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Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2024

Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2024

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Aug 29, 2024 03:45 PM IST

Germany offers a good standard of living packed with some of the best cultural, historical and natural attractions. Students who are eager to know the cost of living in Germany should first know that it is one of the cheapest Western European countries when compared with countries like the UK, France, Belgium, etc., it has the lowest living costs.

This Story also Contains
  1. Cost of Living in Germany
  2. Accommodation Expenses in Germany
  3. Food costs in Germany
  4. Transportation Expenses in Germany
  5. Clothing Expenses in Germany
  6. Health Insurance Cost in Germany
  7. Mobile & Services Costs in Germany
  8. Miscellaneous Expenses in Germany
  9. Tips for Saving Money in Germany
Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2024
Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2024

On average, the cost of living in Germany per month is 1000 Euros for one person. This includes the expenditure of accommodation, transport, food, groceries, etc and more. However, these costs go up to 2000 Euros and as low as 600 Euros depending on the city, university location and personal expenses of an individual.

Background wave

Along with benefits in affordability, Germany is also the safest location for students ranking 20th position in the Global Peace Index Report 2024. To manage these living expenses in Germany many universities and government authorities offer scholarships for international students during their study period. Students who are planning to study in Germany can read the article below to get a complete overview of the living costs.

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Cost of Living in Germany

Even though Germany is cheaper to live in than other study destinations, it is actually 202% higher than in India. As most of the public universities do not charge any tuition fees in Germany, the most crucial budget factor for students is the cost of living. As per the information from many popular statistics, the cost of living in Germany for Indian students is approximately 700 to 1,200 Euros per month.

As these costs will be based on various factors like rent, food, transport, etc., and more, here we will discuss all the details and give an estimate to plan your cost of living in Germany for international students in 2024. Check the table given below that breaks down the individual expenditure on essentials in cost of living.

Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students 2024

Particulars

Cost per month

Cost per month in INR

Rent or Accommodation

Euros 250 - 500

Rs 22,700 - 45,000

Food or meals

Euros 200 - 300

Rs 18,000 - 27,000

Transportation (public or private)

Euros 50 - 200

Rs 4,500 - 18,000

Health insurance

Euros 50 - 150

Rs 4,500 - 13,600

Utilities(Electricity, wifi, water, Gas)

Euros 100 - 150

Rs 9,000 - 13,600

Mobile & Internet

Euros 15 - 35

Rs 1,300 - 3,179

Miscellaneous

Euros 200 - 400

Rs 18,000 - 36,300

Total Cost of Living in Germany

Euros 865 - 1535

Rs 78,500 - 1,39,423

Here are the details of essential elements involved in the cost of living for international students. Even though the price ranges are changeable, all the varied parameters are mentioned below giving you the best understanding of the cost of living in Germany.

Accommodation Expenses in Germany

Students have the option to choose to live in the on-campus accommodation offered by the universities or else off-campus accommodation like residence halls, flat sharing, etc. It requires almost half of your living expenses will be counted towards your accommodation in Germany.

How much are the rents in Germany? Almost 300 to 500 Euros from your expenses will be required for accommodation on campus for students. Off-campus private rentals for students cost range from 500 to 1000 Euros. If you are thinking of taking a flat off-campus then the rental costs are around Euros 900 per month.

The housing prices totally depend on your location preference, the cost increases as you choose your accommodation in the city centre areas and gradually decreases in the city's outer borders.

On-Campus Accommodation in Germany: The on-campus accommodation is generally the cheaper one for international students. This is the best option to choose if you really want to reduce your cost of living in Germany. For on-campus the major benefit is that you need not pay for the utility fees for electricity, water, cleaning, etc., The bookings for on-campus accommodation are done in advance. So, students are advised to book the accommodation as soon as their German student visa is approved.

Off-Campus Accommodation in Germany: In case the university does not have any accommodation facility, there are many privately operated student halls and residencies. These collect a similar amount of money as of universities. If you choose the off-campus accommodation in Germany you need to pay the utility cost of Euros 100 to 150.

The accommodation rates vary based on the type of housing, sharing and rentals. Here are the rates of different types of accommodation available for international students in Germany.

Accommodation Expenses in Germany for International Students

Accommodation type

Cost per month (in Euros)

Cost per month (in Rs)

Shared Room

Euros 250 - 370

Rs 22,700 - 33,600

Studio room

Euros 350 - 500

Rs 31,700 - 45,000

Single BHK

Euros 600 - 1000

Rs 54,400 - 90,800

2 BHK Flat

Euros 900 - 1200

Rs 81,700 - 1,08,995

Food costs in Germany

Food and drinks are the second major essentials in the cost of living in Germany. The universities offer meals for the students in terms of weekly, monthly and yearly meal plans. As you can find more international students, the universities serve meals of international cuisines. The average cost of a single meal for students, either on campus or at any inexpensive restaurant can cost around EUR 8 to EUR 13.

