Study Abroad

In 2014, Germany's 16 states abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This means that currently both domestic and international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester. This good fortune may not last however. In autumn 2017 the south-west state of Baden-Wrttemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students, and it's possible other states will follow suit in the coming years.
Non-EU students in Baden-Wrttemberg must now pay tuition fees of 3,000 (~US$3,500) per year, while those gaining a second degree pay a reduced fee of 1,300 (~US$1,600) per year. The cost of living in Germany is more expensive in some areas than others Munich, for example, is considered the most expensive German city to live in, with living costs averaging about 12,000 (~US$13,900) per year. By comparison, the average annual living costs in Germany are around 10,200 (~US$11,800). Rent will be your largest monthly expense, though this is cheaper if you live in a shared flat (average rent of 280/~US$340 per month) or a student hall of residence (234/~US$290 per month). Based on data from DAAD, other average monthly costs are as follows:
168 (~US$205) for food
42 (~US$52) for clothes
94 (~US$115) for transport
31 (~US$38) for telephone, internet and TV license
20 (~US$25) for work/study materials
61 (~US$75) for leisure activities
To find living expenses for specific cities in Germany (and compare them to the average costs in your home city) Numbeo is a useful tool. You won't need a visa to study in Germany if you're an EU national or citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Otherwise, expect to pay 60 (~US$74) for your student visa, but there are also fee reductions or waivers for Schengen visas. In order to fulfill the visa requirements, you will need to show proof you have, or have access to, around 8,700 (~US$10,680) per year or 725 (~US$890) per month to cover your living costs.