rentals are the biggest component. Accommodation in Germany varies greatly from city to city. Arguably, the best student cities in Germany have higher rentals as compared to other lesser-known student destinations/ university towns. So, if you are looking for a relatively economical alternative that would give you all the advantages of studying at a top university in the world along with an excellent student experience, Germany is the right country for you. The average rent in Germany varies depending on the city and location within the city:

Cost of Studying in Germany - Student Visa

Candidates looking to study in Germany would have to apply for a German Student Visa - a mandatory requirement to enter the country. Indian students would be required to pay 75 euros as part of the German Student Visa fee during the application process.  

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Cost of Studying in Germany - Miscellaneous

What is important to note is that apart from these, other mandatory expenses for students studying in Germany are Health Insurance charges, Books & stationery and flight tickets to Germany. This again varies but averages at around €100 per month for Insurance. Books & stationery and flight tickets would be subject to your course and preferred airlines. Apart from that, the university might also charge a student registration fee and cultural contributions. All these sundry expenses inflate your costs by not more than €400 - €500 per semester. Note: Books and stationery, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs are part of the cost of studying in Germany for international students. However, these costs would be covered as part of your living expenses and would be taken care of in the living expense allowance. 

Cost of Studying in Germany: Scholarships & Education Loans

Studying abroad is expensive. However, hundreds of scholarships to study in Germany are provided by various universities and organizations to allow meritorious students to study abroad. Candidates who are unable to secure scholarships can apply for education loans to study in Germany. Candidates can apply for education loans through Shiksha on our website. Many international students work part-time to manage their study costs. Understanding Germany’s job market can help students find the best ways to manage their costs while studying.

Also, Read

• How to Learn the German Language: Your Complete Guide
• Part-Time Work Options for International Students in Germany
• Post-Study Work Permits in Germany for Indian Students

Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions to Germany. Candidates looking to get in touch with us can write to us in the comments section below. 

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