If we talk about the best study destinations across the globe, Germany would certainly top the list. Over the years, the country has established itself as a hub for international students, offering unique opportunities to study and get exposure to a diverse culture.
The majority of German universities have earned a high place in the international rankings. The globally recognized study programs, part-time job opportunities, affordable tuition fees, and living costs draw a big chunk of international students. To start with, let’s know about the university types in Germany.
Apply Now: Masters of Data Science in Germany | How to study in Germany for free for Indian Students?
Table of Contents
Reasons for Studying in Germany
Studying in Germany is affordable for almost all international courses. Germany’s education cost is favourable for Indian students as well. Here are a few reasons that make Germany one of the popular choices to study abroad-
1) High-quality education, infrastructure and staff
As most German public universities belong to the Middle Ages, hence, they follow the tradition of quality education. Even newer institutions follow the same legacy and the course curriculum is in line with contemporary international standards. Modern infrastructure, veteran professors, and trained staff bring valuable and quality experience to the learners.
2) Internationally recognized degrees
Operating under the Bologna reform, German universities ensure that students get internationally recognized degrees for all the courses from undergraduate to doctoral and even beyond. More than 14,500 Bachelors and Masters Degree program options are available here. Semester system is followed for most of the courses –
a) Bachelors in Arts or Science – 6 semesters
b) Masters in Arts or Science – 2-4 semesters
c) Ph.D. – 4-6 semesters
3) Affordable cost of study in Germany
Out of 16 states in Germany, 11 states do not charge any tuition fees. Other states charge a maximum of 500 euros for a year. Along with it, the German government also runs multiple financial support programs for international students.
4) English as the first language
International students do not have to face a language barrier here. Most of the universities do not impose the need for German proficiency on international students. Unless a student gets enrolled in a German language required course, English remains the first language.
5) Immense job opportunities
Being a developed nation, Germany offers immense job opportunities to international students. With a work permit, students can work up to 180 full days or 220 half days per year. With the right qualification and skills, students can have multiple lucrative job offers. International students can stay here for one year after completion of their courses for job purposes.
Apply Now: Masters in Cyber Security in Germany
Types of Universities in Germany
There are two types of universities in Germany on the basis of funding.
Public Universities
As the name suggests, public universities receive their funding from the state government. Therefore, they are comparatively less expensive than private universities. Public universities have negligible tuition fees for students. Some of these are given in the table below
University Semester wise tuition fee University of Stuttgart € 1500 University of Mannheim € 1500 University of Bremen no tuition fee University of Cologne € 933 University of Hamburg € 335
Private Universities
As opposed to public universities, private universities receive their funding from private institutions. Some prominent private universities in Germany are;
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- Jacobs University Bremen
- Cologne Business School
- EU Munich Business School
- International School of Management (ISM)
Top Universities in Germany
University QS World University Ranking 2022 Semester wise tuition fee Technical University of Munich 50 90 to 138 € Heidelberg University 63 30,706 to 31,948 € Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich 64 100 to 200 € Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin 68 1100 to 1200 € Freie Universität Berlin 127 3,800 € Humboldt University Berlin 128 315 € University of Tübingen 177 No tuition fee RWTH Aachen University 165 No tuition fee University of Freiburg 172 1661 € University of Bonn 226 No tuition fee
Average Tuition Fees in Germany
You will be surprised to know that it is almost zero if you are lucky enough to find a seat in any public university. Yes, the German free tuition system is prevalent here. In 2014, a government plan was introduced which had abolished tuition fees for all students enrolled in public universities and the same is applicable for international students as well. Nearly zero tuition fee is the main reason for around 380K overseas students choosing Germany as their destination country for higher education. Even a few states like Bremen, Saarland, Saxony, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, or Saxony-Anhalt which are not part of this abolishment drive, charge less fees for their university courses.
However, you would be required to pay the semester contribution fee that is charged for the student union, public transport and administrative costs. But all these are kept minimum, approx. 300 Euro per semester. If you are getting enrolled in a private university then it will cost you around 30,000 Euro per year. General arts and science courses will cost less while MBA and engineering courses are charged higher.
Read More: Want to study in Germany? Choose IU | Masters in International Management in Germany | Germany vs. Canada
Course Wise Cost of Study in Germany
Normal courses for Bachelor or Masters degrees are quite affordable even at private universities. Professional courses like the cost of an MBA in Germany, the cost of MS in Germany or medical degrees are expensive. It also depends upon the university in which a student is getting enrolled.