The housing and rentals offer you a separate or shared kitchen facility where you can cook your own meals. The costs for the groceries and food prices in Germany range from about Euros 150 to 250 per month. Check the table below to know the basic grocery expenses in Germany.

Grocery Costs in Germany 2024

Item

Cost (in Euros)

Rice

3 per Kg

Tomatoes

4 per kg

Potatoes

2 per kg

Carrots

1 per kg

Milk (1 litre)

1.8

Grapes

2 for kg

Bananas

1.5 per kg

Transportation Expenses in Germany

A place like Germany really needs to be travelled a lot apart from your college life. So, transportation is the next important expenditure in the cost of living in Germany. What are the transportation costs in Germany? On average transportation expenses in Germany can range from 200 to 300 per month.

Most of the students prefer public transportation and cycling. These are easy to use and convenient. The best thing about public transportation in Germany is they are punctual and suitable for daily travel.

Transportation Costs in Germany for Students

Type of Expense

City

Public transportation (Monthly pass)

Euros 50 per month

Taxi

Euros 1.50 – 2 per kilometre

Bike rentals

Euros 150 - 200 per month

Car insurance cost

Euros 250 per year

Clothing Expenses in Germany

The clothing costs in Germany are quite expensive. Clothing is also one of the essential ones to be calculated in the cost of living in Germany for Indian students. The clothing costs are also reasonable and mostly cheap at the time of sale or festive discounts you can get the best deals. The cost of clothing completely depends on your personal needs and choices.

Cost of Clothing in Germany

Item

Cost

Jeans

Euros 50 – 100

Shirt/ Top

Euros 30 – 70

Running Shoes

Euros 60 – 130

Formal Business Shoes

Euros 60 - 170

Health Insurance Cost in Germany

As you have to live in a foreign country, having health insurance helps you keep your health secure. It is also mandatory to take health insurance during the German student visa processing itself for the students. As the health insurance must be valid throughout the stay period in Germany it is essential to include this in our cost of living in Germany. Based on the health benefits covered in your insurance plan, the average cost of a health insurance plan can range from EUR 50 to EUR 150 per month for international students.

Mobile & Services Costs in Germany

Once you enter Germany you are required to take a German SIM. The SIMs are available in prepaid, postpaid and mobile contract options. The cost of each SIM is around 50 to 80 Euros. After the purchase, you can choose a suitable monthly or yearly plan for calls and mobile data. As most of the student accommodations offer the wifi facility a moderate-cost plan of unlimited calls and 5 to 10 GB data is enough. This can cost you around 15 to 35 Euros per month.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Germany

Other than the above mentioned details, there are many other miscellaneous costs like entertainment, personal routine or care, accessories, house essentials, etc. These expenses vary for each individual lifestyle and average cost of around 200 to 400 Euros per month. Students can spend so much money on their health, they can practise regular exercise and prevent from being sick. For exercise, the gym memberships, and sports club costs are also to be considered in the cost of living in Germany for International students.

Tips for Saving Money in Germany

If you want to reduce your cost of living in Germany, here are useful tips you can follow to save money.

  • Most of the German scholarships fund your living expenses rather than covering the tuition fees. So, apply for multiple scholarships in Germany. your that cover your education and living expenses in the country. Check for the DAAD Scholarships that mainly cover the cost of living in Germany by offering a monthly stipend of EUR 1000 - 2000 based on your course of study.

  • Clothing, especially for winter wear, is available at cheaper rates in Germany. So, grab most of the discounts during sales and festival deals.

  • Some universities offer discounted meals during lunch hours, check these details while applying to universities.

  • You can buy the “Deutschland-Ticket” through which you can travel anywhere in Germany using public transport like buses, trams, local trains, etc. This ticket costs only 49 Euros per month.

  • The “Fleamarkets” in Germany are great places to spend time on weekends and you can also get things at cheaper rates.

  • Instead of supermarkets, try to shop in the local markets in Germany. These local markets sell fresh vegetables and fruits at cheaper rates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much is the financial proof for a student visa in Germany?

International students who like to study in Germany have to show proof of funds to support their living in Germany during the visa process. For this purpose, you are required to prove that you have 11,208 Euros per year to live in Germany.

2. How to manage the living expenses in Germany?

International students have the opportunity to work part-time on a German student visa. There are plenty of scholarships only to support your cost of living in Germany for international students. These scholarships offer a monthly stipend that can contribute to your cost of living in Germany per month basis.

3. Is my Indian health insurance valid in Germany?

Students who already have a health insurance plan in India have to check whether their insurance provider is recognised in Germany or not. You can contact your insurance agent and know the details. Also, the plan you have must be enough to support the medical costs in Germany.

