Last Updated on September 18, 2024
Are you also considering studying in Germany but want to know about the cost of studying in Germany? We have good news for you! Germany is one such study-abroad destination that assures quality education at affordable prices. You can also study at many German universities for free!
The cost of studying in Germany is relatively low compared to other study-abroad destinations. Germany is among the few countries that provide free education, even to international students. Some even say that if you play your cards right, the cost of studying in Germany will be the same as the cost of studying in India.
If you enroll in one of the public universities in Germany, the cost of studying in Germany comes down to zero. Students only have to pay an administration fee at the beginning of every semester. The cost of studying in Germany across private universities can range from INR 8,80,000 to INR 17,60,000, depending on the degree level and study program.
While there is no tuition in Germany across public universities, other expenses must be considered. These administrative costs are categorized under university fees, which usually include the mandatory social contribution of the students and the semester fees. Different universities have different semester fees.
Why Study in Germany?
You can study in Germany for free, as learning in Germany not only means you save money by not having to pay tuition fees but also by getting access to world-class education. Students can choose from tons of courses available. Whether you are into business, engineering, or social sciences, Germany has something in store for everyone.
- Free education: You can study in Germany for free, i.e., without paying any tuition fees, because public universities do not charge international students for their studies.
- High-quality education: Access to top-notch education with renowned universities and diverse academic programs.
- Courses that are financially accessible: You can appreciate affordable living costs and have the opportunity to apply for different scholarships and financial aid choices. This is a bonus to the ‘study in Germany for free’ factor.
- Strong economy: Germany’s robust economy provides many job opportunities, especially in the engineering and technology sectors.
- Plenty of programs: Pick among various undergraduate courses provided by many organizations, such as business schools, art schools, and technical colleges.
- Various institutions: Search for options in colleges, universities, and technical schools – both public and private. Find the right place that matches your academic aims.
Cost of Studying in GermanyÂ
Studying in Germany can be a smart choice as it’s often cheaper than other international study destinations such as the USA, UK, etc. Unlike some countries where students have to pay hefty tuition fees, many German public universities don’t charge any tuition fees for local or international students. However, you must pay a small administrative fee that usually costs around INR 8K-26K per semester.Â
Other costs such as accommodation, food, etc are also reasonable, depending on your lifestyle.Even though there will still be some expenses, such as health insurance and textbooks, studying in Germany is often more affordable for many students.
Germany has an extensive and helpful public transportation system. Renting a place to live is still a big expense, but it can be adjusted with budget friendly options, like student dorms or shared apartments.
Moreover, Discounted transportation passes for students make it cheaper to go around the country. With careful planning, students can enjoy the benefits of studying in Germany without worrying too much about the financial burden.
Overview of the Cost of Studying in Germany
| Aspects | Undergraduate Postgraduate |
| Cost of studying in Germany | Public Universities – INR 13k to 1LPrivate Universities – INR 8L to 17L |
| Cost of living in Germany | INR 9L (per year)/ INR 80k (per month) |
| Student Visa for Germany | INR 6k |
Tuition Fees at Top German Universities
The cost of studying in Germany depends on various factors such as whether you are enrolled in a public university or private university, accommodation, transport, lifestyle etc. These factors determine your total cost of studying in Germany. In this section, we will break down each part, and help you make an informed decision.
Cost of Studying in Germany
| Parameters | Undergraduate Courses | Postgraduate Courses |
| Cost of Studying in Germany | Public Universities – 150 – 1500 eurosPrivate Universities 10,000 – 20,000 euros | |
| Cost of Living in Germany | Blocked Account: 11,209 euros/year or 935 euros a month | |
| German Student Visa | 76 euros | |
| Universities in Germany | QS World University Ranking – 2024 | Cost of Studying in Germany (Tuition Fee) |
| Technical University of Munich | #37 | INR 0 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)Munich, Germany | #54 | INR 0 |
| Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, Germany | #87 | INR 0 |
| Free University of BerlinBerlin, Germany | #98 | INR 0 |
| RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen, Germany | #106 | INR 0 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)Karlsruhe, Germany | #119 | INR 0 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)Berlin, Germany | #120 | INR 0 |
| Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)Berlin, Germany | #154 | INR 0 |
| Albert Ludwigs University of FreiburgFreiburg im Breisgau, Germany | #192 | INR 0 |
| Universität HamburgHamburg, Germany | #205 | INR 0 |
Now that we have discussed the cost of studying in Germany at top universities, we will have a look at the cost of studying in Germany at private and public universities, separately.
