What is the Cost of Studying in Germany?

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Education is virtually free in Germany, and even international students can enjoy tuition-free higher education! But how much does it cost to study in Germany?

The idea of free university in Germany is highly appealing, but nothing in life is ever really free. There are admission fees, enrollment fees, and a general cost of living to consider! But all in all, studying in Germany as an international student is still pretty darn affordable in comparison to other parts of the world.

Besides general university entrance requirements, here’s a breakdown of the cost of studying in Germany.

↠ Read more: 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Germany for Immigrants + Expats

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

The Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students

The good news is that the cost of education in Germany is relatively low – especially by American standards! Here’s a breakdown of what it costs to live and study in Germany, and how much money you should have in your account when you arrive. 

Tuition Fees in Germany: FREE!

German universities are tuition-free even for international students! That’s right, Germany has free higher education for citizens and even visiting students. Even though there’s no tuition, there are a few costs associated with going to school in Europe. And most important of all, you’ll need to prove financial stability.

However, if you opt to go to a private university in Germany, tuition fees can be on par with the tuition costs in the U.S. Private universities in Germany can charge as much as €30,000 for the year.

German University Application Fee: €50  

When you apply to a university in Germany, the school will charge you an application processing fee of around €50. This fee may vary depending on the school. To give you an idea, I paid €50 to submit my initial online application to Trier University. 

University Enrollment Fees: €250 – €400/Semester 

Once you’re admitted to a program, you must pay an enrollment fee that’s typically about €300, but again it depends on the university. This fee isn’t to be confused with tuition. It covers things like administration costs, your new student ID card and public transportation pass, and sometimes other things like student cafes or resources.

I paid €284.10 for my first-semester enrollment fee. This fee had to be paid before I could officially enroll in my program. After I paid, I had to send proof of payment along with my signed confirmation of enrollment via mail. 

Semester enrollment fees vary based on the university’s costs of that specific year and are usually outlined on the university’s webpage. 

Cost of a German Blocked Account: €11,208

Students coming to study in Germany must have a blocked account with enough money to cover the cost of living for the duration of your studies. As of 2023, the German government has set that amount to €934/month or €11,208 for the year. To have a student visa or residence permit approved, you must show proof of a blocked account with a balance of €11,208.

The blocked account in Germany is not a regular bank account. It’s a special account where once the total sum is deposited, you can only withdraw the allotted €934 each month to cover living expenses. This money is still completely yours; it’s just set aside to ensure things like rent, food, and other living expenses you’ll encounter are covered for the year. 

I got my blocked account with Expatrio, but other popular banks include Deutsche Bank and Coracle (or Fintiba if you’re not American). Your university won’t need to see proof of this blocked account, but it is a requirement for obtaining a residence permit (student visa) allowing you to live in Germany during your studies. 

↠ Read More: A Review of the Expatrio Blocked Account

Expatrio Blocked Account: €109 in fees + €100 buffer

On top of needing at least €11,208 there are also fees associated with setting up a German blocked account. I opted to go with Expatrio, as it was one of the most convenient options for Americans, and also one of the most affordable options. Expatrio offers a convenient health insurance and blocked account combo that’s perfect for new expats and students in Germany too.

There are other companies you can choose from when it comes time to set up a blocked account. The top companies are Deutsch Bank (a lengthy process), Fintaba (super popular), Coracle, and others. They all have different fees and procedures.

To set up an account with Expatrio, I had to pay an initial €49 set up fee and a €5/month administration fee, or €60 for the year. They also require you to transfer a buffer of an extra €100 to ensure the right amount arrives in your account. 

German Student Visa / Residence Permit: €100  

Your visa situation will ultimately depend on where you’re from, and I can only write this section from the point of view of an American who didn’t need a visa to enter the country. You can check out Germany’s official immigration page for more information.

As an American, I chose to enter Germany on the visa-free tourist status we enjoy for the first 90 days of our stay. Although that privilege is soon coming to an end in 2022, no thanks the 2016 administration, but I digress.

