How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Germany?

Germany is an excellent country for those seeking to explore education abroad. It’s one of the best countries for study abroad as it offers a unique combination of great universities and high quality of life. However, the question that many international students (and their parents) often ponder is: How much does it cost to study abroad in Germany?

Affordable education and living costs balance each other out.

It should be noted that Germany has an excellent higher education system, numerous study abroad programs, and degrees that are comprehensive and efficient. The academic environment and university facilities are very comfortable for students from all around the world. According to the most recent statistics, nearly 400,000 international students are currently studying in Germany.

These students fund their studies in a variety of ways; some use their savings, while others take advantage of numerous scholarship opportunities. Others may even work part-time jobs to cover living costs.

If you’ve been thinking about studying abroad, Germany could be the ideal choice for you. However, before making this decision there are things you should consider and questions to answer. So, stay with us to learn more about studying in Germany!

Can I study abroad in Germany for free?

Yes, you can! Germany is a great destination for international students who are looking to pursue their studies abroad affordably. You can study abroad in Germany for free in public universities as an international student.

In addition to tuition-free education, there are also scholarships and grants available to help cover some or all of the costs associated with living and studying in Germany. With so many options available, international students can find a program that suits their needs and interests. With free education, competitive scholarships, and a thriving cultural life, Germany is an ideal place to pursue your studies abroad.

Public universities in Germany became free of charge in 2014. However, in 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg decided to reinstate tuition fees for non-EU students, requiring them to pay around 1,500€ per semester. These fees are only valid now for this state.

It’s important to note that private universities in Germany are not free, however they are much cheaper than many other universities around the world. Tuition fees at private universities in Germany vary from 2,000 to 20,000€ per academic year, in addition to some other university fees regarding applications and enrollment.

READ: 11 Reasons to Study Abroad in Germany

What’s the average living cost in Germany for international students?

Your biggest expenditures might end up being housing or transportation.

So let’s look more deeply at how much it costs to study abroad in Germany. While tuition fees at Germany's public universities have been waived (or are comparatively affordable), the cost of living in Germany must still be considered. International students, particularly those who require a visa to enter the country, must provide proof of adequate funds to stay for their visa’s duration.

According to BaföG (Federal Training Assistance Act for Students) 2022, it is officially estimated that international students require approximately 861€ per month to cover their living expenses in Germany, which equates to approximately 10,332€ per year.

To obtain a visa, students must demonstrate that they can cover their living expenses in Germany. Most of them do so through a German-blocked account. A German blocked account is a special account into which the visa applicant must transfer at least 11,208€ to demonstrate their ability to fund themselves for the first year of their studies.

The cost of living in Germany is considered reasonable for international students. Food, drink, clothing, recreation, and study materials are all inexpensive. However, one of the difficulties that most students face is the cost of private housing rent, which is typically high for the average international student.

While the cost of university accommodation varies by institution, if you plan to live on your own, the monthly rent of an apartment in Germany can range from 700€ to 722.37€ (depending on whether you live in the city center or outside). Nonetheless, the majority of students find affordable housing options such as student halls of residence or flatshares.

READ: 6 Best German Cities for International Students, Study Abroad

How much is it to study abroad in Germany? 4 factors to consider

Don’t forget to budget for beer and pretzels!

Now that you know what to expect to pay for tuition, as well as an overall cost of living, let’s break down the specific factors to consider when creating your study abroad in Germany budget.

1. Food and Drink

Food and drink prices can vary between countries and regions, but the EU average for a student's meal at a restaurant is roughly 10€. Additionally, 1kg of beef round or chicken filets cost around 8-15€ respectively, and essential grocery items such as tomatoes (1kg), potatoes (1kg), and eggs (12) come with respective costs of 1.44€, 1.62€, and 2.73€.

Other everyday needs include water bottles at 2.25€ each, Pepsi costing around 2.54€ per bottle, and imported beer averaging 3.50€. Milk is relatively cheap at 1.05€ per liter.

2. Entertainment and Transportation

Moviegoers should anticipate spending around 12€ for a cinema ticket and other snacks. For transportation, locals often pay 1-2€ per ride, while fitness fanatics usually spend 30€ to 100€ each month on gym memberships depending on which gym you choose to go to. However, these costs are comparable to those found elsewhere in Europe.

3. Housing

Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location. Rent in bigger cities like Berlin and Munich is higher than in smaller towns and rural areas. A single room in a shared student flat may cost less than an entire apartment or house.

Typically, housing costs range from 250€ in residence halls to 2,290€ in city centers per month, with additional costs such as electricity and water bills needing to be paid in addition to rent. Some universities require a deposit before signing a rental contract, so it's important to factor this into the budget when planning for housing expenses.

4. Overall Costs

While costs can vary depending on the location, students can live on 900€ per month in Germany, give or take a little. Larger cities, such as Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, are notoriously more expensive than smaller towns. The average price for everyday items is roughly the same throughout Germany; however, prices can vary depending on the item brand or quality.

Germany is an attractive option for international students seeking quality education and culture. The cost of living is an important factor to consider when planning to study abroad in Germany for free. Students can expect to spend 10€ on an inexpensive restaurant meal, while housing costs range from 250€ to 2,290€ per month. Overall, living expenses can be manageable on a budget of 900€ per month.

Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Germany for FREE

How to save money as a student in Germany

Keeping a tight budget can help you save money as a student.

1. Student Discounts

When making necessary purchases, research and compare different student discounts (MyGoAbroad can help!). Many of Germany's larger retailers offer student discounts on items such as clothing, technology, books, and more. Furthermore, many stores offer loyalty cards that can help you save money in the long run, as well as shop locally for groceries and other necessities for even better value.

2. Transportation Discounts

Take advantage of student public transportation discounts and consider cycling or walking to save money on transportation. Most cities in Germany offer reduced fares for students on their public transportation systems, so take advantage of this whenever possible. Cycling and walking are also excellent alternatives because there is no need to pay a fare.

3. Online Resources

Through free online resources, international university students can find topics, digital libraries, or frequently asked questions and their answers. Online learning platforms for medicine, history, arts, and language are just some of the many you can access for free. Using these resources not only makes the learning process more enjoyable but also helps them spend less money on books or other materials, ultimately reducing the living cost while studying abroad.

4. Budgeting Apps

Use budgeting apps to track expenses and look for ways to save. Apps like N26 and Wally make it simple to track your spending so you can see where your money is going and how much you have left at the end of each month. They also provide excellent money-saving advice as well as various discounts from various retailers.

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If you want to study abroad in Germany, the cost will be 100% worth it

Don’t forget it’s okay to splurge on cool experiences once in a while!

Germany is an excellent study destination for candidates who want to study abroad while keeping costs low. German universities offer international students a wide range of opportunities, from free education to high-quality training. Due to the great conditions German universities offer, international students in Germany fund their studies in a variety of ways, including savings, parental/guardian income, scholarships, or working part-time during their studies.