Study cost in Germany for Indian students is affordable as most of the public universities charge administration fees only. Tuition fees at private universities are higher. Below is a brief idea of the cost of study in Germany –
Course | Fees |
Vocational or Diploma courses | €300 per year or INR 26,500 per year |
Bachelors Courses | €300 per year or INR 26,500 per year |
Masters Course | €300 per year or INR 26,500 per year |
MS | €300 to €28,000 per year or INR 26,500 to 25 lacs per year |
PhD | €300 to €3000 per year or INR 26,500 to 2,65,000 per year |
Cost of MBA in Germany for Indian Students
Pursuing an MBA in Germany is cheaper than in other European countries. State-funded universities have no tuition fees at all. Candidates have to pay administrative fees only at the beginning of the semester. A full-time MBA study program takes between 12 to 24 months. Half-time MBA study programs are also available in which students can work with an organization while studying. They can study in the evening or at weekends. The duration of these courses is higher than the full-time study programs.
Here is a brief idea of the cost of an MBA in Germany for Indian students at some popular business schools –
University/College | Course | Cost | Duration |
Munich Business School | MBA in International Management | INR 15.6 lakhs for the first year | 15 months |
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | Master of Business Administration | INR 35.2 lakhs for the first year | 1 Year |
University of Mannheim | Master in Management | INR 3.4 lakhs for the first year | 2 Years |
Leipzig University | Master of Science in Business Administration | INR 50.03 thousand for the first year | 2 Years |
EU Business School Germany | Master of Business Administration | INR 22.4 lakhs for the first year | 1 Year |
Read More: Career Opportunities in Germany
Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students
Germany includes globally ranked universities for Masters in Science, that are valued across the world for the top-class quality education and an MS degree at an affordable cost. The cost of doing MS in Germany is cheaper than in any other European Country. The country’s reputed universities have top faculty members, state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, top research curriculum, various funding options, diverse communities, and accommodation with inviting hospitality.
Master of science courses in Germany
1) Masters of Computing
2) MS in Information Technology
3) MS Information Technology
4) MS in Civil & Structural Engineering
5) MS in Computer Science
6) MS in Computer Science
7) MS in Mechanical Engineering
8) MS in Mechanical Engineering
Here are some of the top universities that offer Masters in Science degrees in Germany:
University/College | Course | Cost | Duration |
Technical University of Munich | Master in Science | €145 for the first year | 2 Years |
Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Master in Science | €2500 for the first year | 2 Years |
University of Heidelberg | Master in Science | €1500 for the first year | 2 Years |
Humboldt University Berlin | Masters in science | Free | 2 years |
University of Freiburg | Masters in Science | €2,886 | 2 years |
Read More: How important is the German language to survive in Germany?
Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living covers the accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses. Though the cost of living in Germany depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below
Category Costs Accommodation costs On-campus accommodation – 250 € /month Off-campus accommodation – 365 to 390 €/ month Utility costs 100 to 200 €/ month Food expenses 170 €/ month Transportation costs 25 to 200 €/ month
Average Rent in Germany for students
The average rent for accommodation varies from one city to another. Some of the cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Cologne are cheaper while Munich and Hamburg may be slightly on the costlier side. Here’s taking a look at the average rentals that are easily available. It completely depends upon the size of the apartment and the number of bedrooms you choose.
Here are some of the cities with a minimal accommodation cost.
City | Cost |
Berlin | €739 |
Munich | €1, 030 |
Frankfurt Am Main | €900 |
Cologne | €800 |
Hamburg | €900 |
Food Cost in Germany
Food Item | Cost |
White Bread | €1.27-1.43 |
Milk (1 litre) | €0.71-0.84 |
Rice (1 Kg-White) | €1.79-2.15 |
Tomato (1 Kg) | €2.61-2.82 |
Eggs (12) | €1.61-1.78 |
Potato (1 Kg) | €1-1.32 |
Transportation Cost
The cost of transportation in Germany is arguably cheaper than the cost of running a car. Single bus, metro trips and tram usually cost something between €1 to €2. There were monthly cards for travelers that only cost around €80 to €90. Bus and subway expenses are affordable. A college student ID also gives you easy access to many offers for transportation throughout Germany.