Anyways! I entered Germany as a tourist and applied for a residence permit as a student with my local foreign office. The residence permit is called an Aufenthaltstitel, and I paid a €100 fee. The German name for where you need to apply is the Ausländerbehörde, or “Forienger’s Authority”.

To apply for a German student residence permit, I needed:

• proof of my university enrollment and acceptance
• proof of a German home address (an Anmeldung in German)
• proof of a blocked account
• my fingerprints
• a German passport photo
• Passport valid for longer than my studies
• €100 fee

I’ve heard the process is slightly different for students moving to Berlin and other cities, so it’s always best to reach out and ask your local Ausländerbehörde directly.

The expiration of your residence permit is usually for the academic year and will need to be renewed. To renew your residence permit at the end of your first year, you’ll need second year enrollment form from the university, a replenished blocked account, and the €93 renewal fee.

Course Materials: €50 – €100+ per semester

As a literature student, I spent about €50 on course materials in my first semester. However, my professors provided many of the materials. And had COVID not been an issue, they are at the library. I’d say €50 – €100 per semester is a rough ballpark.

Flight to Germany: €300 – €1,000+

If you’re already in the EU, this cost isn’t going to be high for you. But students coming from overseas can expect relatively expensive flights. My flight from Chicago was $1,500! However, that was at a peak COVID time, and Chicago to Frankfurt flights are more often priced at $500-$700.

The Cost of Living in Germany for Students

Overall I’d say the cost of living in Germany is generally pretty reasonable. It’s a lot more affordable compared to large American cities, and even Berlin is quite affordable considering its size. This list covers the cost of moving to Germany and other living expenses.

These numbers are courtesy of the website Numbeo and the actual costs my partner, and I pay living here.

↠ Read more: How to Move to Germany From the USA

Average Food Costs in Germany

One very important part of living abroad is enjoying the local food scene, and German food is incredible. But how much does it cost to eat out and pick up groceries? The website Numbeo is a great resource that shares the average cost of living in Germany, and you can even select the exact city you’re hoping to move to. Here’s a breakdown of average food costs in Germany for a glimpse into the costs of living in Deutschland. 

• Inexpensive meal out: €10
• Mid-range dinner for two: €50
• Bottle of beer: €3.50
• Dozen eggs: €2.24
• Bottle of water: €2.04
• 1kg apples: €2.32
• 1kg ground beef: €10.82

Average Monthly Rental Costs: €250 – €1000+ / month 

Rent can be affordable in Germany if you opt to rent a room in a shared flat, a common route for students, which ranges from €250-€350 per month. This is also a fantastic way to meet more people and connect with local Germans.

If you’re interested in a private apartment, you’ll end up paying a bit more, and it can range from €500-€1,000 or more depending on location, size, amenities, etc. For example, a one-bedroom in Trier’s city center that included a kitchen and a balcony (kitchens aren’t always included in German apartments – crazy, right?!), rent was €750 per month. My place that I share with my boyfriend is a three-bedroom in a teeny tiny village of 2,000 people, and it’s €1250 per month. 

Keep in mind, German landlords will ask for a down payment or Mietkaution just like many other places. By law, they cannot ask for more than three times the monthly rent, and it will be refunded to you at the end of your stay if there are no damages.

Here are some resources to find a place to live in Germany:

• WG-Gesucht
• Housing Anywhere
• Immelt
• City-specific Facebook Groups like Berlin EXPATS or Munich Expats are also great for information or finding roommates.  

Utilities: €140-€300+/month

For our small town apartment, we pay in the range of €140 per month for utilities, which is just for heat. Water and trash fees are included in our rent. If you split these costs with roommates, I imagine utilities are pretty cheap.

Mandatory Health Insurance: €106+ /month 

Everyone residing in Germany must be covered by health insurance, and navigating the market for the best health insurance can be a little complicated. In Germany, there is public and private health insurance, and different monthly costs depending on your “work status” (student, part-time, self-employed, full-time, etc.) as well as your salary and your age. 

