Costs and Financing of Studying in Germany
Germany is one of the few countries where higher education is virtually free — even for international students. This does not mean, however, that studying costs nothing. Housing, food, insurance, and daily life all add up, and costs vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle. In this article, we break down the real costs of studying in Germany, compare expenses across cities, and explore your financing options.
Tuition Fees
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. This applies to both bachelor’s and master’s programs and extends to international students as well. The only exception is the state of Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students 1,500 euros per semester.
Instead, every student pays a Semesterbeitrag (semester fee), which ranges from 100 to 350 euros per semester. This fee typically covers:
- Semesterticket — a public transport pass for the entire semester
- Studentenwerk services (dining, counseling, housing assistance)
- Student organization funding
- Administrative fees
The semester fee varies by university. For example, TU München’s Semesterbeitrag is approximately 160 euros, while Goethe-Universität Frankfurt charges around 370 euros because their Semesterticket covers an extensive regional transport network.
Private universities charge tuition fees that can reach several thousand euros per semester. These should only be considered if a significant scholarship is available.
Living Costs by City
Living costs in Germany vary dramatically from city to city. This is one of the most important factors when choosing where to study.
Munich — Most Expensive but Most Desired
Munich is Germany’s most expensive city for students. The average monthly budget is approximately 1,100–1,300 euros. Housing takes the largest share: a WG room costs 500–700 euros per month, and studios start at 800 euros and above. The housing market is extremely competitive.
Berlin — Affordable Metropolis
Berlin is considerably more affordable than Munich, though prices have been rising in recent years. The average monthly budget is approximately 900–1,100 euros. A WG room costs 400–600 euros, and the city offers a vast selection of affordable restaurants and leisure activities.
Hamburg and Cologne — Middle Ground
In Hamburg and Cologne, living costs are close to the German average. The monthly budget is approximately 850–1,050 euros. Housing is cheaper than in Munich but more expensive than in eastern German cities.
Leipzig, Dresden, and Halle — Most Affordable
Eastern German cities are clearly the most affordable for students. In Leipzig, the average monthly budget is approximately 700–850 euros. A WG room can be found for 250–400 euros, and food as well as leisure activities are considerably cheaper than in western German metropolises.
Freiburg and Heidelberg — Charming but Pricey
These popular university towns are pleasant but relatively expensive for their size. The monthly budget is approximately 900–1,050 euros, and the housing situation can be particularly tight due to high demand.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
The average student’s monthly budget in Germany breaks down as follows:
Housing: 300–700 euros/month
Housing is the single largest expense. The cost depends on the city and type of accommodation:
- Student dormitory: 200–400 euros
- WG room: 300–600 euros
- Studio apartment: 500–900 euros
Food: 200–300 euros/month
Your food budget depends largely on how much you cook at home. A Mensa lunch costs 2–4 euros, and cooking for yourself can keep weekly grocery costs to 30–50 euros. Eating out is more expensive, but kebab and pizza shops offer affordable alternatives.
Health Insurance: approximately 110 euros/month
Statutory student health insurance costs approximately 110 euros per month. This is mandatory for all students under 30 and provides comprehensive healthcare coverage. Students over 30 must take out more expensive private insurance.
Transport: 0–50 euros/month
If the Semesterticket covers your needs, public transport is effectively free. Cycling is also a popular and cost-free alternative. A car is generally unnecessary in university cities.
Study Materials: 20–50 euros/month
Books, copies, and supplies. Many textbooks are available at the library or as digital versions, keeping costs manageable.
Leisure and Other Expenses: 100–200 euros/month
Phone, internet (if not included in rent), clothing, toiletries, and leisure activities. As a student, you receive discounts on many services, which helps keep costs down.
Monthly Budget Summary:
| Expense | Affordable City | Expensive City |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 300 euros | 650 euros |
| Food | 200 euros | 300 euros |
| Insurance | 110 euros | 110 euros |
| Transport | 0 euros | 30 euros |
| Studies | 20 euros | 50 euros |
| Other | 100 euros | 180 euros |
| Total | 730 euros | 1,320 euros |
Startup Costs — The First Months
Moving to Germany requires a significant initial investment, and it is important to plan for this carefully. The first months are financially the most demanding because many expenses hit at the same time.
Security Deposit (Kaution)
In Germany, landlords almost universally require a Kaution (security deposit), which is typically 2–3 months’ rent. For a WG room, this means 600–1,500 euros; for a studio, even more. The Kaution is returned at the end of the tenancy but ties up money for the entire duration of your stay.
Furnishing and Essentials
If the apartment is unfurnished — which is common in Germany — you will need money for basic furniture. A bed, desk, chair, and kitchen supplies can cost 500–1,500 euros. Second-hand items can be found affordably at flea markets and through eBay Kleinanzeigen.
First Month’s Rent and Other Initial Payments
The first month’s rent is usually paid in advance, and at the same time you will face the Semesterbeitrag, initial insurance payments, and other administrative costs.
Total Initial Investment
A realistic estimate of startup costs is 2,000–5,000 euros, depending on the city and type of accommodation. This includes the security deposit, first month’s rent, furnishing, Semesterbeitrag, and other initial expenses. To finance the initial investment, you might consider a consumer loan to cover moving costs and the first months’ expenses.
It is crucial to have a sufficient financial buffer before you move. Unexpected costs are almost inevitable, and the stress of the first weeks is much lower when your finances are in order.
Financing Options
DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is Germany’s most important academic exchange organization, offering several scholarship programs for international students. Scholarships typically cover living costs (850–1,200 euros per month) and may also include travel expenses and health insurance.
Competition for DAAD scholarships is intense, and the application process requires careful preparation. Applications generally require a motivation letter, recommendation letters, a study plan, and academic transcripts. The application period typically begins one year before the start of studies.
Erasmus+
The Erasmus+ program provides exchange students with a grant that varies between 250 and 350 euros per month, depending on the destination country. For exchanges to Germany, the grant is typically around 300 euros per month. While the Erasmus grant does not cover all expenses, it is a significant contribution.
Foundation Scholarships
Numerous foundations in Germany offer scholarships to students. The best-known are those affiliated with political parties, such as the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. Additionally, many private foundations and companies offer field-specific scholarships.
The Deutschlandstipendium is a special scholarship program where costs are shared between the government and private sponsors. The scholarship amounts to 300 euros per month and is awarded on a merit basis.
Working While Studying
Working is the most common way to finance studies in Germany. EU citizens can work without restrictions, and the German job market offers abundant opportunities for students. Minijobs (maximum 538 euros per month) and Werkstudent positions (20 hours per week) are the most common forms of student employment.
A realistic monthly income from part-time work is 400–800 euros, which covers a significant portion of living costs. However, it is important to find a balance between work and study — too many working hours can slow down your academic progress.
Taxes and Social Contributions
As a student, your tax situation depends on your income level. Minijob earnings are generally tax-free. Werkstudent income is subject to income tax if annual earnings exceed the tax-free allowance (approximately 11,600 euros per year). However, Werkstudent employees are exempt from most social security contributions, making this employment type financially attractive.
It is also worth filing a tax return (Steuererklärung), as many study-related expenses are tax-deductible. This can result in a significant tax refund.
Summary
Studying in Germany is financially feasible on a wide range of budgets. The absence of tuition fees creates an excellent starting point, and your choice of city can significantly influence monthly expenses. The initial investment requires planning, but with a combination of scholarships, part-time work, and smart budgeting, studying in Germany is an achievable goal. The key is to plan your finances realistically and ensure a sufficient buffer, especially for the first few months.