Some basic expenses
Expenses | Cost |
Gas, electricity | €10 to €20 per month |
Phone and Internet | €15 to €30 per month |
Public transport | €30 to €60 per month |
Car maintenance | €150 to €260 per month |
Entertainment | €80 to €150 per month |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | € 30.46 |
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | € 19.61 |
German Student Visa Cost
The German student visa is essentially the long-term stay visa (90+ days) or the D visa. The application fee for the D visa for adults is 75 EUR or INR 6,521. The visa fees should be paid at the end of the visa appointment. It is also important to note that it is a non-refundable fee, which means the amount will not be refunded even if the visa application gets rejected.
Block Account Cost
The blocked account is used to deposit the money required as proof of financial resources for living in Germany. The German blocked account amount is deposited while applying for a student visa to Germany. The blocked money amounts to €10,332 (Rs 9 Lakhs) for a year. The amount is used to manage living expenses apart from the costs of studying in Germany, like tuition fees, etc. Banks may charge an additional amount of money for opening the account. For example, the Deutsche Bank charges around €150 to create a blocked account.
Costs of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students
The cost of health insurance for Indian students in Germany adds to their overall living expenditure. So, students under 30 years and admitted to a degree course in a recognized German institution can go for special student discounts for public health insurance. Students under 23 years can pay €105.05 and those over 23 years can pay €106.93. It covers both public healthcare and nursing care.
International students aged over 30 years can go for either public or private health insurance. It is possible to find private plans costing below the public healthcare premiums, and it can cost as low as €40 monthly.
However, it is ideal for students who have already found jobs to select public health insurance. It is paid in the form of social security contributions of around 14.6% of the gross salary. The overall amount is equally shared between the employer and employee and is capped at 360 EUR a month. Germany’s top public health insurance providers are TK, Barmer, KKH, and AOK.
Important Resources to Read About Germany:
Intakes in Germany
There are two intakes in Germany
Intake Application Deadline Winter: This is the primary intake in Germany which is widely preferred by international students. It starts in September and ends in July Mid-July Summer: Summer intake is the second intake in Germany. Students who miss applying in the winter intake can go for this one. However, there are few courses available at the universities for this intake. It starts in April and ends in August Mid-January
Eligibility for Admission into German Universities
Although there are some German universities that offer English-taught courses, the dominant mode of instruction of the universities in Germany, is the German language. Therefore, applicants applying for admission into German-taught universities are required to prove their German language proficiency. On the other hand, applicants applying to English-taught German universities must prove their English language proficiency. The proficiency tests required for both the languages are given in the table below
English language proficiency test German language proficiency test IELTS Academic TOEFL iBT PTE Academic DSH- Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang TestDaF- Test of German as a foreign language
Financing Your Education in Germany
Although there are several ways of supporting your education in Germany, the most relevant of them are discussed below
1. Part-time jobs:
To earn extra pocket money while studying in Germany, you can take up several part-time jobs which you can find on-campus and off-campus. The job roles in each category are mentioned below:
Category Job roles On-campus Library supervisor Research assistant Peer tutor Tutorial assistant Off-campus Babysitter Waiter Bartender Cashier
The wages for part-time jobs in Germany start from €467 per month.
2. Scholarships
a) Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Students who have maintained an excellent academic record and have a keen interest in politics may apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to attract graduate students from all over the world to Germany.
Eligibility
- The students should hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants should not exceed the age limit of 30 years.
- Must have German language proficiency at B2 level.
- Any volunteer work done is an added advantage.
Stipend amount
Degree Stipend amount Postgraduate 850 € Doctoral or Ph.D. 1,100 €
b) Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation awards 1,200 annual scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolling in any course at a German university annually. However, it is imperative that aspirants must pursue their degrees at a state-recognized university in Germany.
Eligibility
- Excellent academic performance
- Demonstrate a keen interest in politics, democracy, sustainability, and human rights
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Requirements German/Foreign students (schooled in Germany) Non-EU nationals (not schooled in Germany) Degree needed to get the scholarship Bachelor’s, Diploma Master’s degree (work experience proof is a must) German proficiency proof N/A B2 level or DSH 2 certificate required
For Doctoral Students
Requirements German/Foreign students (schooled in Germany) Non-EU nationals (not schooled in Germany) Doctoral study admission proof Proof that you are enrolled for a doctoral study at a state or state-approved university must be submitted with the application Proof that you are enrolled for a doctoral study at a state or state-approved university must be submitted with the application German proficiency proof N/A B2 level or DSH 2 certificate required.
