Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students

University costs in Germany

Though public universities do not charge tuition fees in Germany, they charge certain fees in the name of union fee, administrative costs and semester ticket, but they tend to be mostly moderate. Take for example Freie Universität Berlin, which doesn’t charge its students any tuition fees, except in the case of continuing education. So, the major expense that remains is related to cost of living in Germany.

Tuition fee at top public universities in Germany

What about private universities in Germany?

Unlike public universities, if you get admission in a private university in Germany you have to pay the customary tuition fees. German private universities charge tuition fees from both local and international students. The cost of completing a particular degree in Germany varies from university to university, but German private institutions are known for their specialized programs and can be competitors to public universities. The average cost of a program offered by a private university is between 15,000 to 28,000 Euros per year.

How to cut costs and finance your studies?

The cost of studying in Germany for Indian students is much more if studying in a private university than at a public university. To cope with the additional expenses, students can look for scholarships and grants to study in Germany for free; there are many scholarships like DAAD scholarships which help meritorious but financially weak international students pursue their dreams. Keep a close eye on them.

Cost of Study in Germany for Indian students

Just like for international students, study in Germany for Indian students is largely free of cost in public universities. But most of the public universities have very low acceptance rates leading to high competition. For studying bachelor degrees, semester fees cost around 22,108 INR per semester with zero tuition fees. However, some of the masters courses are chargeable even in public universities of Germany, costs up to 11 lakhs per annum. There are various scholarships in Germany that students can apply to fund their education and make it free.

Course Wise Cost of Study in Germany

Cost of studying in Germany is different for different courses. MBA and Medicine are some of the costliest degrees to study in Germany. Most international students show enthusiasm to study PhD in Germany due to the centuries of history of their universities to deliver Nobel laureates and scholars. Refer to the following table to know course-wise costs to study in Germany.

Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students

Though there are both bachelor and masters courses offered by German universities free of cost, most Indians choose to do MS in Germany. The cost of MS in Germany is way cheaper than many other study abroad destinations with high standards of education. The biggest advantage of studying MS in Germany is that, students will have access to one-of-a-kind infrastructure, research facilities, and laboratories. Exposure to practical education is tremendous. Some of the top MS courses in Germany are:

1. MS in Mechanical Engineering

2. MS in Computer Science

3. MS in Civil & Structural Engineering

4. MS Information Technology

Costs of MS in Germany for Indian Students

Cost of Living in Germany

A clear picture about the total cost of study will emerge only if we start taking into account the living cost in Germany. There are several components like accommodation, transportation, clothing and health related expenses.

Monthly living expenses in Germany for international students:

The average living costs for international students in Germany is between 700 to 1000 Euros per month. The cost of living will include food, accommodation, transport etc. Living expenses in larger cities like Berlin or Frankfurt will be around 900 to 1,500 Euros per month while in smaller cities like Hannover or Leipzig it will be around 750 to 1,100 Euros per month.

Sometimes even your discipline of study influences your living cost, like if you choose courses like MBA and engineering, some of the best courses in Germany, you may have to take up rigorous internship or practical classes which in turn may prompt you to stay close to the university. Accommodation cost in Germany, as it is elsewhere, is typically more near the university than those far away from it.

Choosing an accommodation

You will spend most of your time at your chosen accommodation, outside the class room. Therefore, make a wise decision while zeroing in on accommodation in Germany. Students often get confused whether to go for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. If you want privacy and independence, off-campus accommodation will suit you, but the university will not be responsible for your wellbeing in such cases. But if you go for on-campus accommodation, the university will look after your wellbeing and you will get to stay in a close community.

Students are also suggested to check out homestay accommodation, as they allow students a great opportunity to improve their knowledge about the locality and its culture, apart from providing the safety of staying in a family environment.

Remember, accommodation cost in Germany can be kept to a bare minimum with the right amount of research; so don’t shy away from doing the requisite homework.

Admission requirements that contribute to cost of studying in Germany

Eligibility criteria for MBA aspirants include GMAT or, in some cases GRE test scores. You must pay the exam fee for whatever exam you choose.

German Student Visa Cost

Study in Germany prospects must also calculate Germany student visa cost. Known as D visa or long term stay visa, it costs EUR 75 or INR 6,635.

Insurance-related expenses

Whether you are studying in the USA, Canada, Australia, or for that matter Germany, you will have to produce evidence of sufficient health insurance coverage. Most universities in Germany, public universities included, require students to submit certificates detailing their medical cover at the time of enrollment, or before the commencement of classes. So, it is important to find an affordable health insurance.

Students in Germany have the option of choosing between a Statutory Health Insurance Plan and Private Insurance Plan. Health insurance costs can be between 95-115 Euros per month based on the insurance provider.

Also, studying abroad means you will be doing some serious travelling which would mandate a travel insurance plan to cover exigencies like baggage loss, ticket cancellation and medical emergencies. It isn’t a mandatory admission requirement though.

Best countries to study abroad