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CAT/GMA are must for the top MBA programs, but they are quite challenging. So, focus on preparation in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.You can give other entrance exams for MBA like XAT, CMAT.A few certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or software tool-specific certifications makes your profile more valuable .Projects, internships, or extracurricular activities demonstrate your skills and interests.You can Consider Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-Schools.You can get into the international colleges too if you want but you have to study hard.
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There are several scholarships available for international students who want to study medicine in Germany in English. Here are some options you can explore:

Government Scholarships:

  • DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a variety of scholarships for international students, including for medical studies. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

  • BMBF Scholarships: The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) also provides scholarships for international students, including those studying medicine.

University-Specific Scholarships:

  • University of Heidelberg: The University of Heidelberg offers several scholarships for international students, including for medical studies.
  • Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin: Charité also offers scholarships for international students, including for medical studies.
  • Technical University of Munich: The TUM offers several scholarships for international students, including for medical studies.

Private Scholarships:

  • Rotary Foundation Global Grants: The Rotary Foundation offers global grants for international students, including for medical studies.
  • Fulbright Program: The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for international students to study in the United States, but they may also be eligible for funding to study in Germany.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships:

  • Start Early: Begin your research and applications well in advance, as many scholarships have early deadlines.
  • Research Thoroughly: Explore all available scholarship options and carefully read the eligibility criteria for each one.
  • Prepare Strong Applications: Make sure your applications are well-written, highlight your academic achievements, and clearly articulate your motivation for studying medicine in Germany.
  • Network: Build relationships with professors, mentors, and other professionals who can provide you with letters of recommendation and support your applications.
  • Be Patient: The scholarship application process can be competitive, so be patient and persistent.

It's important to note that the availability and requirements for these scholarships can change from year to year, so it's recommended to check the websites of the specific scholarships you're interested in for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, you may want to consider consulting with an education consultant who specializes in studying in Germany to get personalized advice and support.

I hope it helps !!

Hi there,

Hope you are doing fine.

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The United States stands out with prestigious institutions like CalArts and the School of Visual Arts, offering excellent programs and strong industry ties. The United Kingdom also has renowned programs at schools such as the Royal College of Art and University of the Arts London which focuses  on both traditional and innovative techniques.

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Hy,

Studying in Germany can be an attractive option due to its high-quality education and relatively low tuition fees. While "free" education is not always entirely accurate, many public universities in Germany do offer low or no tuition fees for international students. Here’s a guide to help you understand the process:

1. Understanding Tuition Fees

  • Public Universities : Many public universities in Germany charge low or no tuition fees for international students. However, there may be a nominal semester fee (which covers administrative costs, student services, etc.) that ranges from EUR 150 to EUR 300 per semester.
  • Private Universities : Private institutions generally charge higher tuition fees.

2. Eligibility for Free or Low-Cost Education

  • Public Universities : You can study at public universities with minimal tuition fees if you meet the admission requirements and apply to a program that does not have additional costs.
  • Scholarships : Various scholarships are available to cover living costs and other expenses. Check for scholarships offered by universities, government programs (like DAAD), or private organizations.

3. Application Process for German Universities

  1. Research Universities and Programs : Identify universities and programs that match your interests. Use resources like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) website to find suitable options.

  2. Check Eligibility Requirements :

    • Academic Requirements : Ensure you meet the academic qualifications for the program you’re interested in. For undergraduate programs, this typically involves having completed secondary education equivalent to the German Abitur.
    • Language Requirements : Many programs are in German, so proficiency in German might be required. For programs in English, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g., through TOEFL or IELTS scores).
  3. Prepare Documents :

    • Transcripts and Certificates : Your intermediate or high school transcripts and certificates.
    • Proof of Language Proficiency : If applicable.
    • Motivation Letter : Explaining why you want to study the chosen program.
    • CV/Resume : Detailing your educational background and any relevant experience.
    • Passport : A valid passport.
  4. Apply Through University or Uni-Assist :

    • Direct Application : Some universities allow direct applications through their own online portals.
    • Uni-Assist : Many universities use Uni-Assist, a service that helps with the preliminary review of applications from international students. Check if the university you’re applying to uses Uni-Assist.
  5. Apply for a Student Visa :

    • Visa Application : Once admitted, apply for a student visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You'll need proof of admission, financial resources, and health insurance.
  6. Attend Interviews (if applicable) : Some programs might require interviews or additional assessments.

  7. Register at the University : Once you receive your visa and arrive in Germany, complete your registration at the university.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • DAAD Scholarships : The German Academic Exchange Service offers various scholarships for international students.
  • University Scholarships : Check if the universities you are applying to offer scholarships or financial aid.

Summary

While you may not find completely free education, many German public universities offer low-cost education. The application process involves researching universities, meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documents, and applying either directly or through Uni-Assist. Additionally, exploring scholarship opportunities can help cover living costs.

For the most accurate and specific information, always refer to the official websites of the universities and the DAAD website.


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