Germany Public University Fees
Public universities in Germany have no tuition fees for international students. But you have to pay an enrollment fee for every semester. This can range from EUR 250 – 350 or INR 22,350 – 31,290.
| University | Average Fees per year |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | EUR 300 INR 26,820 |
| Technical University of Munich | EUR 258 INR 23,070 |
| Humboldt University Berlin | EUR 685 – 1000 INR 61,240 – 89,410 |
| Technical University of Berlin | EUR 308 INR 27,540 |
| Free University of Berlin | EUR 311 INR 28,520 |
| RWTH Aachen University | EUR 1,095 INR 97,900 |
Germany Private University Fees
The tuition fees in private German universities cost between INR 22,35,200 and 35,76,320. These costs depend on the course and the university. MBA and Engineering degrees are usually the most expensive.Â
| University | Average Fees (per year) |
| University of Applied Sciences Europe | EUR 1,400 INR 1,25,170 |
| GISMA Business School | EUR 20,000 INR 17,88,160 |
| SRH Hochschule Berlin | EUR 10,000 INR 8,94,080 |
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | EUR 9800 INR 8,76,200 |
| Munich Business School | EUR 24,000 INR 21,45,790 |
| EBC Hochschule | EUR 10,000 INR 8,94,080 |
| Bard College Berlin | EUR 29,700 INR 26,55,420 |
Variations in German Education Fee with Regions
I16 German states abolished tuition fees in public universities for both domestic and international students in the year 2014. However, in 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees for non-EU students.
Public Universities v/s Private Universities
The choice between public and private universities depends on budget, academic interests, learning style, and career goals. Both institutions offer valuable educational opportunities, and students should carefully consider their options.
Refer to the below for a comparison of Public Universities v/s Private Universities in Germany
| Aspects | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Tuition fee | > No tuition fees | > INR 8L to 17L |
| Funding | > Government funded | > Private sources like donations & endowments |
| Academic Programmes | > Large campus> Wide range of academic programmes> Diverse student population | > Small campus> Specialized academic programmes> Personalized attention from faculty |
| Research | > Provides opportunities for research projects | > Specific focus on niche areas like technology, arts or business |
| Universities | > Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich> Technical University of Munich> Heidelberg University | > WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management> ESMT Berlin> Jacobs University Bremen |
Cost of Living Germany
The average cost of living in Germany is EUR 1200 per month (INR 91,000). This includes accommodation, transportation, food, health insurance, and other expenses that one may set aside for activities.Â
- Accommodation: The cost of living in Germany varies depending on your city and the kind of room you pick. The lowest-priced lodging may cost between EUR 455 – 550 / INR 44,210 – 48,140. The monthly rent in a city like Munich might range from EUR 900 – 1,200 / INR 80,420 – 1,07,220.
- Transportation: Germany has an extensive and helpful public transportation network. Traveling around the country is easy with numerous buses, trains, and trams. Depending on your distance, train fares range from EUR 1 – 2 / INR 90 – 180, and bus tickets are between EUR 19 – 40 / INR 1,980 – 2,410.
- Food: As an international student, you can significantly reduce the cost of living in Germany by cooking at home. Your monthly grocery expenses will cost around EUR 50 – 75 / INR 4,475 – 6,750. Apart from this, you can set aside INR 9000 for occasional cravings.Â
Student Visa
Candidates considering, studying in Germany must apply for a German Student Visa – a mandatory requirement to enter the country. Indian students must pay INR 6991 as part of the German Student Visa fee during the application process.
Miscellaneous
It is crucial to mention that in addition to these, there are other necessary costs to bear while studying in Germany. These include health insurance fees, books & stationery expenses, and air tickets to Germany. It can vary, but insurance usually averages close to €100 monthly. Expenses on books & stationery, and flight tickets would largely depend on the course selection and the airline opted by the student. Besides, the university may additionally request a registration payment and cultural contributions. All these additional expenses increase the cost of studying in Germany by approximately €400 – €500 each semester.
Scholarships & Education Loans
We are well aware of the fact that studying abroad is an extensive affair. However, the availability of various scholarships provided by the government and private organizations allows students to study abroad while reducing the financial burden.
Visit our website or contact our counsellors to learn more about the scholarship options that can mitigate the cost of studying in Germany.
Total Cost of Studying In Germany for Indian Students
The table below shows the total cost of studying in Germany, depending on various factors.
| Expense | Cost per month |
| Germany College Fees | €255 |
| German blocked bank account | €10,333 |
| Health insurance | €85 |
| Student Visa | €75 |
| Cost of living | €1100+ |
| Total Expenses To Study In Germany | €11,733 |
Conclusion
The decision to study abroad is a huge step for a student. Along with this decision, comes the financial burden. But that’s not the case with Germany. The cost of studying in Germany is minimal compared to other study-abroad destinations. If you take the right steps, the cost of studying in Germany gets equal to the cost of studying in India. The biggest advantage of studying in Germany is that the public universities in Germany provide free education, even to international students.
Private universities charge average tuition fees of INR 8,00,000 depending on the course. The cost of living in Germany is also lower than in other countries. However, this cost is highly subjective to the lifestyle of an individual. There are many government and private organization-funded scholarships available for students to lessen the cost of studying in Germany.
Aakriti Kumari is a passionate content writer who finds solace in the world of books. An avid reader from a young age, she has cultivated a deep love for the written word. When she’s not crafting compelling content, you can find her lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Aakriti shares her literary adventures and book recommendations on her Instagram account, @aakthereader, dedicated to her love of reading. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, she brings words to life, inviting readers on a journey through her writing.