Degree Category Stipend Masters Non- EU nationals 850€ per month Ph.D. Non- EU nationals 1,200€ per month
Stipend amount
c) DAAD Scholarship Programs
DAAD or German Academic Exchange Service scholarship is a joint organization of Germany’s higher education institutions, responsible for promoting international academic relations. International students enrolling in full-time study programs in Germany are eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree done in the last six years
- Two years of proven work experience
Stipend amount
The scholarship program provides monthly allowances to students every month that covers their living and travel expenses.
Degree Stipend amount Postgraduate 850€ per month Doctoral 1,200€ per month
d) Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs
Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs offer an opportunity to international students who are already studying in a university in their home country, for studying more than two semesters at a German university. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to students interested in studying in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students are currently studying at a home university that is a member of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
- Seek to study in a German university which is also a member of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education,
- Want to become a subject of student exchange under a mutual agreement of both universities (sending and German hosting university) for specific mobility action.
- English language proficiency test scores
Stipend amount-
49,000€
Study in Germany with upGrad Abroad
With upGrad Abroad, you can study programs such as International Management and Computer Science at renowned German universities The advantage of choosing upGrad Abroad as your study partner includes getting an IELTS waiver. You also get the flexibility to start your study program online for a specific duration and then switch to on-campus study. Apart from that, you would be eligible for a post-study work permit.
Conclusion
Germany has more than 400 universities where students can pursue masters and PhD programs to receive a recognized degree. The universities have world-class staff and facilities with hundreds of courses to choose from. And not only Germany is home to some of the best universities in the world – you can study there for free. It is luckily an interesting country to explore with a profound history. There are endless career opportunities in Germany once you graduate. The living cost in Germany is very affordable and gives endless opportunities to enrol in part-time jobs to sustain a living. For the international students, EUR 588-799 every month will be sufficient.
Do you know the best part? International students do not need to know the German language to communicate or study, as English is the medium of communication and instruction in universities and colleges. Wherever you study in Germany, it is very important to be aware of the living costs and associated study fees before you apply. Do your homework and take adequate time to think and involve yourself in perfect planning because you will be new to the place.
You can also talk to our overseas studies experts for any queries and further assistance regarding studying abroad.
Related Reads:
- How to Build a Career in Data Science in Germany even if you are not an Engineer?
- Germany: A Dream Study Abroad Destination
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, international students will have to spend EUR 588-799 every month on the cost of living in Germany. Luckily, Germany is affordable in terms of accommodation, food, insurance, and transport. Germany is a notable destination to pursue higher education. To abolish illiteracy, it has some notable free universities for aspiring and brilliant international students. For reference, some of them are the Humboldt University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Hamburg, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin. Every year a good percentage of students travel to Germany to take up higher education. To accommodate and pay for the cost of living, there are part-time job opportunities for international students. A student can earn up to 450 EUR/month without the need to pay taxes. The best-paying ones are research assistants at the university, office assistants, language tutors, babysitting, and call center assistants. Studying in Germany is a wonderful experience for international students. Some of the best cities are Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Dresden, Aachen, Bonn, Hamburg and Cologne. German universities now offer graduation and master programs in two categories— German or English. In fact, there are some universities that allow admissions with taking any English language proficiency test. Some universities may demand a Language of Instruction Certificate from your bachelor’s degree college. Some universities need an IELTS score as below – ● Ludwig Maximilians University Munich needs – 5.5 The cost of studying public universities/colleges in Germany is almost free. However, the private universities in Germany are quite costly. Depending on the course, the fees can range from €10,000 to €30,000. Courses in certain fields like medical science are even costlier. Germany is considered less expensive than most other European countries and countries like the USA and the UK. However, it is a bit more expensive than in India. The cost is mainly influenced by the rent, which varies across cities in Germany. The blocked account is used to deposit the money required as proof of financial resources for living in Germany. It is necessary for getting a German visa. The blocked money amounts to €10,332 (Rs 9 Lakhs) for a year and is used to meet the costs of living in Germany.Q1. What is the total cost of living for international students in Germany?
Q2. Which are the free universities in Germany?
Q3. Can you do a part-time job in Germany while studying?
Q4. Which are the best cities to study in Germany?
Q5. What is the IELTS score requirement required by the top universities in Germany?
● University of Heidelberg- 6.5
● Humboldt University of Berlin- 6.5
● University of Freiburg- 6Q6. How much does it cost to study in Germany for Indian students?
Q7. Is Germany expensive?
Q8. What is a blocked account in Germany?
More Resources to Read About Germany:
Journey Now.
✓End to end Visa/Application support