Ireland
USAThe costs of studying and living in Germany can vary depending on several factors. Broadly, your expenses split into tuition fees and living costs. Let's break them down.
Tuition Fees
Based on:
The University
Public universities are mostly tuition-free or charge a small semester fee (€250–€350), while private universities may be more expensive.
Your Program
Technical and resource-intensive programs like Engineering or Medicine may have higher fees.
Your Study Level
Bachelor's programs may involve slightly higher semester contributions compared to Master's due to longer duration.
Location of the University
Tuition remains low, but semester fees may vary slightly depending on the city.
Tuition Fee Ranges (2025–26 academic year)
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)
€250–€350 per semester at public universities
Postgraduate (Master's)
€250–€350 per semester at public universities
Private universities
€5,000–€20,000 per year depending on the program
Cost of Living
Living costs depend on your city, accommodation, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Larger cities like Munich or Frankfurt tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Average Living Costs (per month)
- Rent & Utilities: €250–€500
- Food & Groceries: €150–€250
- Transport: €30–€100
- Miscellaneous & Leisure: €100–€200
Factors affecting living costs:
The City & Location
Rent and daily expenses vary by city and neighborhood
Accommodation Type
Shared apartments, student dorms, or private rentals affect costs
Food & Meals
Self-cooking is cheaper; eating out increases expenses
Transport
Public transport passes, bike, or car usage
Lifestyle & Social Activities
Shopping, entertainment, sports, and cultural events
Miscellaneous
Mobile plans, gym memberships, subscriptions, clothing
| Aspect | Updated Requirement / Range | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked Account / Proof of Financial Means | €11,904/year (≈ €992/month) | This applies from September 2024 onwards. |
| Monthly Living Expenses Estimate | ~ €850 – €1,200 per month | Covering rent, food, transport, insurance, etc. Depends heavily on city & lifestyle. |
| Accommodation Costs | • Student dorms: ~ €200-€400 • Shared flat (WG): ~ €300-€650 • Private 1-bedroom apt: ~ €500-€1,200+ in big cities | Big cities (Munich, Frankfurt, etc.) are at the higher end. Smaller cities are much lower. |
| Health Insurance (Student) | ~ €130-€150/month | Public insurance is mandatory; younger students are slightly cheaper. |
| Transportation / Other Misc | Semester transportation passes are often included with semester fees; monthly transport ≈ <strong>€30-€60</strong> | Depends on the region. Also, Germany Ticket (public/regional transport), etc. |
| Tuition / Semester Fee for Non-EU Students at TUM | From Winter 2024/25: €2,000-€3,000/semester for Bachelor's; €4,000-€6,000/semester for Master's | Only applies to non-EU students at TUM under the new policy; many public universities still have very low or no tuition for most students. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Study in germany
Germany is one of the best destinations for international students because Germany offers world-class education with low or no tuition at many public universities, excellent infrastructure, strong industry ties, generous post-study work visas (up to 18 months), and rising application rates among Indian students. These make it one of the most affordable, high-opportunity destinations.
Yes, you can study in Germany in English. Numerous German universities offer English-taught programs, especially at Master's level. Public universities often accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) or alternative English proficiency proofs instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
The most popular courses to study in Germany are Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Natural Sciences, Medicine & Healthcare, Social Sciences & Management, and Data Science. These are highly sought after for their strong graduate employability and alignment with Germany's innovation-driven economy.
Yes, German universities accept international students without IELTS. Many public universities waive IELTS if applicants provide a MOI/School certificate showing past education in English, or alternative tests (TOEFL, PTE), or in-some cases internal assessments.
Gradstar Global assists with selecting suitable programs, preparing SOP/LORs, verifying language/document requirements, guiding scholarship and visa applications, and supporting every step to ensure a smooth, requirement-compliant journey to study in Germany.
It is not overly difficult to get a student visa for Germany. Indian students need a valid offer, proof of finances (~€11,208 in blocked account), health insurance, and other paperwork. Germany has reduced visa fee barriers (e.g. gratis visa for some Indian students) making the process more accessible.
Germany is very much affordable for Indian students. At public universities, tuition is often free (only semester fee €150-€350), living costs run approx €850-€1,200/month depending on the city, and the required blocked account is ~€11,208/year. Much cheaper than the USA/UK.
Resources for Germany
Download country-specific guide, visa checklist and packing list
Germany 2025 Study Guide
Your comprehensive guide to studying in Germany in 2025. Get insider insights, university recommendations, and step-by-step application guidance.
Study Abroad Packing List
Everything you need to pack for your study abroad journey. Essentials, tech, medication, and documents.
