Monthly cost of living for students in Germany
Monthly budget
| Cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €350 to €750 (student halls cheapest, Munich highest) |
| Food and groceries | €200 to €300 |
| Transport | Often included in the semester ticket; Deutschlandticket €63 otherwise |
| Utilities and phone | €80 to €130 |
| Health insurance | About €130 a month for students under 30 on public insurance |
Total: €950 to €1,400 a month; the blocked account is set at €992 a month.
By city
| City | Room rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Offsetting costs with part-time work
140 full days or 280 half days a year (about 20 hours a week in term). At €12.82 an hour minimum wage (2025), twelve to fifteen hours a week covers a meaningful share of living costs but never tuition.
Practical tips
- Public universities are free or nearly free, but private universities and some business schools charge full fees.
- The APS certificate (academic verification) is compulsory for students from India, China and Vietnam before a visa.
- Uni-assist processes applications for over 170 universities for a fee.
- Registering your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of arrival unlocks everything else.
- Many landlords ask for a Schufa credit report; student halls are the easier first option.
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.
Get this checked for your case
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.