Best cities to study in Germany
Student cities in Germany
Berlin
Europe's start-up capital, with Humboldt, Freie Universität, TU Berlin and lower rents than Munich, though rising fast.
Munich
TU Munich and LMU, two of Europe's best universities, in Germany's wealthiest city with BMW, Siemens and Allianz as neighbours.
Compare rents
| City | Room rent | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €450 to €800 for a room | U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses covered by the semester ticket. |
| Munich | €600 to €950 for a room | U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses. |
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Is education really free in Germany for international students?
At most public universities, yes: no tuition, only a semester contribution of €150 to €400. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester and some master's programmes are classified as continuing education and charge fees. Private universities charge full fees.
Do I need to speak German?
Not for admission to an English-taught programme, but daily life, part-time jobs and most graduate roles reward at least B1 German. We recommend starting a course before you fly.
How much is the blocked account?
€11,904 for the 2025 cycle, which releases €992 a month. The figure is updated most years in line with the student loan rate.