Cost of Studying in Germany 2025: Tuition Fees, Living Cost

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.

The cost of studying in Germany is zero provided you enrol in one of their public universities in Germany. The cost of studying in Germany can range from 10,000 euros to 20,000 euros per year at private universities. The fee range may vary 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 in Germany 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.

Apart from tuition fees, the monthly living costs in Germany for students cover rent, groceries, transport, and other necessities, are also important parts.

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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. While studying in Germany is affordable, it also opens the door to a stable future—learn more about the PR after studying in Germany.

Cost of Studying in Germany

Is Studying in Germany Free?

Yes, studying in Germany is free. But only public universities in Germany offer free education. These universities do not charge any tuition fees from international and domestic students. 

But it is not fully free. Students have to pay a semester fee every semester. Also take care of living costs like rent, food, bus/train, and health insurance.

What Is Included in the Semester Fee in Germany?

Even if you don’t pay tuition fees, you must pay a semester fee. You pay it every semester to stay in the college.
The semester fee is usually €100 to €350. It is not just a random fee. It gives you:

• A transport ticket for buses and trains (in most cities, it covers the full semester)
• University services like ID card, exam forms, and admin work
• Student union fees that help support student clubs and support systems
• Sometimes library access, sports, or cultural event tickets

Different universities give different things, so you should always check what your college offers for the fee.

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.

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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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 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:

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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