If you’re a student under 30 years old, you can apply for public health insurance, which currently costs about €106 per month or €640 for the year. One of the best public health insurance companies is TK, and they’re a very English/expat-friendly provider. 

Above 30 years old, and I believe you must pay for the slightly more expensive private health insurance, but I’ll let you know about that once I hit 30 next year 😉 In the meantime, here’s a great guide going into deeper detail for health insurance in Germany.

Phone Plan: €20-€50+/month 

When you sign up for a phone plan in Germany, there are different plans and providers to choose from and you can go with a contracted service plan or pay-as-you-go / refillable data SIMs.

I went with TKS as the service was best for my area and opted for the 8GB per month plan, which costs €32/month. My plan also includes a social media pass where I can use Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat without depleting my monthly gigabyte allowance. 

Quick tip – you need your passport to sign up for a phone plan or even to get a refillable SIM card in Germany!

WiFi: €25 – €65+/month 

Numbeo has the average monthly WiFi costs averaging closer to €25 per month, but where I live, we pay €60.90 a month. I’m not super techy, so, unfortunately, I’m not sure what specs we pay for as far as bandwidth is concerned, but let me tell ya, WiFi in Germany is kinda slow.

Broadcasting Fee Tax: €17.50/month

The broadcasting fee is €17.50/month, and you can set up direct debit payments to be monthly, quarterly, or yearly. I opted to just pay the whole thing up front via bank transfer, which came to €210 for the year.

The German broadcasting fee is a mandatory charge everyone must pay, and it’s to cover local TV and radio. Even if you don’t have a TV or radio, you still gotta pay for it, and they will definitely find you once you register your address with the local German officials.

So when you move in, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice letter you will surely receive. If you don’t pay it, you can receive a hefty fine.

So, How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?

€1,000 – €1,500 ($1,200 – $1,800) Startup Costs

When planning a budget for how much it costs to apply to German universities, to move to Germany (flight ticket and residence permit), and other bureaucratic fees, I’d say it’ll cost you about €1,000 – €1,500 before arriving in Germany. This is on the higher end of an estimation because I’m of the opinion it’s better safe than sorry. This amount may very well fall under €1,000.

€1,500 – €2,500 ($1,800 – $3,000) Buffer

When you first move to Germany, you should try to come with some sort of buffer if possible. You won’t be able to take money out of your new blocked account until after you’ve set up a local German checking account, and you can’t get a local German checking account until after you register your address, which you can’t do until you have an address! Moving to Germany is complicated. 

So having a buffer ensures that you can afford to stay in a hostel or hotel until you find a place to live. When you rent a new apartment in Germany, you also need enough for the down deposit.

€11,208 ($12,000+) for the Year

Taking into consideration all of the other costs, the German government’s estimate of €934 per month is pretty accurate for what it costs to live in Germany as a student, which is €11,208 to support yourself for the year. This amount should fairly easily cover rent, food, insurance, having fun, etc.

How to Pay for School Germany

These amounts may seem daunting on paper, but when you compare them to the cost of living and going to school in the States, it’s actually much more affordable. But for those dying to study in Germany who are struggling financially, there are a few ways to lessen the burden.

Here are some ways/tips to help you pay for your studies in Germany:

DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD, is one of the world’s largest organizations that helps fund international students and researchers in their educational endeavors in Germany.

Blocked Account Exemptions: If you have a parent or you know a German resident willing to sponsor and financially support you during your time in Germany, you can actually have the blocked account requirement waived, meaning you wouldn’t need €11,208 in straight cash on hand at once.

You can get a job in Germany as a student: On a student residence permit, you are actually eligible to work part-time, no more than 20 hours per week. This is a great way to fund your studies and meet people too. *Self-employment is not allowed on a German student visa.

I hope this checklist sharing the cost of studying in Germany sheds some light on the great opportunity that living and getting a degree in Germany offers!

Questions? Comments? Helpful insights or tips? Share below!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!