Your Guide to Costs, Accommodation, Lifestyle, and Financial Support for Studying in Germany
The Cost of Studying in Germany
Wondering how much it costs to study in Germany? If you’re thinking about studying there, one of the biggest things to figure out is your budget. This guide covers every expense you’ll face as a student so you can plan ahead.
Keep in mind that prices and exchange rates are accurate at the time of publishing but may change later.
Tuition Fees in Germany
Germany is one of the few countries—alongside Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden—that offers free university education. Since 2014, all 16 German states have waived tuition fees for undergrads at public universities. That means both local and international students can study for free, with only a small semester admin fee to pay.
However, since 2017, non-EU students must pay tuition in Baden-Württemberg, which includes universities like Freiburg, Heidelberg, Hohenheim, Karlsruhe, Konstanz, Mannheim, Stuttgart, Tübingen, and Ulm. A first degree here costs €3,000 per semester, while a second degree is €650 per semester.
Some non-EU students are exempt, including those who earned a German higher education entrance qualification, students from Erasmus member states, permanent residents of Europe, and refugees with legal status in Germany. Doctoral students also don’t pay these fees.
All universities charge enrolment, confirmation, and admin fees, usually under €300 per semester (varies by university).
Most universities are public, but private ones can charge up to €30,000 per year for undergrad programs and €40,000 for master’s degrees.
Non-EU students need a German student visa (around €75). For the visa, you must prove you have at least €934 per month (€11,208 per year) to cover living costs.
Accommodation Costs in Germany
Rent takes up the biggest chunk of a student’s budget in Germany, but prices depend on location and housing type. Student dorms (which are in short supply) and shared flats are the cheapest options. Many shared spaces come with common areas like cafés, laundry rooms, and bike storage.
Private rentals range from €800 to €1,500 per month.
Big cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are pricier than smaller ones like Leipzig or Hannover. In Berlin, private rents (including bills) usually run between €1,000 and €1,500—often furnished.
Living Costs in Germany
Students should budget around €1,000 per month. Rent is the biggest expense. On average, living costs add up to €12,000 yearly—more in larger cities.
Since undergrad degrees last 3-4 years, students might spend €33,624 on living costs over three years.
German students should set aside €30-50 monthly for study materials.
A major perk of studying in Germany is the Semesterticket, a transit pass covering buses, trams, subways, and local trains (not inter-city) for a semester. It’s usually included in university admin fees, but you might pay extra if your studies extend beyond the usual timeframe.
Internet for a shared flat costs €20-30/month (split between roommates), and utilities run about €200/month. Phone bills range from €10-30/month. Petrol costs €1.54 per litre (£1.17).
All students in Germany must have health insurance, costing €120-130/month (varies by coverage type and personal situation).
Groceries average €50/week (€200/month).
Eating out costs around €10 per meal. A cinema ticket is €9, a pint of beer €3.50, and a glass of wine €3. Gym memberships are roughly €30/month, and event tickets average €10.
Financial Support in Germany
The German government offers up to €934/month for living costs under the BAföG program, designed for students who can’t afford their studies. German and EU/EEA nationals may qualify if they meet the criteria and live in Germany.
Another great option is the DAAD scholarships, funded by the German government for students at all levels.
Universities also offer their own scholarships, so check with your prospective schools for financial aid options.
Students in Germany enjoy plenty of discounts—just flash your student ID for cheaper entry to pools, museums, theaters, cinemas, and other cultural spots.