Cost of Studying in Germany

For Indian students, the cost of pursuing higher education in Germany is provided in the table below.

Understanding the costs of studying in Germany is essential for financial planning. These costs vary depending on the program and university you choose. The study fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and other courses are given below.

Germany has a top-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and a strong job market. Many popular courses are available in Germany among international students, so let’s examine them below.

The cost of studying in Germany varies among universities and colleges. Below is a detailed list of the average tuition fees for the top universities in Germany.

The public universities in Germany do not typically charge tuition fees. However, you will be required to pay other expenses, such as enrollment, administrative costs, other services, etc. These costs usually range from €150 to €350. Thus, while studying at top public institutions in Germany, students generally do not incur tuition fees but may need to budget for these nominal enrollment fees.

In comparison with public universities, private universities in Germany have a distinct fee structure. Your cost of studying in private universities in Germany can be up to €20,000 to €40,000, depending on your course of study.

There are several universities in Germany, including public and private ones. But many of you might wish to know about the most affordable ones. So, some of the universities are listed below.

Gaining an understanding of the cost of living is crucial, as you'll need to sustain yourself while pursuing higher education abroad. The cost of living in Germany per month encompasses housing expenses, groceries, travel, and other minor expenditures. Check out the table below.

To get a monthly estimate of how much you'll need to pay for living expenses in the UK, look at the table below.

Now, you should get an overview of the total expenses. The table below includes all the costs associated with studying in Germany.

Now that you have understood everything about the cost of studying in Germany, you must also understand that total expenses can be divided into two categories: pre-arrival and post-arrival. Let's look into these charges, both before and after arrival in the country.

These include fees paid for before entering the country and submitting applications to universities.

Entrance Exams

If you are planning to study in Germany, you must take English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc., for English language-based courses. You must also show some standardised tests, such as GRE and GMAT, for specific programs like MBA.

University Application Fees

The fee varies depending on whether the university accepts Uni-Assist applications. For those who accept Uni-Assist, the initial application fee is €75, with an additional €30 for each additional course. Approximately 170 universities accept Uni-Assist applications, making the process easier for international students.

Air Tickets

The average cost of an airline ticket from India to Germany is between INR 60,000 and INR 87,000 for university studies. However, air costs can vary depending on your chosen airline, destination, and trip dates.

Medical Tests

Health insurance for students studying in Germany typically costs around €108 - €117 per month and covers medical tests and other essential healthcare costs.

You will have some additional expenses to cover after you arrive in Germany. As previously discussed in depth, these include college tuition and living expenses.

Studying in Germany comes with some additional expenses. Let’s take a look at them below.

Germany provides a variety of scholarships to international students, including Indian students. These scholarships or grants are offered by the German government, universities, colleges, and private institutions.

Germany has widely recognised universities, diverse study programs in the English language, and high academic standards. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, but private universities do. In addition to tuition fees, there are many expenses to bear. Not every student can avail of scholarships, yet you still have options to save your money.

You can access various government-funded and non-governmental loan programs to finance your studies in Germany. This way, you can fund your education and pay it back later.

Government-funded loans, such as BAföG, tend to have low or no interest rates. Some universities also offer varied types of student loans to help students overcome financial hurdles. Some private options, like Bildungskredit, offer low-interest loans for students' higher studies in Germany.

In addition to universities and government, you also have the option of using the German bank loan system, which encompasses Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, HypoVereinsbank, and Raiffeisenbanken.

Part-time work prospects are a common method to reduce your financial burdens as there are several opportunities without specialised expertise. Also, the Skilled Worker Immigration Law, effective March 1, 2025, gives all international students great employment flexibility in Germany.

Moreover, you can work 20 hours per week and 120 full days (or 240 half days) annually. Germany allows you to earn up to 450 EUR monthly without paying taxes. However, you must pay taxes if you make more than 450 EUR.

Furthermore, you can get jobs in your field of study for better practical learning and to add value to your field of education. There are some popular job ideas for students are as follows -