Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students (2027 Guide)

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Germany as an International Student?

The cost of studying in Germany for international students is typically €22,000–€35,000 in total for a two-year Master’s at a public university. That covers pre-arrival costs, the blocked account, semester contributions, and two years of living expenses. Because most public universities charge no tuition, your budget is driven almost entirely by where you live.

Your costs fall into four main categories:

• Tuition: €0 at public universities in most states. Baden-Württemberg is the exception, charging non-EU students €1,500 per semester.
• Pre-arrival costs: Around €1,550–€4,000 for your visa, blocked account setup, language test, application fees, flight, and first-month setup.
• Blocked account deposit: €11,904, paid upfront as proof of funds for your visa and released back to you at €992 a month.
• Monthly living costs: €750–€1,400 depending on the city, with most students outside Munich and Frankfurt spending €800–€1,150.

Is €20,000 Enough to Study in Germany?

For a public university Master’s in most German states, €20,000 is usually enough, provided you start part-time work from your second semester. The blocked account and pre-arrival costs alone come to roughly €14,000–€16,500, so most of your money is committed before you land. Part-time earnings then cover much of Year 2.

€20,000 is unlikely to be enough if you choose a private university, study an MBA, or live in Munich or Frankfurt without part-time income.

How Does the Cost of Studying in Germany Compare With Other Destinations?

Germany is one of the most affordable major study destinations for international students. The table below compares typical costs against the countries students most often shortlist alongside it.

*UK and Ireland Master’s programmes usually last one year, so totals include one year of tuition and living costs. All other totals assume a two-year Master’s. Non-euro figures are approximate conversions and will move with exchange rates.

What Are the Tuition Fees at German Universities?

Your tuition bill in Germany comes down to one decision: public or private university. Public universities are funded by the state and are free or low-cost for students of every nationality, while private universities charge fees comparable to other European destinations.

Public University Tuition Fees

Most public universities charge no tuition fees for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes, whatever your nationality. This applies across 15 of Germany’s 16 states.

Baden-Württemberg, home to Heidelberg University, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the University of Stuttgart, charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester (€3,000 a year). Some universities there offer exemptions for exceptional students, so check with your chosen institution.

Semester Contribution (Semesterbeitrag)

Every student at a public university pays a semester contribution, even where tuition is free. It funds student services and the student union and, at most universities, includes a Semesterticket for local public transport. Expect to pay roughly €150–€400 per semester, and budget at the upper end for large cities.

Private University Tuition Fees

Private universities typically charge €7,000–€45,000 a year. In return, they often offer more English-taught programmes, smaller classes, flexible intakes, and close links with employers. Popular options include:

• University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE): around €9,000–€20,000 a year
• IU International University of Applied Sciences: around €7,000–€15,000 a year
• International School of Management (ISM): around €12,000–€15,000 a year
• Munich Business School: around €12,840 a year for Bachelor’s and €17,160 a year for Master’s
• EBS Business School: around €15,000–€18,000 a year

MBA and Executive MBA Fees in Germany

What Are the Pre-Arrival Costs for Studying in Germany?

A large share of your budget is spent before you arrive. Some of these costs are due months ahead of your intake, so plan them into your timeline early.

German Student Visa Fee

The German student visa costs €75 and is non-refundable. In many countries, you now apply through the Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal, but procedures vary, so check with the German mission in your country. Appointment waits can stretch to several weeks in peak season (May to August), so book as soon as you have your admission letter.

APS Certificate

The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate verifies your academic documents. It’s mandatory only for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam, and fees and processing times are set by each country’s APS office. Most other international students don’t need one.

University Application Fees

Many German universities process international applications through uni-assist, which charges €75 for your first application and €30 for each additional one in the same semester. Applying to three or four universities typically costs €135–€165. Some universities accept direct applications with no handling fee, so check each admissions page first.

Language Tests

English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS Academic 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80–95. German-taught programmes typically require TestDaF (TDN 4), DSH (usually DSH-2), or a Goethe-Zertifikat at C1. Test fees vary by country, so check local prices when you book.

Initial Setup Costs

Once you land, expect one-off costs for a rental deposit (Kaution, usually two to three months’ rent), bedding and kitchen basics, a SIM card, and small household items. Student residences run by the Studierendenwerk often require a smaller deposit, which keeps your setup costs at the lower end of the range.

How Does the German Blocked Account Work?

A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a restricted bank account that proves you can support yourself in Germany. For 2026, you must deposit €11,904, which covers 12 months at €992 a month. You can’t withdraw it all at once; instead, your provider releases €992 to your German current account each month after you arrive.

The deposit isn’t a fee. Every euro comes back to you as living money, and your only real cost is the provider’s setup fee. The challenge is having the full amount available before your visa appointment.

Provider fees change regularly. Check current pricing before you open an account.

How to Open a Blocked Account for Germany

1. Choose a provider accepted by the German mission in your country.
2. Open your account online, which usually takes one to three working days.
3. Transfer slightly more than €11,904 to allow for international transfer charges, as even a small shortfall delays confirmation.
4. Download your blocking confirmation.
5. Submit the confirmation with your student visa application.

After you arrive, register your address (Anmeldung), complete your provider’s identity checks, and link a German bank account to start receiving monthly payments.

Alternatives to a Blocked Account

A blocked account is the most common proof of funds, but German missions also accept:

• A formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor living in Germany
• A scholarship award letter covering your living costs
• A parental income declaration, where your local German mission accepts it

What Happens in Year 2 and Beyond?

