What it costs to study in Germany: tuition, living and one-off fees
Tuition fees
| Level | Typical annual fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €0 to €3,000 at public universities (Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500 a semester to non-EU students) |
| Postgraduate | €0 to €5,000 at public universities; €10,000 to €30,000 at private universities |
All students pay a semester contribution of €150 to €400 that usually includes a public transport ticket.
Living costs
| Monthly 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.
One-off costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | €75 visa; €100 residence permit |
| Health cover | Public health insurance about €130 a month, arranged before enrolment |
| Flights | Return flights from South Asia or West Africa typically £500 to £900 or equivalent |
| Accommodation deposit | Usually one month's rent, refundable |
| Set-up costs | Bedding, kitchen items, winter clothing: budget the equivalent of £200 to £300 |
Build your own budget
Enter your own figures. This adds them up; it does not know your course.
Where students save
- Choose a city outside the capital: the difference is often 20 to 40 percent on rent.
- Book accommodation with bills included before you arrive.
- Apply early for automatic merit scholarships; see the scholarship guide.
- Plan part-time work at 12 to 15 hours a week, not the maximum.
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.