Cost of Living and Studying in Germany
Tuition Fees
Most universities in Germany are state-funded, which means there are typically no tuition fees for Bachelor’s programs and many Master’s programs at public institutions. However, some specialized or continuing education Master’s programs may charge fees, though these remain relatively affordable compared to other countries.
For non-EU students, the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg requires a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and some other degree programs, excluding doctoral studies. Students who began their studies in Baden-Württemberg before the 2017/18 winter semester are exempt from this fee.
Semester Contribution
All students at German universities must pay a semester contribution, typically ranging from €100 to €500, which covers contributions to student services and student government (AStA). In many cases, this contribution also includes a public transport pass, allowing free or discounted travel within the region. The semester contribution must be paid upon enrollment and at the beginning of each new semester.
Additional Costs
While tuition and semester contributions cover most institutional expenses, students may incur additional costs for study materials such as textbooks, lab equipment, or software licenses, depending on their field of study.
Germany’s education system offers exceptional value, making it an affordable yet high-quality option for international students.
Living Costs in Germany
Living costs in Germany cover typical expenses such as accommodation, food, clothing, and recreational activities. These costs are average compared to other European countries, meaning they are significantly lower than in countries like Denmark, Luxembourg, or Switzerland, but higher than in Poland, the Czech Republic, or Italy.
On average, German students spend around €796 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, study materials, health insurance, phone and internet, as well as recreational activities. This also includes radio and TV licensing fees. International students tend to spend slightly less, around €700 per month. With affordable housing and careful budgeting, this amount is often enough to cover basic living expenses.
Please note that the semester contribution, which varies by institution, is an additional cost and is separate from tuition or living expenses.
Average Student Ex
Rent (incl utilities) Monthly
Expenses Category | Cost Monthly | Description |
|---|---|---|
Miscellaneous | €50 - €80 | Includes clothing, hygiene products, and any additional personal expenses. |
Recreational Activities | €50 - €100 | Social activities, gym memberships, and entertainment like movies and events. |
Internet/phone | €30 - €40 | Monthly costs for internet and mobile phone plans |
Rent & Utilities | €350 - €500 | Costs for a single room in a shared apartment or student residence; includes utilities like heating and electricity. |
Food | €150 - €250 | Average grocery expenses; varies based on dietary preferences and shopping habits. |
Transportation | €30 - €80 | Public transportation, often covered by a semester ticket; varies by city and region. |
Health insurance | €110 - €120 | Mandatory for students unless covered by a private international policy. |
Learning Materials | €20 - €50 | Includes textbooks, photocopies, stationery, and other academic resources. |
Estimated Total Monthly Cost = €790 - €1,220
Semester Contribution
In addition to monthly expenses, students must also pay a semester contribution at the start of each semester. This fee ranges from €100 to €350 per semester, depending on the university, and typically includes a public transportation pass for the local area.
Summary
Living costs in Germany are moderate compared to many Western European countries, with careful budgeting making it possible to cover essentials within €800 per month. However, costs vary by city, with major cities like Munich and Hamburg being more expensive than smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden.
This breakdown provides a realistic view of what international students can expect when budgeting for their studies in Germany.
You can significantly reduce the monthly costs of studying depending on where you go to university and how thriftily you live – if you use a bicycle instead of public transport, for instance, eat in the university canteen to cut food bills, or move into shared accommodation. Other costs, on the other hand, are fixed and cannot be reduced. Most students live in student halls or a flat sharing Renting your own apartment is quite expensive. And you have to pay a deposit up front for an apartment or rented room. The amount differs considerably. Sometimes a deposit of several hundred euros is required.