Your blocked account runs out after 12 months. When you renew your residence permit, you can refill it with another €11,904, show part-time employment income through your contract and payslips, or present a scholarship letter. Most students who work as a Werkstudent use their income from Year 2 onwards, which frees up significant capital.

What Are Monthly Living Costs in Germany by City?

City choice is the biggest single lever on your total cost. The estimates below assume shared accommodation, cooking at home, and a Semesterticket for local transport.

Living in Magdeburg rather than Munich saves roughly €600–€700 a month, or up to €16,800 over a two-year course. Mid-tier towns such as Göttingen and Münster are often the sweet spot, pairing strong academic reputations with manageable rents.

What Do International Students Spend Each Month in Germany?

Estimates based on guidance from DAAD and current prices.

Rent

Rent is your largest and most variable cost. A room in a student residence (Studentenwohnheim) run by the Studierendenwerk costs around €250–€400 a month, often with bills included, but places are limited. A room in a flatshare (WG) costs €350–€700, while a private studio can reach €600–€1,200. Start searching at least three months before you move, using the Studierendenwerk and WG-Gesucht.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory and must be in place before you enrol. Full-time students under 30 qualify for the subsidised public student rate, which costs around €135–€150 a month in 2026 with providers such as TK, AOK, and Barmer after contribution rates rose in January. Private student plans are cheaper but can leave gaps in cover, so public insurance is the safer choice for most students.

Food, Transport, and Everyday Costs

Discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, and Netto keep grocery bills to around €150–€200 a month if you cook at home, and university canteens (Mensa) serve full meals for €2–€5. Your Semesterticket usually covers local transport, while the nationwide Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month if you travel regionally. Many students also buy a second-hand bike and cycle for free.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Germany?

Germany offers well-funded scholarships, but they’re competitive and should be treated as a bonus rather than your main funding plan.

• DAAD scholarships: Germany’s largest funder of international students, offering monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances for Master’s and PhD study. Programmes such as EPOS target professionals with two or more years of work experience.
• Deutschlandstipendium: €300 a month for high-achieving students, awarded by individual universities after enrolment.
• Political and private foundations: Organisations such as the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Konrad Adenauer Foundation fund international students with strong academic and social engagement records.
• University scholarships and fee waivers: Many private universities offer merit-based tuition reductions of 10–50%.

How Much Can International Students Earn Working Part-Time in Germany?

Non-EU students can work up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time during semester breaks, within a limit of 140 full days a year. Mandatory internships required by your course don’t count towards this limit. Germany’s minimum wage is €13.90 an hour from 1st January 2026.

What Is a Werkstudent Contract?

A Werkstudent (working student) contract is the most valuable arrangement for students. If you work no more than 20 hours a week during term, you’re exempt from most social insurance contributions, so you keep more of your pay. Werkstudent roles are common in IT, engineering, consulting, and business, and many lead directly to graduate job offers.

How Can International Students Fund Their Studies in Germany?

Most international students combine several sources to cover the blocked account and Year 1 costs:

• Personal or family savings: The most common route for public university students, as the total requirement is relatively modest.
• Education loans: Banks in many home countries offer study loans that can fund the blocked account and pre-arrival costs. International lenders such as Prodigy Finance support selected universities and programmes.
• Scholarships: These can replace the blocked account if they cover your living costs.
• A sponsor in Germany: A Verpflichtungserklärung lets a relative or friend living in Germany guarantee your costs instead.

If you’re studying at a public university outside Baden-Württemberg and plan to work from your second semester, you may be able to manage without borrowing at all.

Is Studying in Germany Worth the Cost?

For most international students, yes. A two-year Master’s at a public university costs a fraction of the same degree in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, and you graduate from a globally respected education system with strong links to industry.

After graduating, you can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work, with full work rights during that time. Once you secure a qualified role, you can move to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit. Graduates in engineering, computer science, data, healthcare, and business are especially well placed, as these sectors report ongoing skills shortages.

Plan Your Study in Germany Budget With StudyIn

Germany is affordable, but only if you plan the timing of your blocked account, visa, housing, and applications carefully. StudyIn’s counsellors support international students through every stage, from shortlisting public and private universities to preparing documents, securing your visa, and planning your finances.

Book a free counselling session to get a personalised cost plan and application timeline for your intake.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Germany for international students?

A two-year Master’s at a public university typically costs €22,000–€35,000 in total, including pre-arrival costs and living expenses. Private universities and MBA programmes cost more, usually €25,000–€90,000 in tuition alone.

Is education free in Germany for international students?

Public universities in most states charge no tuition fees for any nationality. You still pay a semester contribution of around €150–€400, and non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg pay €1,500 per semester.

How much money do I need in a blocked account for Germany?

You need €11,904 for 2027, covering 12 months at €992 a month. It must be deposited and confirmed before your visa appointment.

Can I live on €1,000 a month in Germany?

Yes, in most cities outside Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. In cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, or Magdeburg, €1,000 covers rent, food, health insurance, and everyday costs.

Do all international students need an APS certificate?

No. The APS certificate is only required for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam.

How much can international students earn part-time in Germany?

Most students earn €1,100–€1,760 a month working 20 hours a week. Werkstudent roles in IT, engineering, and business pay the most, at €14–€22 an hour.

What happens to my blocked account after the first year?

The account is empty after 12 months of €992 payments. To renew your residence permit, you can refill it, show part-time employment income, or present a scholarship letter.

Can I stay in Germany to work after graduating?

Yes. Graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work, then switch to an EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit once they find a qualified job.