Cost of Studying in Germany 2024: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living
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Cost of Studying in Germany 2024: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living

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Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Sep 27, 2024 12:18 IST

Find out exactly what no tuition fee in Germany means with a quick look at what it costs to study in Germany for an international student. Germany is one such alternative study-abroad destination that guarantees quality education at an affordable price. Play your cards right, and studying in Germany can cost as much as studying in India.

cost of studying in Germany

The cost of studying in Germany is zero provided you enrol in one of their public universities in Germany. Students would only be required to pay an administration fee at the start of every semester. The cost of studying in Germany across private universities can range from 10,000 euros/year to 20,000 euros/year, depending on the degree level and study programme.

While there is no tuition in Germany across public universities, there are expenses that a student must keep in mind. These administrative costs are broadly categorized under university fees which usually include the mandatory social contribution of the students and the semester fees. Different universities have different semester fees. Also, what is included in the semester fees varies from university to university. This is applicable to both undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses.

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Total Cost of Studying in Germany for Indian Students

The cost of studying in Germany for Indian students includes multiple factors. There is the cost of studying (tuition fee), cost of living, cost of insurance, student visa, air tickets - all mandatory components for your studying abroad and miscellaneous costs that should be taken into account while budgeting your study in Germany. Let us take a look at each of the components and their effect on the Cost of Studying in Germany.








Cost of Studying in Germany

Parameters Undergraduate Courses  
Cost of Studying in Germany

Public Universities - 0 tution fees,  (Addittional cost €100 to €350 euros per semester)

Private Universities 10,000 - 20,000 euros

Cost of Living in Germany Blocked Account: 11,904 euros/year or €992 euros per month
German Student Visa 75 euros

Cost of Studying in Germany - Top Universities

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

University QS World University Ranking - 2025 Minimum IELTS Score
Technical University of Munich
Munich, Germany
28 INR 0
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)
Munich, Germany
59 INR 0
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg 84 INR 0
Free University of Berlin
Berlin, Germany
97 INR 0
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
99 INR 0
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Karlsruhe, Germany
102 INR 0
Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)
Berlin, Germany
126 INR 0
Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
Berlin, Germany
147 INR 0
Universität Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany
191 INR 0
Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
212 INR 0

Candidates should note that since the top 10 universities in Germany are public universities they do not charge a tuition fee from applicants. However, students are required to pay an administration fee at the start of every year. The semester fee ranges between 300 - 500 euros and is subject to change with every semester. 







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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

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University Type Cost of Studying in Germany
Public Universities in Germany 0 tution fees
Private Universities in Germany 10,000 euros - 20,000 euros 

Cost of Studying in Germany: Living Expenses

The cost of living in Germany is the next big expenditure that international students looking to study in Germany will have to take care of. While the government proactively works towards reducing tuition costs. However, they ensure that students living in the country can maintain a safe standard of living and have fixed 11,208 euros/year as compulsory funds for students looking to study in Germany through Blocked Account in Germany. The students are required to keep the amount in their Blocked Account and are only allowed to withdraw 934 euros a month as part of living expenses. A student can always overspend, but if spent prudently, the student can easily limit his monthly expenses to the stated monthly average of 934 euros. This is also the minimum cost of living as suggested by the Federal Government and used to calculate the proof of fund that a student must furnish at the time of applying to German universities. The main components included in the calculation of the cost of living in Germany are

  • Accommodation
  • Food and Drink
  • Books and Stationery
  • Telephone, Internet
  • Recreation
  • Transportation

Out of the above, 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.

How much is rent in Germany per month?

The average rent in Germany varies depending on the city and location within the city:

  • €941 euros per month for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center
  • €700 euros per month for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center
  • €450 euro per month for a room in a shared flat

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. 

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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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Cost of Studying in Germany FAQs

Q. Is it expensive to live in Germany?

A. No, Germany is one of the cheapest country to study abroad. The tution fees in Germany publich universities is Zero. The cost of living in Germany varies depending on the city and region. Generally, Germany is more affordable when you compare it with other Western European countries, but it can still be expensive, especially in major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.The average cost of living for an individual in Germany ranges from €1,200 to €3,000 per month, including rent.

Q. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Germany?

A. A salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross per year is considered a good salary for a comfortable life in Germany.

Q. Is Germany costly for Indians?

A. Tuition fees at public universities in Germany are low to Zero. However, living expenses is Germany is estimated at around €11,904 per year (approximately INR 10 lakh) for accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, and other personal expenses.

About the Author
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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content

Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Chandra
MBA, MS & UG in Europe

Chandra has been mentoring students for the past seven years and has expertise in overseas counseling for those applying to Sweden, Germany, France, and Ireland. He is a people person and enjoys interacting with peo... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(57)

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Rohit. Kindly elaborate for me to be able to assist you further.

H

HARSH JOSHI

2 years ago

I will be completing my PGDM in Finance in may 2023, and then i am planning to do CPA from a german university can you plz let me know quiet good universities which provide CPA course with its requirements and fee structure.

Reply to HARSH JOSHI

R

Rahul Singha

2 years ago

Hello Harsh. Thank you for writing in. Would request you to get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors. They will be happy to assist you with university admissions here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply You can also take a look at popular universities in Germany here: https://study

...more

P

Prassy Praseeda

4 years ago

Hey..do german universities accept improvement exam marks I have 98% in 12th after giving improvement exam and I have also qualified jee advanced so can I apply for German universities

Reply to Prassy Praseeda

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

Hello Prassy. you should attach your latest academic record for the university/college to consider. preferable your latest academic transcripts should reflect your improvement exam marks. You can always get in touch with the university representatives to clear any doubts regarding admissions or ask

...more

S

Sai Lalitha

4 years ago

Hi I completed my btech in 2018 with 68.6 percentage and I'm planning for 2021 winter intake can I get admission in public universities with free education if not how much cost it will take for me to get an admission in private universities

Reply to Sai Lalitha

R

Rahul Singha

4 years ago

hello Sai. Thank you for writing in. list of public universities in Germany include: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/list-of-public-universities-in-germany-articlepage-1995 for more universities in Germany visit: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/germany

A

ANMOL SYAL

5 years ago

Is germany give study visa to under 18

Reply to ANMOL SYAL

B

Bagath Biddappa

4 years ago

yeah bro