Student life in Germany: housing, work, weather and culture

Work and money

140 full days or 280 half days a year (about 20 hours a week in term), at €12.82 an hour minimum wage (2025). Living costs of €950 to €1,400 a month; the blocked account is set at €992 a month.

Where students live

Everyday life

• 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.
• Deposit-return machines pay you back for bottles and cans.
• Shops close on Sundays across Germany.
• The Deutschlandticket covers all local and regional transport nationwide.

Health cover

Public health insurance about €130 a month, arranged before enrolment.

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.